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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

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FORM 10-Q

 

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(Mark One)

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 27, 2016

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from                       to                      

 

Commission File Number 000-51485

 

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Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

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Delaware	72-1060618
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1030 W. Canton Avenue, Suite 100, Winter Park, FL	32789
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip code)

 

(407) 333-7440

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

 

None

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer	☐	Accelerated filer	☒
Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐

 

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

 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of April 25, 2016 was 33,746,199, which includes 1,148,170 shares of unvested restricted stock.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

		Page
Part I — Financial Information		3
Item 1	Financial Statements:	3
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 27, 2016 and December 27, 2015	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Thirteen Week Periods ended March 27, 2016 and March 29, 2015	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Thirteen Week Periods ended March 27, 2016 and March 29, 2015	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thirteen Week Periods ended March 27, 2016 and March 29, 2015	6
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	15
Item 3	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	20
Item 4	Controls and Procedures	20
Part II — Other Information		21
Item 1	Legal Proceedings	21
Item 1A	Risk Factors	21
Item 2	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	21
Item 3	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	22
Item 4	Mine Safety Disclosures	22
Item 5	Other Information	22
Item 6	Exhibits	22
Signatures		23

 

 

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets—Unaudited

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

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income—Unaudited

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

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity—Unaudited

for the Thirteen Weeks ended March 27, 2016 and March 29, 2015

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Unaudited

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. 

 

 

RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Unaudited

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” that reflect, when made, the Company’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements frequently are identified by the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project,” “targeting,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” or other similar words and phrases. Similarly, statements herein that describe the Company’s objectives, plans or goals, including with respect to new restaurant openings, and the impact of minimum wage legislation, are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected, implied or anticipated by the Company’s forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ include: reductions in the availability of, or increases in the cost of, USDA Prime grade beef, fish and other food items; changes in economic conditions and general trends; the loss of key management personnel; the effect of market volatility on the Company’s stock price; health concerns about beef or other food products; the effect of competition in the restaurant industry; changes in consumer preferences or discretionary spending; labor shortages or increases in labor costs; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations relating to Company employees, the sale or preparation of food, the sale of alcoholic beverages and the opening of new restaurants; harmful actions taken by the Company’s franchisees; a material failure, interruption or security breach of the Company’s information technology network; repeal or reduction of the federal FICA tip credit; unexpected expenses incurred as a result of the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants; the Company’s ability to protect its name and logo and other proprietary information; an impairment in the financial statement carrying value of our goodwill, other intangible assets or property; the impact of litigation; the restrictions imposed by the Company’s Amended and Restated Credit Agreement; and changes in, or the discontinuation of, the Company’s quarterly cash dividend payments or share repurchase program. For a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015, which is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. You should not assume that material events subsequent to the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have not occurred.

 

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

 

Overview

 

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. is a leading restaurant company focused on the upscale dining segment. Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. operates Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants and sells franchise rights to Ruth’s Chris Steak House franchisees giving the franchisees the exclusive right to operate similar restaurants in a particular area designated in the franchise agreement. As of March 27, 2016, there were 147 Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants, including 66 Company-owned restaurants, one restaurant operating under a management agreement and 80 franchisee-owned restaurants.

 

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

 

 

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

 

All Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants are located in the United States. The franchisee-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants include 20 international franchisee-owned restaurants in Aruba, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates. A new franchisee-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurant opened in Jakarta, Indonesia in February 2016. A Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Columbus, OH closed in February 2016.

 

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

 

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 provides additional information about our business, operations and financial condition.

 

 Results of Operations

 

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

 

		13 Weeks Ended
		March 27, 2016				March 29, 2015
Revenues:
Restaurant sales			94.2	%			94.6	%
Franchise income			4.4	%			4.1	%
Other operating income			1.4	%			1.3	%
Total revenues			100.0	%			100.0	%
Costs and expenses:
Food and beverage costs (percentage of restaurant sales)			29.6	%			30.5	%
Restaurant operating expenses (percentage of restaurant sales)			45.8	%			45.3	%
Marketing and advertising			1.9	%			1.6	%
General and administrative costs			7.5	%			6.6	%
Depreciation and amortization expenses			3.0	%			3.0	%
Pre-opening costs			0.3	%			0.4	%
Total costs and expenses			83.9	%			83.3	%
Operating income			16.1	%			16.7	%
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net			(0.2%	)			(0.2%	)
Other			0.0	%			0.0	%
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense			15.9	%			16.4	%
Income tax expense			5.2	%			5.4	%
Income from continuing operations			10.7	%			11.1	%
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes			(0.1%	)			(0.4%	)
Net income			10.6	%			10.7	%

 

First Quarter Ended March 27, 2016 (13 Weeks) Compared to First Quarter Ended March 29, 2015 (13 Weeks)

 

Overview. Operating income increased by $226 thousand, or 1.4%, to $16.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 from the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. Operating income for the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 was favorably impacted by a $3.9 million increase in restaurant sales, offset by a $345 thousand increase in food and beverage costs, a $2.2 million increase in restaurant operating expenses and a $1.2 million increase in general and administrative costs. Income from continuing operations increased from the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 by $114 thousand to $10.9 million. Net income for the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 increased from the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 by $351 thousand to $10.8 million.

 

 

Segment Profits. Segment profitability information is presented in Note 7 to the financial statements. Not all operating expenses are allocated to operating segments. The Ruth’s Chris Steak House Company-owned restaurants, which are all located in the United States, are managed as an operating segment. The Ruth’s Chris concept operates within the full-service dining industry, providing similar products to similar customers. The franchise operations are reported as a separate operating segment. No costs are allocated to the franchise operations segment. Segment profits for the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 for the Company-owned steakhouse restaurant segment increased by $1.4 million to $24.1 million from the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. The increase was driven by a $3.9 million increase in revenues, which exceeded the increase in segment operating expenses. Franchise income in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 increased by $480 thousand to $4.5 million from the first quarter of fiscal year 2015.

 

Restaurant Sales. Restaurant sales increased by $3.9 million, or 4.2%, to $95.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 from the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. The increase was attributable to a $2.8 million increase in Company-owned comparable sales and $1.1 million in restaurant sales at new restaurants. Excluding discontinued operations, total operating weeks during the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 increased to 865 from 852 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. Company-owned comparable restaurant sales increased 3.1%, driven by an average check increase of 2.2% and a traffic increase of 0.9%.

 

Franchise Income. Franchise income in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 increased $480 thousand, or 11.9%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. Approximately $150 thousand of the increase during the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 was due to opening fees for new franchise restaurants that opened during the quarter with the remainder of the increase resulting from increased franchise restaurant sales resulting from new franchise restaurant openings during the last 12 months and a 2.5% increase in comparable franchise restaurant sales.

 

Other Operating Income. Other operating income in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 increased $200 thousand to $1.5 million. Other operating income includes gift card breakage revenue, our share of income from a managed restaurant and miscellaneous restaurant income.

 

Food and Beverage Costs. Food and beverage costs increased $345 thousand, or 1.2%, to $28.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 from the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. As a percentage of restaurant sales, food and beverage costs decreased to 29.6% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 from 30.5% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. The decrease in food and beverage costs as a percentage of restaurant sales was primarily due to a 4.6% decrease in beef costs.

 

Restaurant Operating Expenses. Restaurant operating expenses increased $2.2 million, or 5.3%, to $43.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 from the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. Restaurant operating expenses, as a percentage of restaurant sales, increased to 45.8% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 from 45.3% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. The increase in restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales was primarily attributable to higher labor costs.

 

Marketing and Advertising. Marketing and advertising expenses increased $377 thousand to $2.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 from the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. The increase in marketing and advertising expenses in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 was primarily attributable to a planned increase in advertising spending.

 

General and Administrative Costs. General and administrative costs increased $1.2 million to $7.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 from the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. The increase in general and administrative costs was primarily attributable to an increase in stock based compensation.

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $182 thousand to $3.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 from the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 primarily due to depreciation on new restaurant assets placed in service within the last twelve months.

 

Pre-opening costs. Pre-opening costs were $354 thousand in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 due to the planned fiscal year 2016 openings of Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants in Albuquerque, NM, Waltham, MA, Cleveland, OH and El Paso, TX. Pre-opening costs were $376 thousand in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 primarily due to the opening of the St. Petersburg, FL Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurant.

 

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $13 thousand to $213 thousand in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 from the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. The decrease in expense was primarily due to a lower average debt balance in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016.

 

Income Tax Expense. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, we recognized income tax expense of $5.3 million. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, we recognized income tax expense of $5.2 million. The effective tax rate, including the impact of discrete items, increased to 32.9% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 compared to 32.7% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. The effective tax rate increased primarily due to lower employment tax credits as a percentage of pre-tax income. Fiscal year 2016 discrete items and other unexpected changes impacting annual tax financial accounting tax expense may cause the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2016 to differ from the effective tax rate for the first quarter.

 

Income from Continuing Operations. Income from continuing operations of $10.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 increased by $114 thousand compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 due to the factors noted above.

 

Loss from Discontinued Operations, net of income taxes. Loss from discontinued operation, net of income taxes, for the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 was $120 thousand compared to $357 thousand during the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. The loss in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 was primarily attributable to the occupancy costs from a closed Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurant. The loss in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 was primarily attributable to the Mitchell’s Restaurants.

 

Net Income (Loss). Net income was $10.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 and increased by $351 thousand compared to $10.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. The increase was largely attributable to the factors noted above.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Overview

 

Our principal sources of cash during the first thirteen weeks of fiscal year 2016 were net cash provided by operating activities and related assets and borrowings under our $100 million senior credit facility. Our principal uses of cash during the first thirteen weeks of fiscal year 2016 were for capital expenditures, principal repayments under our $100 million senior credit facility, common stock repurchases and dividend payments.

 

Cash flows from discontinued operations are combined with the cash flows from continuing operations within each of the categories on our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. We do not anticipate that any of our closed restaurants reported in discontinued operations will have a material impact on the Company’s cash flow during fiscal year 2016. The receipt of $10 million cash for the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants and related assets during the first thirteen weeks of fiscal year 2015 was the only material impact on the Company’s cash flow during fiscal year 2015 related to the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants or any of our closed restaurants reported in discontinued operations.

 

In April 2016, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $60 million of outstanding common stock from time to time. The new share repurchase program replaces the previous share repurchase program announced in November 2014, which has been terminated. During the first thirteen weeks of fiscal year 2016, 731,643 shares were repurchased under the old program at an aggregate cost of $11.7 million, or an average cost of $15.92 per share. Under our senior credit agreement, we are limited to $100 million of junior stock payments, which includes cash dividend payments and repurchases of common and preferred stock. As of March 27, 2016, $73.0 million of such payments had been made, and, as a result, as of March 27, 2016, we had $27.0 million of capacity under the junior stock payments limitation for both quarterly cash dividends and stock repurchases. Share repurchases under both programs were accounted for under the cost method and all repurchased shares were retired and cancelled. The excess of the purchase price over the par value of the shares was recorded as a reduction in additional paid-in capital.

 

During the second quarter of fiscal year 2013, we commenced paying quarterly cash dividends to holders of common and restricted stock. We paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share, or $2.4 million in the aggregate, during the first quarter of fiscal year 2016. On April 28, 2016, we announced that our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share, or approximately $2.4 million in the aggregate, to be paid on May 26, 2016 to common and restricted stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 12, 2016. Future dividends will be subject to the approval of our Board of Directors. 

 

We have increased borrowing under our senior credit facility by $8.0 million since the end of fiscal year 2015. As of March 27, 2016, we had $8.0 million of outstanding indebtedness under our senior credit facility with approximately $87.8 million of borrowings available, net of outstanding letters of credit of approximately $4.2 million. As of March 27, 2016, the weighted average interest rate on our outstanding indebtedness was 2.5%. In addition, the fees on our unused senior credit facility and outstanding letters of credit were 0.2% and 2.1%, respectively.

 

 

We amended our senior credit agreement in May 2013 to reset the limit applicable to junior stock payments, which include both cash dividend payments and repurchases of common and preferred stock. As a result of the amendment, we are permitted to make up to $100 million in junior stock payments subsequent to December 30, 2012 through the end of the agreement; $73.0 million of such payments had been made as of March 27, 2016. As of March 27, 2016, we were in compliance with all the covenants under our senior credit facility.

 

We believe that our cash flow from operations coupled with our borrowing capacity under our senior credit facility should provide us with adequate liquidity for the next 12 months. We anticipate capital expenditures for fiscal year 2016 will total approximately $28 million to $30 million.

 

Sources and Uses of Cash

 

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

 

		13 Weeks Ended
		March 27, 2016				March 29, 2015
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities		$	12,357			$	9,159
Investing activities			(5,928	)			5,379
Financing activities			(6,863	)			(15,415	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		$	(434	)		$	(877	)

 

Operating Activities. Operating cash inflows pertain primarily to restaurant sales and franchise income. Operating cash outflows pertain primarily to expenditures for food and beverages, restaurant operating expenses, marketing and advertising and general and administrative costs. Operating activities provided cash flow during the first thirteen weeks of both fiscal years 2016 and 2015 primarily because operating revenues exceeded cash-based expenses.

 

Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities aggregated $5.9 million in the first thirteen weeks of fiscal year 2016 compared with $5.4 million cash provided in the first thirteen weeks of fiscal year 2015 primarily due to the receipt of $10 million from the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants and related assets. Investing cash outflows during the first thirteen weeks of both fiscal years 2016 and 2015 pertained primarily to capital expenditure projects. Cash used in investing projects during the first thirteen weeks of fiscal year 2016 pertained to $2.6 million for restaurant remodel projects and $2.8 million for new restaurants. Cash used in investing activities during the first thirteen weeks of fiscal year 2015 pertained to $2.4 million for restaurant remodel projects and $2.2 million for new restaurants.

 

Financing Activities. Financing activities used cash during the first thirteen weeks of both fiscal years 2016 and 2015. During the first thirteen weeks of fiscal year 2016, we: increased the debt outstanding under our senior credit facility by $8.0 million; used $11.7 million to repurchase common stock; paid $1.3 million in employee taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock and the exercise of stock options; and paid dividends of $2.3 million. We paid $1.3 million in taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock and the exercise of stock options because some recipients elected to satisfy their individual minimum tax withholding obligations by having us withhold a number of vested shares of restricted stock and/or a number of shares otherwise issuable pursuant to stock options. During the first thirteen weeks of fiscal year 2015, we: reduced the debt outstanding under our senior credit facility by $10.0 million; used $3.0 million to repurchase common stock; paid $1.0 million in taxes related to stock based compensation; and paid dividends of $2.1 million.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of March 27, 2016, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 includes a summary of the critical accounting policies and estimates that we believe are the most important to aid in the understanding our financial results. There have been no material changes to these critical accounting policies and estimates that impacted our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues or expenses during the first thirteen weeks of fiscal year 2016.

 

 

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

The Company is exposed to market risk from fluctuations in interest rates. For fixed rate debt, interest rate changes affect the fair market value of such debt but do not impact earnings or cash flows. Conversely, for variable rate debt, including borrowings under the Company’s senior credit facility, interest rate changes generally do not affect the fair market value of such debt, but do impact future earnings and cash flows, assuming other factors are held constant. At March 27, 2016, the Company had $8.0 million in variable rate debt outstanding. The Company currently does not use financial instruments to hedge its risk to market fluctuations in interest rates. Ceteris paribus, a hypothetical immediate one percentage point change in interest rates would be expected to have an impact on pre-tax earnings and cash flows for fiscal year 2016 of less than $100 thousand.

 

Foreign Currency Risk

 

The Company believes that fluctuations in foreign exchange rates do not present a material risk to its operations due to the relatively small amount of franchise income it receives from outside the U.S. During the first thirteen weeks of fiscal years franchise income attributable to international locations was $734 thousand in fiscal year 2016 compared to $798 thousand in fiscal year 2015.

 

Commodity Price Risk

 

The Company is exposed to market price fluctuations in beef and other food product prices, which in the past have been volatile and have impacted the Company’s food and beverage costs. As the Company typically sets its menu prices in advance of its beef and other food product purchases, the Company cannot quickly react to changing costs of beef and other food items. To the extent that the Company is unable to pass the increased costs on to its guests through price increases, the Company’s results of operations would be adversely affected. As of March 27, 2016, the Company had not negotiated set pricing for any of its beef requirements for the remainder of fiscal year 2016. The market for USDA Prime grade beef is particularly volatile. If prices increase, or the supply of beef is reduced, operating margin could be materially adversely affected. Ceteris paribus, a hypothetical 10% fluctuation in beef prices would have an approximate impact on pre-tax earnings ranging from $3.0 million to $4.0 million for the remainder of fiscal year 2016.

 

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

 

Effects of Healthcare Inflation

 

The Company is exposed to market price fluctuations related to the cost of providing healthcare to its employees. Claim trends may outpace inflation throughout the upcoming year. If prices increase, or the Company experiences significantly more claims, operating margin could be materially adversely affected. Ceteris paribus, a hypothetical 10% fluctuation in healthcare costs would have an approximate impact on pre-tax earnings of approximately $750 thousand for the remainder of 2016.

 

Effects of Inflation

 

The Company believes that general inflation, excluding increases in food and employee health plan costs, has not had a material impact on its results of operations in recent years. Additionally, increases in statutory minimum wage rates may increase our operating costs. During 2015, governmental entities acted to increase minimum wage rates in several states where Company-owned restaurants are located. The increased minimum wage rates are expected to increase employee compensation and related taxes by approximately $1.4 million in fiscal year 2016 compared to fiscal year 2015. Also, the U.S. government may consider legislation to increase the federal minimum wage rate, which, if enacted, would further increase employee compensation and related taxes.

 

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of March 27, 2016. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 27, 2016 to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted by the Company under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed by the Company is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosure.

 

 

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

 

During the first thirteen weeks of fiscal year 2016, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that in the Company’s judgment has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

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

 

The Company sells a considerable number of gift cards, which are issued and administered by a third party gift card issuer and service provider, consistent with common retail industry practice. The third party gift card issuer is paid a net fee for its services by the Company. The third party gift card issuer and service provider, as well as a number of other restaurant companies, retailers and gift card issuers, were named as defendants in a qui tam action filed under seal in June 2013 by William French on behalf of the State of Delaware in the Superior Court of Delaware in and for New Castle County. The complaint alleges that the Company and the other defendants intentionally failed to report and remit money with respect to unused gift cards to the State of Delaware under the Delaware Escheats Law, and knowingly made, used or caused to be made or used, false statements and records to conceal, avoid or decrease an obligation to pay or transmit such money to Delaware in violation of the Delaware False Claims and Reporting Act (DFCRA).  The complaint further alleges that the amount of money that the Company should have escheated to Delaware is approximately $30 million.  The complaint seeks monetary damages (including treble damages under the DFCRA), penalties, and attorneys’ fees and costs.  The case was unsealed in March 2014, at which time the court also granted the State of Delaware’s motion to intervene.  All parties to the case are now in the process of seeking discovery.   The Company believes it is in compliance with the Delaware Escheats Law and has not violated the DFCRA. The Company has been vigorously defending the action, and intends to continue to do so.

 

ITEM  1A.

RISK FACTORS

 

There have been no material changes in the risk factors included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015. The impact of circumstances and events described in such risk factors could result in significant adverse effects on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Stock repurchase activity during the fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2016 was as follows:

 

Period		Total Number of Shares Purchased				Average Price Paid per Share				Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Program				Maximum Dollar Value that May Yet be Purchased under the Program – Amounts in thousands
December 28, 2015 to January 31, 2016			576,362			$	15.92				576,362			$	11,946
February 1, 2016 to February 28, 2016			155,281			$	16.03				155,281			$	9,457
February 29, 2016 to March 27, 2016			—				—				—			$	9,457
Totals for the fiscal quarter			731,643			$	15.95				731,643			$	9,457

 

 

On April 28, 2016, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved a new share repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $60 million of outstanding common stock from time to time in the open market, through negotiated transactions or otherwise (including, without limitation, the use of Rule 10b5-1 plans), depending on share price, market conditions and other factors. The new share repurchase program replaced the Company’s previous share repurchase program announced in November 2014, which was terminated. The previous share repurchase program had permitted the repurchase of up to $50 million of outstanding common stock, of which approximately $9.5 million remained unused upon its termination. The new share repurchase program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares, and has no termination date. The Company intends to conduct any open market share repurchase activities in compliance with the safe harbor provisions of Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act. Under the Company’s senior credit agreement, the Company has a limitation of up to $100 million for junior stock payments, which includes cash dividend payments and repurchases of common and preferred stock. As of March 27, 2016, $73.0 million of such payments had been made, and, as a result, as of March 27, 2016, the Company had $27.0 million of capacity under the junior stock payments limitation for both quarterly cash dividends and stock repurchases. During the fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2016, 731,643 shares were repurchased via open market transactions at an aggregate cash cost of $11.7 million. During the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2015, 207,657 shares were repurchased via open market transactions at an aggregate cash cost of $3.0 million. The repurchased shares were cancelled.

 

ITEM  3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM  4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

None.

 

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM  6.

EXHIBITS

 

 

31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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

 

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document.

 

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

 

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document.

 

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

 

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

                                                               

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

	RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC.
	By:	/S/ MICHAEL P. O’DONNELL
		Michael P. O’Donnell
		Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
		(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

	By:	/s/ ARNE G. HAAK
		Arne G. Haak
		Executive Vice President and Chief
		Financial Officer of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)

 

 

Date: May 3, 2016

 

 

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