SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended October 1, 2006

OR

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

For the transition period from                      to                      

Commission File No. 001-13579


FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Massachusetts

 

04-2053130

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

 

(IRS Employer

Incorporation or Organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

 

 

1855 Boston Road

 

 

Wilbraham, Massachusetts

 

01095

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(413) 731-4000

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not Applicable

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

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

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

Large Accelerated Filer o               Accelerated Filer x               Non-Accelerated Filer o

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.

Class

 

Outstanding at October 31, 2006

Common Stock, $.01 par value

 

7,926,058 shares

 

 




 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.                          Financial Statements

FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

October 1,

 

January 1,

 

 

 

2006

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

28,030

 

$

14,597

 

Restricted cash

 

213

 

2,549

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

16,625

 

10,757

 

Inventories

 

15,983

 

15,775

 

Assets held for sale

 

1,119

 

1,157

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

4,176

 

5,044

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

66,146

 

49,879

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

136,974

 

143,290

 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND DEFERRED COSTS, net of accumulated amortization

 

18,186

 

19,063

 

OTHER ASSETS

 

1,917

 

6,010

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

223,223

 

$

218,242

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

$

1,573

 

$

1,426

 

Current maturities of capital lease and finance obligations

 

1,471

 

1,419

 

Accounts payable

 

22,221

 

24,968

 

Accrued salaries and benefits

 

8,750

 

8,212

 

Accrued interest payable

 

4,908

 

1,324

 

Insurance reserves

 

10,758

 

9,002

 

Restructuring reserves

 

 

72

 

Other accrued expenses

 

21,077

 

19,866

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

70,758

 

66,289

 

CAPITAL LEASE AND FINANCE OBLIGATIONS, less current maturities

 

5,052

 

6,173

 

LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities

 

223,700

 

224,894

 

ACCRUED PENSION COST

 

27,920

 

28,904

 

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

32,391

 

33,820

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

79

 

79

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

145,105

 

144,675

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(31,785

)

(31,785

)

Accumulated deficit

 

(249,997

)

(254,807

)

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

 

(136,598

)

(141,838

)

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

 

$

223,223

 

$

218,242

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

1




 

FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant

 

$

104,840

 

$

106,602

 

$

305,387

 

$

309,178

 

Foodservice

 

32,850

 

30,786

 

91,881

 

87,840

 

Franchise

 

4,194

 

3,753

 

11,821

 

10,879

 

TOTAL REVENUES

 

141,884

 

141,141

 

409,089

 

407,897

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COSTS AND EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

53,221

 

53,537

 

153,545

 

155,011

 

Labor and benefits

 

35,972

 

37,260

 

108,927

 

110,820

 

Operating expenses

 

28,535

 

28,522

 

79,350

 

79,411

 

General and administrative expenses

 

10,374

 

8,262

 

32,920

 

28,239

 

Write-downs of property and equipment

 

307

 

 

522

 

289

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

5,636

 

5,655

 

17,156

 

17,438

 

(Gain) loss on franchise sales of restaurant operations and properties

 

(80

)

7

 

(2,091

)

(2,521

)

Loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net

 

534

 

181

 

1,009

 

523

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

 

7,385

 

7,717

 

17,751

 

18,687

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

5,061

 

5,196

 

15,628

 

15,711

 

Other income

 

(329

)

 

(329

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

 

2,653

 

2,521

 

2,452

 

2,976

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

(650

)

(101

)

(900

)

(525

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

2,003

 

2,420

 

1,552

 

2,451

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(LOSS) INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of income tax effect of $0 and ($685) for the three months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively, and ($450) and ($338) for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively

 

(32

)

987

 

3,258

 

487

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

 

$

1,971

 

$

3,407

 

$

4,810

 

$

2,938

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BASIC NET INCOME PER SHARE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.31

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.32

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

0.12

 

0.41

 

0.06

 

Net income

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.61

 

$

0.38

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.19

 

$

0.31

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

0.13

 

0.41

 

0.06

 

Net income

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.60

 

$

0.37

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

7,925

 

7,840

 

7,913

 

7,770

 

Diluted

 

8,044

 

7,988

 

8,045

 

7,909

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

2




FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

4,810

 

$

2,938

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Stock compensation expense

 

351

 

68

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

17,156

 

17,438

 

Noncash income from discontinued operations

 

(4,079

)

(1,449

)

Write-downs of property and equipment

 

522

 

289

 

Deferred income tax expense

 

 

688

 

Gain on disposals of other property and equipment, net

 

(1,096

)

(2,003

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(5,868

)

224

 

Inventories

 

(208

)

1,923

 

Other assets

 

7,297

 

(2,692

)

Accounts payable

 

(2,747

)

1,643

 

Accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities

 

4,604

 

1,222

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

20,742

 

20,289

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(14,032

)

(11,511

)

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

 

9,396

 

6,230

 

Purchases of marketable securities

 

 

(499

)

Proceeds from sales of marketable securities

 

 

163

 

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

(4,636

)

(5,617

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from borrowings under revolving credit facility

 

8,000

 

16,250

 

Proceeds from issuance of mortgages

 

 

1,115

 

Repayments of debt

 

(9,047

)

(21,153

)

Payments of deferred financing costs

 

(636

)

(43

)

Principal payments of capital lease and finance obligations

 

(1,069

)

(1,149

)

Stock options exercised

 

79

 

1,037

 

NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

(2,673

)

(3,943

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

13,433

 

10,729

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

 

14,597

 

13,405

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

 

$

28,030

 

$

24,134

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid (refunded) during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

11,455

 

$

11,378

 

Income taxes

 

(328

)

686

 

Capital lease obligations terminated

 

 

51

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3




FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS

As of October 1, 2006, Friendly’s operated 307 full-service restaurants and franchised 210 full-service restaurants and seven non-traditional units. The Company manufactures and distributes a full line of premium ice cream dessert products. These products are distributed to Friendly’s restaurants, supermarkets and other retail locations in 13 states. The restaurants offer a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner menu items as well as premium ice cream dessert products.

References herein to “Friendly’s” or the “Company” refer to Friendly Ice Cream Corporation, its predecessor and its consolidated subsidiaries; references herein to “FICC” refer to Friendly Ice Cream Corporation and not its subsidiaries; and as used herein, “Northeast” refers to the Company’s core markets, which include Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Following is a summary of the Company-operated and franchised units:

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company Units:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

309

 

332

 

314

 

347

 

Openings

 

 

 

2

 

1

 

Refranchised closings

 

(2

)

 

(6

)

(10

)

Closings

 

 

(2

)

(3

)

(8

)

End of period

 

307

 

330

 

307

 

330

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franchised Units:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

217

 

205

 

213

 

195

 

Refranchised openings

 

2

 

 

6

 

10

 

Openings

 

1

 

 

2

 

2

 

Closings

 

(3

)

 

(4

)

(2

)

End of period

 

217

 

205

 

217

 

205

 

 

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Interim Financial Information —

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements as of October 1, 2006 and for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005 are unaudited, but have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments which are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows and comprehensive income (loss) of the Company have been included. Such adjustments consist solely of normal recurring accruals. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year due, in part, to the seasonality of the Company’s business. Historically, higher revenues and operating income have been experienced during the second and third fiscal quarters. The Company’s consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, which are contained in the 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2006 (“2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K”) should be read in conjunction with these condensed, consolidated financial statements. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein should be referenced to the 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

4




Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements —

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The critical accounting policies and most significant estimates and assumptions relate to revenue recognition, insurance reserves, recoverability of accounts receivable, pension and post-retirement medical and life insurance benefits expense, asset impairment analysis, stock compensation expense and income tax rates and valuation allowances and tax contingency reserves. Actual amounts could differ significantly from the estimates.

Inventories —

Inventories are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market and consisted of the following at October 1, 2006 and January 1, 2006 (in thousands):

 

October 1,

 

January 1,

 

 

 

2006

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raw materials

 

$

1,613

 

$

1,657

 

Goods in process

 

135

 

106

 

Finished goods

 

14,235

 

14,012

 

Total

 

$

15,983

 

$

15,775

 

 

Other Accrued Expenses —

Other accrued expenses consisted of the following at October 1, 2006 and January 1, 2006 (in thousands):

 

October 1,

 

January 1,

 

 

 

2006

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued rent

 

$

4,710

 

$

4,739

 

Income taxes payable

 

2,699

 

2,761

 

Accrued bonus

 

2,486

 

58

 

Accrued meals and other taxes

 

2,305

 

2,219

 

Accrued construction costs

 

2,296

 

1,335

 

Gift cards outstanding

 

2,250

 

4,280

 

Unearned revenues

 

1,173

 

1,205

 

Accrued advertising

 

944

 

1,211

 

Current portion of deferred gains

 

638

 

638

 

All other

 

1,576

 

1,420

 

Total

 

$

21,077

 

$

19,866

 

 

5




Income Taxes —

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” which requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. The Company records deferred tax assets to the extent it believes there will be sufficient future taxable income to utilize those assets prior to their expiration. To the extent deferred tax assets may be unable to be utilized, the Company records a valuation allowance against the potentially unrealizable amount and records a charge against earnings.  The calculation of the Company’s tax liabilities involves uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations in several different tax jurisdictions. The Company is periodically reviewed by tax authorities. These reviews include questions regarding the timing and amount of deductions. In evaluating the exposure associated with various filing positions, the Company records estimated reserves for probable exposures.

Due to ever-changing tax laws and income tax rates, significant judgment is required to estimate the effective tax rate expected to apply to tax differences that are expected to reverse in the future. The Company must also make estimates about the sufficiency of taxable income in future periods to offset any deductions related to deferred tax assets currently recorded. Accordingly, the Company believes estimates related to income taxes are critical.

During the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company entered a three-year cumulative loss position and revised its projections of the amount and timing of profitability in future periods.  As a result, the Company increased the valuation allowance during the fourth quarter of 2005 by $26,729,000 ($22,184,000 to income tax expense and $4,545,000 to stockholders’ deficit) to reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets to zero.  The Company expects to record a full valuation allowance on tax benefits until it can sustain an appropriate level of profitability.

Lease Guarantees and Contingencies —

Primarily as a result of the Company’s re-franchising efforts, the Company remains liable for certain lease assignments and guarantees. These leases have varying terms, the latest of which expires in 2020. As of October 1, 2006, the potential amount of undiscounted payments the Company could be required to make in the event of non-payment by the primary lessees was $7,103,000. The present value of these potential payments discounted at the Company’s pre-tax cost of debt at October 1, 2006 was $5,386,000. The Company generally has cross-default provisions with franchisees that would put them in default of their franchise agreement in the event of non-payment under the lease. The Company believes these cross-default provisions significantly reduce the risk that the Company will be required to make payments under these leases and, historically, the Company has not been required to make such payments. As of July 2, 2006, the Company believed that one franchisee may have been unable to fulfill its lease obligations during 2006 due to the franchisee’s financial situation.  During the third quarter of 2006, the franchisee was recapitalized and took significant steps to regain its financial stability.  Accordingly, no liability has been recorded for exposure under such leases at October 1, 2006 and January 1, 2006.

6




Net Income (Loss) Per Share —

Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. Common stock equivalents are dilutive stock options and warrants that are assumed exercised for calculation purposes. The number of common stock options which could dilute basic earnings per share in the future, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been antidilutive, was 247,041 and 125,086 for the three months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively.  The number of common stock options which could dilute basic earnings per share in the future, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been antidilutive, was 247,041 and 125,086 for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively.

Presented below is the reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005 (in thousands):

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

Basic

 

Diluted

 

 

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period

 

7,925

 

7,840

 

7,925

 

7,840

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assumed exercise of stock options

 

 

 

119

 

148

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

 

7,925

 

7,840

 

8,044

 

7,988

 

 

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

Basic

 

Diluted

 

 

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period

 

7,913

 

7,770

 

7,913

 

7,770

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assumed exercise of stock options

 

 

 

132

 

139

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

 

7,913

 

7,770

 

8,045

 

7,909

 

 

7




Stock-Based Compensation —

Prior to January 2, 2006, the Company accounted for stock-based compensation for employees under Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations.  The Company had adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and the disclosures required by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure.”  In accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, the Company generally recognized no stock-based compensation cost, as all options granted during that period had an exercise price equal to the market value of the stock on the date of grant. Stock-based compensation cost of $68,000 related to modified option awards was included in net income for the nine months ended October 2, 2005 for the Company’s 1997 Stock Option Plan and the Company’s 2003 Equity Incentive Plan.

On December 16, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”). SFAS No. 123R supersedes APB Opinion No. 25 and amends SFAS No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows.” Generally, the approach in SFAS No. 123R is similar to the approach described in SFAS No. 123. However, SFAS No. 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values at the date of grant. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative.

On January 2, 2006 (the first day of its 2006 fiscal year), the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective method as permitted under SFAS No. 123R. Under this transition method, compensation cost recognized in the three and nine months ended October 1, 2006 included: (a) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted prior to but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, and (b) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123R. In accordance with the modified prospective method of adoption, the Company’s results of operations and financial position for prior periods have not been restated.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements —

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. FIN 48 requires that the Company recognize in its financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit based on the technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective as of the beginning of the Company’s 2007 fiscal year, with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting FIN 48 on its financial statements.

In October 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)” (“SFAS No. 158”), which requires an entity to: (a) recognize in its statement of financial position an asset for a defined benefit postretirement plan’s overfunded status or a liability for a plan’s underfunded status, (b) measure a defined benefit postretirement plan’s assets and obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the employer’s fiscal year, and (c) recognize changes in the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan in comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur.  The requirement to recognize the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan and the disclosure requirements are effective for the Company’s 2006 fiscal year.  The adoption of SFAS No. 158 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

8




3. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

Equity Compensation Plans

The Company currently grants stock awards under the following equity compensation plans:

1997 Stock Option Plan (“1997 Plan”) — The 1997 Plan was adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors and stockholders in November 1997 and was subsequently amended on March 27, 2000 and October 24, 2001. Under the 1997 Plan, the Company’s Board of Directors may grant options to purchase up to 1,034,970 shares of common stock to employees, executive officers and directors. The 1997 Plan provides for the issuance of nonqualified stock options and incentive stock options (which are intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code) and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”). The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors determines the employees who will receive awards under the 1997 Plan and the terms of such awards. The exercise price of a stock option or SAR granted or awarded under the 1997 Plan may not be less than the fair market value of one share of common stock on the date the stock option or SAR is granted.

The 2003 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2003 Incentive Plan”) — On April 9, 2003, the Board of Directors adopted an equity incentive plan, subject to approval by the Company’s shareholders. On May 14, 2003, the shareholders approved the 2003 Incentive Plan, which became effective as of March 30, 2003.  On May 10, 2006, the shareholders approved an amendment to the 2003 Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 2003 Incentive Plan from 307,000 to 607,000 shares. The 2003 Incentive Plan provides for the issuance of nonqualified stock options and incentive stock options (which are intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code), SARs, bonus stock, stock units, performance shares, performance units, restricted stock and restricted stock units.  The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors determines the employees who will receive awards under the 2003 Incentive Plan and the terms of such awards.  The exercise price of a stock option or SAR granted or awarded under the 2003 Incentive Plan may not be less than the fair market value of one share of common stock on the date the stock option or SAR is granted.

Outstanding options issued prior to December 20, 2004 are fully vested.  Options issued subsequent to December 20, 2004 generally vest over three years. Options issued prior to July 24, 2002 expire 10 years from the date of grant. Options issued subsequent to that date have a five year expiration date.

 

9




 

Grant-Date Fair Value

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the grant-date fair value of an award. There were no options issued during the quarters ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005.  The fair value of options granted during the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005 were calculated based on the following:

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 1, 2006

 

October 2, 2005

 

Options granted

 

145,409

 

119,953

 

Weighted-average exercise price

 

$

8.10

 

$

8.87

 

Weighted-average grant date fair value

 

$

3.82

 

$

4.68

 

Estimated Weighted Average Assumptions:

 

 

 

 

 

Risk free interest rate

 

4.68

%

3.58%-3.93

%

Expected life (in years)

 

4

 

4-5

 

Expected volatility

 

54.86

%

56.56%-58.16

%

Expected dividend yield

 

0.00

%

0.00

%

 

Risk-free interest rate — the yield on zero-coupon U.S. Treasury securities for a period that is commensurate with the expected term assumption is used as the risk-free interest rate.

Expected life — the Company uses historical employee exercise and option expiration data to estimate the expected life assumption for the Black-Scholes grant-date valuation. The Company believes that this historical data is currently the best estimate of the expected life of a new option.

Expected volatility — the Company is responsible for estimating volatility and has used historical volatility to estimate the grant-date fair value of stock options. Management considered the guidance in SFAS No. 123R and believes that the historical estimated volatility is materially indicative of expectations about future volatility.

Expected dividend yield — the Company has not paid any dividends in the last five years and currently intends to retain any earnings to finance future growth and, therefore, does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future.

Expense

The Company used the straight-line attribution method to recognize expense for all options granted.

The amount of stock-based compensation recognized during a period is based on the value of the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. SFAS No. 123R requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The term “forfeitures” is distinct from “cancellations” or “expirations” and represents only the unvested portion of the surrendered option. The Company currently expects, based on an analysis of its historical forfeitures that approximately 94.5% of its options will actually vest, and therefore has applied an annual forfeiture rate of 5.5% to options granted as of October 1, 2006. This analysis will be re-evaluated quarterly and the forfeiture rate will be adjusted as necessary. Ultimately, the actual expense recognized over the vesting period will only be for those shares that vest.

The adoption of SFAS No. 123R on January 2, 2006 resulted in lower operating income before tax and lower net income of $112,000 and $312,000 for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2006, respectively.

10




 

The following table details the effect on net income and income per share had stock-based compensation expense been recorded in fiscal 2005 based on the fair-value method under SFAS No. 123 (in thousands, except per share data). The reported and pro forma net income and income per share for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2006 are the same since stock-based compensation expense was calculated under the provisions of SFAS No. 123R.

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 2, 2005

 

October 2, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income as reported

 

$

3,407

 

$

2,938

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add stock-based compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related income tax benefit

 

 

40

 

Less stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value method for all stock options, net of related income tax benefit

 

(27

)

(67

)

Pro forma net income

 

$

3,380

 

$

2,911

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income per share, as reported

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.38

 

Basic net income per share, pro forma

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.37

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income per share, as reported

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.37

 

Diluted net income per share, pro forma

 

$

0.42

 

$

0.37

 

 

Option Activity

A summary of the activity under the Company’s equity compensation plans as of October 1, 2006 and changes during the nine-month period then ended is presented below:

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remaining

 

Weighted-

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

Options

 

Contractual

 

Average

 

Intrinsic

 

 

 

Outstanding

 

Life in Years

 

Exercise Price

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options outstanding at

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 1, 2006

 

621,450

 

 

 

$

7.82

 

 

 

Granted

 

145,409

 

 

 

$

8.10

 

 

 

Cancelled

 

(13,290

)

 

 

$

11.84

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(81,914

)

 

 

$

8.38

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(27,467

)

 

 

$

2.88

 

 

 

Options outstanding at October 1, 2006

 

644,188

 

2.48

 

$

7.94

 

$

1,815,964

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options fully vested and exercisable at October 1, 2006

 

485,196

 

1.94

 

$

7.74

 

$

1,815,964

 

 

During the three and nine months ended October 1, 2006, the total intrinsic value of options exercised (i.e., the difference between the market price at exercise and the price paid by the employee to exercise the options) was $8,000 and $153,000, respectively, and the total amount of cash received from exercise of stock options was $14,000 and $79,000, respectively.

11




 

As of October 1, 2006, there was $744,000 of average unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.23 years.

Restricted Stock Unit Activity

On December 2, 2005, 30,000 restricted stock units were issued to directors with a weighted average fair value of $8.90 at grant date.  During the three and nine months ended October 1, 2006, stock-based compensation cost of $22,000 and $66,000, respectively, was recorded related to these units.

As of October 1, 2006, there was $193,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock units. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.17 years.

On August 1, 2006 the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved the issuance of restricted stock units to five officers (each, an “Award”) under the Company’s long-term incentive plan if the Company exceeds a certain threshold EBITDA target for 2006 (the “Threshold EBITDA”).  If the Company exceeds the Threshold EBITDA, then each of the officers will receive an Award having a specified value based on the Company’s actual EBITDA for 2006 compared to projected EBITDA and a percentage of each officer’s target award.  The following table sets forth the range of values of the Award each officer may receive:

Name

 

Value of Award

 

John Cutter

 

$

174,267

 

to

 

$

522,801

 

Paul Hoagland

 

$

82,028

 

to

 

$

246,084

 

Gregory Pastore

 

$

34,438

 

to

 

$

103,314

 

Kenneth Green

 

$

39,698

 

to

 

$

119,093

 

Garrett Ulrich

 

$

39,865

 

to

 

$

119,595

 

 

The Award, if any, is expected to be granted following the Board of Directors’ meetings scheduled to be held on February 27-28, 2007.  The number of Awards to be granted, if any, will be calculated by dividing the value of the Award by 90% of the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.  If issued, 25 percent of the Award will vest on the grant date and 25 percent of the Award will vest in each of the following three years. During the three and nine months ended October 1, 2006, stock-based compensation cost of $39,000 was recorded related to these Awards.

12




 

4. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The components of net periodic pension cost for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005 were (in thousands):

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest cost

 

$

1,695

 

$

1,671

 

$

5,087

 

$

5,013

 

Expected return on assets

 

(1,983

)

(2,072

)

(5,948

)

(6,216

)

Net amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss

 

676

 

473

 

2,027

 

1,418

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic pension cost

 

$

388

 

$

72

 

$

1,166

 

$

215

 

 

The components of the net postretirement medical and life insurance benefit cost for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005 were (in thousands):

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

40

 

$

41

 

$

122

 

$

122

 

Interest cost

 

95

 

114

 

285

 

344

 

Recognized actuarial loss

 

3

 

21

 

11

 

62

 

Net amortization of unrecognized prior service benefit

 

(35

)

(36

)

(107

)

(107

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net postretirement benefit cost

 

$

103

 

$

140

 

$

311

 

$

421

 

 

In August 2006, the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (the “Act”) was signed into law.  As a result of the Act, the Company contributed $2,150,000 to the Company’s defined benefit cash balance pension plan during the quarter ended October 1, 2006 and anticipates an additional contribution of approximately $3,500,000 in 2008.

13




 

5. ASSET IMPAIRMENT AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

As of January 1, 2006, the Company had 11 restaurants that were reported as “held for sale” in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” During the nine months ended October 1, 2006, the Company sold seven of these restaurants.  Gross proceeds from these transactions were $6,892,000.  The Company recognized a net gain related to the sales of the assets of $4,079,000.  At October 1, 2006, the remaining four properties, and one additional property that closed during the nine months ended October 1, 2006, met the criteria for “held for sale” as defined in SFAS No. 144.  The carrying values of these five properties of $1,119,000 and $1,157,000 as of October 1, 2006 and January 1, 2006, respectively, were reported as assets held for sale in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The carrying values of these properties were not adjusted since the carrying values were less than the estimated fair market values less costs to sell.

The table below identifies the components of the “Loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net” as shown in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant equipment assets retired due to remodeling

 

$

438

 

$

 

$

734

 

$

220

 

Restaurant equipment assets retired due to replacement

 

80

 

51

 

222

 

146

 

Gain due to restaurant flood

 

(5

)

 

(53

)

 

All other

 

21

 

130

 

106

 

157

 

Loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net

 

$

534

 

$

181

 

$

1,009

 

$

523

 

 

SFAS No. 144 also requires the results of operations of a component of an entity that is classified as held for sale or that has been disposed of to be reported as discontinued operations in the statement of operations if certain conditions are met. These conditions include commitment to a plan of disposal after the effective date of this statement, elimination of the operations and cash flows of the entity component from the ongoing operations of the company and no significant continuing involvement in the operations of the entity component after the disposal transaction.

14




 

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, the results of operations of the seven properties that were disposed of during the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and the 14 properties that were disposed of during 2005 and the related net gain on the disposals, as well as the results of operations of the properties held for sale at October 1, 2006, were reported separately as discontinued operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented.  Operating results for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2006 and the net gain on disposals of the properties as well as operating results that were included in the restaurant segment in the previously issued Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2005 are summarized below (in thousands):

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

 

$

2,416

 

$

 

$

8,731

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating loss

 

(43

)

(280

)

(371

)

(1,101

)

Gain on disposals of property and equipment

 

11

 

1,952

 

4,079

 

1,926

 

Income tax expense

 

 

(685

)

(450

)

(338

)

(Loss) income from discontinued operations

 

$

(32

)

$

987

 

$

3,258

 

$

487

 

 

During the nine months ended October 1, 2006, the Company determined that the carrying values of two operating restaurant properties exceeded their estimated fair values less costs to sell and the carrying values were reduced by an aggregate of $522,000 accordingly.

During the nine months ended October 2, 2005, the Company identified two restaurant properties to be disposed of other than by sale.  The Company determined that the carrying values of these restaurant properties exceeded their estimated undiscounted cash flows and the carrying values were reduced by an aggregate of $289,000 accordingly.

6. SEGMENT REPORTING

Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s operating segments include restaurant, foodservice and franchise. The revenues from these segments include both sales to unaffiliated customers and intersegment sales, which generally are accounted for on a basis consistent with sales to unaffiliated customers. Intersegment sales and other intersegment transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

The Company’s restaurants target families with kids and adults who desire a reasonably-priced meal in a full-service setting. The Company’s menu offers a broad selection of freshly-prepared foods which appeal to customers throughout all dayparts. The menu currently features over 100 items comprised of a broad selection of breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon and evening snack items. Foodservice operations manufactures premium ice cream dessert products and distributes such manufactured products and purchased finished goods to Company-operated and franchised restaurants. Additionally, it sells premium ice cream dessert products to distributors and retail locations. The Company’s franchise segment includes a royalty based on franchise restaurant revenue. In addition, the Company receives rental income from various franchised restaurants. The Company does not allocate general and administrative expenses associated with its headquarters operations to any business segment. These costs include expenses of the following functions: legal, accounting, personnel not directly related to a segment, information systems and other headquarter activities.

15




 

The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies except that the financial results for the foodservice operating segment, prior to intersegment eliminations, have been prepared using a management approach, which is consistent with the basis and manner in which the Company’s management internally reviews financial information. Using this approach, the Company evaluates performance based on stand-alone operating segment income (loss) before income taxes and generally accounts for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current market prices.

Adjusted EBITDA represents net income (loss) from continuing operations before (i) (provision for) benefit from income taxes, (ii) interest expense, net, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) write-downs of property and equipment, (v) net periodic pension cost and (vi) other non-cash items. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure.  The Company has included information concerning adjusted EBITDA in this Form 10-Q because the Company’s management incentive plan pays bonuses based on achieving adjusted EBITDA targets and the Company believes that such information is used by certain investors as one measure of a company’s historical ability to service debt. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, earnings (loss) from continuing operations or other traditional indications of the Company’s operating performance.

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

(in thousands)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant

 

$

104,840

 

$

106,602

 

$

305,387

 

$

309,178

 

Foodservice

 

63,277

 

62,576

 

181,126

 

181,960

 

Franchise

 

4,194

 

3,753

 

11,821

 

10,879

 

Total

 

$

172,311

 

$

172,931

 

$

498,334

 

$

502,017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intersegment revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Foodservice

 

(30,427

)

(31,790

)

(89,245

)

(94,120

)

Franchise

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

(30,427

)

$

(31,790

)

$

(89,245

)

$

(94,120

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant

 

$

104,840

 

$

106,602

 

$

305,387

 

$

309,178

 

Foodservice

 

32,850

 

30,786

 

91,881

 

87,840

 

Franchise

 

4,194

 

3,753

 

11,821

 

10,879

 

Total

 

$

141,884

 

$

141,141

 

$

409,089

 

$

407,897

 

 

16




 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant

 

$

10,793

 

$

10,150

 

$

29,557

 

$

29,809

 

Foodservice

 

5,344

 

4,344

 

13,529

 

10,725

 

Franchise

 

2,960

 

2,736

 

8,267

 

7,848

 

Corporate

 

(4,986

)

(3,678

)

(16,678

)

(13,957

)

(Loss) gain on property and equipment, net

 

(454

)

(180

)

1,083

 

1,989

 

Add back pension cost included in reporting segments

 

388

 

72

 

1,166

 

215

 

Total

 

$

14,045

 

$

13,444

 

$

36,924

 

$

36,629

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net—Corporate

 

$

5,061

 

$

5,196

 

$

15,628

 

$

15,711

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant

 

$

3,938

 

$

4,058

 

$

12,102

 

$

12,519

 

Foodservice

 

705

 

800

 

2,161

 

2,427

 

Franchise

 

82

 

37

 

220

 

117

 

Corporate

 

911

 

760

 

2,673

 

2,375

 

Total

 

$

5,636

 

$

5,655

 

$

17,156

 

$

17,438

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other non-cash expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic pension cost

 

$

388

 

$

72

 

$

1,166

 

$

215

 

Write-downs of property and equipment

 

307

 

 

522

 

289

 

Total

 

$

695

 

$

72

 

$

1,688

 

$

504

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant

 

$

6,855

 

$

6,092

 

$

17,455

 

$

17,290

 

Foodservice

 

4,639

 

3,544

 

11,368

 

8,298

 

Franchise

 

2,878

 

2,699

 

8,047

 

7,731

 

Corporate

 

(10,958

)

(9,634

)

(34,979

)

(32,043

)

(Loss) gain on property and equipment, net

 

(761

)

(180

)

561

 

1,700

 

Total

 

$

2,653

 

$

2,521

 

$

2,452

 

$

2,976

 

 

17




 

 

For the Nine

 

For the Year

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

Ended

 

 

 

October 1, 2006

 

January 1, 2006

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Capital expenditures, including assets acquired under capital leases:

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant

 

$

11,711

 

$

14,674

 

Foodservice

 

1,344

 

1,516

 

Corporate

 

977

 

968

 

Total

 

$

14,032

 

$

17,158

 

 

 

October 1, 2006

 

January 1, 2006

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Total assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant

 

$

123,227

 

$

131,810

 

Foodservice

 

39,474

 

38,609

 

Franchise

 

10,291

 

7,634

 

Corporate

 

50,231

 

40,189

 

Total

 

$

223,223

 

$

218,242

 

 

7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

On May 22, 2006, The Ice Cream Company (“TICC”) purchased, at fair market value, certain assets and leasehold rights for three existing Company-operated restaurants located in Lancaster and York, Pennsylvania.  At closing, TICC was also granted an exclusive right to develop six new Friendly’s restaurants in Lancaster, Chester and Montgomery counties, Pennsylvania by April 2012. Gross proceeds from this transaction were $1,725,000, of which $90,000 was for initial franchise fees, $90,000 was for development fees and $1,545,000 was for the assets and rights at the three existing restaurants. During the nine months ended October 1, 2006, the Company recorded $90,000 as franchise fee revenue and recognized a gain of $1,146,000 related to the sale of the assets.

The owners of TICC are family members of the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors. Prior to the closing of this transaction on May 22, 2006, TICC operated three Friendly’s restaurants under franchise agreements with Friendly’s Restaurants Franchise, Inc. (“FRFI”), a subsidiary of Friendly’s.  The terms of the franchise agreements with TICC are identical in all material respects to the terms generally offered to unrelated franchisees of FRFI in the ordinary course of Friendly’s business.

TICC purchases from Friendly’s certain food products used in the normal course of its franchise business.  For the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, TICC paid Friendly’s $2,379,000 and $1,621,000, respectively, for franchise royalty fees, marketing fees, food purchases and miscellaneous other products and services.

18




 

8. DEBT

Debt at October 1, 2006 and January 1, 2006 consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

October 1,

 

January 1,

 

 

 

2006

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Senior Notes, 8.375%, due June 15, 2012

 

$

175,000

 

$

175,000

 

Revolving credit loans, due June 30, 2010

 

 

 

Mortgage loans, due October 2, 2006 through January 1, 2022

 

50,273

 

51,320

 

Total debt

 

225,273

 

226,320

 

Less: current portion

 

(1,573

)

(1,426

)

Total long-term debt

 

$

223,700

 

$

224,894

 

 

In December 2001, the Company completed a financial restructuring plan which included the repayment of all amounts outstanding under its then existing credit facility and the purchase of approximately $21,273,000 of its 10.5% senior notes with the proceeds from $55,000,000 in long-term mortgage financing (the “Mortgage Financing”) and a $33,700,000 sale and leaseback transaction (the “Sale/Leaseback Financing”).

Interest on $10,000,000 of the original $55,000,000 from the Mortgage Financing is variable (“Variable Mortgages”) and the remaining $45,000,000 of the original $55,000,000 from the Mortgage Financing bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 10.16% (“Fixed Mortgages”). The Fixed Mortgages have a maturity date of January 1, 2022 and are amortized over 20 years.

On December 30, 2005, the Company completed a refinancing of the Variable Mortgages (the “Variable Refinancing”). Under the terms of the loan agreement for the Variable Refinancing, the Company borrowed an aggregate sum of $8,500,000 at a variable interest rate equal to the sum of the 90-day LIBOR rate in effect (5.37% at October 1, 2006) plus 4% on an annual basis. Changes in the interest rate are calculated monthly and recognized annually when the monthly payment amount is adjusted. Changes in the monthly payment amounts owed due to interest rate changes are reflected in the principal balances, which are re-amortized over the remaining life of the mortgages. The loans under the Variable Mortgages have a maturity date of January 1, 2020 and are being amortized over 14 years.

Pursuant to the terms of the Mortgage Financing, the Company may sell properties securing its obligations provided that other properties are substituted in place of the sold properties.  The substituted properties must meet certain requirements under the terms of the Mortgage Financing.  In August 2005, proceeds of $415,000 and $2,650,000 were received in connection with the sale of two mortgaged properties, of which $400,000 and $1,250,000 of such amounts was placed in escrow pending the inclusion of a substitute property.  As of January 1, 2006, these balances were held as collateral and were included in restricted cash on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2006.  In connection with the Variable Refinancing, the mortgage on one of these properties was released and the remaining $400,000 related to the sale of this property was released from escrow during the first quarter of 2006.  A substitution property for the second property was obtained during the second quarter of 2006 in compliance with the substitution agreement. On June 15, 2006, the remaining $1,250,000 was released from escrow.

19




 

In September 2005, the Company acquired additional financing secured by its newly constructed Milford, MA restaurant (the “Milford Mortgage”). The financing provided for a real estate improvement and equipment loan. The real estate improvement loan has a principal balance of $821,000 and is amortized over 15 years with a balloon payment due on October 1, 2010. The equipment loan has a principal balance of $294,000 and is amortized over seven years with a balloon payment due on October 1, 2010. The interest rate on the loans is variable and is the sum of the 90-day LIBOR rate in effect (5.37% at October 1, 2006) plus 4% on an annual basis. Changes in the interest rate are calculated monthly and recognized annually when the monthly payment amount is adjusted. Changes in the monthly payment amounts owed due to interest rate changes are reflected in the principal balances, which are re-amortized over the remaining life of the mortgages. The variable rate notes are subject to prepayment penalties during the first three years.

All mortgage financings are subject to annual covenants, including various minimum fixed charge coverage ratios.  The Company was in compliance with the covenants for the Variable Mortgages and the Fixed Mortgages as of January 1, 2006.  As of January 1, 2006, the Company was not in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio related to the Milford Mortgage. The Company obtained a waiver from the Milford Mortgage lender on March 7, 2006 waiving this covenant requirement for the year ended January 1, 2006.  On April 5, 2006, an amendment was made to the Milford Mortgage changing the fixed charge coverage ratio.  The amendment was effective as of the date of the Loan Agreement, September 30, 2005.

In 2003 and 2004, the Company purchased or redeemed all of its remaining outstanding 10.5% senior notes in a series of transactions. In February 2004, the Company announced a cash tender offer and consent solicitation for $176,000,000 of its 10.5% senior notes which was financed with the proceeds from a $175,000,000 private offering of new 8.375% senior notes (the “Senior Notes”), available cash and its Credit Facility. In March 2004, $127,357,000 of aggregate principal amount of the 10.5% senior notes was purchased at the tender offer and consent solicitation price of 104% of the principal amount and $476,000 of aggregate principal amount of 10.5% senior notes were purchased at the tender offer price of 102% of the principal amount. In April 2004, the remaining $48,144,000 of the 10.5% senior notes was redeemed in accordance with the 10.5% senior notes indenture at 103.5% of the principal amount.

The $175,000,000 of Senior Notes issued in March 2004 are unsecured senior obligations of FICC, guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by FICC’s Friendly’s Restaurants Franchise, Inc. subsidiary, but are effectively subordinated to all secured indebtedness of FICC, including the indebtedness incurred under the Company’s Credit Facility. The Senior Notes mature on June 15, 2012. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable at 8.375% per annum semi-annually on June 15 and December 15 of each year.  The Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after June 15, 2008 at FICC’s option at redemption prices from 104.188% to 100.00%, based on the redemption date.  In addition, at any time prior to June 15, 2007, FICC may redeem, subject to certain conditions, up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes with the proceeds of one or more qualified equity offerings, as defined, at a redemption price of 108.375% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest.

20




 

The Company has a $35,000,000 Credit Facility which is available for borrowings to provide working capital, for issuances of letters of credit and for other corporate needs. As of October 1, 2006 and January 1, 2006, total letters of credit outstanding were $15,974,000. During 2006 and 2005, there were no drawings against the letters of credit.  The revolving credit loans bear interest at the Company’s option at either (a) the base rate plus the applicable margin as in effect from time to time (the “Base Rate”) (10.25% at October 1, 2006) or (b) the Eurodollar rate plus the applicable margin as in effect from time to time (the “Eurodollar Rate”) (9.32% at October 1, 2006). As of October 1, 2006 and January 1, 2006, there were no revolving credit loans outstanding. As of October 1, 2006 and January 1, 2006, $19,026,000 was available for borrowing.

The Credit Facility has an annual “clean-up” provision which obligates the Company to repay in full any and all outstanding revolving credit loans for a period of not less than 15 consecutive days during the period beginning on or after May 1 and ending on or before June 15 (or the next business day, if, in any year, June 15 is not a business day) of each calendar year, such that immediately following the date of such repayment, the amount of all outstanding revolving credit loans shall be zero.  The Credit Facility includes certain restrictive covenants including limitations on indebtedness, restricted payments such as dividends and stock repurchases, liens, mergers, investments and sales of assets and of subsidiary stock. Additionally, the Credit Facility limits the amount which the Company may spend on capital expenditures, restricts the use of proceeds, as defined, from asset sales and requires that the Company comply with certain financial covenants. On March 15, 2006, the Company amended and restated the Credit Facility as of December 30, 2005 to, among other things, (i) revise certain financial covenants (including leverage, interest coverage, minimum EBITDA and the deletion of the tangible net worth covenant) beginning with the fourth quarter of 2005 and extending through the Credit Facility maturity date of June 30, 2007 and (ii) permit certain transactions to be excluded from the annual capital expenditures limit.  The Company was in compliance with the covenants in the Credit Facility as of October 1, 2006.

On August 1, 2006, the Company further amended its $35,000,000 Credit Facility to, among other things, (i) extend the maturity date from June 30, 2007 to June 30, 2010, (ii) eliminate the interest coverage requirement and (iii) reduce by .50% to .75% the applicable margin rates at which the revolving credit loans bear interest to a range of 3.00% to 4.00% (depending on the leverage ratio).

The Company incurred approximately $473,000 of costs associated with this amendment to the $35,000,000 Credit Facility which will be deferred and amortized over the life of the amended $35,000,000 Credit Facility.

21




 

9. INSURANCE RECOVERY

On February 25, 2003, S. Prestley Blake (“Blake”), holder of approximately 10% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, sued Friendly’s and its Chairman in a purported derivative action in Hampden Superior Court, Massachusetts. The suit alleges breach of fiduciary duty and misappropriation of corporate assets in that Friendly’s paid certain expenses relating to a corporate jet and the Chairman’s use of that jet and use of an office in Illinois.  The suit seeks to require the Chairman to reimburse Friendly’s and for Friendly’s to pay Blake’s attorneys’ fees.  Friendly’s and its Chairman have denied Blake’s allegations and are vigorously defending the lawsuit.

On June 27, 2005, Mr. Blake sent a demand letter to the Company’s Board of Directors demanding that its Board of Directors address his concerns and beliefs that are subject to the litigation filed on February 25, 2003. On July 14, 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors formed a special litigation committee consisting solely of independent directors (the “Committee”) to investigate the concerns and beliefs raised in Blake’s demand letter dated June 27, 2005.  The Committee issued its report on October 24, 2005 and a supplemental report on November 30, 2005.  Based on its findings, the Committee filed a Motion to Dismiss the claims made by Mr. Blake.  On May 24, 2006, the Court denied the Committee’s motion to dismiss and allowed the joinder, as defendants, of current Board members Steven L. Ezzes, Michael J. Daly and Burton J. Manning, and former Board member Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., and The Restaurant Company, The Restaurant Holding Corporation and TRC Realty, LLC.

On July 26, 2006, director defendants Michael J. Daly, Steven L. Ezzes, and Burton J. Manning, and former director defendant Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., filed motions to dismiss the claims brought against them for failure to state a claim on the grounds that both the exculpatory provision in the Company’s Restated Articles of Organization and the business judgment rule barred plaintiff’s claims.  The Court heard oral argument on these defendants’ motions on September 20, 2006 and took the motions under advisement.  The Court has set a deadline for fact discovery of May 31, 2007, with a trial, if necessary, to begin on January 7, 2008.

On January 27, 2006, the Company initiated litigation against its insurance carrier to recoup defense expenses related to the Blake litigation.  On September 27, 2006, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with its insurance carrier which provides, in part, for 1) a lump sum payment to settle past disputed expenses and 2) clarification of coverage of future defense expenses related to this matter.

During the quarter ended October 1, 2006, pursuant to the settlement agreement with the Company’s insurance carrier, the Company received insurance recoveries of $550,000 related to costs and expenses incurred related to the above matter.  Additionally, the Company has recorded a receivable for insurance recoveries to the extent defense expenses have been incurred and realization of a related insurance claim is probable. As of October 1, 2006, the receivable for insurance recoveries totaled $646,000.

22




 

10. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FICC’s obligation related to the Senior Notes is guaranteed fully and unconditionally by one of FICC’s wholly owned subsidiaries. There are no restrictions on FICC’s ability to obtain dividends or other distributions of funds from this subsidiary, except those imposed by applicable law. The following supplemental financial information sets forth, on a condensed consolidating basis, balance sheets, statements of operations and statements of cash flows for FICC (the “Parent Company”), Friendly’s Restaurants Franchise, Inc. (the “Guarantor Subsidiary”) and Friendly’s International, Inc., Restaurant Insurance Corporation, Friendly’s Realty I, LLC, Friendly’s Realty II, LLC and Friendly’s Realty III, LLC (collectively, the “Non-guarantor Subsidiaries”). All of the limited liability companies’ (the “LLCs”) assets were owned by the LLCs, which are separate entities with separate creditors which will be entitled to be satisfied out of the LLCs’ assets. Separate complete financial statements and other disclosures of the Guarantor Subsidiary as of October 1, 2006 and January 1, 2006 and for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005 were not presented because management has determined that such information is not material to investors.

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the Parent Company on the equity method for purposes of the supplemental consolidating presentation. Earnings of the subsidiaries are, therefore, reflected in the Parent Company’s investment accounts and earnings. The principal elimination entries eliminate the Parent Company’s investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions.

23




Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of October 1, 2006
(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantor

 

guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

Subsidiary

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

24,528

 

$

1,196

 

$

2,306

 

$

 

$

28,030

 

Restricted cash

 

 

 

213

 

 

213

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

14,648

 

1,977

 

 

 

16,625

 

Inventories

 

15,983

 

 

 

 

15,983

 

Assets held for sale

 

1,119

 

 

 

 

1,119

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

26

 

 

(26

)

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

6,298

 

2,278

 

7,785

 

(12,185

)

4,176

 

Total current assets

 

62,576

 

5,477

 

10,304

 

(12,211

)

66,146

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

381

 

 

(381

)

 

Property and equipment, net

 

95,232

 

 

41,742

 

 

136,974

 

Intangibles and deferred costs, net

 

16,104

 

 

2,082

 

 

18,186

 

Investments in subsidiaries

 

2,333

 

 

 

(2,333

)

 

Other assets

 

1,002

 

3,252

 

915

 

(3,252

)

1,917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

177,247

 

$

9,110

 

$

55,043

 

$

(18,177

)

$

223,223

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term obligations

 

$

9,313

 

$

 

$

1,507

 

$

(7,776

)

$

3,044

 

Accounts payable

 

22,221

 

 

 

 

22,221

 

Deferred income taxes

 

131

 

 

 

(131

)

 

Accrued expenses

 

43,891

 

4,507

 

1,281

 

(4,186

)

45,493

 

Total current liabilities

 

75,556

 

4,507

 

2,788

 

(12,093

)

70,758

 

Deferred income taxes

 

276

 

 

 

(276

)

 

Long-term obligations, less current maturities

 

181,049

 

 

47,703

 

 

228,752

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

56,964

 

1,067

 

5,755

 

(3,475

)

60,311

 

Stockholders’ (deficit) equity

 

(136,598

)

3,536

 

(1,203

)

(2,333

)

(136,598

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit) equity

 

$

177,247

 

$

9,110

 

$

55,043

 

$

(18,177

)

$

223,223

 

 

24




 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended October 1, 2006
(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantor

 

guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

Subsidiary

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

138,783

 

$

3,101

 

$

 

$

 

$

141,884

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

53,221

 

 

 

 

53,221

 

Labor and benefits

 

35,972

 

 

 

 

35,972

 

Operating expenses and write-downs of property and equipment

 

30,483

 

 

(1,641

)

 

28,842

 

General and administrative expenses

 

9,220

 

1,154

 

 

 

10,374

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

5,085

 

 

551

 

 

5,636

 

Gain on franchise sales of restaurant operations and properties

 

(80

)

 

 

 

(80

)

Loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net

 

473

 

 

61

 

 

534

 

Interest expense, net

 

3,974

 

 

1,087

 

 

5,061

 

Other income

 

(329

)

 

 

 

(329

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before benefit from (provision for) income taxes and equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

 

764

 

1,947

 

(58

)

 

2,653

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit from (provision for) income taxes

 

205

 

(798

)

(57

)

 

(650

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

969

 

1,149

 

(115

)

 

2,003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

(32

)

 

 

 

(32

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

 

937

 

1,149

 

(115

)

 

1,971

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

 

1,034

 

 

 

(1,034

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

1,971

 

$

1,149

 

$

(115

)

$

(1,034

)

$

1,971

 

 

25




 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended October 1, 2006
(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantor

 

guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

Subsidiary

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues

 

$

400,314

 

$

8,775

 

$

 

$

 

$

409,089

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

153,545

 

 

 

 

153,545

 

Labor and benefits

 

108,927

 

 

 

 

108,927

 

Operating expenses and write- downs of property and equipment

 

84,787

 

 

(4,915

)

 

79,872

 

General and administrative expenses

 

29,455

 

3,465

 

 

 

32,920

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

15,515

 

 

1,641

 

 

17,156

 

Gain on franchise sales of restaurant operations and properties

 

(2,091

)

 

 

 

(2,091

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net

 

845

 

 

164

 

 

1,009

 

Interest expense, net

 

12,375

 

 

3,253

 

 

15,628

 

Other income

 

(329

)

 

 

 

(329

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income before benefit from (provision for) income taxes and equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

 

(2,715

)

5,310

 

(143

)

 

2,452

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit from (provision for) income taxes

 

1,446

 

(2,177

)

(169

)

 

(900

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations

 

(1,269

)

3,133

 

(312

)

 

1,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense

 

3,258

 

 

 

 

3,258

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

 

1,989

 

3,133

 

(312

)

 

4,810

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

 

2,821

 

 

 

(2,821

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

4,810

 

$

3,133

 

$

(312

)

$

(2,821

)

$

4,810

 

 

26




Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended October 1, 2006
(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantor

 

guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

Subsidiary

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

17,745

 

$

416

 

$

3,287

 

$

(706

)

$

20,742

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(13,167

)

 

(865

)

 

(14,032

)

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

 

9,396

 

 

 

 

9,396

 

Return of investment in subsidiary

 

677

 

 

 

(677

)

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(3,094

)

 

(865

)

(677

)

(4,636

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from borrowings under revolving credit facility

 

8,000

 

 

 

 

8,000

 

Repayments of obligations

 

(9,112

)

 

(1,004

)

 

(10,116

)

Payments of deferred financing costs

 

(636

)

 

 

 

(636

)

Stock options exercised

 

79

 

 

 

 

79

 

Reinsurance payments made from deposits

 

 

 

(706

)

706

 

 

Dividends paid

 

 

 

(677

)

677

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(1,669

)

 

(2,387

)

1,383

 

(2,673

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

12,982

 

416

 

35

 

 

13,433

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

11,546

 

780

 

2,271

 

 

14,597

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

24,528

 

$

1,196

 

$

2,306

 

$

 

$

28,030

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

8,245

 

$

 

$

3,210

 

$

 

$

11,455

 

Income taxes (refunded) paid

 

(3,078

)

2,579

 

171

 

 

(328

)

Non-cash dividend paid to parent

 

5,000

 

(5,000

)

 

 

 

 

27




Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of January 1, 2006
(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantor

 

guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

Subsidiary

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

11,546

 

$

780

 

$

2,271

 

$

 

$

14,597

 

Restricted cash

 

 

 

2,549

 

 

2,549

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

9,036

 

1,721

 

 

 

10,757

 

Inventories

 

15,775

 

 

 

 

15,775

 

Assets held for sale

 

1,157

 

 

 

 

1,157

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(131

)

26

 

 

105

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

7,571

 

2,565

 

7,785

 

(12,877

)

5,044

 

Total current assets

 

44,954

 

5,092

 

12,605

 

(12,772

)

49,879

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(276

)

381

 

 

(105

)

 

Property and equipment, net

 

100,780

 

 

42,510

 

 

143,290

 

Intangibles and deferred costs, net

 

16,808

 

 

2,255

 

 

19,063

 

Investments in subsidiaries

 

5,188

 

 

 

(5,188

)

 

Other assets

 

5,095

 

5,118

 

915

 

(5,118

)

6,010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

172,549

 

$

10,591

 

$

58,285

 

$

(23,183

)

$

218,242

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term obligations

 

$

9,253

 

$

 

$

1,368

 

$

(7,776

)

$

2,845

 

Accounts payable

 

24,968

 

 

 

 

24,968

 

Accrued expenses

 

37,237

 

4,258

 

1,825

 

(4,844

)

38,476

 

Total current liabilities

 

71,458

 

4,258

 

3,193

 

(12,620

)

66,289

 

Long-term obligations, less current maturities

 

182,221

 

 

48,846

 

 

231,067

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

60,708

 

930

 

6,461

 

(5,375

)

62,724

 

Stockholders’ (deficit) equity

 

(141,838

)

5,403

 

(215

)

(5,188

)

(141,838

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit) equity

 

$

172,549

 

$

10,591

 

$

58,285

 

$

(23,183

)

$

218,242

 

 

28




 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended October 2, 2005
(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantor

 

guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

Subsidiary

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

138,305

 

$

2,836

 

$

 

$

 

$

141,141

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

53,537

 

 

 

 

53,537

 

Labor and benefits

 

37,260

 

 

 

 

37,260

 

Operating expenses and write- downs of property and equipment

 

30,271

 

 

(1,749

)

 

28,522

 

General and administrative expenses

 

7,106

 

1,155

 

1

 

 

8,262

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

5,103

 

 

552

 

 

5,655

 

Loss on franchise sales of restaurant operations and properties

 

7

 

 

 

 

7

 

Loss (gain) on disposals of other property and equipment, net

 

2,337

 

 

(2,156

)

 

181

 

Interest expense, net

 

4,064

 

 

1,132

 

 

5,196

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income before benefit from (provision for) income taxes and equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

 

(1,380

)

1,681

 

2,220

 

 

2,521

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit from (provision for) income taxes

 

642

 

(689

)

(54

)

 

(101

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations

 

(738

)

992

 

2,166

 

 

2,420

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense

 

987

 

 

 

 

987

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

 

249

 

992

 

2,166

 

 

3,407

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

 

3,158

 

 

 

(3,158

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

3,407

 

$

992

 

$

2,166

 

$

(3,158

)

$

3,407

 

 

29




 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended October 2, 2005
(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantor

 

guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

Subsidiary

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

399,575

 

$

8,322

 

$

 

$

 

$

407,897

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

155,011

 

 

 

 

155,011

 

Labor and benefits

 

110,820

 

 

 

 

110,820

 

Operating expenses and write- downs of property and equipment

 

84,947

 

 

(5,247

)

 

79,700

 

General and administrative expenses

 

24,773

 

3,465

 

1

 

 

28,239

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

15,771

 

 

1,667

 

 

17,438

 

Gain on franchise sales of restaurant operations and properties

 

(2,521

)

 

 

 

(2,521

)

Loss (gain) on disposals of other property and equipment, net

 

2,679

 

 

(2,156

)

 

523

 

Interest expense, net

 

12,334

 

 

3,377

 

 

15,711

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income before benefit from (provision for) income taxes and equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

 

(4,239

)

4,857

 

2,358

 

 

2,976

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit from (provision for) income taxes

 

1,627

 

(1,991

)

(161

)

 

(525

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations

 

(2,612

)

2,866

 

2,197

 

 

2,451

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense

 

487

 

 

 

 

487

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income before equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

 

(2,125

)

2,866

 

2,197

 

 

2,938

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

 

5,063

 

 

 

(5,063

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

2,938

 

$

2,866

 

$

2,197

 

$

(5,063

)

$

2,938

 

 

30




 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended October 2, 2005
(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantor

 

guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

Subsidiary

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

20,437

 

$

(190

)

$

676

 

$

(634

)

$

20,289

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(11,511

)

 

 

 

(11,511

)

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

 

3,358

 

 

2,872

 

 

6,230

 

Purchases of marketable securities

 

(499

)

 

 

 

(499

)

Proceeds from sales of marketable securities

 

163

 

 

 

 

163

 

Return of investment in subsidiary

 

378

 

 

 

(378

)

 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 

(8,111

)

 

2,872

 

(378

)

(5,617

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from borrowings under revolving credit facility

 

16,250

 

 

 

 

16,250

 

Proceeds from issuance of mortgage

 

1,115

 

 

 

 

1,115

 

Repayments of obligations

 

(21,399

)

 

(903

)

 

(22,302

)

Payments of deferred financing costs

 

(43

)

 

 

 

(43

)

Stock options exercised

 

1,037

 

 

 

 

1,037

 

Reinsurance deposits received

 

 

 

114

 

(114

)

 

Reinsurance payments made from deposits

 

 

 

(748

)

748

 

 

Dividends paid

 

 

 

(378

)

378

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(3,040

)

 

(1,915

)

1,012

 

(3,943

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

9,286

 

(190

)

1,633

 

 

10,729

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

9,873

 

1,360

 

2,172

 

 

13,405

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

19,159

 

$

1,170

 

$

3,805

 

$

 

$

24,134

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

7,982

 

$

 

$

3,396

 

$

 

$

11,378

 

Income taxes (refunded) paid

 

(2,057

)

2,584

 

159

 

 

686

 

Capital lease obligations terminated

 

51

 

 

 

 

51

 

 

31




 

Item 2.                          Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the notes thereto included elsewhere herein.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements contained herein that are not historical facts constitute “forward looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “will” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements.  Forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the sufficiency of our capital resources, changes in commodity prices, anticipated capital expenditures, costs and expenses of litigation, including anticipated insurance recoveries relating to litigation, anticipated pension plan contributions, our plans with respect to restaurant openings, closings, re-imagings and re-franchisings, our ability to find a suitable replacement chief executive officer and estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our financial statements.  All forward looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These factors include: our highly competitive business environment; exposure to fluctuating commodity prices; risks associated with the foodservice industry, such as changes in consumer tastes and adverse publicity resulting from food quality, illness, injury or other health concerns; the ability to retain and attract new and qualified employees; government regulations; high geographic concentration in the Northeast and its attendant weather patterns; conditions needed to meet restaurant re-imaging and new opening targets; risks and uncertainties arising out of accounting estimates and adjustments; our ability to service our debt and other obligations; our ability to meet ongoing financial covenants contained in our debt instruments, loan agreements, leases and other long-term commitments; and costs associated with improved service and other initiatives. Other factors that may cause actual results to differ from the forward looking statements contained herein and that may affect our prospects in general are included in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We are not obligated to update any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Overview

Our revenues are derived primarily from the operation of full-service restaurants, the distribution and sale of premium ice cream desserts through retail locations and franchising. As of October 1, 2006, we operated 307 full-service restaurants, franchised 210 full-service restaurants and seven non-traditional units and manufactured a full line of premium ice cream dessert products distributed through more than 4,500 supermarkets and other retail locations in 13 states.

Following is a summary of the Company-operated and franchised units:

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Company Units:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

309

 

332

 

314

 

347

 

Openings

 

 

 

2

 

1

 

Refranchised closings

 

(2

)

 

(6

)

(10

)

Closings

 

 

(2

)

(3

)

(8

)

End of period

 

307

 

330

 

307

 

330

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franchised Units:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

217

 

205

 

213

 

195

 

Refranchised openings

 

2

 

 

6

 

10

 

Openings

 

1

 

 

2

 

2

 

Closings

 

(3

)

 

(4

)

(2

)

End of period

 

217

 

205

 

217

 

205

 

 

32




 

Discontinued Operations

During December 2005, we closed seven restaurants and committed to a plan to sell those seven restaurants as well as four restaurants that were closed in 2004. During the nine months ended October 1, 2006, we sold seven of these restaurants.  At October 1, 2006, the remaining four properties and one additional property closed during the nine months ended October 1, 2006 met the criteria for “held for sale” as defined in SFAS No. 144.

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, the results of operations of the seven properties that were disposed of during the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and the 14 properties that were disposed of during 2005 and the related net gain on the disposals, as well as the results of operations of the properties held for sale at October 1, 2006, were reported separately as discontinued operations.

Three Months Ended October 1, 2006 Compared With Three Months Ended October 2, 2005

Revenues:

Total revenues - Total revenues increased $0.8 million, or 0.5%, to $141.9 million for the three months ended October 1, 2006 from $141.1 million for the same quarter in 2005.

Restaurant revenues - Restaurant revenues decreased $1.8 million, or 1.7%, to $104.8 million for the three months ended October 1, 2006 from $106.6 million for the same period in 2005. Comparable Company-operated restaurant revenues during this period increased by $0.8 million, or 1.7% compared to the 4.0% decline experienced in the third quarter of 2005 following higher prices for gasoline, especially during the three weeks in September 2005 post hurricane Katrina.  The opening of three new restaurants over the past 15 months increased revenues by $1.0 million.  These increases were more than offset by the closing of three locations and the re-franchising of 11 locations over the past 15 months resulting in declines of $0.6 million and $3.0 million, respectively, in restaurant revenues in the third quarter of 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005.

There were no new restaurants opened during the third quarters of 2006 or 2005; a total of 36 restaurants were remodeled during the 2006 quarter as compared to two restaurants remodeled during the 2005 quarter.

Foodservice revenues - Foodservice revenues (product sales to franchisees and retail customers) increased $2.1 million, or 6.7%, to $32.9 million for the three months ended October 1, 2006 from $30.8 million for the three months ended October 2, 2005. Sales to foodservice retail supermarket customers increased $0.9 million in the three months ended October 1, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. Case volume was up 14.4% during the three month period ended October 1, 2006 from the same quarter in 2005 primarily driven by increased promotional activity in key New England accounts and the continued development and growth of our retail cake business.  An increase in promotional trade spending and sales allowances of 5.0% of sales during the quarter partially offset the increase in revenues resulting from the increased volume.  Franchised restaurant product revenue increased by $1.2 million. Revenues from product sales to franchisees increased due to the additional number of operating franchised restaurants, 217 at the end of the third quarter of 2006 compared to 205 at the end of the third quarter of 2005; however, this was partially offset by lower product shipments resulting from a 1.7% reduction in comparable franchised restaurant revenues during the quarter.

Franchise revenues - Franchise revenues increased $0.4 million, or 11.8%, to $4.2 million for the three months ended October 1, 2006 compared to $3.8 million for the same period in 2005.

Royalties of $3.0 million during the third quarter of 2006 increased by $0.1 million compared to the same period in 2005. Total royalties increased due to the opening of six new franchised restaurants and the re-franchising of 11 restaurants during the last 15 months, but were partially offset by the closing of five under-performing locations during the same period and a 1.7% reduction in comparable franchised restaurant revenues which was experienced during the third quarter of 2006.

33




 

Initial franchise fees of $0.1 million increased by $0.1 million for the three months ended October 1, 2006 when compared to the same period in 2005, resulting from the refranchising of two Company-operated locations and one new location opening during the quarter ended October 1, 2006, against no refranchised or new location openings during the quarter ended October 2, 2005.

Rental income for leased and subleased franchise locations increased by $0.2 million to a total of $1.1 million for the three months ended October 1, 2006 from the same period in 2005, due to an increase in the number of operating franchised restaurants.

Cost of sales:

Cost of sales decreased $0.3 million, or 0.6%, to $53.2 million for the three months ended October 1, 2006 from $53.5 million for the same period in 2005. Cost of sales as a percentage of total revenues was 37.5% and 37.9% for the three months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively. This improvement resulted from a combination of lower cost of sales within the restaurant segment of 1.1% and lower cost of sales within the foodservice segment of 0.9%, which was partially offset due to a slightly unfavorable shift in sales mix away from Company restaurant revenues (which carried a lower cost of sales percentage of 26.2%) to foodservice revenues (which carried a higher cost of sales percentage of 78.5%) during the third quarter of 2006. Company restaurant revenues declined as a percentage of total revenue from 75.5% in the third quarter of 2005 to 73.9% in the third quarter of 2006, while foodservice revenues increased as a percentage of total revenues from 21.8% in the third quarter of 2005 to 23.2% in the third quarter of 2006.

Restaurant cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant revenues decreased to 26.2% in the third quarter of 2006 from 27.3% in the third quarter of 2005. This improvement was due to menu price increases of approximately 3.9% and product re-formulations, as overall prices for food commodities were generally flat against the prior year quarter.  Decreases in commodity prices for certain meat, poultry, fish and dairy products (primarily cream) were offset by increases in commodity prices for certain other food product categories, such as frozen foods (french fries) and beverages.

Foodservice cost of sales as a percentage of foodservice revenues decreased to 78.5% in the third quarter of 2006 from 79.4% in the third quarter of 2005. This improvement is primarily a result of lower cream costs in the third quarter of 2006 compared to the same period in 2005.

The cost of cream, the principal ingredient used in making ice cream, affects cost of sales as a percentage of total revenues, especially in our foodservice retail business. Cream is priced directly off of AA butter prices quoted on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.  As an example, a $0.10 increase in the cost of a pound of AA butter adversely affects our annual cost of sales by approximately $0.9 million.  This adverse impact may be offset by price increases or other factors. However, no assurance can be given that we will be able to offset any cost increases in the future and future increases in cream prices could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. To minimize risk, alternative supply sources continue to be pursued.

The overall cost of cream was approximately $1.4 million lower in the three month period ended October 1, 2006 (weighted average price of $1.18 per pound) when compared to the same period in 2005 (weighted average price of $1.62 per pound); additionally, market gains on cash-settled butter futures contracts were $0.1 million greater than the losses experienced on butter future contracts during the third quarter of 2005.  Approximately 70% of this $1.5 million net cost of sales benefit in the third quarter, or approximately $1.0 million, was reported within our foodservice segment.

We enter into commodity option contracts from time to time to manage dairy cost pressures. Our commodity option contracts do not meet hedge accounting criteria as defined by SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and its related amendment, SFAS No. 138, “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities”, and, accordingly, are marked to market each period with the resulting gains or losses recognized in cost of sales.

For the remainder of 2006, we expect that cream prices will be lower than the prices experienced for the same period in 2005 due to the wide spread in the nearby futures market compared to the actual prices of late last year.

34




 

On September 19, 2005, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange launched the first electronically traded, cash-settled butter futures contract.  This new futures contract is designed to meet the needs of food and dairy companies that have exposure to butterfat price risk but do not want to expose themselves to the possibility of being compelled to take physical delivery of butter.  The size of the contract is 20,000 pounds of AA butter, versus the traditional butter futures contract, which is 40,000 pounds.  The contract is cash settled based upon the USDA monthly weighted average price for butter in the United States.  With this new type of futures contract, there is no risk of delivery of butter; therefore, it offers us the ability to hedge the price risk of cream (on a butter basis) without having to take delivery of commodity butter.  We have evaluated this new hedging instrument and believe it is an attractive way to hedge the price risk related to cream. At October 1, 2006, we held 56 contracts spread over the remaining months of 2006. These contracts correspond to approximately 20% of our anticipated cream purchases for the remainder of the year. Additionally, we held 26 contracts spanning the period of January 2007 to June 2007, which provide approximately 13% coverage for that time period’s manufacturing requirements.

Labor and benefits:

Labor and benefits, which were only reported within our restaurant segment, decreased $1.3 million, or 3.5%, to $36.0 million for the three months ended October 1, 2006 from $37.3 million for the three months ended October 2, 2005. As a percentage of total revenues, labor and benefits decreased to 25.4% in the third quarter of 2006 from 26.4% in the third quarter of 2005. This reduction was primarily due to the shift in sales mix away from Company restaurant revenues to foodservice revenues and to a decrease in labor and benefits as a percentage of Company restaurant revenue to 34.3% in the third quarter of 2006 as compared to 35.0% in the third quarter of 2005.

Labor decreased by 0.7% of Company restaurant revenues, primarily related to menu price increases of 3.9%, which offset an approximately 1.7% increase in average hourly rates of crew level employees and an increase in general manager compensation of 6.5% due to higher bonuses realized from the positive comparable Company restaurant revenues achieved during the quarter.  Fringe benefits decreased by 0.1% of Company restaurant revenues, due mostly to a slight reduction in group insurance related claims.

Operating expenses:

Operating expenses remained flat at $28.5 million for the three months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005. Operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 20.1% and 20.2% in the 2006 and 2005 periods, respectively. A significant portion of these expenses ($27.3 million in both 2006 and 2005) were reported within our restaurant segment. In the third quarter of 2006, these costs consisted of $4.1 million in supplies, $5.3 million in utilities, $3.6 million in maintenance and cleaning, $5.3 million in advertising, $5.4 million in occupancy and $3.6 million in other restaurant expenses. A decrease of $0.4 million in advertising costs during the third quarter of 2006 offset a $0.4 million increase in utilities.

General and administrative expenses:

General and administrative expenses increased $2.1 million, or 25.6%, to $10.4 million for the three months ended October 1, 2006 from $8.3 million for the three months ended October 2, 2005. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues increased to 7.3% in the 2006 period from 5.9% in the 2005 period. The $2.1 million increase is primarily the result of increases in bonus ($1.9 million) as the majority of bonus expense was reversed in the 2005 quarter as a result of our shortfall to plan, severance costs ($0.6 million), employment agency fees ($0.2 million), pension costs ($0.1 million) and stock compensation expense ($0.1 million).  These increases were partially offset by reduced legal fees ($0.3 million) and lower other professional services ($0.4 million).

Effective September 28, 2006, John Cutter resigned as our President and Chief Executive Officer to pursue other interests. We have recorded estimated separation costs of $0.6 million associated with his resignation.  These separation costs account for the majority of the severance costs above.

35




 

The decrease in legal fees was primarily due to insurance recoveries received pursuant to a settlement agreement with our insurance company in connection with costs and expenses we have incurred in the defense of the ongoing shareholder derivative lawsuit brought by S. Prestley Blake against us and certain of our directors.  Pursuant to the settlement agreement, during the quarter ended October 1, 2006, we received insurance recoveries of $0.5 million for costs and expenses incurred and we recorded a receivable in the amount of $0.6 million for expected additional insurance recoveries.  Although we have received certain insurance recoveries and may receive additional recoveries in the future, we expect to continue to incur additional legal fees in the defense of this lawsuit.

Stock-based compensation expense:

On January 2, 2006, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” (“SFAS No. 123R”), using the modified prospective application method. Compensation cost was calculated on the date of grant using the fair value of the options as determined by the Black-Scholes valuation model. The Black-Scholes valuation model requires us to make several assumptions, including volatility. We have considered the guidance in SFAS No. 123R and believe that our historical estimated volatility is materially indicative of expectations about future volatility.

During the three months ended October 1, 2006, we recognized $0.1 million of total stock-based compensation expense as a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, which was included in general and administrative expenses.  We expect to recognize an additional $0.1 million of stock compensation expense during the remainder of 2006 related to the awards outstanding at October 1, 2006.

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, we accounted for share-based payments to employees using APB Opinion No. 25’s, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” intrinsic value method and, as such, generally recognized no compensation cost for employee stock options. The adoption of SFAS No. 123R under the modified prospective application method allowed us to recognize compensation cost (a) based on the requirement of SFAS 123R for all share-based payments granted after the effective date and (b) based on the requirements of SFAS No. 123 for all awards granted to employees prior to the effective date of SFAS No. 123R that remain unvested on the effective date. Under the modified prospective application method, prior periods were not restated for the effect of SFAS No. 123R. We used the straight-line attribution method to recognize expense for all grants made.

As of October 1, 2006, there was $0.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based awards. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years.

See Note 3 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information regarding our adoption of SFAS No. 123R.

Write-downs of property and equipment:

During the three months ended October 1, 2006, we determined that the carrying value of one restaurant property exceeded the estimated fair value less costs to sell and the carrying value was reduced by $0.3 million accordingly.  There were no such write-downs during the quarter ended October 2, 2005.

Depreciation and amortization:

Depreciation and amortization was $5.6 million and $5.7 million for the three months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively. Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of total revenues was 4.0% in both the 2006 and 2005 quarters.

(Gain) loss on franchise sales of restaurant operations and properties:

During the three months ended October 1, 2006, we recognized a gain of $0.1 million associated with the sale of certain equipment assets, lease and sublease rights and franchise rights in one existing Company-operated restaurant located in Metuchen, New Jersey.

36




 

Loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net:

The loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net was $0.5 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively.  The table below identifies the components of the loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net as shown on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Restaurant equipment assets retired due to remodeling

 

$

438

 

$

 

Restaurant equipment assets retired due to replacement

 

80

 

51

 

Gain due to restaurant flood

 

(5

)

 

All other

 

21

 

130

 

Loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net

 

$

534

 

$

181

 

 

Interest expense, net:

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest and interest income, was $5.1 million and $5.2 million for the three months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively. The decrease in interest expense in the 2006 period compared to the same period in 2005 was primarily due to increased interest income as a result of increased cash and lower interest rates on our mortgage financing.

Other income:

During the three months ended October 1, 2006, we received $0.1 million in settlement of a title insurance class action lawsuit in which we were a class member.  Additionally, we received confirmation of a $0.2 million settlement related to a Mastercard/Visa class action lawsuit in which we were a class member.

Provision for income taxes:

The provision for income taxes was $0.7 million for the three months ended October 1, 2006. As a result of our intent to continue recording a full valuation allowance on tax benefits until we can sustain an appropriate level of profitability, the provision was based on an estimate of our current taxes payable through the third quarter of 2006. The provision for income taxes was $0.1 million, an effective tax rate of 4.0%, for the three months ended October 2, 2005.

Income from continuing operations:

Income from continuing operations was $2.0 million and $2.4 million for the three months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively, for the reasons discussed above.

37




 

(Loss) income from discontinued operations:

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” the results of operations of a component of an entity that either has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale and any related gain (loss) on the sales are reported in discontinued operations if both of the following conditions are met: (a) the operations and cash flows of the component have been (or will be) eliminated from the ongoing operations of the entity as a result of the disposal transaction and (b) the entity will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the component after the disposal transaction.

Reported in discontinued operations were the results of operations of the seven properties that were disposed of during the nine months ended October 1, 2006, the 14 properties disposed of during 2005 and the related net gain on disposals, as well as the results of operations of the properties held for sale at October 1, 2006.  For the quarters ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, this consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net sales

 

$

 

$

2,416

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating loss

 

(43

)

(280

)

Gain on disposals of property and equipment

 

11

 

1,952

 

Income tax expense

 

 

(685

)

(Loss) income from discontinued operations

 

$

(32

)

$

987

 

 

Nine Months Ended October 1, 2006 Compared With Nine Months Ended October 2, 2005

Revenues:

Total revenues - Total revenues increased $1.2 million, or 0.3%, to $409.1 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 from $407.9 million for the same period in 2005.

Restaurant revenues - Restaurant revenues decreased $3.8 million, or 1.2%, to $305.4 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 from $309.2 million for the same period in 2005. Comparable Company-operated restaurant revenues during this period increased by $2.9 million, or 1.4%.  Increases occurred in most dayparts, with the largest occurring during the dinner and afternoon snack periods.  Operating days lost due to weather closings were lower in 2006 when compared to 2005 as most markets in New England recorded higher than normal snowfall during the first quarter of 2005.  Additionally, the opening of four new restaurants over the past 21 months increased revenues by $3.5 million.  These increases were more than offset by the closing of three locations and the re-franchising of 14 locations over the past 18 months resulting in declines of $1.5 million and $8.7 million, respectively, in restaurant revenues in the nine months ended October 1, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005.

There were two new restaurants opened during the nine months ended October 1, 2006 compared to one new restaurant opened during the same period in 2005. There were 59 and nine restaurants remodeled during the 2006 period and the 2005 period, respectively.

38




 

Foodservice revenues—Foodservice revenues (product sales to franchisees and retail customers) increased $4.1 million, or 4.6%, to $91.9 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 from $87.8 million for the nine months ended October 2, 2005. Sales to foodservice retail supermarket customers increased $1.5 million in the nine months ended October 1, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. While case volume was up 6.2% primarily driven by increased promotional activity in key New England accounts and the continued development and growth of our retail cake business, higher promotional trade spending and sales allowances of 2.5% of sales during the period slightly offset the revenue increase resulting from the volume growth.  Franchised restaurant product revenue increased $2.6 million. Revenues from product sales to franchisees increased due to the additional number of operating franchised restaurants, 217 at the end of the nine months ended October 2, 2006 compared to 205 at the end of the nine months ended October 1, 2005; however, this increase in revenues was partially offset by lower product case shipments resulting from a 1.7% reduction in comparable franchised restaurant revenues during the first nine months of 2006 compared to the same period in 2005.

Franchise revenues— Franchise revenues increased $0.9 million, or 8.7%, to $11.8 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 compared to $10.9 million for the same period in 2005.

Royalties of $8.5 million increased $0.5 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005 due primarily to the opening of eight new franchise restaurants and 14 re-franchised restaurants during the last 18 months. The closing of six under-performing locations during the same period had little impact.  This increase in royalties was partially offset, however, by a 1.7% reduction in comparable franchised restaurant revenues which was experienced during the nine months ended October 1, 2006, compared to the 1.4% increase in comparable franchised restaurant revenues experienced in the nine months ended October 2, 2005.

Initial franchise fees of $0.3 million increased $0.1 million during the nine months ended October 1, 2006 when compared to the same period in 2005, resulting from the re- franchising of six Company-operated locations, including three to The Ice Cream Company (“TICC”) and two new location openings during the nine months ended October 1, 2006, against the refranchising of four Company-operated locations and two new location openings during the nine months ended October 2, 2005.

On May 22, 2006, TICC purchased, at fair market value, certain assets and leasehold rights for three existing Company-operated restaurants located in Lancaster and York, Pennsylvania.  At closing, TICC was also granted an exclusive right to develop six new Friendly’s restaurants in Lancaster, Chester and Montgomery counties, Pennsylvania by April 2012. Gross proceeds from this transaction were $1.7 million, of which $0.1 million was for initial franchise fees, $0.1 million was for development fees and $1.5 million was for the assets and rights at the three existing restaurants. During the nine months ended October 1, 2006, the Company recorded $0.1 million as franchise fee revenue.

The owners of TICC are family members of the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors. Prior to the closing of this transaction on May 22, 2006, TICC operated three Friendly’s restaurants under franchise agreements with Friendly’s Restaurants Franchise, Inc. (“FRFI”), a subsidiary of Friendly’s.  The terms of the franchise agreements with TICC are identical in all material respects to the terms generally offered to unrelated franchisees of FRFI in the ordinary course of Friendly’s business.

Rental income for leased and subleased franchise locations increased $0.5 million, to a total of $3.0 million, for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 primarily due an increase in the number of operating franchised restaurants.

39




 

Cost of sales:

Cost of sales decreased $1.5 million, or 0.9%, to $153.5 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 from $155.0 million for the same period in 2005. Cost of sales as a percentage of total revenues was 37.5% and 38.0% for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively. This improvement resulted from a combination of a reduction of cost of sales within the restaurant segment of 0.8% and a reduction of cost of sales within the foodservice segment of 1.6%, which was partially offset due to a slightly unfavorable shift in sales mix away from Company restaurant revenues (which carried a lower cost of sales percentage of 26.3%) to foodservice revenues (which carried a higher cost of sales percentage of 79.6%) during the nine months ended October 1, 2006. Company restaurant revenues declined as a percentage of total revenue from 75.8% in the 2005 period to 74.7% in the 2006 period, while foodservice revenues increased as a percentage of total revenues from 21.5% in the 2005 period to 22.5% in the 2006 period.

Restaurant cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant revenues decreased to 26.3% for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 from 27.1% for the same period in 2005. This improvement was due to menu price increases and product re-formulations, as overall prices for food commodities were generally flat against the prior year.  Decreases in commodity prices for certain meat, poultry, fish and dairy products (primarily cream) were offset by increases in commodity prices for certain other food product categories, such as frozen foods (french fries) and beverages.

Foodservice cost of sales as a percentage of foodservice revenues decreased to 79.6% in the nine months ended October 1, 2006 from 81.2% in the nine months ended October 2, 2005. This improvement was primarily a result of lower cream costs in the 2006 period compared to the same period in 2005.

The overall cost of cream was approximately $3.2 million lower in the nine month period ended October 1, 2006 (weighted average price of $1.22 per pound) when compared to the same period in 2005 (weighted average price of $1.63 per pound); however, market losses on cash-settled butter futures contracts were $0.2 million greater than the losses experienced on butter future contracts during the nine months ended October 2, 2005.  Approximately 70% of this $3.0 million net cost of sales benefit on a year to date basis, or approximately $2.1 million, was reported within our foodservice segment.

Labor and benefits:

Labor and benefits, which were only reported within our restaurant segment, decreased $1.9 million, or 1.7%, to $108.9 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 from $110.8 million for the nine months ended October 2, 2005. As a percentage of total revenues, labor and benefits decreased to 26.6% for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 from 27.2% for the nine months ended October 2, 2005. This reduction was due entirely to the shift in sales mix away from Company restaurant revenues to foodservice revenues. Labor and benefits, as a percentage of Company restaurant revenue only, decreased marginally to 35.7% for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 from 35.8% for the same period in 2005.

Operating expenses:

Operating expenses were $79.4 million for both nine month periods ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005. Operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 19.4% and 19.5% in the 2006 and 2005 periods, respectively. A significant portion of these expenses ($75.4 million in 2006 and $75.5 million in 2005) were reported within our restaurant segment. In the nine months ended October 1, 2006, these costs consisted of $11.7 million in supplies, $14.9 million in utilities, $10.1 million in maintenance and cleaning, $11.7 million in advertising, $16.0 million in occupancy and $11.0 million in other restaurant expenses. Decreases in advertising and maintenance and cleaning costs of $1.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively, were offset by higher costs for utilities and other restaurant expenses of $1.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively, in the 2006 period when compared to the 2005 period.

40




 

General and administrative expenses:

General and administrative expenses were $32.9 million and $28.2 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues increased to 8.0% in the 2006 period from 6.9% in the 2005 period. The $4.7 million increase was primarily the result of increases in bonus ($2.1 million) as the majority of bonus expense was reversed in the 2005 period as a result of our shortfall to plan, severance costs ($1.0 million), pension costs ($0.5 million), stock compensation expense ($0.2 million) and legal fees ($0.4 million).

Effective September 28, 2006, John Cutter resigned as our President and Chief Executive Officer to pursue other interests. We have recorded estimated separation costs of $0.6 million associated with his resignation.  These separation costs account for the majority of the severance costs noted above.

The increase in legal fees was primarily due to the ongoing shareholder derivative lawsuit filed by S. Prestley Blake against us and certain of our directors.  Pursuant to a settlement agreement with our insurance company in connection with costs and expenses we have incurred in the defense of this lawsuit, during the quarter ended October 1, 2006, we received insurance recoveries of $0.5 million and we recorded a receivable in the amount of $0.6 million for expected additional insurance recoveries.  Although we have received certain insurance recoveries and may receive additional recoveries in the future, we expect to continue to incur additional legal fees in the defense of this lawsuit.

Stock-based compensation expense:

During the nine months ended October 1, 2006, we recognized $0.3 million of total stock-based compensation expense as a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, which was included in general and administrative expenses.  We expect to recognize an additional $0.1 million of stock compensation expense during the remainder of 2006 related to the awards outstanding at October 1, 2006.

As of October 1, 2006, there was $0.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based awards. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years.

See Note 3 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information regarding our adoption of SFAS No. 123R.

Write-downs of property and equipment:

Write-downs of property and equipment were $0.5 million and $0.3 million in the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively. During the nine months ended October 1, 2006, we determined that the carrying values of two restaurant properties exceeded their estimated fair values less costs to sell and the carrying values were reduced by an aggregate of $0.5 million accordingly.  During the nine months ended October 2, 2005, the Company identified two restaurant properties to be disposed of other than by sale and determined that the carrying values of these restaurant properties exceeded their estimated undiscounted cash flows.  The carrying values were reduced by an aggregate of $0.3 million accordingly.

Depreciation and amortization:

Depreciation and amortization was $17.2 million and $17.4 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively. Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of total revenues was 4.2% and 4.3% in the 2006 and 2005 periods, respectively. The 2005 period was higher primarily due to a reduction of the lives of leasehold improvement assets as a result of management decisions to close certain leased properties sooner than previously anticipated.

41




 

Gain on franchise sales of restaurant operations and properties:

Gain on franchise sales of restaurant operations and properties was $2.1 million and $2.5 million in the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively. During the nine months ended October 1, 2006, we recognized gains of $2.1 million associated with the sale of certain equipment assets, lease and sublease rights and franchise rights in five existing Company-operated restaurants.  During the nine months ended October 2, 2005, we recognized a gain of $2.5 million associated with the sale of certain equipment assets, lease and sublease rights and franchise rights in four existing Company-operated restaurants.

Loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net:

The loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net was $1.0 million and $0.5 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively.  The table below identifies the components of the loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net as shown on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Restaurant equipment assets retired due to remodeling

 

$

734

 

$

220

 

Restaurant equipment assets retired due to replacement

 

222

 

146

 

Gain due to restaurant flood

 

(53

)

 

All other

 

106

 

157

 

Loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net

 

$

1,009

 

$

523

 

 

Interest expense, net:

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest and interest income, was $15.6 million and $15.7 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively. The decrease in interest expense in the 2006 period compared to the same period in 2005 was primarily due to reduced amounts of interest on capital leases and lower interest rates on our mortgage financing. Total outstanding debt, including capital lease and finance obligations, decreased from $234.9 million at October 2, 2005 to $231.8 million at October 1, 2006.

Other income:

During the nine months ended October 1, 2006, we received $0.1 million in settlement of a title insurance class action lawsuit in which we were a class member.  Additionally, we received confirmation of a $0.2 million settlement related to a Mastercard/Visa class action lawsuit in which we were a class member.

Provision for income taxes:

The provision for income taxes was $0.9 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2006. As a result of our intent to continue recording a full valuation allowance on tax benefits until we can sustain an appropriate level of profitability, the provision was based on an estimate of our current taxes payable through the third quarter of 2006.

The provision for income taxes was $0.5 million for the nine months ended October 2, 2005. The $0.5 million tax provision included $0.3 million of tax expense allocated specifically to continuing operations increased by an additional $0.2 million resulting from certain items then being discussed with the IRS, which have since been resolved.

42




 

Income from continuing operations:

Income from continuing operations was $1.6 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 compared to income from continuing operations of $2.5 million for the nine months ended October 2, 2005 for the reasons discussed above.

Income (loss) from discontinued operations:

Reported in discontinued operations were the results of operations of the seven properties that were disposed of during the nine months ended October 1, 2006, the 14 properties disposed of during 2005 and the related net gain on disposals, as well as the results of operations of the properties held for sale at October 1, 2006.  For the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, this consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 1,

 

October 2,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net sales

 

$

 

$

8,731

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating loss

 

(371

)

(1,101

)

Gain on disposals of property and equipment

 

4,079

 

1,926

 

Income tax expense

 

(450

)

(338

)

Income from discontinued operations

 

$

3,258

 

$

487

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General:

Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash generated from operations and, if needed, borrowings under our $35 million revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”). Additional sources of liquidity consist of capital and operating leases for financing leased restaurant locations (in malls and shopping centers and land or building leases), restaurant equipment, manufacturing equipment, distribution vehicles and computer equipment. Other sources of cash are sales of under-performing existing restaurant properties and other assets and re-franchising (to the extent FICC’s and its subsidiaries’ debt instruments permit). The amount of debt financing that FICC is able to incur is limited by the terms of our Credit Facility and 8.375% senior notes indenture. Below was the financing status of our operating restaurants and properties that we lease to our franchisees as of October 1, 2006:

 

Company
Operated

 

Franchise
Operated

 

Owned land and building, mortgaged

 

61

 

12

 

Leased land, owned building, mortgaged

 

1

 

0

 

Sold and leased back

 

57

 

3

 

Owned land and building

 

16

 

5

 

Leased land, owned building

 

68

 

25

 

Leased land and building

 

104

 

12

 

Total

 

307

 

57

 

 

43




 

The Company-operated restaurants above not identified as owned land and building, mortgaged or sold and leased back secure our obligations under the Credit Facility. Of the 16 restaurant properties identified as owned land and building, six were available to be sold.

In addition to our 307 operating restaurants, we have five closed properties that are classified as held for sale in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”.

Operating Cash Flows:

Net cash provided by operating activities was $20.7 million and $20.3 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively. Changes in working capital increased cash by $0.7 million as we received insurance recoveries of $0.7 million, $0.5 million of which is pursuant to a settlement agreement with our insurance company in connection with our claims for reimbursement of costs and expenses we have incurred in the defense of the ongoing shareholder derivative lawsuit brought by S. Prestley Blake against us and certain of our directors.  We also received cash refunds of federal income taxes and the release of escrow funds related to two previously mortgaged properties of $1.2 million and $1.7 million, respectively. These increases were partially offset by a contribution to our defined benefit cash balance pension plan of $2.2 million as a result of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and unfavorable changes in accounts receivable and accounts payable.  We anticipate an additional contribution to our defined benefit cash balance pension plan of approximately $3.5 million in 2008 as a result of the Pension Protection Act of 2006.  Net loss excluding the gains on sales of fixed assets and other non-cash expenses decreased cash provided by operating activities by $0.3 million.

We had a working capital deficit of $4.6 million and $16.4 million as of October 1, 2006 and January 1, 2006, respectively. Our working capital deficit includes assets classified as held for sale in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” The working capital needs of companies engaged in the restaurant industry are generally low and as a result, restaurants are frequently able to operate with a working capital deficit because: (i) restaurant operations are conducted primarily on a cash (and cash equivalent) basis with a low level of accounts receivable; (ii) rapid turnover allows a limited investment in inventories; and (iii) cash from sales is usually received before related expenses for food, supplies and payroll are paid.

Investing Cash Flows:

Net cash used in investing activities was $4.6 million and $5.6 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively.

During the nine month periods ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, we spent $14.0 million and $11.5 million on capital expenditures, of which $11.7 million and $9.8 million, respectively, was spent on restaurant operations. Capital expenditures were offset by net proceeds from the sales of property and equipment of $9.4 million and $6.2 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively.

As of January 1, 2006, we had 11 restaurants that were reported as “held for sale” in accordance with SFAS No. 144. During the nine months ended October 1, 2006, we sold seven of these restaurants.  In accordance with SFAS No. 144, the results of operations of the seven properties that were disposed of during the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and the 14 properties that were disposed of during 2005 and the related net gain on the disposals, as well as the results of operations of the properties held for sale at October 1, 2006, were reported separately as discontinued operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented.  Operating losses before depreciation from these properties were $0.4 million and $0.6 million during the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively.  Net proceeds on the disposals of the seven properties sold during the nine months ended October 1, 2006 were $6.4 million.  There were no “held for sale” properties sold during the three months ended October 2, 2005.

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During the nine months ended October 1, 2006, we completed three re-franchising transactions in which The Ice Cream Company (“TICC”) and other existing franchisees purchased five existing Company-operated restaurants and agreed to develop a total of ten new restaurants in future years.  Gross proceeds from these transactions were $3.0 million, of which $0.2 million was for franchise fees and $2.8 million was for the sale of certain assets and leasehold rights.  In addition, we completed one transaction in which a former employee received franchise rights to operate one existing restaurant with an option to purchase the restaurant within two years.  If the option is exercised, the franchisee will also agree to develop one new restaurant in the future.  Proceeds from the option transaction will be recognized upon purchase.

On May 22, 2006, TICC purchased, at fair market value, certain assets and leasehold rights for three existing Company-operated restaurants located in Lancaster and York, Pennsylvania.  At closing, TICC was also granted an exclusive right to develop six new Friendly’s restaurants in Lancaster, Chester and Montgomery counties, Pennsylvania by April 2012. Gross proceeds from this transaction were $1.7 million, of which $0.1 million was for initial franchise fees, $0.1 million was for development fees and $1.5 million was for the assets and rights at the three existing restaurants. During the nine months ended October 1, 2006, the Company recorded $0.1 million as franchise fee revenue.

The owners of TICC are family members of the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors. Prior to the closing of this transaction on May 22, 2006, TICC operated three Friendly’s restaurants under franchise agreements with Friendly’s Restaurants Franchise, Inc. (“FRFI”), a subsidiary of Friendly’s.  The terms of the franchise agreements with TICC are identical in all material respects to the terms generally offered to unrelated franchisees of FRFI in the ordinary course of Friendly’s business.

During the nine months ended October 2, 2005, the Company completed two re-franchising transactions in which two existing franchisees purchased four existing Company restaurants and agreed to develop a total of five new restaurants in future years.  Gross proceeds from these transactions were $3.5 million, of which $0.1 million was for franchise fees and $3.4 million was for the sale of certain assets and leasehold rights.  In addition, we completed three transactions in which three former employees received franchises to operate six existing restaurants with options to purchase the restaurants within two years.  If the options are exercised, one franchisee will also agree to develop two new restaurants in future years.  Proceeds from option transactions will be recognized upon purchase.

Financing Cash Flows:

Net cash used in financing activities was $2.7 million and $3.9 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005, respectively. There were $4.0 million of revolving credit loans outstanding at the end of 2004 that were repaid in the first quarter of 2005.  There were no revolving credit loans outstanding at the end of 2005.

Outstanding Debt:

Sale/Leaseback and Mortgage Financings.  In December 2001, we completed a financial restructuring plan which included the repayment of all amounts outstanding under our then existing credit facility and the purchase of approximately $21.3 million of our 10.5% senior notes with the proceeds from $55.0 million in long-term mortgage financing (the “Mortgage Financing”) and a $33.7 million sale and leaseback transaction (the “Sale/Leaseback Financing”).

In connection with the Sale/Leaseback Financing, we sold 44 properties operating as Friendly’s restaurants and entered into a master lease with the buyer to lease the 44 properties for an initial term of 20 years under a triple net lease. There are four five-year renewal options and lease payments are subject to escalator provisions every five years based upon increases in the Consumer Price Index.

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Interest on $10.0 million of the original $55.0 million from the Mortgage Financing is variable (“Variable Mortgages”) and the remaining $45.0 million of the original $55.0 million from the Mortgage Financing bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 10.16% (“Fixed Mortgages”). The Fixed Mortgages have a maturity date of January 1, 2022 and are amortized over 20 years.

On December 30, 2005, we completed a refinancing of the Variable Mortgages (the “Variable Refinancing”).  Under the terms of the loan agreement for the Variable Refinancing, we borrowed an aggregate sum of $8.5 million. The interest rate is variable and is the sum of the 90-day LIBOR rate in effect (5.37% at October 1, 2006) plus 4% on an annual basis. Changes in the interest rate are calculated monthly and recognized annually when the monthly payment amount is adjusted. Changes in the monthly payment amounts owed due to interest rate changes are reflected in the principal balances, which are re-amortized over the remaining life of the mortgages. The loans under the Variable Refinancing have a maturity date of January 1, 2020 and are being amortized over 14 years.

The primary purposes of the Variable Refinancing were to (i) reduce the variable interest rate on the Variable Mortgages from LIBOR plus 6% on an annual basis to LIBOR plus 4% on an annual basis, (ii) enable the partial prepayment of the loans, subject to applicable prepayment premiums during the first three years and an agreed upon release value for properties released in connection with partial prepayments, and (iii) permit partial lien releases on the properties subject to the loans upon partial prepayments. In addition, in connection with this transaction, we prepaid two mortgage loans from the lender in the aggregate amount of $1.0 million from existing cash.

Pursuant to the terms of the Mortgage Financing, we may sell properties securing our obligations provided that other properties are substituted in place of the sold properties.  The substituted properties must meet certain requirements under the terms of the Mortgage Financing.  In August 2005, proceeds of $0.4 million and $2.7 million were received in connection with the sale of two mortgaged properties of which $0.4 million and $1.3 million of such amounts was placed in escrow pending the inclusion of a substitute property.  As of January 1, 2006, these balances were held as collateral and were included in restricted cash on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2006.  In connection with the Variable Refinancing, the mortgage on one of these properties was released and the remaining $0.4 million related to the sale of this property was released from escrow during the first quarter of 2006.  A substitution property for the second property was obtained during the second quarter of 2006 in compliance with the substitution agreement. On June 15, 2006, the remaining $1.3 million was released from escrow.

In September 2005, we acquired additional financing secured by our newly constructed Milford, MA restaurant (the “Milford Mortgage”). The financing provided for a real estate improvement and equipment loan. The real estate improvement loan has a principal balance of $0.8 million and is amortized over 15 years with a balloon payment due on October 1, 2010. The equipment loan has a principal balance of $0.3 million and is amortized over seven years with a balloon payment due on October 1, 2010. The interest rate is variable and is the sum of the 90-day LIBOR rate in effect (5.37% at October 1, 2006) plus 4% on an annual basis. Changes in the interest rate are calculated monthly and recognized annually when the monthly payment amount is adjusted. Changes in the monthly payment amounts owed due to interest rate changes are reflected in the principal balances, which are re-amortized over the remaining life of the mortgages. The variable rate notes are subject to prepayment penalties during the first three years.

All mortgage financings are subject to annual covenants, including various minimum fixed charge coverage ratios.  We were in compliance with the covenants for the Variable Mortgages and the Fixed Mortgages as of January 1, 2006.  As of January 1, 2006, we were not in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio related to the Milford Mortgage. We obtained a waiver from the Milford Mortgage lender on March 7, 2006 waiving this covenant requirement for the year ended January 1, 2006.  On April 5, 2006, the Milford Mortgage was amended to change the fixed charge coverage ratio.  The amendment was effective as of the date of the Loan Agreement, September 30, 2005.

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8.375% Senior Notes.  In 2003 and 2004, we purchased or redeemed all of the remaining outstanding 10.5% senior notes in a series of transactions. In February 2004, we announced a cash tender offer and consent solicitation for $176 million of our 10.5% senior notes to be financed with the proceeds from a $175 million private offering of new 8.375% senior notes (the “Senior Notes”), available cash and our Credit Facility. In March 2004, $127.4 million of aggregate principal amount of 10.5% senior notes were purchased at the tender offer and consent solicitation price of 104% of the principal amount and $0.5 million of aggregate principal amount of 10.5% senior notes were purchased at the tender offer price of 102% of the principal amount. In April 2004, the remaining $48.1 million of 10.5% senior notes were redeemed in accordance with the 10.5% senior notes indenture at 103.5% of the principal amount.

The $175 million of Senior Notes issued in March 2004 are unsecured senior obligations of FICC, guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by FICC’s Friendly’s Restaurants Franchise, Inc. subsidiary, but are effectively subordinated to all secured indebtedness of FICC, including the indebtedness incurred under our Credit Facility. The Senior Notes mature on June 15, 2012. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable at 8.375% per annum semi-annually on June 15 and December 15 of each year.  The Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after June 15, 2008 at FICC’s option at redemption prices from 104.188% to 100.00%, based on the redemption date.  In addition, at any time prior to June 15, 2007, FICC may redeem, subject to certain conditions, up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes with the proceeds of one or more qualified equity offerings, as defined, at a redemption price of 108.375% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest.

Revolving Credit Facility.  We have a $35 million Credit Facility which is available for borrowings to provide working capital, for issuances of letters of credit and for other corporate needs. As of October 1, 2006 and January 1, 2006, total letters of credit outstanding were $16.0 million. During 2006 and 2005, there were no drawings against the letters of credit.  The revolving credit loans bear interest at our option at either (a) the base rate plus the applicable margin as in effect from time to time (the “Base Rate”) (10.25% at October 1, 2006) or (b) the Eurodollar rate plus the applicable margin as in effect from time to time (the “Eurodollar Rate”) (9.32% at October 1, 2006). As of October 1, 2006 and January 1, 2006, there were no revolving credit loans outstanding. As of October 1, 2006 and January 1, 2006, $19.0 million was available for borrowing.

The Credit Facility has an annual “clean-up” provision which obligates us to repay in full any and all outstanding revolving credit loans for a period of not less than 15 consecutive days during the period beginning on or after May 1 and ending on or before June 15 (or the next business day, if, in any year, June 15 is not a business day) of each calendar year, such that immediately following the date of such repayment, the amount of all outstanding revolving credit loans shall be zero.  The Credit Facility includes certain restrictive covenants including limitations on indebtedness, restricted payments such as dividends and stock repurchases, liens, mergers, investments and sales of assets and of subsidiary stock. Additionally, the Credit Facility limits the amount which we may spend on capital expenditures, restricts the use of proceeds, as defined, from asset sales and requires that we comply with certain financial covenants. On March 15, 2006, we amended and restated the Credit Facility as of December 30, 2005 to, among other things, (i) revise certain financial covenants (including leverage, interest coverage, minimum EBITDA and the deletion of the tangible net worth covenant) beginning with the fourth quarter of 2005 and extending through the Credit Facility maturity date of June 30, 2007 and (ii) permit certain transactions to be excluded from our annual capital expenditures limit. We were in compliance with the covenants in the Credit Facility as of October 1, 2006.

On August 1, 2006, we further amended our $35 million Credit Facility to, among other things, (i) extend the maturity date from June 30, 2007 to June 30, 2010, (ii) eliminate the interest coverage requirement and (iii) reduce by .50% to .75% the applicable margin rates at which the revolving credit loans bear interest to a range of 3.00% to 4.00% (depending on the leverage ratio).

We incurred approximately $0.5 million of costs associated with this amendment to the $35 million Credit Facility which was deferred and is being amortized over the life of the amended $35 million Credit Facility.

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We anticipate requiring capital in the future principally to maintain existing restaurant and plant facilities and to continue to renovate and re-image existing restaurants. We anticipate that capital expenditures for 2006 will be between $22.0 million and $24.0 million in the aggregate, of which we expect to spend between $14.0 million and $18.0 million on restaurants. Our actual 2006 capital expenditures may vary from these estimated amounts. We believe that the combination of the funds generated from operating activities and borrowing availability under our Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet our anticipated operating requirements, debt service requirements, lease obligations and capital requirements.

There have been no material changes to our contractual obligations and commitments from those disclosed in our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Seasonality

Due to the seasonality of ice cream consumption, and the effect from time to time of weather on patronage of the restaurants, our revenues and operating income are typically higher in our second and third quarters.

Geographic Concentration

Approximately 97% of the Company-operated restaurants are located, and substantially all of its retail sales are generated, in the Northeast. As a result, a severe or prolonged economic recession or changes in demographic mix, employment levels, population density, weather, real estate market conditions or other factors specific to this geographic region may adversely affect us more than certain of our competitors which are more geographically diverse.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations are based upon our interim condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, insurance reserves, recoverability of accounts receivable, stock compensation expense, income tax valuation allowances and pension and other post-retirement benefits expense. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.

The critical accounting estimates that we believe affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this report are described in our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in the Notes to the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2006. The only material change to our critical accounting estimates relates to stock-based compensation and is described below.

Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Any differences may have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations. For a discussion of how these and other factors may affect our business, see the “Forward Looking Statements” above and other factors included in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Stock-Based Compensation—

The adoption of SFAS No. 123R in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 requires that stock-based compensation expense associated with stock options be recognized in the statement of operations, rather than being disclosed in a pro forma footnote to the consolidated financial statements. Determining the amount of stock-based compensation to be recorded requires us to develop estimates to be used in calculating the grant-date fair value of stock options. We calculate the grant-date fair values using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The use of valuation models requires us to make estimates of the following assumptions:

Expected volatility - we are responsible for estimating volatility and have used historical volatility to estimate the grant-date fair value of stock options. Management considered the guidance in SFAS No. 123R and believes that the historical estimated volatility is materially indicative of expectations about future volatility.  In general, the higher the expected volatility used in the Black-Scholes valuation model, the higher the grant-date fair value of the option.

Expected term - we use historical employee exercise and option expiration data to estimate the expected term assumption for the Black-Scholes grant-date valuation. We believe that this historical data is currently the best estimate of the expected term of a new option. Currently stock options are only issued to corporate officers and directors.  In general, the longer the expected term used in the Black-Scholes valuation model, the higher the grant-date fair value of the option.

Risk-free interest rate - the yield on zero-coupon U.S. Treasury securities for a period that is commensurate with the expected term assumption is used as the risk-free interest rate.

Expected dividend yield - we have not paid any dividends in the last five years and currently intend to retain any earnings to finance future growth and, therefore, do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.

The amount of stock-based compensation recognized during a period is based on the value of the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. SFAS No. 123R requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The term “forfeitures” is distinct from “cancellations” or “expirations” and represents only the unvested portion of the surrendered option. We currently expect, based on an analysis of our historical forfeitures, that approximately 94.5% of our options will actually vest, and therefore have applied an annual forfeiture rate of 5.5% to all options granted as of October 1, 2006. This analysis will be re-evaluated quarterly and the forfeiture rate will be adjusted as necessary. Ultimately, the actual expense recognized over the vesting period will only be for those shares that vest.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. FIN 48 requires that we recognize in our financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit based on the technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective as of the beginning of our 2007 fiscal year, with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting FIN 48 on our financial statements.

Item 3.                          Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There has been no material change in our market risk exposure since the filing of the 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Item 4.                          Controls and Procedures

As of October 1, 2006, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chairman of the Board and acting Principal Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act).  Based on that evaluation, our acting Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of October 1, 2006.

There were no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.                          Legal Proceedings

On February 25, 2003, S. Prestley Blake (“Blake”), holder of approximately 10% of our outstanding common stock, sued Friendly’s and our Chairman in a purported derivative action in Hampden Superior Court, Massachusetts. The suit alleges breach of fiduciary duty and misappropriation of corporate assets in that we paid certain expenses relating to a corporate jet and the Chairman’s use of that jet and use of an office in Illinois.  The suit seeks to require the Chairman to reimburse us and for Friendly’s to pay Blake’s attorneys’ fees.  Friendly’s and its Chairman have denied Blake’s allegations and are vigorously defending the lawsuit.

On June 27, 2005, Mr. Blake sent a demand letter to our Board of Directors demanding that our Board of Directors address his concerns and beliefs that are subject to the litigation filed on February 25, 2003. On July 14, 2005, our Board of Directors formed a special litigation committee consisting solely of independent directors (the “Committee”) to investigate the concerns and beliefs raised in Blake’s demand letter dated June 27, 2005.  The Committee issued its report on October 24, 2005 and a supplemental report on November 30, 2005.  Based on its findings, the Committee filed a Motion to Dismiss the claims made by Mr. Blake.  On May 24, 2006, the Court denied the Committee’s motion to dismiss and allowed the joinder, as defendants, of current Board members Steven L. Ezzes, Michael J. Daly and Burton J. Manning, and former Board member Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., and The Restaurant Company, The Restaurant Holding Corporation and TRC Realty, LLC.

On July 26, 2006, director defendants Michael J. Daly, Steven L. Ezzes, and Burton J. Manning, and former director defendant Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., filed motions to dismiss the claims brought against them for failure to state a claim on the grounds that both the exculpatory provision in the Company’s Restated Articles of Organization and the business judgment rule barred plaintiff’s claims.  The Court heard oral argument on these defendants’ motions on September 20, 2006 and took the motions under advisement.  The Court has set a deadline for fact discovery of May 31, 2007, with a trial, if necessary, to begin on January 7, 2008.

Item 1A.                 Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to our risk factors from those disclosed in our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except as follows:

Our failure to attract and retain qualified employees may adversely affect us.

In September 2006, John Cutter, our former president and chief executive officer, resigned to pursue other interests.  We are currently searching for a replacement president and chief executive officer.  In the interim, Donald Smith, our Chairman of the Board, has assumed oversight responsibilities while we conduct our search for a replacement president and chief executive officer.  Our success depends upon our ability to attract and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees, including key executives, skilled management, customer service personnel and wait and kitchen staff. We face significant competition in the recruitment of qualified employees.  Our inability to recruit and retain qualified individuals, such as for the position of president and chief executive officer, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to implement our strategies and initiatives, result in higher employee turnover, affect our ability to provide a high quality customer experience in restaurants or exert pressure on wages or other employee benefits to attract qualified personnel. Any of these consequences could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

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Item 5.                          Other Information

On August 1, 2006 the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved the issuance of restricted stock units to five officers (each, an “Award”) under the Company’s long-term incentive plan if the Company exceeds a certain threshold EBITDA target for 2006 (the “Threshold EBITDA”).  If the Company exceeds the Threshold EBITDA, then each of the officers will receive an Award having a specified value based on the Company’s actual EBITDA for 2006 compared to projected EBITDA and a percentage of each officer’s target award.  The following table sets forth the range of values of the Award each officer may receive:

Name

 

Value of Award

 

John Cutter

 

$174,267

 

to

 

$522,801

 

Paul Hoagland

 

$82,028

 

to

 

$246,084

 

Gregory Pastore

 

$34,438

 

to

 

$103,314

 

Kenneth Green

 

$39,698

 

to

 

$119,093

 

Garrett Ulrich

 

$39,865

 

to

 

$119,595

 

 

The Award, if any, is expected to be granted following the Board of Directors’ meetings scheduled to be held on February 27-28, 2007.  The number of Awards to be granted, if any, will be calculated by dividing the value of the Award by 90% of the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.  If issued, 25 percent of the Award will vest on the grant date and 25 percent of the Award will vest in each of the following three years. During the nine months ended October 1, 2006, stock-based compensation cost of $39,000 was recorded related to these Awards.

Effective September 28, 2006, Mr. John Cutter resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company to pursue other interests.  On November 6, 2006, the Company and Mr. Cutter entered into an agreement concerning Mr. Cutter’s separation from employment with the Company.  Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company will continue to pay Mr. Cutter semi-monthly until March 14, 2007 at his rate of pay at the time of separation, less applicable withholding and deductions.  In addition, on or before March 15, 2007, the Company will pay Mr. Cutter a lump-sum payment equal to the semi-monthly pay Mr. Cutter would have received between March 15, 2007 and September 27, 2007, at his base rate of pay at the time of separation, less applicable withholding and deductions.  Mr. Cutter is also eligible to receive a bonus under the Company’s 2006 Annual Incentive Plan, pursuant to which, if certain operating EBITDA targets for the Company are achieved for 2006, Mr. Cutter may receive a target payout which ranges up to 75% of his base salary.  The Company will continue to pay for fees associated with financial services and planning provided to Mr. Cutter through June 1, 2007 and will pay for up to $10,000 for outplacement services.  The Company also agreed to reimburse Mr. Cutter for COBRA continuation premiums paid by Mr. Cutter for periods through December 31, 2007 and membership dues through December 31, 2006.  In exchange for these payments, Mr. Cutter released certain statutory and common law claims he may have against the Company and its officers and directors among others.  In addition, Mr. Cutter agreed not to compete with the Company or solicit its employees or customers for one year after termination of his employment.

On October 31, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company eliminated the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors. In lieu of the Nominating Committee, the entire Board of Directors, based on a recommendation of at least a majority of its independent directors, will select the candidates for director in accordance with the policies and procedures described in the Company’s proxy statement for its annual meeting of shareholders held on May 10, 2006. No material changes have been made to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Company’s Board of Directors.

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Item 6.                          Exhibits

(a)   Exhibits

The exhibit index is incorporated by reference herein.

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.

Friendly Ice Cream Corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ PAUL V. HOAGLAND

 

 

Name: Paul V. Hoagland

 

 

Title: Executive Vice President of

 

 

Administration and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

 

Date:

November 8, 2006

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

10.1                           Agreement between the Company and John L. Cutter effective as of September 28, 2006.*

31.1                           Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 signed by Donald N. Smith.

31.2                           Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 signed by Paul V. Hoagland.

32.1                           Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 signed by Donald N. Smith and Paul V. Hoagland.


*                    Management Contract or Compensatory Plan or Arrangement