Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES
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 March 31, 2009,

 

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 number 0-25366

 

Western Sizzlin Corporation

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware

 

86-0723400

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

416 South Jefferson Street, Suite 600, Roanoke, Virginia

 

24011

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(540) 345-3195

(Registrant’s Telephone Number Including Area Code)

 

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, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting company x

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

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

 

As of May 6, 2009, there were 2,831,884 shares of common stock outstanding.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

Western Sizzlin Corporation

 

Form 10-Q
Three Months Ended March 31, 2009
Table of Contents

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets — March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations — Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity — Three Months Ended March 31, 2009

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

7-18

 

 

 

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

 

18-25

 

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

 

26

 

 

 

Item 4T. Controls and Procedures

 

26

 

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

27

 

 

 

Item 1.A. Risk Factors

 

27

 

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

27

 

 

 

Signatures

 

28

 

 

 

Exhibit Index

 

29

 

2



Table of Contents

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

WESTERN SIZZLIN CORPORATION

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008

 

 

 

March 31,
2009

 

December 31,
2008

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

527,532

 

$

330,998

 

Money market investments

 

3,467,847

 

3,735,821

 

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $378,752 in 2009 and $339,752 in 2008

 

1,052,895

 

1,064,389

 

Current installments of notes receivable, less allowance for impaired notes of $62,926 in 2009 and 2008

 

223,132

 

198,912

 

Other receivables

 

60,599

 

78,982

 

Income taxes receivable

 

87,093

 

98,362

 

Inventories

 

81,517

 

59,126

 

Prepaid expenses

 

182,761

 

133,785

 

Deferred income taxes

 

459,026

 

494,926

 

Total current assets

 

6,142,402

 

6,195,301

 

Notes receivable, less allowance for impaired notes receivable of $6,980 in 2009 and 2008, excluding current installments

 

425,768

 

449,990

 

Property and equipment, net

 

1,407,699

 

1,500,149

 

Investment in real estate

 

3,745,152

 

3,745,152

 

Investments in marketable securities

 

18,936,272

 

16,708,479

 

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $101,468 in 2009 and $73,762 in 2008

 

1,318,532

 

1,346,238

 

Goodwill

 

4,995,262

 

4,995,262

 

Financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $194,974 in 2009 and $194,639 in 2008

 

5,237

 

5,572

 

Investment in unconsolidated joint venture

 

310,859

 

304,695

 

Deferred income taxes

 

411,441

 

665,805

 

Other assets

 

27,568

 

36,180

 

 

 

$

37,726,192

 

$

35,952,823

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Note payable — line of credit

 

$

350,000

 

$

 

Current installments of long-term debt

 

2,489,688

 

373,925

 

Accounts payable

 

731,708

 

812,839

 

Accrued expenses and other

 

1,299,465

 

1,423,092

 

Total current liabilities

 

4,870,861

 

2,609,856

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, excluding current installments

 

427,277

 

2,833,587

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

947,127

 

1,208,147

 

 

 

6,245,265

 

6,651,590

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

10,920,880

 

11,288,681

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Convertible preferred stock, series A, $10 par value (involuntary liquidation preference of $10 per share). Authorized 25,000 shares; none issued and outstanding

 

 

 

Convertible preferred stock, series B, $1 par value (involuntary liquidation preference of $1 per share). Authorized 875,000 shares; none issued and outstanding

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value.  Authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 2,831,884 in 2009 and 2008

 

28,320

 

28,320

 

Treasury stock, at cost, 9,099 shares in 2009 and 2008

 

(90,583

)

(90,583

)

Additional paid-in capital

 

22,235,872

 

22,235,872

 

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

 

(1,082,997

)

(3,376,054

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income — unrealized holding losses

 

(530,565

)

(785,003

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

20,560,047

 

18,012,552

 

 

 

$

37,726,192

 

$

35,952,823

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN SIZZLIN CORPORATION

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Company-operated restaurants

 

$

3,162,427

 

$

3,126,110

 

Franchise operations

 

957,148

 

1,049,141

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

4,119,575

 

4,175,251

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses — restaurant and franchise operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Company-operated restaurants — food, beverage and labor costs

 

2,380,888

 

2,310,888

 

Restaurant occupancy and other

 

542,771

 

559,938

 

Franchise operations — direct support

 

285,182

 

304,535

 

Subleased restaurant property expenses

 

 

27,303

 

Corporate expenses

 

488,966

 

484,250

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

97,711

 

265,002

 

Claims settlement and legal fees associated with lawsuit

 

26,420

 

137,784

 

Total costs and expenses — restaurant and franchise operations

 

3,821,938

 

4,089,700

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in income of joint venture

 

56,164

 

45,992

 

Income from restaurant and franchise operations

 

353,801

 

131,543

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment advisory fee income

 

101,806

 

 

Net realized gain (loss) on sales of marketable securities

 

317,628

 

(40,606

)

Net unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities held by limited partnerships

 

1,417,678

 

(4,162,663

)

Amortization expense — investment activities

 

(27,706

)

 

Expenses of investment activities, including interest of $16,042 in 2009 and $23,808 in 2008

 

(119,359

)

(500,267

)

Purchase obligation adjustment

 

200,989

 

 

Income (loss) from investment activities

 

1,891,036

 

(4,703,536

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(15,686

)

(38,447

)

Interest income

 

33,718

 

20,864

 

Other, net

 

41

 

602

 

Total other income (expense), net

 

18,073

 

(16,981

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)

 

2,262,910

 

(4,588,974

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit):

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

11,893

 

(4,194

)

Deferred

 

290,266

 

(142,571

)

Total income tax expense (benefit)

 

302,159

 

(146,765

)

Net income (loss)

 

1,960,751

 

(4,442,209

)

Losses attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

332,306

 

591,214

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Western Sizzlin Corporation

 

$

2,293,057

 

$

(3,850,995

)

Earnings (loss) per share (basic and diluted):

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Western Sizzlin Corporation - basic

 

$

.81

 

$

(1.43

)

Net income (loss) attributable to Western Sizzlin Corporation - diluted

 

$

.81

 

$

(1.43

)

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN SIZZLIN CORPORATION

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Common stock

 

Treasury stock

 

Additional
Paid-

 

Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Dollars

 

Shares

 

Dollars

 

in Capital

 

Deficit)

 

Income (Loss)

 

Total

 

Balances, December 31, 2008

 

2,831,884

 

$

28,320

 

9,099

 

$

(90,583

)

$

22,235,872

 

$

(3,376,054

)

$

(785,003

)

$

18,012,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Western Sizzlin Corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,293,057

 

 

2,293,057

 

Change in unrealized holding gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

254,438

 

254,438

 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,547,495

 

Balances, March 31, 2009

 

2,831,884

 

$

28,320

 

9,099

 

$

(90,583

)

$

22,235,872

 

$

(1,082,997

)

$

(530,565

)

$

20,560,047

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

5



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN SIZZLIN CORPORATION

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

1,960,751

 

$

(4,442,209

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant and franchise activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment

 

97,031

 

106,278

 

Amortization of franchise royalty contracts and other assets

 

 

157,574

 

Amortization of finance costs

 

335

 

805

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

39,000

 

30,000

 

Equity in income of unconsolidated joint venture, net of distributions of $50,000 in 2009

 

(6,164

)

(45,992

)

Provision for deferred income taxes (benefit)

 

282,588

 

(173,000

)

(Increase) decrease in current assets and other assets

 

(60,607

)

78,461

 

Increase (decrease) in current liabilities and other liabilities

 

(203,293

)

110,533

 

 

 

148,890

 

264,659

 

Investment activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Change in money market investments

 

267,974

 

 

Realized (gains) losses on sales of marketable securities, net

 

(317,628

)

40,606

 

Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net

 

(1,417,678

)

4,162,663

 

Amortization expense of investment management customer relationships

 

27,706

 

 

Proceeds from sales of marketable securities

 

2,538,502

 

70,809

 

Purchases of marketable securities

 

(2,776,551

)

(803,595

)

Decrease in due to broker

 

 

(342,022

)

Change in purchase obligation

 

(200,989

)

 

Provision for deferred income taxes

 

7,676

 

30,429

 

Decrease in current liabilities

 

 

(75,683

)

 

 

(1,870,988

)

3,083,207

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

238,653

 

(1,094,343

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property and equipment

 

(4,581

)

(5,014

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(4,581

)

(5,014

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

 

2,641,220

 

Payments on long-term debt

 

(290,547

)

(43,312

)

Proceeds from (payments on) line of credit borrowings

 

350,000

 

(2,000,000

)

Capital contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests in limited partnerships

 

(96,991

)

540,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(37,538

)

1,137,908

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

196,534

 

38,551

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

 

330,998

 

727,378

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

 

$

527,532

 

$

765,929

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash payments for interest

 

$

31,640

 

$

62,615

 

Income taxes paid, net of refunds

 

$

624

 

$

31,734

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized (gains) losses from marketable equity securities

 

$

(254,438

)

$

74,840

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

6



Table of Contents

 

WESTERN SIZZLIN CORPORATION

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(Unaudited)

 

(1)                                 Introduction and Basis of Presentation

 

Western Sizzlin Corporation is a holding company which owns a number of subsidiaries, with its primary business activities conducted through Western Sizzlin Franchise Corporation and Western Sizzlin Stores, Inc, which franchise and operate restaurants. Financial decisions are centralized at the holding company level, and management of operating businesses is decentralized at the business unit level. The Company’s prime objective centers on achieving above-average returns on capital in pursuit of maximizing the eventual net worth of its stockholders. While the Company has historically been principally engaged, and intends at this time to remain principally engaged, in franchising and operating restaurants, it has recently made selective investments in other companies. At March 31, 2009, the Company had 100 franchised, 5 Company-operated and 1 joint venture restaurant operating in 19 states.

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Western Sizzlin Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Western Sizzlin Franchise Corporation, The Western Sizzlin Stores, Inc., Western Sizzlin Stores of Little Rock, Inc., Austins of Omaha, Inc., Western Investments, Inc., Western Properties, Inc., a majority-owned limited partnership, Western Acquisitions, L.P., a solely-owned limited partnership, Western Real Estate, L.P. and Western Mustang Holdings, L.L.C. (collectively the Company). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Western Sizzlin Corporation, (the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial reporting information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all material reclassifications and adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for each period shown have been included. The unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes are presented as permitted by Form 10-Q and do not contain certain information included in the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements and notes. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

(2)                                 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (“SFAS 157”), Fair Value Measurements. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, the FASB having previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. Accordingly, SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 for financial assets and liabilities. The Company applied the provisions of FSP FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement 157, which deferred the provisions of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities to the first fiscal period beginning after November 28, 2008. The nonfinancial assets for which we deferred adoption include goodwill and long-lived assets. The Company has adopted SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the first quarter of 2009. As of March 31, 2009, the Company does not have any significant non-recurring measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141(R), Business Combinations (“SFAS 141R”), and Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 160, Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS 160”). These new standards significantly change the accounting for and reporting for business combinations and noncontrolling (minority) interests in consolidated financial statements. SFAS 141(R) and SFAS 160 are effective for the first fiscal period beginning on or after

 

7



Table of Contents

 

December 15, 2008.  Accordingly, the Company has adopted SFAS 141(R) and SFAS 160 in the first quarter of 2009. SFAS 141R will impact the Company if it completes an acquisition or obtains additional minority interests after the effective date. SFAS 160 amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Among other requirements, this statement requires that the consolidated net income (loss) attributable to the parent and the noncontrolling interests be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of operations. The redeemable noncontrolling interests reported in the consolidated balance sheet represent limited partner ownership in investment fund subsidiaries consolidated into the Company’s financial statements. The limited partnership agreements of these funds contain certain redemption features that are not solely within control of the Company. As such, in accordance with EITF Topic No. D-98, the redeemable noncontrolling interests are classified outside of stockholders’ equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Certain reclassifications resulting from the adoption of SFAS 160 and EITF Topic No. D-98 have been made to the 2008 amounts to conform to the current year’s presentation.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards SFAS No. 161 (“SFAS 161”), Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133. SFAS 161 applies to all derivative instruments and related hedged items accounted for under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. It requires entities to provide greater transparency about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. This standard was adopted in the first quarter of 2009 and did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“FSP 142-3”).  FSP 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and requires enhanced related disclosures.  FSP 142-3 must be applied prospectively to all intangible assets acquired subsequent to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  The Company has adopted FSP 142-3 in the first quarter of 2009 and did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

(3)                                 Investments in Marketable Securities

 

Investment and capital allocation decisions of Western Sizzlin Corporation and Western Acquisitions, LP are made by Mr. Sardar Biglari, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, under limited authority delegated by the Board of Directors for Western Sizzlin Corporation, and the management of Western Acquisitions, LP. The delegated authority includes the authority to borrow funds in connection with making investments in marketable securities or derivative securities, subject to Board reporting requirements and various limitations. As of the date of this filing, Mr. Biglari has authority to manage surplus cash up to $10 million, and in addition, has authority to borrow a maximum of $5 million. The Company has a margin securities account with a brokerage firm. The margin account bears interest at the Federal Funds Target Rate quoted by the Wall Street Journal, plus .5%, or approximately .75% as of the date of this report, with the minimum and maximum amount of any particular loan to be determined by the brokerage firm, in its discretion, from time to time. The margin loan balances at March 31, 2009 and 2008 were $0. The collateral securing the margin loans are the Company’s holdings in marketable securities. The minimum and maximum amount of any particular margin may be established by the brokerage firm, in its discretion, regardless of the amount of collateral delivered to the brokerage firm, and the brokerage firm may change such minimum and maximum amounts from time to time.

 

The noncontrolling interest holder in Mustang Capital Advisors, LP and Mustang Capital Management, LLC, has authority to manage the investments in these particular Funds.

 

In the normal course of business, substantially all of the Company’s securities transactions, money balances and security positions are transacted with a broker. The Company is subject to credit risk to the extent any broker with whom they conduct business is unable to fulfill contractual obligations on their behalf. The Company monitors the financial conditions of such brokers and does not anticipate any losses from these counterparties.

 

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Table of Contents

 

·                  Marketable Securities held by Western Sizzlin Corporation (the holding company)

 

Marketable equity securities held by Western Sizzlin Corporation (the holding company) are held for an indefinite period and thus are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value in Investments in Marketable Securities on the consolidated balance sheet, with the change in fair value during the period excluded from earnings and recorded, net of tax, as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Substantially all of the marketable securities held by Western Sizzlin Corporation have been in a continuous loss position for less than nine months as of March 31, 2009.

 

Following is a summary of marketable equity securities held by Western Sizzlin Corporation (the holding company) as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

 

 

 

Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair Value

 

March 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Itex Corporation

 

$

1,487,631

 

$

 

$

(516,237

)

$

971,394

 

Other

 

25,093

 

 

(14,328

)

10,765

 

 

 

$

1,512,724

 

$

 

$

(530,565

)

$

982,159

 

December  31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Itex Corporation

 

$

1,487,631

 

$

 

$

(771,867

)

$

715,764

 

Other

 

25,093

 

 

(13,136

)

11,957

 

 

 

$

1,512,724

 

$

 

$

(785,003

)

$

727,721

 

 

There were no realized gains or losses from marketable equity securities held by Western Sizzlin Corporation (the holding company) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 or 2008.

 

·                  Marketable Securities held by Western Acquisitions, LP

 

Western Investments, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary, serves as the general partner of Western Acquisitions, LP, a Delaware limited partnership that operates as a private investment fund. Through Western Investments, Inc., Mr. Biglari operates as the portfolio manager to the fund. Cash contributions from outside investors of $0 and $540,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were made to the limited partnership.

 

As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, Western Investments, Inc. owned 85.1% of Western Acquisitions, LP. As such, Western Acquisitions, LP has been consolidated into the accompanying financial statements with the 14.9% ownership by noncontrolling limited partners presented as redeemable noncontrolling interests on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Western Acquisitions, LP is considered, for GAAP purposes, an investment company under the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide Investment Companies. The Company has retained the specialized accounting for Western Acquisitions, LP pursuant to EITF Issue No. 85-12, Retention of Specialized Accounting for Investment in Consolidation. As such, marketable equity securities held by Western Acquisitions, LP are recorded at fair value in Investments in Marketable Securities, with unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

As of March 31, 2009, Western Acquisitions, LP owns a total of 1,553,545 shares of The Steak n Shake Company’s common stock.

 

Following is a summary of marketable equity securities held by Western Acquisitions, LP as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2009

 

As of December 31, 2008

 

 

 

Cost

 

Fair Value

 

Cost

 

Fair Value

 

The Steak n Shake Co.

 

$

19,159,412

 

$

11,760,336

 

$

19,159,412

 

$

9,243,593

 

Other

 

139,881

 

60,254

 

139,881

 

80,737

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total marketable equity securities

 

$

19,299,293

 

$

11,820,590

 

$

19,299,293

 

$

9,324,330

 

 

Net realized gains (losses) and net change in unrealized gains (losses) from marketable equity securities held by Western Acquisitions, LP were as follows:

 

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Three Months
Ended
March 31,

2009

 

Three Months
Ended

March 31,
2008

 

Realized gains

 

$

 

$

 

Realized losses

 

 

(40,606

)

Net realized gains (losses) on sales of marketable securities

 

$

 

$

(40,606

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities held by Western Acquisitions, LP

 

$

2,496,258

 

$

(4,162,663

)

 

·                  Marketable Securities held by Mustang Capital Advisors, LP

 

Western Mustang Holdings, LLC owns a 50.5% controlling interest in Mustang Capital Advisors, LP and a 51% controlling interest in its general partner, Mustang Capital Management, LLC. Western Mustang Holdings, LLC, is, for GAAP purposes, an investment company under the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide Investment Companies. The Company has retained the specialized accounting for Mustang Capital Advisors, LP pursuant to EITF Issue No. 85-12, Retention of Specialized Accounting for Investment in Consolidation. As such, marketable equity securities held by Mustang Capital Advisors, LP are recorded at fair value in Investments in Marketable Securities, with unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Following is a summary of marketable equity securities held by Western Mustang Holdings, LLC as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2009

 

As of December 31, 2008

 

 

 

Cost

 

Fair Value

 

Cost

 

Fair Value

 

Total marketable equity securities

 

$

7,270,939

 

$

6,133,523

 

$

6,621,658

 

$

6,656,428

 

 

Net realized gains (losses) and net change in unrealized gains (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2009, from marketable equity securities held by Mustang Capital Advisors, LP were as follow:

 

 

 

Three Months
Ended
March 31,

2009

 

Realized gains

 

$

357,078

 

Realized losses

 

(39,450

)

 

 

 

 

Net realized gains on sales of marketable securities

 

$

317,628

 

Net unrealized losses on marketable securities held by Mustang Capital Advisors, LP

 

$

(1,078,580

)

 

(4)                                 Stock Options

 

The Company has two stock option plans: the 2005 Stock Option Plan and the 2004 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan. The 1994 Incentive and Non-qualified Stock Option Plan was terminated in 2008 with the exercise of all outstanding options under this plan during year ended December 31, 2008. Under the 2005 and 2004 Plans, employees and directors may be granted options to purchase shares of common stock at the fair market value on the date of the grant.

 

Options granted under the 2005 and 2004 Plans vest at the date of the grant. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Assumptions utilized in the model are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and experience on the respective dates of grant. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock for a period equal to the expected term of the options. The expected term of the options represents the period of time that options granted are outstanding and is estimated using historical exercise and termination experience.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the benefit of tax deductions in excess of recognized stock compensation expense was reported as a reduction of taxes paid within operating cash flows. SFAS No. 123R requires that such benefits be recognized as a financing cash flow. The benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized stock compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were immaterial.

 

There were no options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

The following table summarizes stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2009, as well as activity during the three month period then ended:

 

 

 

Options
Outstanding

 

Exercise Price
Per Share
Weighted
Average

 

Contractual
Term
Weighted
Average

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

 

Balance, December 31, 2008

 

12,500

 

$

7.25

 

1.83

 

$

64,284

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

Expired/Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2009

 

12,500

 

$

7.25

 

1.58

 

$

15,659

 

 

All options outstanding at March 31, 2009 are fully vested and exercisable. At March 31, 2009, there were 40,000 shares available for future grants under the plans, however, on April 25, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors elected to suspend future grants under all plans indefinitely.

 

(5)                                 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

The Company conforms to the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 (“SFAS 142”), Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Under SFAS 142, goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment and written down and charged to results of operations when their carrying amount exceeds their estimated fair value. The Company is required to perform impairment tests each year, or between yearly tests in certain circumstances, for goodwill. There can be no assurance that future impairment tests will not result in a charge to earnings.

 

Amortizing Intangible Assets

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2009

 

As of December 31, 2008

 

 

 

Gross
carrying
amount

 

Weighted
average
amortization
period

 

Accumulated
amortization

 

Gross
carrying
amount

 

Weighted
average
amortization
period

 

Accumulated
amortization

 

Amortizing intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in management customer relationships

 

$

1,420,000

 

10.5

 

$

101,468

 

$

1,420,000

 

10.5

 

$

73,762

 

 

 

$

1,420,000

 

10.5

 

$

101,468

 

$

1,420,000

 

10.5

 

$

73,762

 

 

In connection with the acquisition of Mustang Capital Advisors, L.P in 2008, the Company acquired certain customer related intangible assets. The value assigned to these intangible assets of $1,420,000 was determined based on the present value of the estimated cash flows to be generated by the assets.

 

Amortization expense for amortizing intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 was $27,706 and $157,574, respectively. Franchise royalty contracts, originally acquired in January 2004, were fully amortized as of December 31, 2008. The estimated annual amortization expense for the remaining amortizing intangible asset is $135,240 per year through 2018.

 

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(6)                                 Debt

 

At March 31, 2009, there was $350,000 outstanding on a $2,000,000 line of credit with a bank.  The line is payable on demand, subject to annual renewal by the bank with an automatic renewal at May 31, 2009, carries an interest rate of prime minus 0.50% (2.75% at March 31, 2009 and at December 31, 2008) and collateralized by accounts receivable and the assignment of all franchise royalty contracts.

 

In 2008, the Company’s purchase of the investment in real estate was refinanced through the issuance of a note payable to a bank of $2,641,220, secured by the land held for investment.  Interest accrues on the unpaid principal balance at prime minus 0.5%, or 2.75% as of March 31, 2009.  The Company made one payment of principal of $264,122 on January 29, 2009, and all remaining principal and accrued interest is due on January 30, 2010.  Accordingly, the outstanding balance of this debt is classified as a current liability at March 31, 2009.

 

The Company has various notes payable to a finance company with interest rates ranging from 9.82% to 10.07% due in equal monthly installments, including principal and interest, ranging from $6,591 to $13,487, with a final payment due on April 13, 2010.  The notes payable require pre-payment premiums in certain circumstances and contain certain restrictive covenants, including debt coverage ratios, periodic reporting requirements and maintenance of operations at certain Company-operated restaurants that collateralize the notes payable.  The notes payable are collateralized by accounts receivable, inventory and property and equipment.

 

(7)                                 Income Taxes

 

The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”), on January 1, 2007.  As of March 31, 2009, the Company has a recorded liability of $9,872, including interest of $4,556, for such uncertain tax positions.  The recorded liability was increased by $2,320 during the three months ended March 31, 2009.

 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.

 

Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of a valuation allowance of $1,754,000, $2,326,631 and $1,433,000 at March 31, 2009, December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2008, respectively, related to the unrealized losses on marketable securities.

 

(8)                                 Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income (loss) attributable to Western Sizzlin Corporation by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the Company.

 

The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share computations for the periods indicated:

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

Income (Loss)
(Numerator)

 

Weighted
Average Shares
(Denominator)

 

Earnings
(Loss)
Per Share
Amount

 

Three months ended March 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Western Sizzlin Corporation — basic

 

$

2,293,057

 

2,831,884

 

$

0.81

 

Net income attributable to Western Sizzlin Corporation — diluted

 

$

2,293,057

 

2,833,288

 

$

0.81

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to Western Sizzlin Corporation — basic

 

$

(3,850,995

)

2,696,625

 

$

(1.43

)

Net loss attributable to Western Sizzlin Corporation — diluted

 

$

(3,850,995

)

2,696,625

 

$

(1.43

)

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company excluded from the loss per share calculation all common stock equivalents because the effect on loss per share was anti-dilutive.

 

(9)                                 Reportable Segments

 

The Company has organized segment reporting with additional information to reflect how the Company views its business activities.  The Company-operated Restaurant segment consists of the operations of all Company-operated restaurants and derives its revenues from restaurant operations.  The Franchising segment consists primarily of franchise sales and support activities and derives its revenues from sales of franchise and development rights and collection of royalties from franchisees. The Investment Activity segment consists of investment activities and certain direct expenses associated with legal matters. The Company does not allocate certain expenses to any business segment.  These costs include expenses of the following functions: legal, accounting, stockholder relations, personnel not directly related to a segment, information systems and other headquarter activities.  These unallocated expenses are designated as unallocated corporate expenses. Certain other expenses (such as sublease property expense and claims settlement and legal fees associated with a lawsuit) are also not allocated to any reportable segment.

 

The following table summarizes reportable segment information:

 

 

 

Three Months

 

 

 

Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Revenues from reportable segments:

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurants

 

$

3,162,427

 

$

3,126,110

 

Franchising

 

957,148

 

1,049,141

 

Total revenues

 

$

4,119,575

 

$

4,175,251

 

Depreciation and amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurants

 

$

89,665

 

$

99,357

 

Franchising

 

8,046

 

165,645

 

Total depreciation and amortization

 

$

97,711

 

$

265,002

 

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurants

 

$

15,686

 

$

38,447

 

Total interest expense

 

$

15,686

 

$

38,447

 

Interest income:

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate

 

$

33,718

 

$

20,864

 

Total interest income

 

$

33,718

 

$

20,864

 

Income (loss) from restaurant and franchise operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurants and equity in joint venture

 

$

205,267

 

$

201,919

 

Franchising

 

663,920

 

578,961

 

Unallocated expenses

 

(26,420

)

(165,087

)

Corporate

 

(488,966

)

(484,250

)

Total income from restaurant and franchise operations:

 

$

353,801

 

$

131,543

 

Income (loss) from investment activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Investment advisory fee income

 

$

101,806

 

$

 

Net realized gains (losses) on sales of marketable securities

 

317,628

 

(40,606

)

Net unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities held by limited partnership

 

1,417,678

 

(4,162,663

)

Expenses of investment activities

 

(147,065

)

(500,267

)

Purchase obligation adjustment

 

200,989

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment activities

 

$

1,891,036

 

$

(4,703,536

)

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Total assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurants

 

$

6,682,429

 

$

6,523,219

 

Franchising

 

1,831,122

 

1,920,513

 

Corporate

 

1,312,161

 

1,203,830

 

Investment activities

 

27,900,480

 

26,305,261

 

Total assets

 

$

37,726,192

 

$

35,952,823

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Total goodwill:

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurants

 

$

3,539,057

 

$

3,539,057

 

Franchising

 

771,143

 

771,143

 

Investment activities

 

685,062

 

685,062

 

Total goodwill

 

$

4,995,262

 

$

4,995,262

 

 

(10)                          Fair Value Measurement

 

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159 (“SFAS 159”), The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The Company did not elect the fair value reporting option for any assets and liabilities not previously recorded at fair value.

 

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (“SFAS 157”), Fair Value Measurements, applicable to all financial assets and liabilities and for nonfinancial assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value in the consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). SFAS 157 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The standard also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. SFAS 157 describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1

Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

 

Level 2

Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

 

 

Level 3

Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

 

At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company’s investments in marketable securities are carried at fair value, based on quoted market prices, in the consolidated balance sheets and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy, with the exception of $1.3 million that have been valued, in the absence of observable market prices, by Mustang Capital Advisors, LP.  The Funds investments in Level 1 securities are freely tradable and are listed on a national securities exchange or reported on the NASDAQ national market at their last sales price as of the last business day of the period.

 

Approximately $1.3 million of the investments held by Mustang Capital Advisors, LP have been classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and have been valued, in the absence of observable market prices, by the management of Mustang Capital Advisors, LP.  Fair value is determined using valuation methodologies after giving

 

14



Table of Contents

 

consideration to a range of observable factors including last known sales price; any current bids or offers on the stock; comparisons to publicly traded stocks with appropriate discounts for liquidity; size of position; control data research; and current market conditions. Those estimated values do not necessarily represent the amounts that may be ultimately realized due to the occurrence of future circumstances that can not be reasonably determined. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may be materially higher or lower than the values that would have been used had a ready market for the securities existed.

 

(11)                          Commitments and Contingencies

 

Commitments

 

The limited partners of the two investment funds managed by Mustang Capital Advisors, LP can redeem their investments annually.  The limited partners of Western Acquisitions. LP can redeem their investments after two years from contribution dates.  The earliest redemption date for a Western Acquisitions, LP limited partner is August 2009.

 

The Company has a severance provision contained within the Employment Agreement with its Chief Financial Officer. The agreement provides certain termination benefits in the event that employment with the Company is terminated without cause and upon a change of control. Under the terms of the agreement, in the event of termination without cause the executive will receive termination benefits equal to six months of the executive’s annual base salary in effect on the termination date and the continuation of health and welfare benefits through the termination date of the agreement. Under a change of control, the executive will receive termination benefits equal to one year of the executive’s base salary in effect on the change of control date and the continuation of health and welfare benefits through the termination date of the agreement.

 

The Company has a severance provision contained within the Employment Agreement with the President of one of its subsidiaries, Western Sizzlin Franchise Corporation. The agreement provides for an automatic renewal of one year unless the Company or the executive provides notice of termination as specified in the agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, in the event of termination without cause, the executive will receive termination benefits equal to one year of the executive’s annual base salary in effect on the termination date and the continuation of health and welfare benefits through the termination date of the agreement.

 

In connection with the acquisition of controlling interests in Mustang Capital Advisors, LP and Mustang Capital Management, LLC, the Company is obligated to purchase the noncontrolling interest holder’s ownership upon the occurrence of certain events.  The purchase obligation will ultimately be settled in cash and shares of the Company’s common stock.  The Company is accounting for this purchase obligation pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150 (As Amended) - Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.  The resulting liability is reported in other long-term liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.  The change in the purchase obligation liability for the first quarter of 2009 is a decrease of $200,989.

 

Contingencies

 

The Company accrues for an obligation for contingencies, including estimated legal costs, when a loss is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable.  As facts concerning contingencies become known to the Company, the Company reassesses its position with respect to accrued liabilities and other expenses.  These estimates are subject to change as events evolve and as additional information becomes available during the litigation process.

 

Little Rock, Arkansas Lease

 

In September 2006, the Company was served with a lawsuit filed in the Circuit Court of Pulaski County, Arkansas, captioned Parks Land Company, LLP, et al. v. Western Sizzlin Corporation, et al. The plaintiffs are owners/landlords of four restaurant premises located in the Little Rock, Arkansas metropolitan area which had been leased pursuant to a single ten year lease agreement.  The Company occupied these locations for a period of time, but before the end of the lease, subleased each of these premises to various operators.  The ten year lease agreement expired on June 30, 2006.   In the lawsuit the plaintiffs sought recovery of alleged damages for certain repair and maintenance expenses on the premises, for the replacement of certain equipment, for diminution of property value, and for loss of rental income, as well as interest and costs.  The case was tried to a 12 person jury in Little Rock, starting February 12, 2008.   The jury returned a verdict for the plaintiffs on February 20, 2008, in the amount of

 

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Table of Contents

 

$689,526.  On February 29, 2008, the Circuit Court of Pulaski County, Arkansas entered judgment on the jury’s verdict in the case against the Company in the amount of $689,666 plus plaintiff’s legal costs.  The Company posted a bond to secure the judgment and stay collection pending the appeal of the verdict.  The appeal has now been fully briefed by both sides.  A decision from the Arkansas Court of Appeals is expected by June 2009.  If the appellate court affirms the judgment against the Company, the amount due the plaintiffs would include interest accrued on the judgment from February 29, 2008, through the period of the decision on appeal.  This additional amount is not expected to exceed $70,000.  If the verdict is affirmed, the Plaintiffs will renew their efforts to have the trial court award Plaintiffs their attorneys’ fees.   To date, the court has declined to make any award of fees.    There has been no change in the Company’s loss contingency accrual of $900,000 since December 31, 2007.

 

Other

 

The Company is involved in various other claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of the management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

(12)                          Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture

 

The Company is a partner in a 50/50 joint venture with a franchisee for a restaurant in Harrisonburg, Virginia.  During October 2005, the joint venture entered into a loan agreement for $3.05 million and the Company guaranteed 50% of the loan obligation.  The estimated fair value of the guarantee of approximately $30,000 is recorded in other long-term liabilities and in investments in unconsolidated joint venture on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.  The term of the guarantee extends through July 1, 2026 and the Company would be required to perform under the guarantee should the joint venture not to be able to meet its scheduled principal and interest payments.  Pursuant to the joint venture agreement, a cash contribution of $300,000 from each 50/50 partner was also made at the closing of this financing.  The Company is accounting for the investment using the equity method and the Company’s share of the net income of the joint venture is reported in the accompanying statements of operations as equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint venture.

 

Financial Data

 

The following is selected financial information for the joint venture as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively:

 

 

 

Three Months
Ended

 

Three Months
Ended

 

 

 

March 31, 2009

 

March 31, 2008

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

Statement of Operations Data:

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

1,268,072

 

$

1,204,942

 

Cost of food

 

524,155

 

489,503

 

Payroll expense

 

348,818

 

353,340

 

Gross profit

 

395,099

 

362,099

 

Marketing and smallware expense

 

46,075

 

47,768

 

General and administrative

 

135,226

 

117,048

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

51,210

 

50,460

 

Interest

 

50,260

 

54,082

 

Other income (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

112,328

 

92,741

 

Balance Sheet Data:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

141,845

 

$

334,166

 

Current receivables

 

5,844

 

605

 

Prepaid expenses

 

20,474

 

18,899

 

Inventory

 

20,601

 

21,187

 

Land, leasehold improvements, and construction in progress

 

3,515,252

 

3,702,795

 

Loan costs, net

 

10,039

 

11,565

 

Other assets

 

200

 

200

 

Total assets

 

3,714,255

 

4,089,417

 

Loan payable

 

2,901,779

 

3,092,720

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

250,756

 

354,720

 

Members’ equity

 

561,717

 

641,977

 

 

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(13)                         Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In May 2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FIN 46(R)-7, Application of FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) to Investment Companies (“FSP FIN 46(R)-7”) which provides clarification on the applicability of FIN 46(R), as revised, to the accounting for investments by entities that apply the accounting guidance in the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide, Investment Companies.  FSP FIN 46(R)-7 amends FIN 46(R), as revised, to make permanent the temporary deferral of the application of FIN 46(R), as revised, to entities within the scope of the guide under Statement of Position (“SOP”) No. 07-1, Clarification of the Scope of the Audit and Accounting Guide Investment Companies and Accounting by Parent Companies and Equity Method Investors for Investments in Investment Companies (“SOP 07-1”).  FSP FIN 46(R)-7 is effective upon adoption of SOP 07-1.  The adoption of FSP FIN 46(R)-7 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company.

 

SOP 07-1, issued in June 2007, addresses whether the accounting principles of the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide Investment Companies may be applied to an entity by clarifying the definition of an investment company and whether those accounting principles may be retained by a parent company in consolidation or by an investor in the application of the equity method of accounting.  SOP 07-1, as originally issued, was to be effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2007 with earlier adoption encouraged.  In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP SOP 07-1-1, Effective Date of AICPA Statement of Position 07-01, to indefinitely defer the effective date of SOP 07-01.

 

The Company’s majority-owned subsidiaries, Western Acquisitions, LP and Mustang Capital Advisors, LP, are investment companies as currently defined in the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide, Investment Companies.  The Company has retained the specialized accounting for Western Acquisitions, LP and Mustang Capital Advisors, LP pursuant to EITF 85-12, Retention of Specialized Accounting for Investments in Consolidation.  As such, marketable equity securities held by Western Acquisitions, LP and Mustang Capital Advisors, LP are recorded at fair value in Investments in Marketable Securities in the consolidated financial statements, with unrealized gains and losses resulting from the change in fair value reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company intends to monitor future developments associated with this Statement in order to assess the impact, if any, which may result.

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly” (FSP FAS 157-4). FSP FAS 157-4 amends SFAS 157 and provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with SFAS 157 when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased and also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly for fair value measurements. This FSP shall be applied prospectively with retrospective application not permitted. This FSP shall be effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The Company is currently evaluating this new FSP but does not believe that it will have a significant impact on the determination of fair value or reporting of its financial results.

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments.”  This FSP amends SFAS 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” SFAS 124, “Accounting for Certain Investments Held by Not-for-Profit Organizations,” and EITF Issue No. 99-20, “Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased Beneficial Interests and Beneficial Interests That Continue to Be Held by a Transferor in Securitized Financial Assets,” to make the other-than-temporary impairments guidance more operational and to improve the presentation of other-than-temporary impairments in the financial statements. This FSP will replace the existing requirement that the entity’s management assert it has both the intent and ability to hold an impaired debt security until recovery with a requirement that management assert it does not have the intent to sell the security, and it is more likely than not it will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis. This FSP provides increased disclosure about the credit and noncredit components of impaired debt securities that are not expected to be sold and also requires increased and more frequent disclosures regarding expected cash flows, credit losses, and an aging of securities with unrealized losses. Although this FSP does not result in a change in the carrying amount of debt securities, it does require that the portion of an other-than-temporary impairment not related to a credit loss for a held-to-maturity security be recognized in a new category of other comprehensive income and be amortized over the remaining life of the debt

 

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security as an increase in the carrying value of the security. This FSP shall be effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The Company is currently evaluating this new FSP but does not believe that it will have a significant impact on the determination or reporting of its financial results.

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to require an entity to provide interim disclosure about the fair value of all financial instruments within the scope of SFAS 107 and to include disclosures related to the methods and significant assumptions used in estimating those instruments.  This FSP is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this FSP will have on the Company’s consolidated financials statements and related disclosures.

 

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

 

Overview

 

The following discussion may include forward-looking statements including anticipated financial performance, business prospects, the future opening of Company-operated and franchised restaurants, anticipated capital expenditures, and other matters.  All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements.  Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (as amended) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended) provide safe harbors for forward-looking statements.  In order to comply with the terms of these safe harbors, the Company notes that a variety of factors, individually or in the aggregate, could cause the Company’s actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the Company’s forward-looking statements including, without limitation, the following: the ability of the Company or its franchises to obtain suitable locations for restaurant development; consumer spending trends and habits; competition in the restaurant segment with respect to price, service, location, food quality and personnel resources; weather conditions in the Company’s operating regions; laws and government regulations; general business and economic conditions; availability of capital; success of operating initiatives and marketing and promotional efforts; and changes in accounting policies.  In addition, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update those forward-looking statements.

 

Western Sizzlin Corporation is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities.  The Company’s primary business activities are conducted through Western Sizzlin Franchise Corporation and Western Sizzlin Stores, Inc., which franchise and operate 106 restaurants in 19 states, including five Company-owned, 100 franchise restaurants, and one joint venture restaurant.  The Company currently operates and/or franchises the following concepts:  Western Sizzlin, Western Sizzlin Wood Grill, Great American Steak & Buffet, and Quincy Steakhouses.

 

Financial decisions are centralized at the holding company level, and management of operating businesses is decentralized at the business unit level.  Investment and all other capital allocation decisions are made for the Company and its subsidiaries by Mr. Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  The Company’s primary objective centers on achieving above average returns on capital in pursuit of maximizing the eventual net worth of its stockholders.

 

While the Company has historically been principally engaged, and intends at this time to remain principally engaged, in franchising and operating restaurants, its recent investment activities could bring it within the definition of an “investment company” and require it to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.  The Board of Directors has adopted a policy requiring management to restrict the Company’s operations and investment activities to avoid becoming an investment company, until and unless the Board approves otherwise.  Although the Company does not presently intend to change its principal business, and the Board has not approved any such change, the Company has expanded its investment activities, and may decide in the future to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.  Under certain circumstances, if it is successful in investment activities, then the Company may inadvertently fall within the definition of an investment company, in which event it may be required to register as an investment company.  If the Company decides or is required to

 

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register as an investment company, then it would become subject to various provisions of the Investment Company Act and the regulations adopted under such Act, which are very extensive and could adversely affect its operations.

 

The Company seeks to invest, at the holding company and through subsidiaries, including Western Acquisitions, L.P., in stocks of businesses at prices below their intrinsic business value.  The Company’s preferred strategy is to allocate a meaningful amount of capital in each investee, resulting in concentration.  The carrying values of these investments are exposed to market price fluctuations, which may be accentuated by a concentrated equity portfolio.  A significant decline in the price of major investments may produce a large decrease in the Company’s net earnings and its stockholders’ equity (See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements).

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Western Sizzlin Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Western Sizzlin Franchise Corporation, The Western Sizzlin Stores, Inc., Western Sizzlin Stores of Little Rock, Inc., Austins of Omaha, Inc., Western Investments, Inc., Western Properties, Inc., a majority-owned limited partnership, Western Acquisitions, L.P., a solely-owned limited partnership, Western Real Estate, L.P. and Western Mustang Holdings, L.L.C. (collectively the Company). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Results of Operations

 

Net income attributable to Western Sizzlin Corporation for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $2,293,057 compared to net loss attributable to Western Sizzlin Corporation of ($3,850,995) for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  Income (loss) from investment activities that impacted net income (loss) attributable to Western Sizzlin Corporation, excluding losses attributable to noncontrolling interests,  for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were $2,223,342 and, ($4,112,322), respectively.

 

The following table sets forth for the periods presented the percentage relationship to total revenues of certain items included in the consolidated statements of income and certain restaurant data for the periods presented:

 

 

 

Three Months

 

 

 

Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Company-operated restaurants

 

76.8

%

74.9

%

Franchise operations

 

23.2

 

25.1

 

 

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

Total revenues

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses — restaurant and franchise operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Company-operated restaurants — food, beverage and labor costs

 

57.8

 

55.4

 

Restaurant occupancy and other

 

13.2

 

13.4

 

Franchise operations — direct support

 

6.9

 

7.3

 

Subleased restaurant property expenses

 

 

.7

 

Corporate expenses

 

11.9

 

12.5

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

2.4

 

6.3

 

Claims settlement and legal fees associated with lawsuit

 

.6

 

3.3

 

Total costs and expenses — restaurant and franchise operations

 

92.8

 

98.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in income of joint venture

 

1.4

 

1.1

 

Income from restaurant and franchise operations

 

8.6

 

2.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment advisory fee income

 

2.5

 

 

Net realized gain (loss) on sales of marketable securities

 

7.7

 

(.9

)

Net unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities held by limited partnerships

 

34.5

 

(99.7

)

Amortization expense

 

(.7

)

 

Expense of investment activities

 

(2.9

)

(11.6

)

Purchase obligation adjustment

 

4.8

 

 

Income (loss) from investment activities

 

45.9

 

(112.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(.4

)

(.4

)

Interest income

 

.8

 

.5

 

Other, net

 

 

 

Total other income (expense), net

 

.4

 

.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income tax expense

 

54.9

 

(109.9

)

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

.3

 

(.1

)

Deferred

 

7.0

 

(3.4

)

Total income tax expense (benefit)

 

7.3

 

(3.5

)

Net income (loss)

 

47.6

 

(106.40

)

Losses attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

8.1

 

14.2

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Western Sizzlin Corporation

 

55.7

%

(92.2

)%

 

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Three Months

 

 

 

Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Restaurant Data

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Company-Operated Restaurants:

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

5

 

5

 

Opened

 

 

 

Closed

 

 

 

Franchised

 

 

 

End of period

 

5

 

5

 

Number of U.S. Franchised Restaurants:

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

104

 

116

 

Opened

 

 

 

Closed

 

(4

)

(1

)

End of period

 

100

 

115

 

Number of Joint Venture Restaurants:

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

1

 

1

 

Opened

 

 

 

Closed

 

 

 

End of period

 

1

 

1

 

 

Revenues

 

Total revenues decreased 1.3% to $4.12 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 from $4.18 million for the comparable three months ended March 31, 2008. Company-operated restaurant revenues increased 1.2% to $3.16 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to $3.13 million for the comparable three months ended March 31, 2008.  Same store sales for the three months ended March 31, 2009 experienced an overall increase of 1.2% for Company-operated restaurants.  Franchise revenues decreased 8.8% to $957,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to $1.05 million for the comparable three months ended March 31, 2008.  The decrease is attributable to fewer franchised units in the system at March 31, 2009 as compared to March 31, 2008.  Same store sales for franchised units for the three months ended March 31, 2009 experienced an overall decrease of 3.3%.

 

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Costs and Expenses —restaurant and franchise operations

 

Cost of Company-operated restaurants, consisting primarily of food, beverage, and labor costs increased $70,000 (3.0%) to $2.38 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 from $2.31 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  These costs for the three month period as a percentage of Company-operated restaurants revenue were 75.3% and 73.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The increase in the costs was largely attributable to increased costs in commodities during the first quarter of 2009.

 

Restaurant occupancy and other, which include utilities, insurance, maintenance, rent and other such costs of the Company-operated restaurants, decreased by $17,000 (3.0%) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 versus the prior year’s comparable period. These costs for the three month period decreased as a percentage of Company-operated restaurant revenues from 17.9% in 2008 to 17.2% in 2009.  The decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was largely attributable to control of certain expense items to combat the increase in commodities.

 

Cost of franchise operations direct support expense increased by $5,000 (6.4%) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 versus the prior year’s comparable period.  The decrease was largely attributable to targeted expense reductions for 2009.

 

Subleased properties include net costs associated with subleasing former Company-operated restaurants and maintenance of vacant premises.  These expenses increased by $27,000 (100%) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 versus the prior year’s comparable period.  All sublease arrangements expired during the fourth quarter of 2008 and no further sublease expenses are anticipated.

 

Unallocated corporate expenses consist of certain expenses not allocated to any business segment.  These expenses include legal, accounting, stockholder relations, personnel not directly related to a segment, information systems, and other headquarters activities.  These expenses increased by $5,000 (0.5%) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 versus the prior year’s comparable period.  A one time legal expense of $25,000 was incurred during 2009 for a settlement and release of a company store lease termination and subsequent renegotiation of lease terms.  Taken that into consideration, unallocated corporate expenses actually were running below the previous period due to targeted expense reductions for 2009.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense for 2009 was $98,000 compared to $265,000 for 2008.  The variance of $167,000 is largely attributable to franchise royalty contracts being fully amortized as of December 31, 2008.

 

Legal fees associated with lawsuit decreased by $111,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 versus the prior year’s comparable period due to decreased legal fees associated with the trial and appeal of the Company’s lawsuit in Little Rock, Arkansas.  (See Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements).

 

Equity in income of Joint Venture

 

Equity in income of joint venture increased $10,200 for the three months ended March 31, 2009, versus the prior year’s comparable period, due to better operating performance of the restaurant during 2009.  (See Note 12)

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Activities

 

Investment activities include investment advisory fee income of $102,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and $0 for 2008; net realized gains (losses) on sales of marketable securities of $318,000 and ($41,000) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and net unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities held by the limited partnerships, Western Acquisitions, L.P. and Mustang Capital Advisors, L.P., of $1.42 million and ($4.2) million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Amortization expense associated with investment activities of $28,000, and a purchase obligation adjustment of $201,000 were recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2009, with no such adjustments in the same period of 2008. Expenses associated with investment activities were $119,000 and $500,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The decrease in expenses for 2009 versus the prior year’s comparable period is attributable to expenses in 2008 associated with the Steak n Shake proxy contest, the ITEX tender offer, and other investment related activities.  There were no management fees charged or collected from outside investors by Western Acquisitions LP in 2009 or 2008.  Future management fees for Western Acquisitions LP will depend on portfolio performance.

 

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Other Income (Expense)

 

Interest expense decreased $22,800 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 over the comparable period in 2008 due to lower debt outstanding.  Interest income fluctuates according to the levels of available cash balances.

 

Other income decreased by $600 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 over the comparable period in 2008.

 

Income tax expense (benefit) is directly affected by the levels of pretax income (loss) and the valuation allowance established on deferred tax assets. The Company’s effective tax rate was 13.2% and (3.8%) % for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The provision for deferred income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 includes an increase (decrease)  for the valuation allowance of ($573,000) and $1,313,000, respectively, which impacted the Company’s effective tax rate for the quarters.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

As of March 31, 2009, the Company had $528,000 of cash and cash equivalents which is comparable to $331,000 as of December 31, 2008.

 

Investment of Available Capital

 

The Company’s cash flows from restaurant and franchise activities have exceeded its working capital, financing and capital investment needs of its restaurant and franchise operations, and management expects that the Company’s cash flows will continue to exceed its operating cash needs for the foreseeable future.  The Company regularly evaluates how best to use available capital to increase stockholder value.  The Company may pursue investments in the form of acquisitions, joint ventures and partnerships where the Company believes attractive returns can be obtained.  Further, the Company may determine under certain market conditions that available capital is best utilized to fund investments that it believes offers the Company attractive return opportunities, whether or not related to its ongoing business activities.

 

As previously discussed in Note 3 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, the Company’s Board of Directors has delegated authority to direct investment of the Company’s surplus cash to its Chairman, Sardar Biglari, subject to Board reporting requirements and various limitations that have been or may be from time to time adopted by the Board of Directors.  These investments may include significant and highly concentrated direct investments with respect to the equity securities of public companies.  Any such investments will involve risks, and stockholders should recognize that the Company’s balance sheet may change depending on the performance of investments.  Furthermore, such investments could be subject to volatility that may affect both the recorded value of the investments as well as the Company’s periodic earnings.

 

Operating Activities and Cash Flows

 

The Company provided (used) approximately $239,000 and ($1.1) million in operating cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, with the significant variance in investment activities.  The Company’s primary source of operating cash flows is the operating profits generated from restaurant and franchise activities.  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by restaurant and franchise activities were approximately $149,000 and $265,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) investment activities were approximately ($1.9) million and $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

Investing Activities

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company spent $4,600 and $5,000 on capital expenditures on Company restaurants.

 

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Financing Activities

 

The Company made scheduled payments on long-term debt of $291,000 and $43,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and paid down $2 million on line of credit borrowings during 2008.  Also, the Company received proceeds from line of credit of $350,000 and from issuance of long-term debt of $2.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Also included in financing activities are $97,000 in distributions to noncontrolling interests in 2009 and $540,000 in capital contributions from noncontrolling interests in 2008.

 

Liquidity

 

The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations and, if needed, borrowings under its existing line of credit. The Company continually reviews its available financing alternatives.  In addition, the Company may consider, on an opportunistic basis, strategic decisions to create value and improve operational performance.

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

The table below sets forth a summary of contractual obligations that will impact future liquidity as of March 31, 2009:

 

 

 

Payment due by period

 

Contractual Obligations

 

2009

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012

 

2013

 

Thereafter

 

Totals

 

Long-term debt

 

$

2,839,688

 

$

92,170

 

$

134,189

 

$

148,342

 

$

52,576

 

 

$

3,266,965

 

Operating leases

 

501,190

 

639,880

 

367,611

 

399,171

 

405,086

 

766,908

 

3,079,846

 

Interest expense (1)

 

83,007

 

40,459

 

27,655

 

13,501

 

1,101

 

 

 

165,723

 

Tax obligations (2)

 

9,872

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,872

 

Other long-term liabilities (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

382,462

 

382,462

 

Totals

 

$

3,433,757

 

$

772,509

 

$

529,455

 

$

561,014

 

$

458,763

 

$

1,149,370

 

$

6,904,868

 

 


(1)         Reflects future interest payments through scheduled maturity dates based upon average borrowing rates, outstanding debt balances and scheduled principal payments on long-term debt.  Interest on the Company’s variable rate debt is based on the interest rate in effect at March 31, 2009.

 

(2)         Reflects recognized liabilities for uncertain tax positions under the provision FIN 48.  (See Note 7)

 

(3)         Reflects the cash portion of the Company’s purchase obligation to purchase the ownership percentage of the minority interest holder of Mustang Capital Advisors, LP.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

 

The discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes that have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.  The preparation of these consolidated financial statements 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 date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Application of the critical accounting policies discussed below requires significant judgments by management, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain.  If actual results were to differ materially from the estimates made, the reported results could be materially affected.  The Company is not currently aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstance that would result in materially different results. The Company’s senior management has reviewed the critical accounting policies and estimates and the Management’s Discussion and Analysis regarding them with the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors.

 

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The following are areas requiring significant judgments and estimates due to uncertainties as of the reporting date: trade accounts and notes receivables and the allowance for doubtful accounts, investments, determination of useful lives and the evaluation of any impairment of long-lived assets (including franchise royalty contracts, investment management contracts and limited partnership agreements, goodwill and property and equipment), commitments and contingencies, and income taxes.

 

Trade Accounts and Notes Receivable and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

The Company collects royalties, and in some cases rent, from franchisees.  The Company views trade accounts and notes receivable and the related allowance for doubtful accounts as a critical accounting estimate since the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on judgments and estimates concerning the likelihood that individual franchisees will pay the amounts included as receivables from them.  In determining the amount of allowance for doubtful accounts to be recorded for individual franchisees, the Company considers the age of the receivable, the financial stability of the franchisee, discussions that may have occurred with the franchisee and a judgment as to the overall collectability of the receivable from the franchisee.  In addition, the Company establishes an allowance for all other receivables for which no specific allowances are deemed necessary.  If average sales or the financial health of franchisees were to deteriorate, the Company might have to increase the allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

Investments

 

Marketable equity securities held by Western Sizzlin Corporation are held for an indefinite period and thus are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value in Investments in Marketable Securities on the consolidated balance sheet, with the change in fair value during the period excluded from earnings and recorded net of tax as a component of other comprehensive income (loss).  Fair value is determined through the use of quoted market values on national exchanges.

 

Western Acquisitions, LP and Mustang Capital Advisors, LP are, for GAAP purposes, investment companies under the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide Investment Companies.  The Company has retained the specialized accounting for Western Acquisitions, LP and Mustang Capital Advisors, LP pursuant to EITF Issue No. 85-12, Retention of Specialized Accounting for Investments in Consolidation.  As such, marketable equity securities held by Western Acquisitions, LP and Mustang Capital Advisors, LP are recorded at fair value in Investments in Marketable Securities, with unrealized gains and losses resulting from the change in fair value reflected in the Statement of Operations.  Fair value is primarily determined through the use of quoted market values on national exchanges.

 

Long-lived Assets, Franchise Royalty Contracts and Goodwill

 

The Company views the determination of the carrying value of long-lived assets, franchise royalty contracts, goodwill, investment management contracts and limited partnership agreements as critical accounting estimates since it must evaluate the estimated economic useful life in order to properly depreciate or amortize the long-lived assets, franchise royalty contracts, and investment management contracts and limited partnership agreements and because it must consider if the value of any of the long-lived assets have been impaired, requiring adjustments to the carrying value.  Goodwill is not subject to amortization but is subject to at least an annual impairment test to determine if the carrying amount exceeds its fair value.

 

Economic useful life is the duration of time the asset is expected to be productively employed, which may be less than its physical life.  The estimated economic useful lives of long-lived assets are monitored to determine if they continue to be appropriate in light of changes in business circumstances.

 

The Company must also consider whether long-lived assets (including property and equipment and intangible assets) have been impaired to the extent that we must recognize a loss on such impairment, including goodwill impairment. The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment at the restaurant, franchise and investment company levels on an annual basis or whenever changes or events indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company assesses impairment of each level of assets based on the operating cash flows of the restaurant, franchise and investment operations and our plans for each restaurant unit, franchisee contract, or investments. Generally, all units with negative cash flows from operations for the most recent twelve months at each quarter end are included in the Company’s assessment. In performing our assessment, the Company must make

 

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assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows, including estimated proceeds from similar asset sales, and other factors to determine both the recoverability and the estimated fair value of the respective assets. If the long-lived assets of a restaurant are not recoverable based upon estimated future, undiscounted cash flows, the Company writes the assets down to their fair value. If these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record additional impairment charges.

 

The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if an event occurs that triggers an interim impairment test.  The Company determines the fair values of our reporting units using the discounted cash flow method.  This method uses projections of cash flows from each of the reporting units.  Several of the key assumptions in estimating future cash flows include periods of operations, projections of operating profits, and weighted average cost of capital.  These assumptions are derived from the Company’s internal budgets and consideration of available market data.  The factors which contribute the greatest variability in our estimates of fair values are the weighted average cost of capital and estimates of future operating profits.

 

Purchase Obligation

 

In connection with our acquisition of a controlling interest in Mustang Capital Advisors, LP and Mustang Capital Management, LLC, the Company is obligated to purchase the minority interest holders ownership percentage upon the occurrence of certain events.  The purchase obligation will ultimately be settled in cash and shares of the Company’s common stock.  The Company is accounting for this purchase obligation pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150 (As Amended) - Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.  The resulting liability is reported in other long-term liabilities on the accompanying financial statements.

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company views accounting for contingencies as a critical accounting estimate since loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources require judgment as to any probable liabilities incurred.  Actual results could differ from the expected results determined based on such estimates.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company records valuation allowances against deferred tax assets, when necessary, in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on future taxable earnings and is therefore uncertain. The Company assesses the likelihood that deferred tax assets in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates will be recovered from future taxable income. Deferred tax assets do not include future tax benefits that the Company deems likely not to be realized.

 

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation Number 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, (“FIN 48”).  FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attributes for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken in a tax return.  The Company must determine whether it is “more-likely-than-not” that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position.  Once it is determined that a position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the position is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.  FIN 48 applies to all tax positions related to income taxes subject to FASB Statement No. 109.

 

OTHER

 

Impact of Inflation

 

The impact of inflation on the costs of food and beverage products, labor and real estate can affect the Company’s operations.  Management believes the Company has historically been able to pass on increased costs through certain selected menu price increases and has offset increased costs by increased productivity and purchasing efficiencies, but there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to do so in the future.  Management anticipates that the average cost of restaurant real estate leases and construction cost could increase in the future which could affect the Company’s ability to expand.  In addition, mandated health care or additional increases in the federal or state minimum wages could significantly increase the Company’s costs of doing business.

 

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Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

 

As of March 31, 2009, the Company’s financial instruments are not exposed to significant market risk due to foreign currency exchange risk.  However, the Company is exposed to market risk related to changes in market prices of marketable securities, interest rates related to certain debt obligations, and commodity risks.

 

Market Price Risk

 

The Company’s marketable securities are currently concentrated in a few investments. A change in market prices exposes the Company to market risk related to the investments in marketable securities.  As of March 31, 2009, the Company held $19 million in available-for-sale marketable securities. A hypothetical 10% decline in the market value of those securities would result in $1.9 million of unrealized losses and a corresponding decline in their fair values at March 31, 2009.  This hypothetical decline would not affect the Company’s cash flows unless the securities were disposed of.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

The Company has exposure to interest rate risk related to certain instruments entered into for other than trading purposes. Specifically, borrowings under the loan associated with the Texas land purchase and revolving credit facility bear interest at variable rates based on the prime rate minus .5%.  The nature and amount of borrowings under the credit facility may vary as a result of future business requirements, market conditions and other factors.

 

Commodity Price Risk

 

The Company purchases certain food products such as beef, poultry, pork, eggs and coffee, and utilities such as gas and electricity, which are affected by commodity pricing and are, therefore, subject to price volatility caused by weather, production problems, delivery difficulties and other factors that are outside of the Company’s control and which are generally unpredictable. Changes in commodity prices affect the Company and competitors generally and often simultaneously. In general, the Company purchases food products and utilities based upon market prices established with vendors. Although many of the items purchased are subject to changes in commodity prices, the majority of our purchasing arrangements are structured to contain features that minimize price volatility by establishing fixed pricing and/or price ceilings and floors. The Company uses these types of purchase arrangements to control costs as an alternative to using financial instruments to hedge commodity prices. The Company has determined that our purchasing agreements do not qualify as derivative financial instruments or contain embedded derivative instruments. In many cases, the Company believes it will be able to address commodity cost increases which are significant and appear to be long-term in nature by adjusting our menu pricing or changing our product delivery strategy. However, competitive circumstances could limit such actions and, in those circumstances, increases in commodity prices could lower its margins. Because of the often short-term nature of commodity pricing aberrations and our ability to change menu pricing or product delivery strategies in response to commodity price increases, the Company believes that the impact of commodity price risk is not significant.

 

The Company has established a policy to identify, control and manage market risks which may arise from changes in interest rates, commodity prices and other relevant rates and prices.

 

Item 4T.  Controls and Procedures

 

Based on an evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended),  the Company’s  Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that its disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2009.  There have been no changes in its internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the current quarter ended March 31, 2009 that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

 

In addition to those proceedings discussed in Note 11 in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the Company is involved in various other claims and legal actions which are routine litigation matters incidental to the business.  In the opinion of the management, the ultimate disposition of these other matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

An investment in the common stock of any company involves a degree of risk.  Investors should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, and those other risks described elsewhere in this report, before deciding whether to purchase our common stock.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also become important factors that may harm the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.  The occurrence of risk factors could harm the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations for company operations, as well as franchised operations.  The trading price of the Company’s common stock could decline due to any of these risks and uncertainties, and stockholders may lose part or all of their investment.

 

Item 6.    Exhibits:

 

See Exhibit Index on page 29.

 

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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 hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

Western Sizzlin Corporation

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Sardar Biglari

 

 

Sardar Biglari

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Robyn B. Mabe

 

 

Robyn B. Mabe

 

 

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

Date: May 6, 2009

 

 

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

10.1.4

Employment Agreement of Robert Moore

 

 

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

 

 

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

 

 

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

 

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

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