These terms and conditions govern your use of the website alphaminr.com and its related
services.
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) are a binding contract between you and Alphaminr,
(“Alphaminr”, “we”, “us” and “service”). You must agree to and accept the Terms. These Terms
include the provisions in this document as well as those in the Privacy Policy. These terms may
be modified at any time.
Subscription
Your subscription will be on a month to month basis and automatically renew every month. You may
terminate your subscription at any time through your account.
Fees
We will provide you with advance notice of any change in fees.
Usage
You represent that you are of legal age to form a binding contract. You are responsible for any
activity associated with your account. The account can be logged in at only one computer at a
time.
The Services are intended for your own individual use. You shall only use the Services in a
manner that complies with all laws. You may not use any automated software, spider or system to
scrape data from Alphaminr.
Limitation of Liability
Alphaminr is not a financial advisor and does not provide financial advice of any kind. The
service is provided “As is”. The materials and information accessible through the Service are
solely for informational purposes. While we strive to provide good information and data, we make
no guarantee or warranty as to its accuracy.
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL ALPHAMINR BE LIABLE TO
YOU FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR INVESTMENT LOSSES, LOSS OF DATA, OR ACCURACY
OF DATA, OR FOR ANY AMOUNT, IN THE AGGREGATE, IN EXCESS OF THE GREATER OF (1) FIFTY DOLLARS OR
(2) THE AMOUNTS PAID BY YOU TO ALPHAMINR IN THE SIX MONTH PERIOD PRECEDING THIS APPLICABLE
CLAIM. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL OR
CERTAIN OTHER DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION AND EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid under any applicable law, such provision
shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions herein.
Privacy Policy
This privacy policy describes how we (“Alphaminr”) collect, use, share and protect your personal
information when we provide our service (“Service”). This Privacy Policy explains how
information is collected about you either directly or indirectly. By using our service, you
acknowledge the terms of this Privacy Notice. If you do not agree to the terms of this Privacy
Policy, please do not use our Service. You should contact us if you have questions about it. We
may modify this Privacy Policy periodically.
Personal Information
When you register for our Service, we collect information from you such as your name, email
address and credit card information.
Usage
Like many other websites we use “cookies”, which are small text files that are stored on your
computer or other device that record your preferences and actions, including how you use the
website. You can set your browser or device to refuse all cookies or to alert you when a cookie
is being sent. If you delete your cookies, if you opt-out from cookies, some Services may not
function properly. We collect information when you use our Service. This includes which pages
you visit.
Sharing of Personal Information
We use Google Analytics and we use Stripe for payment processing. We will not share the
information we collect with third parties for promotional purposes.
We may share personal information with law enforcement as required or permitted by law.
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended
September 24, 2023
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:
001-36104
______________________________________________
Potbelly Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
______________________________________________
Delaware
36-4466837
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation)
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)
111 N. Canal Street
,
Suite 325
Chicago
,
Illinois
60606
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (
312
)
951-0600
______________________________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
PBPB
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
(Nasdaq Global Select Market)
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 has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes
x
No
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
o
Accelerated filer
x
Non-accelerated filer
o
Smaller reporting company
o
Emerging growth company
o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
☐
No
x
As of October 22, 2023, the registrant had
29,358,757
shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Potbelly Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(amounts in thousands, except par value data, unaudited)
September 24,
2023
December 25,
2022
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
30,938
$
15,619
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $
50
and $
16
as of September 24, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively
7,897
6,420
Inventories
3,585
3,990
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
5,637
4,501
Total current assets
48,057
30,530
Property and equipment, net
45,148
44,477
Right-of-use assets for operating leases
148,336
160,891
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
3,404
3,404
Goodwill
2,122
2,222
Restricted cash
749
—
Deferred expenses, net and other assets
3,465
3,647
Total assets
$
251,281
$
245,171
Liabilities and equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable
$
8,955
$
10,718
Accrued expenses
32,113
30,826
Short-term operating lease liabilities
27,536
27,395
Current portion of long-term debt
1,250
—
Total current liabilities
69,854
68,939
Long-term debt, net of current portion
20,918
8,550
Long-term operating lease liabilities
146,414
160,968
Other long-term liabilities
4,436
2,441
Total liabilities
241,622
240,898
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Equity
Common stock, $
0.01
par value—authorized
200,000
shares; outstanding
29,350
and
28,819
shares as of September 24, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively
389
384
Warrants
2,219
2,566
Additional paid-in-capital
460,543
455,831
Treasury stock, held at cost,
10,058
and
9,924
shares as of September 24, 2023, and December 25, 2022, respectively
(
116,638
)
(
115,388
)
Accumulated deficit
(
336,532
)
(
338,916
)
Total stockholders’ equity
9,981
4,477
Non-controlling interest
(
322
)
(
204
)
Total equity
9,659
4,273
Total liabilities and equity
$
251,281
$
245,171
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts or where noted)
(1)
Organization and Other Matters
Business
Potbelly Corporation, a Delaware corporation, together with its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Company," "Potbelly," "we," "us" or "our"), owns and operates
361
company-operated shops in the United States as of September 24, 2023. Additionally, Potbelly franchisees operate
69
shops domestically.
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes herein should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of Potbelly and its subsidiaries and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2022. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by us without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") regarding interim financial reporting. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods reported within. . The condensed consolidated statements of operations for the interim periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
We do not have any components of other comprehensive income recorded within our consolidated financial statements and therefore, do not separately present a statement of comprehensive income in our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Potbelly; its wholly-owned subsidiary, Potbelly Illinois, Inc. (“PII”); PII’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Potbelly Franchising, LLC and Potbelly Sandwich Works, LLC (“PSW”);
seven
of PSW’s wholly-owned subsidiaries and PSW’s
six
joint ventures, collectively, the “Company.” All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. For our
six
consolidated joint ventures, "non-controlling interest" represents the non-controlling partner’s share of the assets, liabilities and operations related to the joint venture investments. Potbelly has ownership interests ranging from
51
-
80
% in these consolidated joint ventures.
Fiscal Year
We use a 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on the last Sunday of the calendar period. Approximately every five or six years a 53rd week is added. Fiscal year 2023 consists of 53 weeks and fiscal year 2022 consisted of 52 weeks. The fiscal quarters ended September 24, 2023 and September 25, 2022 each consisted of 13 weeks. The year to date periods ended September 24, 2023 and September 25, 2022 each consisted of 39 weeks.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Significant estimates include amounts for long-lived assets and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative
On March 2, 2022, we announced our Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative, which included a plan to grow our franchise units domestically through multi-unit shop development area agreements, which may include refranchising certain company-operated shops. Deals for refranchised shops typically include cash consideration for the sale of the current shops as well as development agreement fees for commitments to develop new shops to fully penetrate existing markets. On an ongoing basis, we collect additional cash consideration for royalties and lease payments.
All gains and losses recognized on sales of shops and other expenses incurred to execute a refranchising transaction are included in Loss on Franchising Growth Acceleration Initiative activities in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Development agreement fees received are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as accrued expenses or other long-term liabilities, and amortized over the term of the franchise agreement once the shops are opened. For the year to date ended September 24, 2023, we completed refranchising transactions under the Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative that resulted in the sale of
20
company-operated shops and commitments to develop
28
additional shops. Further details on the impact of these transactions on our financial statements are described in Notes 8 and 12.
Restricted Cash
As of September 24, 2023, we had restricted cash related to funds held in a money market account as collateral for letters of credit to certain lease agreements.
The reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets to the total amount shown in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows is as follows:
September 24,
2023
December 25,
2022
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
30,938
$
15,619
Restricted cash, noncurrent
749
—
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown on statement of cash flows
$
31,688
$
15,619
Potbelly Brand Fund
We maintain the Potbelly Brand Fund (the "Brand Fund") for the purpose of collecting and administering funds to be used for advertising, customer research, marketing technology, agencies, and other activities that promote the Potbelly brand in order to deliver sales at our shops. Company-operated and franchised shops both contribute to the Brand Fund based on a percentage of sales.
We manage these advertising and marketing expenses through the Brand Fund using the funds contributed by our shops. These funds are managed separately from our general operating expenses, but we are not obligated to maintain the funds in separate accounts or entities. We may spend more or less in any fiscal period than the amounts contributed to the Brand Fund, and we may choose to roll over any unused contributions to the following fiscal period or return them to shops.
Brand Fund contributions made by company-operated shops are eliminated from the consolidated financial statements. Franchisee contributions are included within franchise royalties and fees in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Expenses incurred by the Brand Fund are recorded to company-operated and franchised shops based on a percentage of sales. Company-operated Brand Fund expense is included within other operating expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Franchisee Brand Fund expense is presented within franchise support, rent and marketing expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
(2)
Revenue
We primarily earn revenue at a point in time for sandwich shop sales, which can occur in person at a shop, through our online or app platform, or through a third-party platform. Sales taxes collected from customers are excluded from revenues and the obligation is included in accrued liabilities until the taxes are remitted to the appropriate taxing authorities. We have other revenue generating activities where revenue is generally recognized over time, as outlined below.
For the year to date ended September 24, 2023, revenue recognized from all revenue sources on point in time sales was $
363.4
million, and revenue recognized from sales over time was $
2.2
million. For the year to date ended September 25, 2022, revenue recognized from all revenue sources on point in time sales was $
330.6
million and revenue recognized from sales over time was $
1.2
million.
We earn an initial franchise fee, a franchise development agreement fee and ongoing fees for royalties and Brand Fund contributions under our franchise agreements. Initial franchise fees are considered highly dependent upon and interrelated with the franchise right granted in the franchise agreement. As such, these franchise fees are recognized over the contractual term of the franchise agreement. We record a contract liability for the unearned portion of the initial franchise fees. Franchise development agreement fees represent the exclusivity rights for a geographical area paid by a third party to develop Potbelly shops for a certain period of time. Franchise development agreement fee payments received by us are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as accrued expenses or other long-term liabilities, and amortized over the term of the franchise agreement once the shops are opened. Royalties and Brand Fund contributions are based on a percentage of sales and are recorded as revenue as they are earned and become receivable from the franchisee.
We also earn rent income from properties leased by Potbelly and subleased to franchisees. Rent income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the operating lease terms. See Note 6 for further detail.
Gift Card Redemptions / Breakage Revenue
Potbelly sells gift cards to customers, records the sale as a contract liability and recognizes the associated revenue as the gift card is redeemed. A portion of these gift cards are not redeemed by the customer ("breakage"), which is recognized as revenue as a percentage of customers gift card redemptions. The expected breakage amount recognized is determined by a historical data analysis on gift card redemption patterns. We recognize gift card breakage income within sandwich shop sales, net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
We recognized gift card breakage income of $
0.6
million and $
0.4
million for the year to date ended September 24, 2023 and September 25, 2022, respectively.
Loyalty Program
We offer a customer loyalty program for customers using the Potbelly Perks application at the point of sale. The customer will typically earn
10
points for every dollar spent, and the customer will earn a free entrée after earning
1,000
points. Once a customer earns a free entrée, that entrée reward will expire after
30
days. We defer revenue associated with the estimated selling price of points earned by Potbelly Perks members towards free entrées as each point is earned, and a corresponding deferred revenue liability is established in accrued expenses. The deferral is based on the estimated value of the unredeemed points and free entrées. The estimated value and the estimated redemption rates are based on a historical data analysis of loyalty reward redemptions. Estimated breakage is recognized in net shop sandwich sales in the consolidated statement of operations. When points are redeemed, we recognize revenue for the redeemed product and reduce accrued expenses.
Contract Liabilities
We record current and noncurrent contract liabilities in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, respectively, for initial franchise fees, gift cards, and loyalty programs. We have no other contract liabilities or contract assets recorded.
The opening and closing balances of our current and noncurrent contract liabilities from contracts with customers were as follows:
The aggregate value of remaining performance obligations on outstanding contracts was $
9.8
million as of September 24, 2023.
We expect to recognize revenue related to contract liabilities as follows (in thousands), which may vary based upon franchise activity as well as gift card redemption patterns:
Years Ending
Amount
2023
$
2,931
2024
2,772
2025
318
2026
289
2027
256
Thereafter
3,272
Total revenue recognized
$
9,838
For the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023, the amount of revenue recognized related to the December 25, 2022 liability ending balance was $
0.4
million and $
2.5
million, respectively. For the quarter and year to date ended September 25, 2022, the amount of revenue recognized related to the December 26, 2021 liability ending balance was $
0.4
million and $
2.2
million. This revenue is related to the recognition of gift card redemptions and upfront franchise fees. For the quarters ended September 24, 2023 and September 25, 2022, we did not recognize any revenue from obligations satisfied (or partially satisfied) in prior periods.
(3)
Fair Value Measurement
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and all other current liabilities approximate fair values due to the short maturities of these balances.
The book value of the long-term and short-term debt under the Credit Agreement, which is further discussed in Note 7, is considered to approximate its fair value as of September 24, 2023, as the interest rates are considered in line with current market rates.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Assets recognized or disclosed at fair value on the condensed consolidated financial statements on a nonrecurring basis include items such as leasehold improvements, property and equipment, operating lease assets, goodwill, and other intangible assets. These assets are measured at fair value if determined to be impaired.
We assess potential impairments to our long-lived assets, which includes property and equipment and lease right-of-use assets, on a quarterly basis or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Shop-level assets and right-of-use assets are grouped at the individual shop-level for the purpose of the impairment assessment. Recoverability of an asset group is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset group. The fair value of the shop assets is determined using the discounted future cash flow method of anticipated cash flows through the shop’s lease-end date using fair value measurement inputs classified as Level 3. The fair value of right-of-use assets is estimated using market comparative information for similar properties. Level 3 inputs are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. After performing a periodic review of our shops during the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023, it was determined that indicators of impairment were present for certain shops as a result of continued underperformance. We performed an impairment analysis related to these shops and recorded an impairment charge of $
0.2
million and $
0.9
million for the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023.
(4)
Earnings Per Share
Basic and diluted income per common share attributable to common stockholders are calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted income per common share attributable to common stockholders is computed by dividing the income allocated to common stockholders by the weighted average number of fully diluted common shares outstanding. In periods of a net loss, no potential common shares are included in diluted shares outstanding as the effect is anti-dilutive.
The following table summarizes the earnings per share calculation:
For the Quarter Ended
For the Year to Date Ended
September 24,
2023
September 25,
2022
September 24,
2023
September 25,
2022
Net income attributable to Potbelly Corporation
$
1,495
$
9,029
$
2,383
$
1,690
Weighted average common stock outstanding-basic
29,324
28,726
29,143
28,563
Plus: Effect of potentially dilutive stock-based compensation awards
295
141
392
329
Plus: Effect of potential warrant exercise
409
—
380
55
Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted
30,028
28,867
29,915
28,947
Income per share available to common stockholders-basic
$
0.05
$
0.31
$
0.08
$
0.06
Income per share available to common stockholders-diluted
$
0.05
$
0.31
$
0.08
$
0.06
Potentially dilutive shares that are considered anti-dilutive:
Shares
437
2,620
367
647
(5)
Income Taxes
The interim tax provision is determined using an estimated annual effective tax rate and is adjusted for discrete taxable events that occur during the quarter. We regularly assess the need for a valuation allowance related to our deferred tax assets, which includes consideration of both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of such deferred tax assets to determine, based on the weight of the available evidence, whether it is more-likely-than-not that some or all of our deferred tax assets will not be realized. In our assessment, we consider recent financial operating results, projected future taxable income, the reversal of existing taxable differences, and tax planning strategies. We recorded a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets during the first quarter of 2019, resulting in a non-cash charge to income tax expense of $
13.6
million. We continue to maintain a valuation allowance against all of our deferred tax assets as of September 24, 2023. We did not provide for an income tax expense on our pre-tax income for the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023 and September 25, 2022. We assess the likelihood of the realization of our deferred tax assets each quarter and the valuation allowance is adjusted accordingly.
(6)
Leases
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception of the arrangement. We lease retail shops and warehouse and office space under operating leases. Our leases generally have terms of
ten years
and most include options to extend the leases for additional
five-year
periods. For leases with renewal periods at our option, we determine the expected lease period based on whether the renewal of any options are reasonably assured at the inception of the lease. In addition, we lease certain properties from third parties that we sublease to franchisees. We remain primarily liable to the landlord for the performance of all obligations in the event that the sublessee does not perform its obligations under the lease. All of our subleases are classified as operating leases with fixed and variable income.
Lessee Disclosures
We did not terminate any leases during the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023.
The weighted average operating lease term and discount rate were as follows:
September 24,
2023
September 25,
2022
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)
6.27
6.77
Weighted average discount rate
8.74
%
8.17
%
Certain of our operating lease agreements include variable payments that are passed through by the landlord, such as common area maintenance and real estate taxes, as well as variable payments based on percentage rent for certain of our shops. Pass-through charges and payments based on percentage rent are included within variable lease cost.
The components of lease cost were as follows (in thousands), which are included in occupancy, general and administrative and franchise support, rent and marketing expense:
For the Quarter Ended
For the Year to Date Ended
September 24,
2023
September 25,
2022
September 24,
2023
September 25,
2022
Operating lease cost
$
10,231
10,451
$
30,406
31,041
Variable lease cost
3,825
2,797
11,188
9,649
Short-term lease cost
77
46
234
259
Total lease cost
$
14,133
13,294
$
41,828
40,949
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information related to leases were as follows (in thousands):
For the Quarter Ended
For the Year to Date Ended
September 24,
2023
September 25,
2022
September 24,
2023
September 25,
2022
Operating cash flows rent paid for operating lease liabilities
$
10,479
10,254
$
31,685
31,179
Operating right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
4,745
7,361
8,997
17,537
Reduction in operating right-of-use assets due to lease terminations and modifications
$
1,392
84
$
2,251
1,347
Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands) as of September 24, 2023:
Operating Leases
Remainder of 2023
$
10,448
2024
41,928
2025
39,356
2026
35,562
2027
29,730
2028
23,062
Thereafter
49,296
Total lease payments
229,382
Less: imputed interest
(
55,433
)
Present value of lease liabilities
$
173,949
As of September 24, 2023, we had
no
significant real estate leases entered into that had not yet commenced.
Lessor Disclosures
We recognized $
0.8
million and $
1.5
million in franchise rent income during the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023 respectively, which is included in franchise royalties, fees and rent income in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. During the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023, we incurred $
0.9
million and $
1.6
million in expenses associated with these leases, which are included in franchise support, rent and
marketing expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of operations from the inception of the related sublease agreements.
The components of lease income were as follows:
For the Quarter Ended
For the Year to Date Ended
September 24,
2023
September 25,
2022
September 24,
2023
September 25,
2022
Number of subleases
20
—
20
—
Operating lease income
$
559
$
—
$
1,159
$
—
Variable lease income
266
—
304
—
Franchise rent income
$
825
$
—
$
1,463
$
—
(7)
Debt and Credit Facilities
The components of long-term debt were as follows (in thousands):
September 24,
2023
December 25,
2022
Revolving credit facility
$
—
$
8,550
Term loan credit facility
24,062
—
Unamortized debt issuance costs
(
1,894
)
—
Less: current portion of long-term debt
(
1,250
)
—
Total long-term debt
$
20,918
$
8,550
Term Loan Credit Facility
On February 7, 2023 (the “Closing Date”), we entered into a credit and guaranty agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Sagard Holdings Manager LP as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”). The Credit Agreement provides for a term loan facility with an aggregate commitment of $
25
million (the “Term Loan”). Concurrent with entry into the Credit Agreement, we repaid in full and terminated the obligations and commitments under our existing senior secured credit facility (the “Former Credit Facility”). Upon termination of the Former Credit Facility, we recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $
0.2
million. The remaining proceeds from the Term Loan were used to pay related transaction fees and expenses, and for general corporate purposes.
The Credit Agreement is scheduled to mature on February 7, 2028. We are required to make principal payments equal to
1.25
% of the initial principal of the Term Loan on the last business day of each fiscal quarter. If not previously paid, any remaining principal balance must be repaid on the maturity date.
Loans under the Credit Agreement will initially bear interest, at the Company’s option, at either the term SOFR plus
9.25
% per annum or base rate plus
8.25
% per annum.
As of September 24, 2023, the effective interest rate was
14.94
%.
We may prepay the Term Loan in agreed-upon minimum principal amounts, subject to prepayment fees equal to (a) if the prepayment occurs on or prior to the one (1) year anniversary of the Closing Date, a customary make-whole amount plus
3.00
% of the outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan, (b) if the prepayment occurs after such one (1) year anniversary and prior to the two (2) year anniversary of the Closing Date,
3.00
% of the outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan, (c) if the prepayment occurs after such second anniversary of the Closing Date and prior to the three (3) year anniversary of the Closing Date
1.00
% of the outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan and (d) thereafter, no prepayment fee.
Subject to certain customary exceptions, obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Company and all of the Company’s current and future wholly-owned material domestic subsidiaries and are secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiary guarantors.
The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and affirmative and negative covenants. Among other things, these covenants restrict the Company’s and certain of its subsidiaries’ ability to incur indebtedness, make certain investments, pay dividends or repurchase stock, and make dispositions and acquisitions. In addition, the Credit Agreement requires that the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries maintain certain total net leverage ratios as set forth in the Credit Agreement, an average liquidity amount that shall not be less than $
10
million, maximum capital expenditures per year as set forth in the Credit Agreement and fixed charge coverage ratios as set forth in the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default. If an event of default occurs, the Administrative Agent and lenders are entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the Credit Agreement, termination of commitments thereunder and all other actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor.
In connection with entering into the Credit Agreement, we paid $
2.2
million in debt issuance costs, all of which were capitalized. During the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023, we amortized $
0.1
million and $
0.3
million of debt issuance costs, respectively, using the effective interest method, which is included in interest expense in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. As of September 24, 2023, we had $
24.1
million outstanding under the Credit Agreement. We are currently in compliance with all financial debt covenants.
(8)
Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative
The following is a summary of the refranchising activities recorded as a result of the Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative during the quarter and year ended September 24, 2023 and September 25, 2022:
For the Quarter Ended
For the Year to Date Ended
September 24,
2023
September 25,
2022
September 24,
2023
September 25,
2022
Number of shops sold to franchisees
12
—
20
—
Proceeds from sale of company-operated shops
$
1,269
$
—
$
1,369
$
—
Net assets sold
(
1,283
)
—
(
1,796
)
—
Goodwill related to the company-operated shops sold to franchisee
(
79
)
—
(
100
)
—
Loss on sale of company-operated shops, net
(
93
)
—
(
527
)
—
Adjustment to recognize held-for-sale assets at fair value
—
—
(
503
)
—
Other expenses
(a)
(
17
)
—
(
43
)
—
Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative activities
$
110
$
—
$
1,073
$
—
______________________________
(a)
These costs primarily include professional service fees and travel expenses incurred to execute the refranchise transaction.
(9)
Capital Stock
On May 8, 2018, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for up to $
65.0
million of our outstanding common stock. The program permits us, from time to time, to purchase shares in the open market (including in pre-arranged stock trading plans in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) or in privately negotiated transactions. The number of common shares actually repurchased, and the timing and price of repurchases, will depend upon market conditions, SEC requirements and other factors. Purchases may be started or stopped at any time without prior notice depending on market conditions and other factors. For the quarter ended September 24, 2023, we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock under the stock repurchase program. We do not have plans to repurchase any common stock under our stock repurchase program at this time.
On February 9, 2021, we closed on a Securities Purchase Agreement (the "SPA") for the sale by us of
3,249,668
shares of our common stock at a par value of $
0.01
per share and the issuance of warrants to purchase
1,299,861
shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $
5.45
per warrant for gross proceeds of $
16.0
million, before deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses of approximately $
1.0
million. The warrants are currently exercisable until August 12, 2026. The proceeds received from the SPA were allocated between shares and warrants based on their relative fair values at closing. The warrants were valued utilizing the Black-Scholes method. During the quarter ended September 24, 2023,
no
warrants were exercised. For the year to date ended September 24, 2023,
176,272
warrants were exercised at the exercise price of $
5.45
per warrant. As of September 24, 2023, we had
1,123,589
warrants outstanding that are exercisable through August 12, 2026.
On November 3, 2021, we entered into a certain Equity Sales Agreement (the "Sales Agreement") with William Blair & Company, L.L.C., as agent ("William Blair") pursuant to which we may sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $
40.0
million (the "Shares"), from time to time, in our sole discretion, through an "at the market" equity offering program under which William Blair will act as sales agent. As of September 24, 2023, we have not sold any shares under the Sales Agreement.
(10)
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock options
We have awarded stock options to certain employees including our senior leadership team. The number of options and exercise price of each option is determined by an independent committee designated by our Board of Directors. The options granted are generally exercisable over a
10-year
period from the date of the grant. Outstanding options expire on various dates through the year 2028. The range of exercise prices for the outstanding options as of September 24, 2023 is $
10.59
and $
20.53
per option, and the options generally vest in one-fourth and one-fifth increments over
four
and
five-year
periods, respectively.
A summary of stock option activity for the year to date ended September 24, 2023 is as follows:
Options
Shares
(Thousands)
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(Thousands)
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Term
(Years)
Outstanding—December 25, 2022
473
$
12.22
$
—
1.46
Granted
—
—
Exercised
—
—
Canceled
(
345
)
11.64
Outstanding—September 24, 2023
128
$
13.78
$
—
1.62
Exercisable—September 24, 2023
128
13.78
$
—
1.62
Stock-based compensation related to stock options is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the requisite employee service period, which is generally the vesting period of the grant with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. We did
not
recognize stock-based compensation expense related to stock options for the quarter or year to date ended September 24, 2023 or the quarter ended September 25, 2022. For the year to date ended September 25, 2022, we recognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options of less than $
0.1
million. As of September 24, 2023, we did not have unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options. We record stock-based compensation expense within general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Restricted stock units
We award restricted stock units ("RSUs") to certain employees and certain non-employee members of our Board of Directors. Grants of RSUs to our Board of Directors fully vest on the first anniversary of the grant date, or upon termination from the Board of Directors for any reason other than for cause, a pro rata portion of the shares vest on the termination date. The employee grants generally vest in one-third increments over a
three-year
period.
A summary of RSU activity for the year to date ended September 24, 2023 is as follows:
For the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023, we recognized stock-based compensation expense related to RSUs of $
0.8
million and $
2.4
million, respectively. For the quarter and year to date ended September 25, 2022, we recognized stock-based compensation expense related to RSUs of $
0.8
million and $
2.1
million, respectively. As of September 24, 2023, unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for RSUs was $
5.6
million, which will be recognized through fiscal year 2024.
Performance stock units
We award performance share units ("PSUs") to certain of our employees. We have PSUs that have certain vesting conditions based upon our stock price and relative stock performance. We also have PSUs that are based solely on stock price.
Because these PSUs are subject to service and market vesting conditions, we determine the fair market value of each grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Participants are entitled to receive a specified number of shares of our common stock contingent on achievement of a stock return on our common stock. For the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023, we recognized stock-based compensation expense for PSUs with market vesting conditions of $
0.4
million and $
1.0
million, respectively. For the quarter and year to date ended September 25, 2022, we recognized stock-based compensation expense for PSUs with market vesting conditions of $
0.2
million and $
0.4
million, respectively.
A summary of activity for PSUs with market vesting conditions for the year to date ended September 24, 2023 is as follows:
PSUs
Number
of PSUs
(Thousands)
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
per Share
Non-vested as of December 25, 2022
275
9.34
Granted
297
9.79
Vested
(
18
)
4.30
Canceled
(
40
)
6.24
Non-vested as of September 24, 2023
514
$
9.59
(11)
Commitments and Contingencies
We are subject to legal proceedings, claims and liabilities, such as employment-related claims and slip and fall cases, which arise in the ordinary course of business and are generally covered by insurance. We accrue for such liabilities when it is probable that future costs will be incurred and such costs can be reasonably estimated. Such accruals are based on developments to date, our estimates of the outcomes of these matters and our experience in contesting, litigating and settling other similar matters. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to those actions should not have a material adverse impact on our financial position or results of operations and cash flows.
Many of the food products we purchase are subject to changes in the price and availability of food commodities, including, among other things, beef, poultry, grains, dairy and produce. We work with our suppliers and use a mix of forward pricing protocols for certain items including agreements with our supplier on fixed prices for deliveries at a time in the future and agreements on a fixed price with our suppliers for the duration of those protocols. We also utilize formula pricing protocols under which the prices we pay are based on a specified formula related to the prices of the goods, such as spot prices. Our use of any forward pricing arrangements varies substantially from time to time and these arrangements tend to cover relatively short periods (i.e., typically twelve months or less). Such contracts are used in normal purchases of our food products and not for speculative purposes, and as such are not required to be evaluated as derivative instruments.
On October 30, 2023, we completed a multi-unit development agreement which included the refranchising of
four
shops in the greater Columbus, Ohio region. We received $
3.3
million in cash proceeds for the sale of these shop assets, and we expect to recognize a gain on the sale the fourth quarter of 2023 of between $
2.0
and $
3.0
million.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward-Looking Statements
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and with our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2022. This discussion contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and involves numerous risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements relating to our future financial position and results of operations, our ability to grow our brand in new and existing markets, and the implementation and results of strategic initiatives, including our "Traffic-Driven Profitability" Five-Pillar strategic plan. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and generally contain words such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "intends," "plans," "strives," "goal," "estimates," "forecasts," "projects" or "anticipates" and the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Our forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied by the forward-looking statement, due to reasons including, but not limited to, compliance with covenants in our credit facility; competition; general economic conditions including any impact from inflation; our ability to successfully implement our business strategy; the success of our initiatives to increase sales and traffic, including the success of our franchising initiatives; changes in commodity, energy, labor and other costs; our ability to attract and retain management and employees and adequately staff our restaurants; consumer reaction to industry-related public health issues and perceptions of food safety; our ability to manage our growth; reputational and brand issues; price and availability of commodities; consumer confidence and spending patterns; and weather conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and currently available data and are neither predictions nor guarantees of future events or performance. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. See "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2022, for a discussion of factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements.
We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.
Business
Potbelly is a neighborhood sandwich concept that has been feeding customers’ smiles with warm, toasty sandwiches, signature salads, hand-dipped shakes and other fresh menu items, customized just the way customers want them, for more than 40 years. Potbelly owns and operates Potbelly Sandwich Shop concepts in the United States. We also have domestic franchise operations of Potbelly Sandwich Shop concepts. Potbelly’s chief operating decision maker is our Chief Executive Officer. Based on how our Chief Executive Officer reviews financial performance and allocates resources on a recurring basis, we have one operating segment and one reportable segment.
We strive to be proactive and deliberate in our efforts to drive profitable growth in our existing business. Our "Traffic-Driven Profitability" Five-Pillar strategic plan includes a prioritized set of low-cost strategic investments that we believe will deliver strong returns. The five pillars are:
•
Craveable Quality Food at a Great Value
•
People Creating Good Vibes
•
Customer Experiences that Drive Traffic Growth
•
Digitally Driven Awareness, Connection and Traffic
•
Franchise Focused Development
Our shop model is designed to generate, and has generated, strong cash flow, attractive shop-level financial results and high returns on investment. We operate our shops successfully in a wide range of geographic markets, population densities and real estate settings. We aim to generate average shop-level profit margins, a non-GAAP measure, that range from the mid to high teens. Our ability to achieve such margins and returns depends on a number of factors. For example, we face increasing labor and commodity costs, which we have partially offset by increasing menu prices. Although there is
no guarantee that we will be able to maintain these returns, we believe our attractive shop economics support our ability to profitably grow our brand in new and existing markets.
We are actively executing against our Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative which includes the goal of refranchising approximately 25% of our company-operated shops over the next three years and executing area development agreements with franchisees to develop additional Potbelly shops in specific markets.
The table below sets forth a rollforward of company-operated and franchise operated activities:
Company-
Operated
Franchise-
Operated
Total
Company
Shops as of December 26, 2021
397
46
443
Shops opened
—
1
1
Shops closed
(9)
(1)
(10)
Shops refranchised
—
—
—
Shops as of September 25, 2022
388
46
434
Shops as of December 25, 2022
384
45
429
Shops opened
1
4
5
Shops closed
(4)
—
(4)
Shops refranchised
(20)
20
—
Shops as of September 24, 2023
361
69
430
Key Performance Indicators
In assessing the performance of our business, we consider a variety of performance and financial measures. The key measures for determining how the business is performing are comparable store sales, number of company-operated shop openings, shop-level profit margins, and Adjusted EBITDA.
Company-Operated Comparable Store Sales
Comparable store sales reflect the change in year-over-year sales for the comparable company-operated store base. We define the comparable company-operated store base to include those shops open for 15 months or longer. As of the quarters ended September 24, 2023 and September 25, 2022, there were 360 and 382 shops, respectively, in our comparable company-operated store base. Comparable store sales growth can be generated by an increase in number of transactions and/or by increases in the average check amount resulting from a shift in menu mix and/or increase in price. This measure highlights performance of existing shops as the impact of new shop openings is excluded. For purposes of the comparable store sales calculation, a transaction is defined as an entrée, which includes sandwiches, salads and bowls of soup or mac and cheese.
Number of Company-Operated Shop Openings
The number of company-operated shop openings reflects the number of shops opened during a particular reporting period. Before we open new shops, we incur pre-opening costs. Often, new shops open with an initial start-up period of higher-than-normal sales volumes, which subsequently decrease to stabilized levels. While sales volumes are generally higher during the initial opening period, new shops typically experience normal inefficiencies in the form of higher cost of sales, labor and other direct operating expenses and as a result, shop-level profit margins are generally lower during the start-up period of operation. The average start-up period is 10 to 13 weeks. With our focus on franchise shop development, we expect company shop development to be limited for the foreseeable future.
Shop-Level Profit Margin
Shop-level profit margin is defined as net company-operated sandwich shop sales less company-operated sandwich shop operating expenses, excluding depreciation, which consists of food, beverage and packaging costs, labor and related expenses, occupancy expenses, and other operating expenses, as a percentage of net company-operated sandwich shop sales. Other operating expenses include all other shop-level operating costs, excluding depreciation, the major components
of which are credit card fees, fees to third-party marketplace partners, marketing and advertising, shop technology and software, supply chain costs, operating supplies, utilities, and repair and maintenance costs. Shop-level profit margin is not required by, or presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We believe shop-level profit margin is important in evaluating shop-level productivity, efficiency and performance.
Adjusted EBITDA
We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income attributable to Potbelly before depreciation and amortization, interest expense and the provision for income taxes, adjusted for the impact of the following items that we do not consider representative of ongoing operating performance: stock-based compensation expense, impairment and shop closure expenses, gain or loss on disposal of property and equipment, and gain or loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative activities, as well as other one-time, non-recurring charges. Adjusted EBITDA is not required by or presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of operating performance, as it provides a picture of operating results by eliminating expenses that management does not believe are reflective of underlying business performance.
Total revenues increased by $3.1 million, or 2.7%, to $120.8 million during the quarter ended September 24, 2023, from $117.6 million during the quarter ended September 25, 2022, primarily driven by company-operated comparable store sales increasing $8.8 million, or 8.0%. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in sales of $7.4 million from shops that have either permanently closed or were refranchised over the last 12 months. Additionally, revenue from franchise royalties, fees and rent income increased by $1.2 million, or 102.3% primarily driven by our increased refranchising efforts.
Food, Beverage, and Packaging Costs
Food, beverage, and packaging costs decreased by $1.9 million, or 5.5%, to $32.9 million during the quarter ended September 24, 2023, from $34.8 million during the quarter ended September 25, 2022. This decrease was primarily driven by lower costs of protein and lower costs from stores that either permanently closed or were refranchised over the last 12 months. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, food, beverage, and packaging costs decreased to 27.8% during the quarter ended September 24, 2023, from 29.9% during the quarter ended September 25, 2022, primarily driven by a decrease in costs and lower inflation and, to a lesser extent, increased menu prices.
Labor and Related Expenses
Labor and related expenses decreased by $1.8 million, or 5.1%, to $34.2 million during the quarter ended September 24, 2023, from $36.0 million for the quarter ended September 25, 2022, primarily driven by shops that were either permanently closed or were refranchised over the last 12 months and the continued optimization of our hours-based labor guide and other labor-saving initiatives. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, labor and related expenses decreased to 28.9% during the quarter ended September 24, 2023, from 30.9% for the quarter ended September 25, 2022, primarily driven by the previously noted items.
Occupancy Expenses
Occupancy expenses decreased by $0.9 million, or 6.7%, to $12.7 million during the quarter ended September 24, 2023, from $13.6 million during the quarter ended September 25, 2022, primarily due to a decrease in fixed lease expenses as a result of our refranchising efforts, partially offset by an increase in variable lease expenses. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, occupancy expenses decreased to 10.7% for the quarter ended September 24, 2023, from 11.6% for the quarter ended September 25, 2022, primarily due to increased sales leverage in certain fixed occupancy related costs.
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses increased by $1.5 million, or 7.8%, to $21.3 million during the quarter ended September 24, 2023, from $19.7 million during the quarter ended September 25, 2022. The increase was primarily related to an increase in marketing and advertising spend and certain items variable with sales, including fees to third-party delivery partners and credit card fees. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, other operating expenses increased to 18.0% for the quarter ended September 24, 2023, from 17.0% for the quarter ended September 25, 2022, primarily driven by the increase in marketing and advertising spend.
Franchise Support, Rent and Marketing Expenses
Franchise support, rent and marketing expenses increased by $1.4 million to $1.6 million during the quarter ended September 24, 2023 compared to $0.1 million during the quarter ended September 25, 2022, driven by an increase in franchise rent expense as a result of the refranchising transactions executed throughout fiscal year 2023 as well as increased marketing and advertising expenses.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased by $2.3 million, or 24.5%, to $11.9 million during the quarter ended September 24, 2023, from $9.6 million during the quarter ended September 25, 2022. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in payroll costs and stock-based compensation expense. As a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 9.8% for the quarter ended September 24, 2023, from 8.1% for the quarter ended September 25, 2022, primarily driven by an increase in corporate headcount to support our growth and development initiatives.
Depreciation expense increased by $0.1 million, or 4.2%, to $3.0 million during the quarter ended September 24, 2023, from $2.9 million during the quarter ended September 25, 2022. As a percentage of revenues, depreciation was 2.5% during the quarter ended September 24, 2023, which is consistent with the quarter ended September 25, 2022.
Impairment, Loss on Disposal of Property and Equipment and Shop Closures
Impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment and shop closures decreased by $1.2 million, or 71.7%, to $0.4 million during the quarter ended September 24, 2023, from $1.6 million during the quarter ended September 25, 2022. The decrease in impairment was driven primarily by an increase in the performance of company-operated shops.
After performing a periodic review of our shops during the quarter ended September 24, 2023, it was determined that indicators of impairment were present for certain shops as a result of continued underperformance. We performed an impairment analysis related to these shops and recorded an impairment charge of $0.4 million for the quarter ended September 24, 2023.
During the quarters ended September 24, 2023 and September 25, 2022, we did not incur any lease termination fees.
Interest Expense, Net
Net interest expense was $0.9 million during the quarter ended September 24, 2023 compared to $0.4 million during the quarter ended September 25, 2022, the increase was due to higher interest rates and average borrowings outstanding as a result of the Term Loan entered into in February 2023. The increase was partially offset by interest income generated through investments in money market funds of $0.2 million during the quarter ended September 24, 2023.
Income Tax Expense
We recognized income tax expense of $129 thousand for the quarter ended September 24, 2023. We recognized an income tax benefit of $4 thousand for the quarter ended September 25, 2022.
Total revenues increased by $33.8 million, or 10.2%, to $365.7 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023, from $331.8 million during the year to date ended September 25, 2022. This increase was primarily driven by the sustained recovery of our shops in central business district and airport locations, improved performance of our catering channel, successful marketing programs, and increased prices to offset cost inflation. Company-operated comparable store sales resulted in an increase of $44.3 million, or 14.0% for the year to date ended September 24, 2023. The increase in revenue also included sales from shops that were temporarily closed in 2022. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in sales of $14.5 million from shops that have permanently closed or refranchised over the last 12 months. Additionally, revenue from franchise royalties and fees increased by $2.7 million, or 92.0%.
Food, Beverage, and Packaging Costs
Food, beverage, and packaging costs increased by $5.5 million, or 5.8%, to $100.4 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023, from $95.0 million during the year to date ended September 25, 2022. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in shop sales volume and increased costs of our food and paper supplies, partially due to commodity inflation. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, food, beverage, and packaging costs decreased to 27.9% during the year to date ended September 24, 2023, from 28.9% during the year to date ended September 25, 2022, primarily driven by increased menu prices partially offset by the previously noted increased costs.
Labor and Related Expenses
Labor and related expenses increased by $3.2 million, or 3.0%, to $108.6 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023, from $105.4 million for the year to date ended September 25, 2022, primarily driven by an increase in shop sales volumes and higher shop labor wage rates as a result of labor availability challenges in certain restaurants. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, labor and related expenses decreased to 30.2% during the year to date ended September 24, 2023, from 32.1% for the year to date ended September 25, 2022, primarily driven by sales leverage in certain fixed labor related costs not directly variable with sales.
Occupancy Expenses
Occupancy expenses decreased by $2.2 million, or 5.2%, to $39.0 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023, from $41.2 million during the year to date ended September 25, 2022, primarily due to our refranchising efforts. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, occupancy expenses decreased to 10.8% for the year to date ended September 24, 2023, from 12.5% for the year to date ended September 25, 2022, primarily due to increased sales leverage in certain fixed occupancy related costs and the refranchising activities.
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses increased by $5.7 million, or 10.0%, to $62.7 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023, from $57.0 million during the year to date ended September 25, 2022. The increase was primarily related to an increase in marketing and advertising spend and certain variable costs, including fees to third-party delivery partners and credit card fees. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, other operating expenses increased slightly to 17.4% for the year to date ended September 24, 2023, from 17.3% for the year to date ended September 25, 2022.
Franchise Support, Rent and Marketing Expenses
Franchise support, rent and marketing expenses increased by $3.0 million to $3.4 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023 compared to $0.4 million during the year to date ended September 25, 2022, driven by increased rent expense from our refranchise efforts and increased marketing and advertising expenses.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased by $6.7 million, or 24.8%, to $33.6 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023, from $26.9 million during the year to date ended September 25, 2022. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in bonus expense, payroll costs and stock-based compensation expense. As a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 9.2% for the year to date ended September 24, 2023, from 8.1% for the year to date ended September 25, 2022, primarily driven by an increase in corporate headcount to support our growth and development initiatives.
Depreciation expense decreased by $0.2 million, or 2.1%, to $8.9 million during year to date ended September 24, 2023, from $9.1 million during the year to date ended September 25, 2022. The decrease was driven primarily by a lower depreciable base related to a decrease in the number of company-operated shops and higher impairment charges taken in prior periods. As a percentage of revenues, depreciation was 2.4% during the year to date ended September 24, 2023 and 2.7% for the year to date ended September 25, 2022.
Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative activities
Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration increased by $1.1 million during year to date ended September 24, 2023, as no losses were incurred during the year to date ended September 25, 2022 since the initiative was announced in Q1 2023. The loss was driven by two executed refranchise transactions, primarily due to impairment of the assets sold.
Impairment, Loss on Disposal of Property and Equipment and Shop Closures
Impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment and shop closures decreased by $1.8 million, or 45.7%, to $2.2 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023, from $4.0 million during the year to date ended September 25, 2022.
After performing a periodic review of our shops during the year to date ended September 24, 2023, it was determined that indicators of impairment were present for certain shops as a result of continued underperformance. We performed an impairment analysis related to these shops and recorded an impairment charge of $0.9 million for the year to date ended September 24, 2023.
During the year to date ended September 24, 2023, we did not incur any lease termination fees.
Interest Expense, Net
Net interest expense was $2.5 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023 compared to $1.0 million during the year to date ended September 25, 2022, as a result of higher borrowings outstanding and higher interest rates on our Term Loan entered into in February 2023. The increase was partially offset by interest income generated through investments in money market funds of $0.2 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023.
Income Tax Expense
We recognized income tax expense of $0.2 million for the year to date ended September 24, 2023 compared to expense of $0.1 million for the year to date ended September 25, 2022.
Shop-level profit margin was 14.6% and 13.7% for the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023, respectively, due to the changes discussed above. Shop-level profit margin is not required by, or presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We believe shop-level profit margin is important in evaluating shop-level productivity, efficiency and performance.
For the Quarter Ended
For the Year to Date Ended
September 24,
2023
September 25,
2022
September 24,
2023
September 25,
2022
($ in thousands)
($ in thousands)
Income (loss) from operations
$
2,631
$
(705)
$
5,781
$
(7,049)
Less: Franchise royalties, fees and rent income
2,428
1,200
5,665
2,950
Franchise support, rent and marketing expenses
1,553
115
3,359
361
General and administrative expenses
11,894
9,554
33,558
26,899
Pre-opening costs
59
—
114
—
Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative activities
110
—
1,073
—
Depreciation expense
3,044
2,922
8,902
9,089
Impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment and shop closures
458
1,616
2,161
3,980
Shop-level profit [Y]
$
17,321
$
12,302
$
49,283
$
30,330
Total revenues
$
120,768
$
117,649
$
365,660
$
331,823
Less: Franchise royalties, fees and rent income
2,428
1,200
5,665
2,950
Sandwich shop sales, net [X]
$
118,340
$
116,449
$
359,995
$
328,873
Shop-level profit margin [Y÷X]
14.6
%
10.6
%
13.7
%
9.2
%
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA was $7.3 million and $20.9 million for the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023, respectively, due to the changes discussed above. Adjusted EBITDA is not required by, or presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of operating performance, as it provides a picture of operating results by eliminating expenses that management does not believe are reflective of underlying business performance.
Impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment, and shop closures
(a)
458
1,616
2,161
3,980
Stock-based compensation
1,192
951
3,407
2,446
(Gain)/loss on extinguishment of debt
—
(10,191)
239
(10,191)
Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative activities
(b)
110
—
1,073
Adjusted EBITDA
$
7,281
$
4,677
$
20,882
$
8,199
______________________________
(a)
This adjustment includes costs related to impairment of long-lived assets, loss on disposal of property and equipment and shop closure expenses.
(b)
This adjustment includes costs related to our plan to grow our franchise units domestically through multi-unit shop development area agreements, which may include refranchising certain company-operated shops.
Our ongoing primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash provided from operating activities, existing cash and cash equivalents, and our Term Loan. In the short term, our primary requirements for liquidity and capital are existing shop capital investments, maintenance, lease obligations, working capital and general corporate needs. Our requirement for working capital is not significant since our customers pay for their food and beverage purchases in cash or payment cards (credit or debit) at the time of sale. Thus, we are able to sell certain inventory items before we need to pay our suppliers for such items. Company-operated shops do not require significant inventories or receivables.
We ended the quarter ended September 24, 2023 with a cash balance of $31.7 million and total liquidity (cash less restricted cash) of $30.9 million compared to a cash balance of $35.0 million and total liquidity (cash less restricted cash) of $34.3 million at the end of the previous quarter.
We believe that cash from our operations and the cash proceeds received under the Term Loan provide us sufficient liquidity for at least the next twelve months
.
Cash Flows
The following table presents summary cash flow information for the periods indicated:
For the Year to Date Ended
September 24,
2023
September 25,
2022
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities
$
14,501
1,018
Investing activities
(10,890)
(4,914)
Financing activities
12,458
(951)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
$
16,069
$
(4,847)
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities increased to $14.5 million for the year to date ended September 24, 2023, from $1.0 million for the year to date ended September 25, 2022. The $13.5 million change in operating cash was primarily driven by an increase in income from operations compared to the prior year and development fees collected from franchisees.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities increased to $10.9 million for the year to date ended September 24, 2023, from $4.9 million for the year to date ended September 25, 2022. The $6.0 million increase in cash outflow was primarily driven by additional capital expenditures which related to ongoing investment in our company-owned shops and digital platforms. This cash outflow was partially offset by $1.4 million cash collected from the sale of refranchised assets.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities increased to $12.5 million for the year to date ended September 24, 2023, from $(1.0) million for the year to date ended September 25, 2022. The $13.4 million increase in financing cash was primarily driven by net proceeds from the Term Loan executed in the first quarter of 2023 partially offset by repayments under our senior secured credit facility (the "Former Credit Facility").
Term Loan
On February 7, 2023 (the “Closing Date”), we entered into a credit and guaranty agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Sagard Holdings Manager LP as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”). The Credit Agreement provides for a term loan facility with an aggregate commitment of $25 million (the “Term Loan”). Concurrent with entry into the Credit Agreement, we repaid in full and terminated the obligations and commitments under the Former
Credit Facility. The remaining proceeds from the Term Loan were used to pay related transaction fees and expenses, and for general corporate purposes.
The Credit Agreement is scheduled to mature on February 7, 2028. We are required to make principal payments equal to 1.25% of the initial principal of the Term Loan on the last business day of each fiscal quarter. If not previously paid, any remaining principal balance must be repaid on the maturity date.
Loans under the Credit Agreement will initially bear interest, at the Company’s option, at either the term SOFR plus 9.25% per annum or base rate plus 8.25% per annum.
As of September 24, 2023, the effective interest rate was 14.94%.
We may prepay the Term Loan in agreed-upon minimum principal amounts, subject to prepayment fees equal to (a) if the prepayment occurs on or prior to the one (1) year anniversary of the Closing Date, a customary make-whole amount plus 3.00% of the outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan, (b) if the prepayment occurs after such one (1) year anniversary and prior to the two (2) year anniversary of the Closing Date, 3.00% of the outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan, (c) if the prepayment occurs after such second anniversary of the Closing Date and prior to the three (3) year anniversary of the Closing Date 1.00% of the outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan and (d) thereafter, no prepayment fee.
Subject to certain customary exceptions, obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Company and all of the Company’s current and future wholly-owned material domestic subsidiaries and are secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiary guarantors.
The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and affirmative and negative covenants. Among other things, these covenants restrict the Company’s and certain of its subsidiaries’ ability to incur indebtedness, make certain investments, pay dividends or repurchase stock, and make dispositions and acquisitions. In addition, the Credit Agreement requires that the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries maintain certain total net leverage ratios as set forth in the Credit Agreement, an average liquidity amount that shall not be less than $10 million, maximum capital expenditures per year as set forth in the Credit Agreement and fixed charge coverage ratios as set forth in the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default. If an event of default occurs, the Administrative Agent and lenders are entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the Credit Agreement, termination of commitments thereunder and all other actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor.
In connection with entering into the Credit Agreement, we paid $2.2 million is debt issuance costs, all of which were capitalized. During the quarter ended September 24, 2023, we amortized $0.3 million of debt issuance costs, which is included in interest expense in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. As of September 24, 2023, we had $24.1 million outstanding under the Term Loan. We are currently in compliance with all financial debt covenants.
Stock Repurchase Program
On May 8, 2018, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for up to $65.0 million of our outstanding common stock. The program permits us, from time to time, to purchase shares in the open market (including in pre-arranged stock trading plans in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) or in privately negotiated transactions. The number of common shares actually repurchased, and the timing and price of repurchases, will depend upon market conditions, SEC requirements and other factors. Purchases may be started or stopped at any time without prior notice depending on market conditions and other factors. For the quarter ended September 24, 2023, we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock under the stock repurchase program. We do not have plans to repurchase any common stock under our stock repurchase program at this time.
Securities Purchase Agreement
On February 9, 2021, we closed on a Securities Purchase Agreement (the "SPA") for the sale by us of 3,249,668 shares of our common stock at a par value of $0.01 per share and the issuance of warrants to purchase 1,299,861 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.45 per warrant for gross proceeds of $16.0 million, before deducting placement
agent fees and offering expenses of approximately $1.0 million. The warrants are currently exercisable until August 12, 2026. The proceeds received from the SPA were allocated between shares and warrants based on their relative fair values at
closing. The warrants were valued utilizing the Black-Scholes method. During the quarter ended September 24, 2023, no warrants were exercised. For the year to date ended September 24, 2023, 176,272 warrants were exercised at the exercise price of $5.45 per warrant. As of September 24, 2023, we had 1,123,589 warrants outstanding that are exercisable through August 12, 2026.
Equity Offering Program
On November 3, 2021, we entered into a certain Equity Sales Agreement (the "Sales Agreement") with William Blair & Company, L.L.C., as agent ("William Blair") pursuant to which we may sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $40.0 million (the "Shares"), from time to time, in our sole discretion, through an "at the market" equity offering program under which William Blair will act as sales agent. As of September 24, 2023, we have not sold any shares under the Sales Agreement.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Critical accounting estimates are those that management believes are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and operating results, and require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. We base our estimates on historical experience and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of those policies may result in materially different amounts being reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. We have made no significant changes in our critical accounting estimates since the last annual report. Our critical accounting estimates are identified and described in our annual consolidated financial statements and related notes.
New and Revised Financial Accounting Standards
See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of recently issued Financial Accounting Standards.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk, see Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk," of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2022. Our exposures to market risk have not changed materially since December 25, 2022.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of September 24, 2023. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of September 24, 2023, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended September 24, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
Information pertaining to legal proceedings is provided in Note 11 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and is incorporated by reference herein.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
A description of the risk factors associated with our business is contained in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2022. There have been no material changes to our Risk Factors as previously reported.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table contains information regarding purchases of our common stock made by or on behalf of Potbelly Corporation during the year to date ended September 24, 2023 (in thousands, except per share data):
Period
Total Number of
Shares
Purchased (1)
Average Price Paid
per Share
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Program (2)
Maximum Value of
Shares that May Yet
be Purchased Under
the Program (2)
December 26, 2022 - January 22, 2023
3
$
7.47
—
$
37,982
January 23, 2023 - February 19, 2023
1
$
7.99
—
$
37,982
February 20, 2023 - March 26, 2023
37
$
8.19
—
$
37,982
March 27, 2023 - April 23, 2023
45
$
8.56
—
$
37,982
April 24, 2023 - May 21, 2023
22
$
10.48
—
$
37,982
May 22, 2023 - June 25, 2023
20
$
7.94
—
$
37,982
June 26, 2023 - July 23, 2023
1
$
8.78
—
$
37,982
July 24, 2023 - August 20, 2023
4
$
9.31
—
$
37,982
August 21, 2023 - September 24, 2023
12
$
7.89
—
$
37,982
Total number of shares purchased:
145
—
(1)
Represents shares of our common stock surrendered by employees to satisfy withholding obligations resulting from the vesting of equity awards.
(2)
On May 8, 2018, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for up to $65.0 million of our outstanding common stock. The program permits us, from time to time, to purchase shares in the open market (including in pre-arranged stock trading plans in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act or in privately negotiated transactions). No time limit has been set for the completion of the repurchase program and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. We do not have plans to repurchase any common stock under our stock repurchase program at this time. See Note 9 for further information regarding our stock repurchase program.
During the quarter ended September 24, 2023, no director or officer of Potbelly
adopted
or
terminated
a "Rule 10b5-1 trading agreement" or "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading agreement," as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
(We are using algorithms to extract and display detailed data. This is a hard problem and we are working continuously to classify data in an accurate and useful manner.)