Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. Appoints Charles W. Mooty as Chairman of the Board and Reports Results For Fiscal 2016


MINNEAPOLIS, March 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Famous Dave's of America, Inc. (NASDAQ:DAVE) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed current Board member and experienced industry executive, Charles W. Mooty Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, effective February 27, 2017.  Mr. Mooty joined the Company’s board in December 2016.

A longtime member of the Minneapolis business community, Mr. Mooty has more than 21 years of experience in the restaurant industry, having served in key executive leadership positions at both the management and board level at International Dairy Queen, owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc.  Currently, Mr. Mooty serves as President and CEO of Jostens, Inc.  Mr. Mooty succeeds Joseph Jacobs, the President and Co-Founder of Wexford Capital LP, who served as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board since 2015 and will remain on the Board of Directors.

“Since joining the Board, Chuck has demonstrated a deep passion for our Company and a relentless desire to work together to build strong momentum across the business.  He has exhibited tremendous leadership and vision in setting a path for Famous Dave’s.  The Board appreciates the proven experience and expertise Chuck brings to positioning Famous Dave’s for long-term success,” said Mr. Jacobs.

“As a strong believer in the brand, it is truly an honor to assume the responsibility of Chairman at this pivotal time for the Company and to further lead its evolution.  I am confident that together with the leadership of the Board, our management team and our franchisees we will drive enhanced total returns for our shareholders,” said Mr. Mooty.

Today, the Company reported financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 1, 2017 compared to the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 3, 2016.

Highlights for the Fourth Quarter of 2016 include the following:

  • Franchise-operated restaurants comparable sales decreased 5.5%
  • Company-owned restaurants comparable sales decreased 5.0%
  • Opened one new franchise-operated restaurant and closed one
  • General and administrative expenses decreased approximately $1.0 million to $4.1 million
  • Completed new long-term Credit Agreement with a new bank partner

Highlights for Fiscal Year 2016 include the following:

  • Franchise-operated restaurants comparable sales decreased 4.7%
  • Company-owned restaurants comparable sales decreased 5.0%
  • Opened four new franchise-operated restaurants, refranchised seven, and closed seven
  • General and administrative expenses decreased approximately $2.3 million to $16.8 million
  • Net debt decreased by approximately $2.4 million

Financial Results

 (in thousands except per share data)Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
  January 1,
2017
 January 3,
2016
 January 1,
2017
 January 3,
2016
Revenue:           
 Total revenues (1)(2)$22,593  $25,367  $99,179  $114,226 
             
Operating income:           
 GAAP (loss) income from operations (4.7)%   (1.8)%   (4.1)%   1.9% 
 Adjusted (loss) income from operations (3.7)%   (4.5)%   0.9%   1.1% 
             
(Loss) income per common share:           
 GAAP basic (loss) income from continuing operations$(0.12) $(0.05) $(0.42) $0.15 
 Adjusted basic (loss) income from continuing operations$(0.10) $(0.08) $0.01  $0.04 
             

(1) The quarterly year over year decrease was primarily the result of a decline in Company-owned restaurant sales and franchise royalty revenue due to the previously mentioned comparable sales declines and changes in restaurant count; and the inclusion of the 53rd operating week in fiscal 2015.
(2) The year over year decrease was primarily the result of a decline in Company-owned restaurant sales and franchise royalty revenue due to the previously mentioned comparable sales declines and changes in restaurant count; the inclusion of the 53rd operating week in fiscal 2015; and the refranchising of five Company-owned restaurants and the closure of one Company-owned restaurant in the third quarter of fiscal 2015.

CEO Comments

Mike Lister, Chief Executive and Operating Officer, commented, “while 2016 was a challenging year for the industry and Famous Dave’s, we remain focused on the all-important return of our Brand to a position of strength. The foundation of the Brand and the quality of our people is unquestionable.  I am confident that together with the leadership of the Board, Chuck’s invaluable insights, and our people we will elevate Famous Dave’s to the next level.”

Conference Call

The company will host a conference call, March 6, 2017, at 3:30 p.m. Central Time to discuss its fourth quarter financial results. There will be a live webcast of the discussion through the Investor Relations section of Famous Dave's web site at www.famousdaves.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement its financial statements, Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. also provides investors with adjusted net (loss) income per common share from continuing operations and adjusted (loss) income from operations which are non-GAAP financial measures. The Company believes that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to its financial condition and results of operations. Famous Dave’s management uses these non-GAAP measures to compare the Company’s performance to that of prior periods for trend analysis and planning purposes.

Adjusted net (loss) income per common share from continuing operations consists of net (loss) income from continuing operations plus non-cash items, such as, asset impairment, estimated lease termination and other closing costs, net gain on disposal of equipment, settlement agreements, VP level and above stock based compensation recapture, severance, and the related tax impact, divided by the weighted average number of shares of stock outstanding during each period presented. Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. believes adjusted net (loss) income loss per common share from continuing operations is useful to an investor because it is widely used to measure a company’s operating performance.

Adjusted (loss) income from operations consists of (loss) income from operations plus non-cash items, such as asset impairment, estimated lease termination and other closing costs, net gain on disposal of equipment, settlement agreements, VP level and above stock based compensation recapture, and severance. Famous Dave’s uses adjusted (loss) income from operations as a measure of operating performance because it assists the Company in comparing performance on a consistent basis, as it removes from operating results the impact of non-cash events. The Company believes adjusted (loss) income from operations is useful to an investor in evaluating the company’s operating performance because it is widely used to measure a company’s operating performance and to present a meaningful measure of corporate performance exclusive of the impact of non-cash events and the method by which assets were acquired.

These non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude significant expenses and income that are required by GAAP to be recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and are subject to inherent limitations. Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. urges investors to review the reconciliation of its non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures that are included in this press release. The tables appearing at the end of this release provide reconciliations of net (loss) income from continuing operations to adjusted net (loss) income per common share from continuing operations and adjusted (loss) income from operations.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical, including but not limited to statements regarding the timing of our restaurant openings and the timing or success of our expansion plans, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, which may cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from expected results.  Although Famous Dave's of America, Inc. believes the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectation will be attained.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Famous Dave's expectation include financial performance, restaurant industry conditions, execution of restaurant development and construction programs, franchisee performance, changes in local or national economic conditions, availability of financing, governmental approvals and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports.

About Famous Dave’s

Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. develops, owns, operates and franchises barbeque restaurants. As of March 6, 2017, the Company owns 35 locations and franchises 138 additional units in 32 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates.  Its menu features award-winning barbequed and grilled meats, a selection of salads, sandwiches, side items, and made-from-scratch desserts.

  
FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
JANUARY 1, 2017 AND JANUARY 3, 2016 
 (in thousands, except per share data) 
(Unaudited) 
                
    Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended 
    January 1, January 3, January 1, January 3, 
    2017  2016  2017  2016  
Revenue:            
 Restaurant sales, net$18,498  $20,899  $81,511  $95,475  
 Franchise royalty revenue 3,722   4,279   16,375   17,542  
 Franchise fee revenue 155   ---   290   255  
 Licensing and other revenue 218   189   1,003   954  
   Total revenue 22,593   25,367   99,179   114,226  
                
Costs and expenses:            
 Food and beverage costs 5,636   6,353   25,256   29,093  
 Labor and benefits costs 6,885   7,579   28,208   32,553  
 Operating expenses 6,097   6,410   24,780   27,780  
 Depreciation and amortization 836   1,065   3,681   4,452  
 General and administrative expenses 4,120   5,094   16,753   19,021  
 Asset impairment and estimated lease            
  termination and other closing costs (benefits) 104   (106)  4,788   1,520  
 Pre-opening expenses ---   ---   ---   1  
 Net gain on disposal of property (15)  (581)  (197)  (2,337) 
   Total costs and expenses 23,663   25,814   103,269   112,083  
                
(Loss) income from operations (1,070)  (447)  (4,090)  2,143  
                
Other expense:            
 Interest expense (242)  (389)  (855)  (1,027) 
 Interest income ---   4   2   11  
 Other income (expense), net ---   (1)  1   ---  
   Total other expense, net (242)  (386)  (852)  (1,016) 
                
(Loss) income before income taxes (1,312)  (833)  (4,942)  1,127  
                
Income tax benefit (expense) 485   526   2,000   (48) 
                
Net (loss) income from continuing operations (827)  (307)  (2,942)  1,079  
                
Net (loss) income from             
 discontinued operations, net of taxes (115)  (5,636)  511   (5,463) 
                
Net loss$(942) $(5,943) $(2,431) $(4,384) 
(Loss) income per common share:            
Basic net (loss) income from continuing operations$(0.12) $(0.05) $(0.42) $0.15  
Basic net (loss) income from             
 discontinued operations$(0.02) $(0.81) $0.07  $(0.78) 
Basic net loss$(0.14) $(0.86) $(0.35) $(0.63) 
Diluted net (loss) income from continuing operations$(0.12) $(0.04) $(0.42) $0.15  
Diluted net (loss) income from             
 discontinued operations$(0.02) $(0.81) $0.07  $(0.78) 
 Diluted net loss$(0.14) $(0.85) $(0.35) $(0.63) 
                
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 6,953   6,947   6,950   6,992  
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted 6,953   6,958   6,950   7,013  
                 


FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
OPERATING RESULTS
(unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
  January 1, January 3, January 1, January 3,
  2017 20162017 2016
Food and beverage costs(1)30.5%  30.4%  31.0%  30.5% 
Labor and benefit costs(1)37.2%  36.3%  34.6%  34.1% 
Operating expenses(1)33.0%  30.7%  30.4%  29.1% 
         
 Restaurant level operating margins(1)(3)(0.7)%  2.6%  4.0%  6.3% 
         
Depreciation and amortization(2)3.7%  4.2%  3.7%  3.9% 
General and administrative(2)18.2%  20.1%  16.9%  16.7% 
         
(Loss) income from continuing operations(2)(4.7)%  (1.8)%  (4.1)%  1.9% 
Adjusted (loss) income from operations(2)(3.7)%  (4.5)%  0.9%  1.1% 
         
         
(1)As a percentage of restaurant sales, net       
(2)As a percentage of total revenue       
(3)Restaurant level operating margin is equal to restaurant sales, net less food and beverage costs, labor and benefit costs, and operating expenses.


FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
    January 1,  January 3,
    2017  2016
ASSETS     
Current assets:     
 Cash and cash equivalents$4,450 $5,300
 Restricted cash 1,714  1,087
 Accounts receivable, net 5,257  4,678
 Inventories 1,499  2,070
 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 3,531  1,671
 Assets held for sale 1  2,211
Total current assets  16,452  17,017
        
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net 25,912  32,491
        
Other assets:     
 Intangible assets, net 2,565  2,902
 Deferred tax asset 4,633  4,491
 Other assets 1,383  710
   $50,945 $57,611
        
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
        
Current liabilities:     
 Current portion of long-term debt and financing lease obligations$1,371 $2,193
 Accounts payable 5,311  5,685
 Accrued compensation and benefits 1,321  1,390
 Other current liabilities 3,140  3,406
 Liabilities held for sale ---  1,747
  Total current liabilities 11,143  14,421
        
Long-term liabilities:     
 Long-term debt, less current portion 8,849  10,120
 Financing lease obligations, less current portion 2,280  2,724
 Other liabilities 8,705  8,285
  Total liabilities 30,977  35,550
        
Shareholders' equity:     
 Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized,     
  6,958 shares issued and outstanding at     
  January 1, 2017 and January 3, 2016 66  66
 Retained earnings 19,902  21,995
  Total shareholders’ equity 19,968  22,061
   $50,945 $57,611
        


FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
    Twelve Months Ended
    January 1, January 3,
    2017
 2016
         
Cash flows from operating activities:     
 Net (loss) income from continuing operations$(2,942) $1,079 
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operations:     
 Depreciation and amortization 3,681   4,452 
 Amortization of deferred financing costs 115   212 
 Net gain on disposal of property (149)  (2,337)
 Asset impairment and estimated lease termination and other closing costs 4,788   1,520 
 Deferred income taxes (142)  (4,255)
 Deferred rent and net amortization of lease interest assets and liabilities 676   909 
 Stock-based compensation 339   386 
 Tax benefit for equity awards issued ---   (144)
 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisition:     
  Restricted cash (828)  (439)
  Accounts receivable, net (1,191)  (1,257)
  Inventories 191   140 
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1,876)  267 
  Deposits (277)  9 
  Accounts payable (696)  (305)
  Accrued compensation and benefits    (184)  (2,165)
  Other current liabilities (311)  162 
  Other liabilities 105   (38)
  Long-term deferred compensation ---   (74)
   Cash flows provided by (used for) continuing operating activities 1,299   (1,878)
   Cash flows (used for) provided by discontinued operating activities (955)  3,862 
   Cash flows provided by operating activities 344   1,984 
         
Cash flows from investing activities:     
 Proceeds from the sale of restaurant assets and décor 1,068   7,502 
 Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements (758)  (3,197)
  Cash flows provided by continuing investing activities 310   4,305 
  Cash flows provided by (used for) discontinued investing activities 1,150   (60)
  Cash flows provided by investing activities 1,460   4,245 
         
Cash flows from financing activities:     
 Proceeds from long-term debt 103   --- 
 Proceeds from draws on line of credit 1,855   27,700 
 Payments on line of credit ---   (24,440)
 Payments for debt issuance costs (259)  (160)
 Payments on long-term debt and financing lease obligations (4,352)  (634)
 Payments from exercise of stock options (1)  --- 
 Tax benefit for equity awards issued ---   144 
 Repurchase of common stock ---   (5,672)
  Cash flows used for financing activities (2,654)  (3,062)
         
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (850)  3,167 
         
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 5,300   2,133 
         
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year$4,450  $5,300 
        


SUPPLEMENTAL SALES INFORMATION
(unaudited)
 
    Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
    January 1, January 3, January 1, January 3,
    2017 2016
 2017
 2016
               
Restaurant sales (in thousands):            
 Company-Owned $18,498  $20,899  $81,511  $95,475 
 Franchise-Operated $79,215  $86,354  $347,722  $356,787 
               
Total number of restaurants:            
 Company-Owned  37   44   37   44 
 Franchise-Operated  139   135   139   135 
  Total  176   179   176   179 
               
Total weighted average weekly net sales (AWS):            
 Company-Owned $38,457  $40,346  $42,365  $42,661 
 Franchise-Operated $44,155  $46,154  $48,194  $50,202 
               
Operating weeks:            
 Company-Owned  481   518   1,924   2,238 
 Franchise-Operated  1,794   1,871   7,215   7,107 
               
 Total Company-Owned comparable sales %  (5.0)%   (10.6)%   (5.0)%   (9.3)% 
               
 Total Franchise-Operated %  (5.5)%   (5.2)%   (4.7)%   (2.5)% 
               
Total number of comparable restaurants:            
 Company-Owned  37   36   37   35 
 Franchise-Operated  123   120   116   115 


FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
   Three Months Ended
 Twelve Months Ended
     
  
   January 1,
  January 3,
 January 1,
  January 3,
    2017   2016   2017   2016 
              
Net (loss) income from continuing operations$(827) $(307) $(2,942) $1,079 
Asset impairment and estimated lease termination           
 and other closing costs (benefits) 104   (106)  4,788   1,520 
Net gain on disposal of equipment (15)  (581)  (197)  (2,337)
Settlement agreement ---   ---   410   --- 
VP level and above stock-based compensation (28)  ---   (154)  (45)
VP level and above severance 165   ---   165   --- 
Tax adjustment for non-cash adjustments (84)  434   (2,028)  37 
              
Adjusted net (loss) income from continuing operations$(685) $(560) $42  $254 
              
Adjusted net (loss) income per common share from continuing operations:           
Basic adjusted net (loss) income per common share           
 from continuing operations$(0.10) $(0.08) $0.01  $0.04 
Diluted adjusted net (loss) income per common share           
 from continuing operations$(0.10) $(0.08) $0.01  $0.04 
              
Shares used to compute net (loss) income per common share:           
Weighted average common share outstanding - basic 6,953   6,947   6,950   6,992 
Weighted average common share outstanding - diluted 6,953   6,958   6,950   7,013 
              
            
(Loss) income from operations$(1,070) $(447) $(4,090) $2,143 
Asset impairment and estimated lease termination           
 and other closing costs (benefits) 104   (106)  4,788   1,520 
Net gain on disposal of equipment (15)  (581)  (197)  (2,337)
Settlement agreement ---   ---   410   --- 
VP level and above stock-based compensation (28)  ---   (154)  (45)
VP level and above severance 165   ---   165   --- 
              
Adjusted (loss) income from operations$(844) $(1,134) $922  $1,281 
                

 


            

Tags


Contact Data