Blueprint
United States
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017
Commission
file number: 0-11104
NOBLE ROMAN’S, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Indiana
|
35-1281154
|
(State or other jurisdiction of organization)
|
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
|
One
Virginia Avenue, Suite 300
Indianapolis,
Indiana
|
46204
|
(Address of
principal executive offices)
|
(Zip Code)
|
(317)
634-3377
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1)
has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12
months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required
to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ___
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has
submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if
any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and
posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of
this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the registrant was required to submit and post such
files). Yes _X_
No ___
Indicate by check
mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of
“large accelerated filer,” “accelerated
filer,” “smaller reporting company” and
“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange
Act.
Large Accelerated
Filer __
|
Accelerated Filer
__
|
Non-Accelerated
Filer __ (do not check if smaller reporting company)
|
Smaller Reporting
Company X
|
Emerging Growth
Company __
|
|
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. ____
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
November 10, 2017, there were 20,783,032 shares of Common Stock, no
par value, outstanding.
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
Condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31,
2016 and
September 30, 2017 (unaudited)
|
Page
3
|
|
|
|
Condensed consolidated statements of operations for the
three-month and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2017
(unaudited)
|
|
Page
4
|
|
|
|
Condensed consolidated statements of changes in stockholders'
equity for
the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017
(unaudited)
|
|
Page
5
|
|
|
|
Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the
nine-month
periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 (unaudited)
|
|
Page
6
|
|
|
|
Notes
to condensed consolidated financial statements
(unaudited)
|
|
Page
7
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Noble Roman's, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
Assets
|
|
|
Current
assets:
|
|
|
Cash
|
$477,928
|
$381,814
|
Accounts
receivable - net
|
1,828,534
|
2,376,922
|
Inventories
|
754,418
|
726,883
|
Prepaid
expenses
|
568,386
|
810,575
|
Deferred
tax asset - current portion
|
925,000
|
-
|
Total
current assets
|
4,554,266
|
4,296,194
|
|
|
|
Property and
equipment:
|
|
|
Equipment
|
1,963,957
|
2,239,267
|
Leasehold
improvements
|
88,718
|
271,697
|
Construction
and equipment in progress
|
351,533
|
131,032
|
|
2,404,208
|
2,641,996
|
Less
accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
1,194,888
|
1,323,934
|
Net
property and equipment
|
1,209,320
|
1,318,062
|
Deferred tax asset
(net of current portion)
|
8,696,870
|
9,481,008
|
Goodwill
|
278,466
|
278,466
|
Other assets
including long-term portion of receivables - net
|
5,159,937
|
5,717,465
|
Total
assets
|
$19,898,859
|
$21,091,195
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
and Stockholders' Equity
|
|
|
Current
liabilities:
|
|
|
Current
portion of term loan payable to bank
|
$655,725
|
$642,857
|
Current
portion of loan payable to Super G
|
1,130,765
|
-
|
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses
|
339,125
|
422 251
|
Total
current liabilities
|
2,125,615
|
1, 065, 108
|
|
|
|
Long-term
obligations:
|
|
|
Term
loan payable to bank (net of current portion)
|
710,729
|
3,471,932
|
Loan
payable to Super G (net of current portion)
|
718,175
|
-
|
Notes
payable to officers
|
310,000
|
-
|
Notes
payable to Kingsway America
|
600,000
|
-
|
Convertible
notes payable
|
769,835
|
1,037,050
|
Derivative
warrant liability
|
210,404
|
685,154
|
Derivative
conversion liability
|
435,671
|
1,202,058
|
Total
long-term liabilities
|
3,754,814
|
6,396,194
|
|
|
|
Stockholders'
equity:
|
|
|
Common
stock – no par value (40,000,000 shares authorized,
20,783,032 issued and
outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and September 30,
2017)
|
24,308,297
|
24,322,885
|
Accumulated
deficit
|
(10,289,867)
|
(10,692,992)
|
Total
stockholders' equity
|
14,018,430
|
13,629,893
|
Total
liabilities and stockholders’ equity
|
$19,898,859
|
$21,091,195
|
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial
statements (unaudited).
Noble Roman's, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
|
Three-Months
Ended
September
30,
|
Nine-Months
Ended
September
30,
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
Royalties
and fees
|
$1,953,843
|
$1,733,956
|
$5,544,389
|
$5,062,549
|
Administrative
fees and other
|
12,459
|
10,992
|
34,168
|
34,933
|
Restaurant
revenue - Craft Pizza & Pub
|
-
|
457,133
|
-
|
1,223,351
|
Restaurant
revenue - non-traditional
|
55,691
|
310,840
|
162,737
|
871,192
|
Total
revenue
|
2,021,993
|
2,512,921
|
5,741,294
|
7,192,025
|
Operating
expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
Salaries
and wages
|
275,694
|
216,432
|
759,603
|
698,326
|
Trade
show expense
|
124,209
|
126,361
|
383,086
|
371,472
|
Travel
expense
|
57,010
|
37,589
|
152,684
|
146,017
|
Other
operating expenses
|
210,787
|
222,045
|
607,893
|
649,778
|
Restaurant
expenses - Craft Pizza & Pub
|
-
|
347,342
|
-
|
902,459
|
Restaurant
expenses - non-traditional
|
51,270
|
307,583
|
141,175
|
855,980
|
Depreciation and
amortization
|
31,675
|
60,127
|
92,763
|
171,890
|
General and
administrative
|
415,487
|
434,532
|
1,205,961
|
1,246,620
|
Total
expenses
|
1,166,133
|
1,757,011
|
3,343,164
|
5,042,542
|
Operating
income
|
855,860
|
760,910
|
2,398,130
|
2,149,483
|
Interest
|
153,882
|
601,192
|
291,822
|
1,220,945
|
Loss on restaurant
discontinued
|
-
|
-
|
36,776
|
-
|
Adjust valuation of
receivables
|
-
|
350,000
|
750,659
|
350,000
|
Change in fair
value of derivatives
|
-
|
929,810
|
-
|
632,537
|
Income
(loss) before income taxes from continuing
operations
|
701,978
|
(1,120,092)
|
1,318,873
|
(53,999)
|
Income tax expense
(benefit)
|
268,208
|
(72,388)
|
503,907
|
220,089
|
Net
income (loss) from continuing operations Loss from
discontinued operations net of
|
433,770
|
(1,047,704)
|
814,966
|
(274,088)
|
tax
benefits of $881,902 for 2016 and $79,228 for
2017
|
(1,426,289)
|
(129,037)
|
(1,426,289)
|
(129,037)
|
Net
loss
|
$(992,519)
|
$(1,176,741)
|
$(611,323)
|
$(403,125)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings
per share - basic
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income (loss) from continuing operations
|
$.02
|
$(.05)
|
$.04
|
$(.01)
|
Net
loss from discontinued operations net of tax benefit
|
(.07)
|
(.01)
|
(.07)
|
(.01)
|
Net
loss
|
(.05)
|
(.06)
|
(.03)
|
(.02)
|
Weighted average
number of common shares outstanding
|
20,783,032
|
20,783,032
|
20,781,501
|
20,783,032
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
earnings per share:
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income (loss) from continuing operations
|
$.02
|
$(.04)
|
$.04
|
$(.01)
|
Net
loss from discontinued operations net of tax benefit
|
(.07)
|
(.01)
|
(.07)
|
(.01)
|
Net
loss
|
(.05)
|
(.05)
|
(.03)
|
(.02)
|
Weighted average
number of common shares outstanding
|
20,924,077
|
25,792,995
|
20,922,546
|
25,657,464
|
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial
statements (unaudited).
Noble Roman's, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in
Stockholders' Equity
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
at December 31, 2016
|
20,783,032
|
$24,308,297
|
$(10,289,867)
|
$14,018,430
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss for nine months ended September
30, 2017
|
-
|
-
|
(403,125)
|
(403,125)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization
of value of employee stock
options
|
-
|
14,588
|
-
|
14,588
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
at September 30, 2017
|
20,783,032
|
$24,322,885
|
$(10,692,992)
|
$13,629,893
|
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial
statements (unaudited).
Noble Roman's, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
|
Nine
Months Ended
September
30,
|
OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
$(611,323)
|
$(403,125)
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash provided (used) by
operating activities:
|
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
75,982
|
444,410
|
Non-cash
expense for the valuation of receivable
|
750,659
|
350,000
|
Deferred
income taxes
|
(377,995)
|
140,862
|
Non-cash
expense
|
-
|
24,526
|
Change
in fair value of derivatives
|
-
|
632,537
|
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
(Increase)
decrease in:
|
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
(315,551)
|
(548,387)
|
Inventories
|
(250,800)
|
27,535
|
Prepaid
expenses
|
(235,837)
|
(18,222)
|
Other
assets including long-term portion of receivables
|
239,816
|
(907,527)
|
Increase
(decrease) in:
|
|
|
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses
|
(446,851)
|
276,392
|
NET
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
|
(1,171,900)
|
19,001
|
|
|
|
INVESTING
ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
Purchase
of property and equipment
|
(9,699)
|
(341,023)
|
NET
CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
|
(9,699)
|
(341,023)
|
|
|
|
FINANCING
ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
Payment
of principal - BMO term loans
|
(437,150)
|
(1,366,454)
|
Payment
of principal - Super G Funding, LLC loan
|
(89,000)
|
(2,066,282)
|
Payment
of principal - Kingsway America loan
|
-
|
(600,000)
|
Net
payment of officers loans
|
-
|
(310,000)
|
Net
proceeds from First Financial term loan
|
|
4,114,790
|
Net
proceeds from Super G Funding, LLC
|
1,915,417
|
-
|
Proceeds
from officers loan
|
135,000
|
-
|
Net
proceeds from convertible notes payable
|
-
|
647,119
|
NET CASH PROVIDED
BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
1,524,267
|
419,173
|
|
|
|
DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS
|
|
|
Payment
of obligations from discontinued operations
|
(361,454)
|
(193,265)
|
|
|
|
Decrease in
cash
|
(18,786)
|
(96,114)
|
Cash at beginning
of period
|
194,021
|
477,928
|
Cash at end of
period
|
$175,233
|
$381,814
|
|
|
|
Supplemental schedule of investing and financing
activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for
interest
|
$266,412
|
$911,488
|
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial
statements (unaudited).
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Note 1 - The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated
financial statements, included herein, have been prepared by the
Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and
footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules
and regulations. These condensed consolidated statements have been
prepared in accordance with the Company’s accounting policies
described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2016 and should be read in conjunction with
the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto
included in that report. Unless the context indicates otherwise,
references to the “Company” mean Noble Roman’s,
Inc. and its subsidiaries.
In the opinion of the management of the Company, the information
contained herein reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair
presentation of the results of operations and cash flows for the
interim periods presented and the financial condition as of the
dates indicated, which adjustments are of a normal recurring
nature. The results for the three-month and nine-month periods
ended September 30, 2017, respectively, are not necessarily
indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending
December 31, 2017.
Note 2
– Royalties and fees include initial franchise fees of
$76,000 and $204,000 for the three-month and nine-month periods
ended September 30, 2016, and $42,000 and $164,000 for the
three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017,
respectively. Royalties and fees include equipment commissions of
$7,000 and $17,000 for the three-month and nine-month periods ended
September 30, 2016, and $16,000 and $34,000 for the three-month and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively.
Royalties and fees including interest per franchise agreements,
less initial franchise fees and equipment commissions, were $1.9
million and $5.3 million for the respective three-month and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016, and $1.7 million and
$4.9 million for the respective three-month and nine-month periods
ended September 30, 2017. Most of the cost for the services
required to be performed by the Company are incurred prior to the
franchise fee income being recorded, which is based on a
contractual liability of the franchisee.
There
were 2,768 franchises/licenses in operation on December 31, 2016
and 2,831 franchises/licenses in operation on September 30, 2017.
During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, there were
85 new outlets opened and 22 outlets closed. In the ordinary
course, grocery stores from time to time add our licensed products,
remove them and may subsequently re-offer them. Therefore, it is
unknown how many licensed grocery store units included in the count
above have left the system.
Note 3
- On September 13, 2017, the Company entered into a loan agreement
(the “Agreement”) with First Financial Bank (the
“Bank”). The Agreement provides for a senior credit
facility (the “Credit Facility”) to be provided by the
Bank consisting of: (i) a term loan in the amount of $4.5 million
(the “Term Loan”); and (ii) a development line of
credit of up to $1.6 million (the “Development Line of
Credit”). Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest
at a variable annual rate equal to the London Interbank Offer Rate
(“LIBOR”) plus 4.25%. All outstanding amounts owed
under the Agreement mature on September 13, 2022.
Proceeds
of the Term Loan were used to repay the Company’s existing
indebtedness to BMO Harris Bank, Super G Capital, LLC and certain
officers of the Company, to pay certain expenses related to the
Credit Facility and the remainder used for general corporate
purposes.
The
Company may draw on the Development Line of Credit in three
tranches of up to $550,000 each for eligible costs incurred by it
to build-out three new locations of Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza
& Pub. Repayment of advances under each tranche of the
Development Line of Credit will begin four months following the
draw of each tranche based on a seven-year amortization schedule.
Interest will be paid monthly as accrued.
The
Agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants, including,
among other things, covenants requiring the Company to maintain
certain financial ratios. The Company’s obligations under the
Agreement are secured by first priority liens on all of the
Company’s and certain of its subsidiaries’ assets and a
pledge of all of the Company’s equity interest in such
subsidiaries. In addition, Paul W. Mobley, the Company’s
Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, executed a limited
guarantee only on borrowings under the Development Line of Credit
which is to be released upon achieving certain financial ratios by
the Company's Craft Pizza & Pub locations.
Note 4
- The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and
diluted earnings per share for the three-month and nine-month
periods ended September 30, 2016:
|
Three Months
Ended September 30, 2016
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
$(992,519)
|
20,783,032
|
$(.05)
|
Effect
of dilutive securities
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
141,045
|
|
Diluted
earnings per share
|
|
|
|
|
$(992,519)
|
20,924,077
|
$(.05)
|
|
Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2016
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
$(611,323)
|
20,781,501
|
$(.03)
|
Effect
of dilutive securities
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
141,045
|
|
Diluted
earnings per share
|
|
|
|
|
$(611,323)
|
20,922,546
|
$(.03)
|
The
following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted
earnings per share for the three-month and nine-month periods ended
September 30, 2017:
|
Three Months
Ended September 30, 2017
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
$(1,176,741)
|
20,783,032
|
$(.06)
|
Effect
of dilutive securities
|
|
|
|
Options
and warrants
|
|
209,963
|
|
Convertible
notes
|
60,000
|
4,800,000
|
|
Dilutive
earnings per share
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
$(1,116,741)
|
25,792,995
|
$(.04)
|
|
Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2017
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
$(403,125)
|
20,783,032
|
$(.02)
|
Effect
of dilutive securities
|
|
|
|
Options
and warrants
|
|
209,963
|
|
Convertible
notes
|
131,303
|
4,664,469
|
|
Dilutive
earnings per share
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
$(271,822)
|
25,657,464
|
$(.01)
|
Note 5
- The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”)
recently issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”)
2015-17 as part of its Simplification Initiative. The amendments
eliminate the guidance in Topic 740, Income Taxes, that required an
entity to separate deferred tax liabilities and assets between
current and non-current amounts in a classified balance sheet.
Rather, deferred taxes are now presented as non-current under the
new standard. In the balance sheet as of December 31, 2016, under
the previous guidance, $925,000 of the deferred tax asset was
recorded in current assets and with the current guidance, the
deferred tax asset is all presented as non-current.
Note 6
- The accounting treatment of derivative financial instruments
requires that the Company record these instruments at their fair
values as of the inception date of the agreement and at fair value
as of each subsequent balance sheet date. Any change in fair value
is recorded as non-operating, non-cash income or expense for each
reporting period at each balance sheet date. The Company reassesses
the classification of its derivative instruments at each balance
sheet date. If the classification changes as a result of events
during the period, the contract is reclassified as of the date of
the event that caused the reclassification.
As
described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements
included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2016, in 2016 and the first quarter of
2017, the Company conducted a private placement (the
“Offering”) of Units with each Unit consisting of a
convertible promissory note (collectively, the “Notes”)
and a warrant to purchase shares of the Company’s common
stock (collectively, the “Warrants”) for which Divine
Capital Markets, LLC served as the placement agent (the
“Placement Agent”). The Company issued in the Offering
a total of $2.4 million principal amount of Notes and Warrants to
purchase up to 2.4 million shares of the Company’s common
stock.
The
fair value of the derivative instruments, along with the cash
Placement Agent fees, are deducted from the carrying value of the
Notes, as original issue discount (“OID”). The OID is
amortized over the term of the Notes using the effective interest
rate method.
Activity
related to the Units during the first quarter of 2017 is as
follows:
Gross Proceeds from
additional convertible notes
|
$800,000
|
Placement Agent
Fees
|
104,000
|
Fair Value of
Warrants
|
106,363
|
Fair Value of
Conversion Features
|
447,586
|
Fair Value of
Placement Agent Warrants
|
54,650
|
Net Amount
Allocable to Notes
|
87,401
|
At
September 30, 2017, the balance of the Notes is comprised
of:
Face
Value
|
$2,400,000
|
Unamortized
OID
|
1,362,950
|
Carrying
Value
|
1,037,050
|
To
measure the fair value of derivative instruments, the Company
utilizes Monte Carlo models that value a warrant issued to Kingsway
America, Inc. (the “Kingsway Warrant”), the embedded
conversion feature in the Notes (the “Conversion
Feature”), the Warrants and the warrants issued to the
Placement Agent (the “Placement Agent Warrants”). The
Monte Carlo models are based on future projections of the various
potential outcomes of each instrument, giving consideration to the
terms of each instrument. A discounted average cash flow over the
various scenarios is completed to determine the value of the
instrument.
The
table below provides a summary of the changes in fair value, of all
financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a
recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
during the quarter ended September 30, 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance December
31, 2016
|
$68,335
|
$435,672
|
$93,387
|
$48,684
|
$646,078
|
Issuance During
First Quarter
|
-
|
447,586
|
106,363
|
54,650
|
608,599
|
Change in Fair
Value of Derivative Liabilities
|
185,573
|
318,799
|
89,069
|
39,096
|
632,537
|
Balance - September
30, 2017
|
$253,908
|
$1,202,057
|
$288,819
|
$142,430
|
$1,887,214
|
Note 7
- The Company evaluated subsequent events through the date the
financial statements were issued and filed with SEC. There were no
subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure beyond
what is disclosed in this report.
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of
Operations
General Information
Noble Roman’s, Inc., an Indiana corporation incorporated in
1972 with three wholly-owned subsidiaries, Pizzaco, Inc., N.R.
Realty, Inc. and RH Roanoke, Inc., sells and services franchises
and licenses for non-traditional foodservice operations and
stand-alone locations under the trade names “Noble
Roman’s Pizza,” “Noble Roman’s
Take-N-Bake,” "Noble Roman's Craft Pizza & Pub" and
“Tuscano’s Italian Style Subs.” The
concepts’ hallmarks include high quality pizza and sub
sandwiches, along with other related menu items, simple operating
systems, fast service times, labor-minimizing operations,
attractive food costs and overall affordability. Since 1997, the
Company has concentrated its efforts and resources primarily on
franchising and licensing for non-traditional locations and now has
awarded franchise and/or license agreements in 50 states plus
Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Italy, the Dominican
Republic and Canada. During 2016, the Company created a new
stand-alone concept called “Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza
& Pub” with the first location opening on January 31,
2017. The Company, during the second quarter of 2017, signed leases
for two new locations and anticipates opening the second Craft
Pizza & Pub location on November 17, 2017. The Company has
focused its sales efforts on (1) franchises/licenses for
non-traditional locations primarily in convenience stores and
entertainment facilities and (2) license agreements for grocery
stores to sell the Noble Roman’s Take-N-Bake Pizza. In 2017,
the Company plans to franchise the Noble Roman's Craft Pizza &
Pub concept while maintaining its efforts on franchising and
licensing non-traditional locations. Pizzaco, Inc. currently owns
and operates two non-traditional locations, RH Roanoke, Inc. owns
and operates a non-traditional location and Noble Roman’s,
Inc. owns and operates a Craft Pizza & Pub location. The
Company intends to add three additional Craft Pizza & Pub
locations and to use those as a base to support the franchising of
that concept. References in this report to the
“Company” are to Noble Roman’s, Inc. and its
subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.
Noble Roman’s Pizza
The hallmark of Noble Roman’s Pizza is “Superior
quality that our customers can taste.” Every ingredient and
process has been designed with a view to produce superior
results.
●
A
fully-prepared pizza crust that captures the made-from-scratch
pizzeria flavor which gets delivered to non-traditional locations
in a shelf-stable condition so that dough handling is no longer an
impediment to a consistent product in non-traditional
locations.
●
In-store
fresh made crust with only specially milled flour with above
average protein and yeast for use in its Noble Roman’s Craft
Pizza & Pub locations, the first of which opened in January
2017.
●
Fresh
packed, uncondensed and never cooked sauce made with secret spices,
parmesan cheese and vine-ripened tomatoes in all
venues.
●
100%
real cheese blended from mozzarella and Muenster, with no soy
additives or extenders.
●
100%
real meat toppings, with no additives or extenders, a distinction
compared to many pizza concepts.
●
Vegetable
and mushroom toppings that are sliced and delivered fresh, never
canned in non-traditional locations and vegetables sliced fresh on
premises in the Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub
locations.
●
An
extended product line that includes breadsticks and cheesy stix
with dip, pasta, baked sandwiches, salads, wings and a line of
breakfast products for the non-traditional locations.
Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub
In January 2017, the Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub
opened in Westfield, Indiana, a prosperous and growing community on
the northwest side of Indianapolis and plans to open its second
Craft Pizza & Pub in Whitestown, Indiana on November 17, 2017.
Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub is designed to harken
back to the Company’s early history when it was known simply
as “Pizza Pub.” Like then, and like the new
full-service pizza concepts today, ordering takes place at the
counter and food runners deliver orders to the dining room for
dine-in guests. The Company believes that Noble Roman’s Craft
Pizza & Pub features many enhancements over the current
competitive landscape. The restaurant features two styles of
hand-crafted, made-from-scratch pizzas with a selection of 40
different toppings, cheeses and sauces from which to choose. Beer
and wine also are featured, with 29 different beers on tap
including both national and local craft selections. Wines include
16 high quality, affordably priced options by the bottle or glass
in a range of varietals. Beer and wine service is provided at the
bar and throughout the dining room.
The pizza offerings feature Noble Roman’s traditional
hand-crafted thinner crust as well as its signature deep-dish
Sicilian crust. New technology and extensive research and
development enable fast cook times, with oven speeds running only
2.5 minutes for traditional pies and 5.75 minutes for Sicilian
pies. Traditional pizza favorites such as pepperoni are options on
the menu, but also offered is a selection of original creations
such as “Pig in the Apple Tree,” a pizza featuring
bacon, diced apples, candied walnuts and gorgonzola cheese. The
menu also features a selection of contemporary and fresh,
made-to-order salads such as “Avocado Chicken Caesar,”
and fresh-cooked pasta like “Chicken Fettuccine
Alfredo.” The menu includes baked subs, hand-sauced wings and
a selection of desserts, as well as Noble Roman’s famous
Breadsticks with Spicy Cheese Sauce.
Additional enhancements include a glass enclosed “Dough
Room” where Noble Roman’s Dough Masters hand make all
pizza and breadstick dough from scratch in customer view. Also in
the dining room is a “Dusting & Drizzle Station”
where guests can customize their pizzas after they are baked with a
variety of toppings and drizzles, such as rosemary infused olive
oil, honey and Italian spices. Kids enjoy Noble Roman’s root
beer tap, which is part of a special menu for customers 12 and
younger. Throughout the dining room and the bar area are 13 large
and giant screen television monitors for sports and the nostalgic
black and white shorts featured in Noble Roman’s earlier
days.
Business Strategy
The
Company’s business strategy includes the following principal
elements:
1. Focus on revenue expansion through franchising/licensing
traditional and non-traditional locations:
Sales of Non-Traditional Franchises and Licenses. The
Company believes it has an opportunity for increasing unit and
revenue growth within its non-traditional venue. The
Company’s franchises/licenses in non-traditional locations
are foodservice providers within a host business and requires a
substantially lower investment compared to stand-alone traditional
locations.
Sale of Traditional Franchises. The Company has developed the
next generation stand-alone prototype for its Noble Roman’s
Craft Pizza & Pub format. The Company has opened one location
as a Company-owned store and plans to open three additional
locations with one of those three scheduled to open November 17,
2017, followed by an aggressive plan to promote franchising from
those locations. The Company has engaged a search firm to assist in
recruiting an experienced Vice President of Development to lead
that effort and to recruit another experienced sales person to add
to the sales capacity of the Company's non-traditional
franchises.
2. Leverage the results of research and development
advances.
The
Company has invested significant time and effort to create what it
considers to be competitive advantages in its products and systems
for both its non-traditional and traditional locations. The Company
will continue to make these advantages the focal point in its
marketing process. The Company believes that the quality and
freshness of its products, their cost-effectiveness, relatively
simple production and service systems, and its diverse, modularized
menu offerings will contribute to the Company’s strategic
attributes and growth potential. The menu items for the
non-traditional locations were developed to be delivered in a
ready-to-use format requiring only on-site assembly and baking
except for take-n-bake pizza, which is sold to bake at home. The
Company believes this process results in products that are great
tasting, quality consistent, easy to assemble, relatively low in
food cost, and require minimal labor, which allows for a
significant competitive advantage in the non-traditional locations
due to the speed and simplicity at which the products can be
prepared, baked and served to customers.
3. Aggressively communicate the Company’s competitive
advantages to its target market of potential franchisees and
licensees.
The
Company utilizes the following methods of reaching potential
franchisees and licensees and to communicate its product and system
advantages: (1) calling from both acquired and in-house prospect
lists; (2) frequent direct mail campaigns to targeted prospects;
(3) web-based lead capturing; and (4) live demonstrations at trade
and food shows. In particular, the Company has found that
conducting live demonstrations of its systems and products at
selected trade and food shows across the country allows it to
demonstrate advantages that can otherwise be difficult for a
potential prospect to visualize. There is no substitute for
actually tasting the difference in a product’s quality to
demonstrate the advantages of the Company’s products. The
Company carefully selects the national and regional trade and food
shows where it either has an existing relationship or considerable
previous experience to expect that such shows offer opportunities
for fruitful lead generation.
Business Operations
Distribution
The Company’s proprietary ingredients are manufactured
pursuant to the Company’s recipes and formulas by third-party
manufacturers under contracts between the Company and its various
manufacturers. These contracts require the manufacturers to produce
ingredients meeting the Company’s specifications and to sell
them to Company-approved distributors at prices negotiated between
the Company and the manufacturer.
At present, the Company has primary distributors strategically
located throughout the United States. The distributor agreements
require the primary distributors to maintain adequate inventories
of all ingredients necessary to meet the needs of the
Company’s franchisees and licensees in their distribution
areas for weekly deliveries to the franchisee/licensee locations
and to its grocery store distributors in their respective
territories. Each of the primary distributors purchases the
ingredients from the manufacturer at prices negotiated between the
Company and the manufacturers, but under payment terms agreed upon
by the manufacturer and the distributor, and distributes the
ingredients to the franchisee/licensee at a price determined by the
distributor agreement. Payment terms to the distributor are agreed
upon between each franchisee/licensee and the respective
distributor. In addition, the Company has agreements with numerous
grocery store distributors located in various parts of the country
which agree to buy the Company’s ingredients from one of the
Company’s primary distributors and to distribute those
ingredients only to their grocery store customers who have signed
license agreements with the Company.
Franchising
The Company sells franchises for both non-traditional and
traditional locations.
The
initial franchise fees are as follows:
|
Non-Traditional,
Except Hospitals
|
|
|
|
Noble Roman’s
Pizza
|
$7,500
|
$10,000
|
$12,500
|
$30,000(1)
|
(1)
With the sale of multiple traditional stand-alone franchises to a
single franchisee, the franchise fee for the first unit is $30,000,
the franchise fee for the second unit is $25,000 and the franchise
fee for the third unit and any additional unit is $20,000. The
Company has not yet begun selling any franchises for the Craft
Pizza & Pub format, however the Company has engaged a search
frim to assist in recuiting an experienced Vice President of
Development to lead that effort and to recruit
another experienced sales person to add to the sales capacity of
the Company's non-traditional franchises.
The
franchise fees are paid upon signing the franchise agreement and,
when paid, are deemed fully earned and non-refundable in
consideration of the administration and other expenses incurred by
the Company in granting the franchises and for the lost and/or
deferred opportunities to grant such franchises to any other
party.
Licensing
Noble Roman’s Take-n-Bake Pizza licenses for grocery stores
are governed by a supply agreement. The supply agreement generally
requires the licensee to: (1) purchase proprietary ingredients only
from a Noble Roman’s-approved distributor; (2) assemble the
products using only Noble Roman’s approved ingredients and
recipes; and (3) display products in a manner approved by Noble
Roman’s using Noble Roman’s point-of-sale marketing
materials. Pursuant to the distributor agreements, the primary
distributors place an additional mark-up, as determined by the
Company, above their normal selling price on the key ingredients as
a fee for the Company in lieu of royalty. The distributors agree to
segregate this additional mark-up upon invoicing the licensee, to
hold the fees in trust for the Company and to remit them to the
Company within ten days after the end of each month.
Financial Summary
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
The Company periodically evaluates the carrying values of its
assets, including property, equipment and related costs, accounts
receivable and deferred tax assets, to assess whether any
impairment indications are present due to (among other factors)
recurring operating losses, significant adverse legal developments,
competition, changes in demand for the Company’s products or
changes in the business climate which affect the recovery of
recorded value. If any impairment of an individual asset is
evident, a charge will be provided to reduce the carrying value to
its estimated fair value.
The following table sets forth the percentage relationship to total
revenue of the listed items included in Noble Roman’s
consolidated statements of operations for the three-month periods
ended
September 30, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
|
Three Months
Ended
September
30,
|
Nine Months
Ended
September
30,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royalties and
fees
|
96.6%
|
69.0%
|
96.6%
|
70.4%
|
Administrative fees
and other
|
.6
|
.4
|
.6
|
.5
|
Restaurant revenue
– traditional
|
-
|
18.2
|
-
|
17.0
|
Restaurant revenue
– non-traditional
|
2.8
|
12.4
|
2.8
|
12.1
|
Total
revenue
|
100.0%
|
100.0%
|
100.0%
|
100.0%
|
Operating
expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
Salaries
and wages
|
13.6
|
8.6
|
13.2
|
9.7
|
Trade
show expense
|
6.1
|
5.0
|
6.7
|
5.2
|
Travel
expense
|
2.8
|
1.5
|
2.7
|
2.0
|
Other
operating expense
|
10.4
|
8.8
|
10.5
|
9.0
|
Restaurant
expenses – traditional
|
-
|
13.8
|
-
|
12.5
|
Restaurant
expenses – non-traditional
|
2.6
|
12.3
|
2.5
|
11.9
|
Depreciation and
amortization
|
1.6
|
2.4
|
1.6
|
2.4
|
General and
administrative
|
20.5
|
17.4
|
21.0
|
17.3
|
Total
expenses
|
57.6
|
69.8
|
58.2
|
70.0
|
Operating
income
|
42.4
|
30.2
|
41.8
|
30.0
|
Interest
|
7.6
|
23.9
|
5.1
|
17.0
|
Loss on restaurant
discontinued
|
-
|
-
|
.6
|
-
|
Adjust
valuation of receivables
|
-
|
13.9
|
13.1
|
4.9
|
Change
in fair value of derivatives
|
-
|
37.0
|
-
|
8.8
|
Income
(loss) before income taxes
|
34.8
|
(44.6)
|
23.0
|
(.7)
|
Income
tax
|
13.3
|
(2.9)
|
8.8
|
3.1
|
Net
income (loss)
|
21.5%
|
(41.7)%
|
14.2%
|
(3.8)%
|
Results of Operations
Total revenue increased from $2.0 million and $5.7 million to $2.5
million and $7.2 million during the three-month and nine-month
periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the corresponding
periods in 2016. Franchise fees and equipment commissions
(“upfront fees”) decreased from $83,000 to $58,000 for
the three-month period ended September 30, 2017 and from $222,000
to $198,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017,
compared to the corresponding periods in 2016. Royalties and fees
including interest per franchise agreements, less upfront fees,
decreased from $1.9 million and $5.3 million to $1.7 million and
$4.9 million for the respective three-month and nine-month periods
ended September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in
2016. The breakdown of royalties and fees less upfront fees, for
the respective three-month and nine-month periods ended September
30, 2017 and 2016 were: royalties and fees from non-traditional
franchises other than grocery stores, including interest on
receivables, were $1.2 million and $3.3 million in both quarterly
and nine-month periods; royalties and fees from the grocery store
take-n-bake were $425,000 and $1.3 million compared to $530,000 and
$1.5 million; royalties and fees from stand-alone take-n-bake
franchises were $2,000 and $34,000 compared to $65,000 and
$276,000; and royalties and fees from traditional locations were
$52,000 and $170,000 compared to $60,000 and $180,000. Royalties
and fees from traditional locations were negatively impacted in the
third quarter of 2017 by a fire in the Company's highest volume
franchise unit which required it to be closed for most of July and
August. The franchisee repaired the damage and reopened for
business on August 30, 2017.
Since
2014, the Company has audited the reporting of sales for computing
royalties by each non-traditional franchise and plans to continue
to do so on an ongoing basis, the effect of which is unknown. The
Company estimates franchise sales based on product purchases as
reflected on distributor reports and, where under-reporting is
identified, the Company has invoiced franchisees on the unreported
amounts.
Restaurant
revenue – Craft Pizza & Pub, which opened January 31,
2017, was $457,000 and $1.22 million for the three-month and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017. This location was open
for eight months during the nine-month period ended September 30,
2017.
Restaurant
revenue – non-traditional increased from $56,000 to $311,000
and from $163,000 to $871,000 for the respective three-month and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the
corresponding periods in 2016. The reason for the increase was the
Company’s acquisition of two non-traditional locations from
franchisees in the fourth quarter of 2016. The Company currently
operates three non-traditional locations.
Salaries
and wages decreased from 13.6% to 8.6% of total revenue and from
13.2% to 9.7% of total revenue for the respective three-month and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the
corresponding periods in 2016. Salaries and wages decreased from
$276,000 to $216,000 and from $760,000 to $698,000 for the
respective three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30,
2017, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016.
Trade
show expenses decreased from 6.1% to 5.0% of total revenue and from
6.7% to 5.2% of total revenue for the respective three-month and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the
corresponding periods in 2016. Trade show expense increased from
$124,000 to $126,000 and decreased from $383,000 to $371,000,
respectively for the three-month and nine-month periods ended
September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in
2016.
Travel
expenses decreased from 2.8% to 1.5% of total revenue and from 2.7%
to 2.0% of total revenue for the three-month and nine-month periods
ended September 30, 2017, compared to the respective corresponding
periods in 2016. Travel expense decreased from $57,000 to $38,000
and from $153,000 to $146,000, respectively, for the three-month
and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the
corresponding periods in 2016.
Other
operating expenses decreased from 10.4% to 8.8% of total revenue
and from 10.5% to 9.0% of total revenue for the three-month and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the
corresponding periods in 2016. Operating expenses increased from
$211,000 to $222,000 and from $608,000 to $650,000, respectively,
for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30,
2017, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016.
Restaurant
expenses – Craft Pizza & Pub were $347,000 and $902,000
for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30,
2017, respectively. These expenses were from the new Craft Pizza
& Pub location which opened on January 31, 2017.
Restaurant
expenses – non-traditional increased from 2.6% to 12.3% and
from 2.5% to 11.9% of total revenue for the respective three-month
and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the
corresponding periods in 2016. The reason for the increase was the
Company’s acquisition of two non-traditional locations from
franchisees in the fourth quarter 2016. The Company currently
operates three non-traditional locations.
Depreciation
and amortization increased from 1.6% to 2.4% of total revenue for
both the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30,
2017, compared to corresponding periods in 2016. The primary reason
for the increase was the new Craft Pizza & Pub location that
opened January 31, 2017 and the two non-traditional locations
required by the Company in the fourth quarter of 2016.
General
and administrative expenses decreased from 20.5% to 17.4% and from
21.0% to 17.3% of total revenue for the respective three-month and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the
corresponding periods in 2016. General and administrative expenses
increased from $415,000 to $435,000 and from $1.21 million to $1.25
million, respectively, for the three-month and nine-month periods
ended September 30, 2017, compared to the comparable periods in
2016.
Total
expenses increased from 57.6% to 69.8% and from 58.2% to 70.0% of
total revenue for the respective three-month and nine-month periods
ended September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in
2016. Total expenses increased from $1.2 million to $1.8 million
and from $3.3 million to $5.0 million, respectively, for the
three-month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017,
compared to the corresponding periods in 2016. These increases in
expenses were the result of adding the new Craft Pizza & Pub
location on January 31, 2017 and acquiring two non-traditional
locations from franchisees in the fourth quarter of
2016.
Operating
income decreased from 42.4% to 30.2% and from 41.8% to 30.0% of
total revenue for the respective three-month and nine-month periods
ended September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in
2016. The operating income decreased as a result of the decrease in
revenue of $242,000 from stand-alone take-n-bake and a decrease in
take-n-bake revenue of $221,000 from grocery stores which was
largely offset by operating income of $321,000 from the new Craft
Pizza & Pub location which opened on January 31,
2017.
Interest
expense increased from 7.6% to 23.9% and from 5.1% to 17.0% total
revenue for the respective three-month and nine-month periods ended
September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016.
Interest expense increased from $154,000 to $601,000 and from
$292,000 to $1.2 million, respectively, for the three-month and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the
corresponding periods in 2016. Interest expense during the
nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 consisted of cash
interest on the convertible notes of $167,598 and non-cash
amortization of $23,103, cash interest on BMO Harris bank loan of
$75,373 and non-cash amortization of $13,077, cash interest on the
Super G loan of $608,841 and non-cash amortization of $61,727, cash
interest on the Kingsway loan of $25,000, cash interest on loans
from officers of $49,756, cash interest on the new First Financial
Bank term loan of $11,506 and non-cash interest from amortizing the
value of derivatives of $211,549. Total cash interest was $938,074
and non-cash interest expense was $309,456 for the nine-month
period ended September 30, 2017. The refinancing just completed
will substantially lower the Company's debt service requirement and
cash interest expense. As currently structured, including interest
on the subordinated debt, anticipated drawdown on the development
loan and, based on today's interest rates, the cash interest
expense will be lowered to $539,000 for the next 12
months.
Net
loss for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $1.2 million
compared to the $1.0 million for the comparable period in 2016. The
primary reason for the loss for the three months ended September
30, 2017 was the non-cash and non-operating increase in the fair
value of derivatives of $950,000 plus increased interest cost of
approximately $450,000 and adjustment for valuation of receivables
of $350,000. The primary reason for the loss for the nine months
ended September 30, 2017 was the non-cash and non-operating
increase in the fair value of derivatives of $633,000 plus
increased interest costs of approximately $930,000 and valuation of
receivables of $350,000.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company’s strategy in recent years has been to grow its
business by concentrating on franchising/licensing non-traditional
locations including grocery store delis to sell take-n-bake pizzas.
This strategy was intended to not require significant increase in
expenses. The focus on franchising/licensing non-traditional
locations will continue to be a primary element of the
Company’s strategy but, in addition, over the past two years
the Company developed a major business initiative by re-designing
and re-positioning its stand-alone franchise for the next
generation stand-alone prototype called “Noble Roman’s
Craft Pizza & Pub.” As a result, the Company opened its
first Craft Pizza & Pub on January 31, 2017, plans to open and
operate at least three more locations, with the second location
planned to open November 17, 2017, and plans to launch a major
franchising effort for the Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza &
Pub concept. The Company has engaged a search firm to assist in
recruiting an experienced Vice President of Development to lead
that effort
and to recruit another experienced sales person to add to the sales
capacity of the Company's non-traditional franchises. The
Company currently operates three non-traditional locations in
addition to the new Craft Pizza &Pub location. Two of the three
non-traditional locations were previously operated by franchisees
but acquired by the Company in the fourth quarter of 2016. The
Company does not intend to acquire any additional non-traditional
locations from franchisees and desires to re-franchise one or both
of the two recently acquired non-traditional
locations.
The Company’s current ratio was 4.0-to-1 as of September 30,
2017 compared to 2.1-to-1 as of December 31, 2016. The primary
reason for the change was refinancing all of the Company's debt
except the subordinated convertible notes on a seven-year
amortization with a five-year due date. That improvement was
partially offset by reclassifying the current portion of deferred
tax asset to long-term in accordance with the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (the “FASB”) recently issued Accounting
Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-17 as part of its
Simplification Initiative.
In October 2016, the Company began a private placement (the
“Offering”) of convertible notes (“Notes”)
and warrants (“Warrants”) and engaged Divine Capital
Markets, LLC to serve as placement agent for the Offering (the
“Placement Agent”). As of December 31, 2016, the
Company had issued Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $1.6
million and Warrants to purchase up to 1.6 million shares of the
Company’s common stock. In January 2017, the Company
completed the Offering and issued an additional $800,000 in Notes
and Warrants to purchase up to an additional 800,000 shares, for a
total of $2.4 million principal amount of Notes and Warrants to
purchase up to 2.4 million shares of the Company’s common
stock. These Notes and Warrants are described in greater detail in
Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements included in the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2016. The Company used the net proceeds of the Notes
to fund the opening of a Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub
restaurant and for general corporate purposes.
On September 13, 2017, the Company entered into a loan agreement
(the “Agreement”) with First Financial Bank (the
“Bank”). The Agreement provides for a senior credit
facility (the “Credit Facility”) to be provided by the
Bank consisting of: (i) a term loan in the amount of $4.5 million
(the “Term Loan”); and (ii) a development line of
credit of up to $1.6 million (the “Development Line of
Credit”). Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest
at a variable annual rate equal to the London Interbank Offer Rate
(“LIBOR”) plus 4.25%. All outstanding amounts owed
under the Agreement mature on September 13, 2022.
Proceeds of the Term Loan were used to repay the Company’s
existing indebtedness to BMO Harris Bank, Super G Capital, LLC,
certain officers of the Company, to pay certain expenses related to
the Credit Facility and the remainder used for general corporate
purposes.
The Company may draw on the Development Line of Credit in three
tranches of up to $550,000 each for eligible costs incurred by it
to build-out three new locations of Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza
& Pub. Repayment of advances under each tranche of the
Development Line of Credit will begin four months following the
draw of each tranche based on a seven-year principal amortization
schedule plus interest at the rate of LIBOR plus
4.25%.
The Agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants,
including, among other things, covenants requiring the Company to
maintain certain financial ratios. The Company’s obligations
under the Agreement are secured by first priority liens on all of
the Company’s and certain of its subsidiaries’ assets
and a pledge of all of the Company’s equity interest in such
subsidiaries. In addition, Paul W. Mobley, the Company’s
Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, executed a limited
guarantee only on borrowings under the Development Line of Credit
which is to be released upon achieving certain financial ratios by
the Company's Craft Pizza & Pub locations.
The refinancing just completed, as described above, will
substantially lower the Company's debt service requirement and cash
interest expense. As currently structured, including interest on
the subordinated debt, anticipated drawdown on the development loan
and, based on today's interest rates, the cash interest expense
will be lowered to $539,000 for the next 12 months. The Company
will need to refinance the subordinated debt at their maturity in
2019 if they are still outstanding.
As a result of the financial arrangements described above and the
Company’s cash flow projections, the Company believes it will
have sufficient cash flow to meet its obligations and to carry out
its current business plan. The Company’s cash flow
projections for the next two years are primarily based on the
Company’s strategy of growing the non-traditional
franchising/licensing venues including growth in the number of
grocery store locations licensed to sell the take-n-bake pizza and
to open and operate three additional Noble Roman’s Craft
Pizza & Pub locations, as described above, plus launching an
aggressive franchising program for Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza
& Pub restaurants.
The Company does not anticipate that any of the recently issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards will have a material
impact on its Consolidated Statement of Operations or its
Consolidated Balance Sheet except:
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, its leasing standard
for both lessees and lessors. Under its core principle, a lessee
will recognize lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet
for all arrangements with terms longer than 12 months. The new
standard takes effect in 2019 for public business
entities.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, regarding revenue on
contracts with customers. These new standards become effective in
January 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if
any, of this Accounting Standards Update.
The Company does not believe these accounting pronouncements will
have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or
results of operations.
Forward-Looking Statements
The statements contained above in Management’s Discussion and
Analysis concerning the Company’s future revenues,
profitability, financial resources, market demand and product
development are forward-looking statements (as such term is defined
in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) relating
to the Company that are based on the beliefs of the management of
the Company, as well as assumptions and estimates made by and
information currently available to the Company’s management.
The Company’s actual results in the future may differ
materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements
due to risks and uncertainties that exist in the Company’s
operations and business environment, including, but not limited to,
competitive factors and pricing pressures, non-renewal of franchise
agreements, shifts in market demand, the success of new franchise
programs, including the new Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza &
Pub format, the Company’s ability to successfully operate an
increased number of Company-owned restaurants, general economic
conditions, changes in demand for the Company’s products or
franchises, the impact of franchise regulation, the success or
failure of individual franchisees, changes in prices or supplies of
food ingredients and labor and the ability to refinance the
convertible notes in 2019 if still outstanding, as well as the
factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. Should
one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should
underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results
may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated,
believed, estimated, expected or intended.
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market
Risk
The
Company’s exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to
its variable-rate debt. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had
outstanding variable interest-bearing debt in the aggregate
principal amount of $4.5 million and anticipates advances on its
development line of credit of $1.6 million over the next six
months. The Company’s variable interest bearing debt are at a
variable rate tied to LIBOR plus 4.25% per annum adjusted on a
monthly basis. Based on its current debt structure and its
anticipated advances under the development line of credit, for each
1% increase in LIBOR the Company would anticipate incurring
increased interest expense of approximately $50,000 over the
succeeding 12-month period.
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by
this report, A. Scott Mobley, the Company’s President and
Chief Executive Officer, and Paul W. Mobley, the Company’s
Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, have concluded that
the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended) are effective. There have been no changes in
internal controls over financial reporting during the period
covered by this report that have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings.
The Company is not involved in material litigation against
it.
ITEM 6. Exhibits.
(a)
Exhibits: See the accompanying Exhibit Index.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly
authorized.
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NOBLE
ROMAN'S, INC.
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Date:
November 14, 2017
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By:
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/s/ Paul W.
Mobley
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Paul W. Mobley, Executive
Chairman,
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Chief Financial Officer and Principal
Accounting
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Officer
(Authorized Officer and Principal Financial
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Officer)
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Index to Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
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Description
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3.1
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Amended
Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, filed as an exhibit to
the Registrant’s Amendment No. 1 to the Post-Effective
Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed July 1,
1985 (SEC File No.2-84150), is incorporated herein by
reference.
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Amended
and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant, as currently in effect,
filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed
December 23, 2009, is incorporated herein by
reference.
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3.3
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Articles
of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant
effective February 18, 1992 filed as an exhibit to the
Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (SEC File
No. 33-66850), ordered effective on October 26, 1993, is
incorporated herein by reference.
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Articles
of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant
effective May 11, 2000, filed as Annex A and Annex B to the
Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 28,
2000, is incorporated herein by reference.
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Articles
of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant
effective April 16, 2001 filed as Exhibit 3.4 to Registrant’s
annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, is
incorporated herein by reference.
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Articles
of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant
effective August 23, 2005, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the
Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 29,
2005, is incorporated herein by reference.
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Articles
of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant
effective February 7, 2017, filed as Exhibit 3.7 to the
Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No.
33-217442) filed April 25, 2017, is incorporated herein by
reference.
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4.1
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Specimen
Common Stock Certificates filed as an exhibit to the
Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-18 filed
October 22, 1982 and ordered effective on December 14, 1982 (SEC
File No. 2-79963C), is incorporated herein by
reference.
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Warrant
to purchase common stock, dated July 1, 2015, filed as Exhibit
10.11 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 2015,
is incorporated herein by reference.
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Employment
Agreement with Paul W. Mobley dated January 2, 1999 filed as
Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2005, is incorporated herein by
reference.
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Employment
Agreement with A. Scott Mobley dated January 2, 1999 filed as
Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2005, is incorporated herein by
reference.
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Loan
Agreement dated as of September 13, 2017, by and between Noble
Roman’s, Inc. and First Financial filed as Exhibit 10.1 to
the Registrant's Form 8-K filed September 19, 2017, is incorporated
herein by reference.
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Term
note dated September 13, 2017 to First Financial Bank, filed
herewith.
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Development
line note dated September 13, 2017 to First Financial Bank, filed
herewith.
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Agreement
dated April 8, 2015, by and among the Registrant and the
shareholder parties, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s
Form 8-K filed on April 8, 2015, is incorporated herein by
reference.
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Form of
10% Convertible Subordinated Unsecured Note, filed as Exhibit 10.16
to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on March 27, 2017 is
incorporated herein by reference.
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Form of
Redeemable Common Stock Purchase Class A Warrant, filed as Exhibit
10.21 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1
(SEC File No. 33-217442) on April 25, 2017, is incorporated herein
by reference.
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Registration
Rights Agreement dated October 13, 2016, by and between the
Registrant and the investors signatory thereto, filed as Exhibit
10.22 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1
(SEC File No. 33-217442) on April 25, 2017, is incorporated herein
by reference.
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First
Amendment to the Registration Rights Agreement dated February 13,
2017, by and among Registrant and the investors signatory thereto,
filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant’s Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 33-217442) on April 25, 2017,
is incorporated herein by reference.
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21.1
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Subsidiaries
of the Registrant filed in the Registrant’s Registration
Statement on Form SB-2 (SEC File No. 33-66850) ordered effective on
October 26, 1993, is incorporated herein by reference.
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C.E.O.
Certification under Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
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C.F.O.
Certification under Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
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C.E.O.
Certification under 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
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C.F.O.
Certification under 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
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101
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Interactive
Financial Data
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*Management
contract or compensation plan.