rmcf20140831_10q.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

X

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

 

For the quarterly period ended August 31, 2014

 

___

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

 

For the transition period from ________to________

 

Commission file number: 0-14749

 

 

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Colorado

84-0910696 

 

 

(State or other jurisdiction 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 

of incorporation or organization)  

 

 

265 Turner Drive, Durango, CO 81303

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

(970) 259-0554

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

 

 

Large accelerated filer 

____  

 

Accelerated filer  

____  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer

____  

 

Smaller reporting company

    X     

 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

On September 30, 2014, the registrant had outstanding 6,180,905 shares of its common stock, $.03 par value.

 

 
1

 

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I. 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

 3

 

 

 

ITEM 1. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 3

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME  

 3

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  

 4

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS  

 5

NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

 6

ITEM 2. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 14

ITEM 3. 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 21

ITEM 4. 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

 22

 

 

 

PART II. 

OTHER INFORMATION

 22

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS  22
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS  22
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS  22
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES  23

ITEM 4. 

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 23

ITEM 5. 

OTHER INFORMATION 

 23

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS  24
     
SIGNATURES  25

  

 
2

 

 

PART I.     FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.     Financial Statements

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited)

 

   

Three Months Ended August 31,

   

Six Months Ended August 31,

 
   

2014

   

2013

   

2014

   

2013

 

Revenues

                               

Sales

  $ 6,673,729     $ 6,686,149     $ 14,524,780     $ 14,864,838  

Franchise and royalty fees

    2,783,719       1,977,012       5,254,874       3,976,185  

Total revenues

    9,457,448       8,663,161       19,779,654       18,841,023  
                                 

Costs and Expenses

                               

Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense of $100,825, $72,509, $190,452 and $144,379, respectively

    3,867,671       3,700,926       8,701,142       8,728,090  

Franchise costs

    519,387       519,649       1,064,945       998,459  

Sales and marketing

    583,792       462,721       1,229,859       968,158  

General and administrative

    1,175,068       1,208,115       2,586,501       2,478,819  

Retail operating

    932,601       944,013       1,972,555       1,784,975  

Depreciation and amortization

    365,127       235,997       739,539       471,753  

Restructuring and acquisition related charges

    584,661       -       709,212       -  
                                 

Total costs and expenses

    8,028,307       7,071,421       17,003,753       15,430,254  
                                 

Income from Operations

    1,429,141       1,591,740       2,775,901       3,410,769  
                                 

Other Income (Expense)

                               

Interest expense

    (61,334 )     -       (122,667 )     -  

Interest income

    14,557       15,324       27,066       26,988  

Other Income (Expense), net

    (46,777 )     15,324       (95,601 )     26,988  
                                 

Income Before Income Taxes

    1,382,364       1,607,064       2,680,300       3,437,757  
                                 

Income Tax Provision

    453,001       510,568       813,665       1,094,722  
                                 

Consolidated Net Income

  $ 929,363     $ 1,096,496     $ 1,866,635     $ 2,343,035  

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest

    52,007       68,712       277,945       135,944  

Net Income attributable to RMCF

  $ 877,356     $ 1,027,784     $ 1,588,690     $ 2,207,091  
                                 

Basic Earnings per Common Share

  $ .14     $ .17     $ .26     $ .36  

Diluted Earnings per Common Share

  $ .14     $ .16     $ .25     $ .35  
                                 

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding

    6,191,974       6,097,278       6,175,530       6,083,979  

Dilutive Effect of Stock Options

    247,729       388,051       288,460       312,733  
                                 

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Assuming Dilution

    6,439,703       6,485,329       6,463,990       6,396,712  

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

 

 
3

 

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

   

August 31,

   

February 28,

 
   

2014

   

2014

 

 

 

(unaudited)

         
Assets              

Current Assets

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 8,396,786     $ 5,859,729  

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $663,185 and $543,683, respectively

    4,095,952       5,347,752  

Notes receivable, current portion, less current portion of the valuation allowance of $28,826 and $33,047, respectively

    339,758       357,360  

Refundable income taxes

    234,170       160,890  

Inventories, less reserve for slow moving inventory of $198,134 and $204,068, respectively

    5,234,623       4,410,763  

Deferred income taxes

    686,027       538,871  

Other

    448,113       316,378  

Total current assets

    19,435,429       16,991,743  
                 

Property and Equipment, Net

    7,068,653       8,488,198  
                 

Other Assets

               

Notes receivable, less current portion and valuation allowance of $29,300 and $24,200, respectively

    930,640       509,784  

Goodwill, net

    4,130,444       4,216,444  

Franchise Rights, net

    6,322,150       6,489,248  

Intangible assets, net

    585,421       602,183  

Other

    178,455       167,939  

Total other assets

    12,147,110       11,985,598  
                 

Total Assets

  $ 38,651,192     $ 37,465,539  
                 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

               

Current Liabilities

               

Current maturities of long term debt

  $ 706,693     $ 108,023  

Accounts payable

    1,961,335       1,971,530  

Accrued salaries and wages

    571,799       776,567  

Other accrued expenses

    2,738,636       2,627,872  

Dividend payable

    682,399       675,422  

Deferred income

    1,562,901       1,798,781  
                 

Total current liabilities

    8,223,763       7,958,195  
                 

Long-Term Debt, Less Current Maturities

    5,693,307       6,291,977  

Deferred Income Taxes

    1,062,274       1,050,489  
                 

Commitments and Contingencies

               
                 

Stockholders’ Equity

               

Preferred stock, $.10 par value; 250,000 authorized; -0- shares issued and outstanding

               

Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, authorized 50,000 shares

    -       -  

Undesignated series, authorized 200,000 shares

    -       -  

Common stock, $.03 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 6,203,905 and 6,140,200 issued and outstanding, respectively

    186,117       184,206  

Additional paid-in capital

    10,208,537       9,892,973  

Retained earnings

    10,568,995       10,344,794  

Non-controlling interest in equity of subsidiary

    2,708,199       1,742,905  

Total stockholders’ equity

    23,671,848       22,164,878  
                 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $ 38,651,192     $ 37,465,539  

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

 

 
4

 

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

   

Six Months Ended

 
   

August 31,

 
   

2014

   

2013

 

Cash Flows From Operating activities

               

Net income

  $ 1,588,690     $ 2,207,091  

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

               

Depreciation and amortization

    739,539       471,753  

Provision for obsolete inventory

    21,870       22,126  

Asset impairment and store closure losses

    243,000       -  

Provision for loss on accounts and notes receivable

    153,000       132,132  

Gain on sale of property and equipment

    (8,202 )     (907 )

Expense recorded for stock compensation

    381,165       268,462  

Deferred income taxes

    (135,371 )     (12,191 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

               

Accounts receivable

    1,493,800       416,507  

Inventories

    (551,723 )     (702,542 )

Other current assets

    (138,315 )     (258,393 )

Accounts payable

    (66,702 )     (799,148 )

Accrued liabilities

    (167,284 )     (988,384 )

Deferred income

    (270,489 )     29,955  

Net cash provided by operating activities

    3,282,978       786,461  
                 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

               

Addition to notes receivable

    (657,615 )     (603,188 )

Proceeds received on notes receivable

    254,361       108,406  

Proceeds from sale or distribution of assets

    525,000       2,600  

Purchases of property and equipment

    (398,023 )     (408,404 )

Decrease in other assets

    1,309,625       183,789  

Net cash provided by (used) in investing activities

    1,033,348       (716,797 )
                 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

               

Repurchase of common stock

    (691,900 )     -  

Issuance of common stock

    69,599       14,816  

Tax benefit of stock awards

    200,544       68,832  

Dividends paid

    (1,357,512 )     (1,336,363 )

Net cash used in financing activities

    (1,779,269 )     (1,252,715 )
                 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

    2,537,057       (1,183,051 )
                 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

    5,859,729       5,321,696  
                 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

  $ 8,396,786     $ 4,138,645  

 

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

 

 
5

 

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 1 – NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Nature of Operations

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. (“RMCF”), its wholly-owned subsidiary, Aspen Leaf Yogurt, LLC (“ALY”) and its 40%-owned subsidiary, U-Swirl, Inc. (“U-Swirl”), of which RMCF has financial control (collectively, the “Company”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. As of August 31, 2014, RMCF held approximately 40% of U-Swirl’s outstanding common stock. Additionally, RMCF has the right to acquire approximately 24,520,000 shares of U-Swirl’s common stock through the conversion of outstanding debt owed by U-Swirl to RMCF. If RMCF exercised this conversion right, RMCF would hold approximately 72% of U-Swirl’s common stock. Certain directors of RMCF constitute a majority of the directors of U-Swirl. Pursuant to a voting agreement among RMCF, ALY and certain shareholders of U-Swirl, the parties agree to vote their shares such that certain designees of RMCF shall constitute a majority of U-Swirl’s board of directors so long as RMCF or its affiliates own greater than 10% of U-Swirl’s outstanding common stock.

 

RMCF is an international franchisor, confectionery manufacturer and retail operator in the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. RMCF manufactures an extensive line of premium chocolate candies and other confectionery products.

 

ALY was a franchisor and retail operator of self-serve frozen yogurt retail units until the sale of substantially all of its assets in January 2013 to U-Swirl. As of January 2013, RMCF ceased to operate any company-owned Aspen Leaf Yogurt locations, or sell and support franchise locations.

 

On January 14, 2013, RMCF, through a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary of RMCF (“Newco”), entered into an agreement to acquire substantially all of the franchise rights of YHI, Inc. and Yogurtini International, LLC (collectively, “Yogurtini”), which are the franchisors of self-serve frozen yogurt retail units branded as “Yogurtini.” In addition, on January 14, 2013, the Company entered into two agreements to sell all of its membership interests in Newco and substantially all of its assets in ALY to U-Swirl, a publicly traded company (OTCQB: SWRL), in exchange for a 60% controlling equity interest in U-Swirl. U-Swirl is in the business of offering consumers frozen desserts such as yogurt and sorbet. U-Swirl launched a national chain of self-serve frozen yogurt cafés called U-Swirl Frozen Yogurt and are franchising this concept. U-Swirl operates cafés owned and operated by U-Swirl (“Company-owned”) and franchises to others the right to own and operate U-Swirl cafés. It also franchises and operates self-serve frozen yogurt cafes under the names “Yogurtini,” “CherryBerry,” “Josie’s Frozen Yogurt,” “Yogli Mogli Frozen Yogurt,” “Fuzzy Peach Frozen Yogurt,” and “Aspen Leaf Yogurt.”

 

On January 17, 2014, U-Swirl entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with CherryBerry, a franchisor of self-serve frozen yogurt cafés branded as “CherryBerry,” pursuant to which U-Swirl purchased certain assets of CherryBerry used in its business of franchising frozen yogurt cafés, including all of its franchise rights and one company-owned café. The assets were acquired for approximately $4.25 million in cash and 4 million shares of U-Swirl common stock. On January 17, 2014, U-Swirl also entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Yogli Mogli LLC, a franchisor of self-serve frozen yogurt cafés branded as “Yogli Mogli,” pursuant to which U-Swirl purchased certain assets of Yogli Mogli used in its business of franchising frozen yogurt cafés, including all of its franchise rights and four company-owned cafés. The assets were acquired for approximately $2.15 million in cash and $200,000 in shares of U-Swirl common stock. On February 20, 2014, U-Swirl entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement to acquire the business assets of Fuzzy Peach Franchising, LLC, including the acquisition of all intellectual property and worldwide franchise and license rights associated with 17 Fuzzy Peach Frozen Yogurt stores. The assets were acquired for $481,000 in cash, plus an earn-out that could increase the purchase price by up to an additional $349,000 in cash based upon royalty income generated by Fuzzy Peach stores in the twelve months following the acquisition.

 

The Company’s revenues are currently derived from three principal sources: sales to franchisees and others of chocolates and other confectionery products manufactured by RMCF; the collection of initial franchise fees, royalty and marketing fees from franchisees’ sales; and sales at Company-owned stores of chocolates, frozen yogurt, and other confectionery products.

 

 
6

 

 

The following table summarizes the number of stores operating under RMCF and its subsidiaries at August 31, 2014:

 

   

Sold, Not Yet

Open

   

Open

   

Total

 

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

                       

Company-owned stores

    -       5       5  

Franchise stores – Domestic stores

    4       206       210  

Franchise stores – Domestic kiosks

    -       6       6  

International License Stores

    -       72       72  

Cold Stone Creamery – co-branded

    5       66       71  

U-Swirl (Including all associated brands)

                       

Company-owned stores

    -       6       6  

Company-owned stores – co-branded

    -       3       3  

Franchise stores – Domestic stores

    -       269       269  

Franchise stores – Domestic – co-branded

    2       12       14  

International License Stores

    -       6       6  

Total

    11       651       662  

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company, and reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial reporting and Securities and Exchange Commission regulations. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (of a normal and recurring nature) which are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the six months ended August 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year.

 

These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2014.

 

Subsequent Events

 

On September 4, 2014, Ulderico Conte, Henry E. Cartwright and Terry A. Cartwright resigned as directors of U-Swirl, Inc.. In addition, Messrs. Conte, H. Cartwright and T. Cartwright resigned as officers of U-Swirl, Inc. effective October 6, 2014. Their resignations were not due to a disagreement with the Company. Also on September 4, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company appointed Bryan J. Merryman as the Chairman of the Board, replacing Franklin E. Crail. Mr. Merryman currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company’s parent, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

At August 31, 2014, the Company had stock-based compensation plans for employees and non-employee directors that authorized the granting of stock awards, including stock options and restricted stock units.

 

The Company recognized $166,843 and $381,165 of stock-based compensation expense during the three and six-month periods ended August 31, 2014, respectively, compared to $125,653 and $268,462 during the three and six-month periods ended August 31, 2013, respectively. Compensation costs related to stock-based compensation are generally amortized over the vesting period.

 

The following table summarizes stock option transactions for common stock during the six months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013:

   

Six Months Ended

 
   

August 31,

 
   

2014

   

2013

 

Outstanding stock options as of February 28:

    155,880       270,945  

Granted

    -       -  

Exercised

    (142,944 )     (2,000 )

Cancelled/forfeited

    -       (88,725 )

Outstanding stock options as of August 31:

    12,936       180,220  
                 

Weighted average exercise price

  $ 14.70     $ 7.93  

Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)

    1.54       0.92  

  

 
7

 

 

The following table summarizes non-vested restricted stock unit transactions for common stock during the six months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

   

Six Months Ended

 
   

August 31,

 
   

2014

   

2013

 

Outstanding non-vested restricted stock units as of February 28:

    295,040       57,030  

Granted

    -       280,900  

Vested

    (56,199 )     (41,390 )

Cancelled/forfeited

    -       -  

Outstanding non-vested restricted stock units as of August 31:

    238,841       296,540  
                 

Weighted average grant date fair value

  $ 12.14     $ 12.09  

Weighted average remaining vesting period (in years)

    4.58       5.49  

 

During the six months ended August 31, 2014, the Company issued 4,000 fully vested, unrestricted shares of stock to non-employee directors compared with 4,000 fully vested, unrestricted shares of stock to non-employee directors in the six months ended August 31, 2013. There were no unrestricted shares of stock issued during the three-month periods ended August 31, 2014 or August 31, 2013. In connection with these non-employee director stock issuances, the Company recognized $47,480 and $48,400 of stock-based compensation expense during the six-month periods ended August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

During the three and six month periods ended August 31, 2014, the Company recognized $166,843 and $333,685, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested, non-forfeited restricted stock unit grants. The restricted stock unit grants generally vest between 17% and 20% annually over a period of five to six years. During the three and six month periods ended August 31, 2014 and 2013, 56,199 and 41,390 restricted stock units vested and were issued as common stock, respectively. Total unrecognized compensation expense of non-vested, non-forfeited shares granted as of August 31, 2014 was $2,814,176, which is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of 4.6 years.

 

The Company recognized $69,929 and $152,519 of U-Swirl, Inc. stock-based compensation expense during the three and six months ended August 31, 2014, respectively, compared with $13,302 and $41,525 recognized during the three and six month months ended August 31, 2013, respectively.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605),” and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and is to be applied retrospectively, with early application not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new standard.

 

NOTE 2 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common stock issuable through stock options and restricted stock units. For the three months ended August 31, 2014, there were 12,936 stock options excluded from the computation of earnings per share, compared with no stock options excluded from the computation of earnings per share for the three months ended August 31, 2013 because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. For the six months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013, 12,936 and 50,831 stock options, respectively, were excluded from the computation of earnings per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Restricted stock units become dilutive within the period granted and remain dilutive until the units vest and are issued as common stock.

 

 
8

 

 

NOTE 3 – INVENTORIES

 

Inventories consist of the following:

 

   

August 31, 2014

   

February 28, 2014

 

Ingredients and supplies

  $ 2,773,420     $ 2,531,413  

Finished candy

    2,302,649       1,761,131  

U-Swirl, Inc. food and packaging

    158,554       118,219  

Total inventories

  $ 5,234,623     $ 4,410,763  

 

NOTE 4 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

Property and equipment consists of the following:

   

August 31, 2014

   

February 28, 2014

 
                 

Land

  $ 513,618     $ 513,618  

Building

    4,775,466       4,775,466  

Machinery and equipment

    10,311,135       9,518,832  

Furniture and fixtures

    1,190,809       1,324,846  

Leasehold improvements

    2,017,738       2,489,782  

Transportation equipment

    425,008       394,508  

Capital work in progress

    -       967,937  

Impairment provision of long-lived assets

    (243,000 )     -  
                 
      18,990,774       19,984,989  
                 

Less accumulated depreciation

    11,922,121       11,496,791  

Property and equipment, net

  $ 7,068,653     $ 8,488,198  

 

NOTE 5 - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Stock Repurchases

 

On July 15, 2014, the Company publicly announced a plan to purchase up to $3.0 million of its common stock in the open market or in private transactions, whenever deemed appropriate by management. Between July 15, 2014 and July 31, 2014, the Company repurchased 55,000 shares under the plan at an average price of $12.58 per share. As of August 31, 2014, approximately $2,308,000 remains available under the plan for further stock repurchases.

 

Cash Dividend

 

The Company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share of common stock on March 14, 2014 to shareholders of record on February 28, 2014. The Company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share of common stock on June 13, 2014 to shareholders of record on June 3, 2014. The Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share of common stock on August 21, 2014 payable on September 12, 2014 to shareholders of record on September 2, 2014.

 

Future declaration of dividends will depend on, among other things, the Company's results of operations, capital requirements, financial condition and on such other factors as the Company's Board of Directors may in its discretion consider relevant and in the best long term interest of the shareholders.

 

NOTE 6 – SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

   

Six Months Ended

 
   

August 31,

 

Cash paid (received) for:

 

2014

   

2013

 

Interest

  $ 95,734     $ (21,105 )

Income taxes

    732,064       1,572,736  
Non-Cash Operating Activities                

Accrued Inventory

    294,007       282,442  
Non-Cash Financing Activities                

Dividend Payable

  $ 682,399     $ 672,745  

  

 
9

 

 

NOTE 7 - OPERATING SEGMENTS

 

The Company classifies its business interests into five reportable segments: Franchising, Manufacturing, Retail Stores, U-Swirl, Inc. and Other. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1 to these financial statements and Note 1 to the Company’s financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2014. The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on operating contribution, which excludes unallocated corporate general and administrative costs and income tax expense or benefit. The Company’s reportable segments are strategic businesses that utilize common merchandising, distribution and marketing functions, as well as common information systems and corporate administration. All inter-segment sales prices are market based. Each segment is managed separately because of the differences in required infrastructure and the difference in products and services:

 

Three Months Ended

August 31, 2014

 

 

Franchising

   

Manufacturing

   

Retail

   

U-Swirl, Inc.

   

Other

   

Total

 

Total revenues

  $ 1,597,064     $ 5,146,682     $ 592,392     $ 2,492,820     $ -     $ 9,828,958  

Intersegment revenues

    (898 )     (370,612 )     -       -       -       (371,510 )

Revenue from external customers

    1,596,166       4,776,070       592,392       2,492,820       -       9,457,448  

Segment profit (loss)

    848,139       1,374,396       31,777       32,079       (904,027 )     1,382,364  

Total assets

    1,335,567       12,004,854       1,138,616       15,719,423       8,452,732       38,651,192  

Capital expenditures

    6,702       205,669       17,765       23,679       25,014       278,829  

Total depreciation & amortization

    10,682       101,346       7,693       206,735       38,671       365,127  

 

Three Months Ended

August 31, 2013

 

 

Franchising

   

Manufacturing

   

Retail

   

U-Swirl, Inc.

   

Other

   

Total

 

Total revenues

  $ 1,538,025     $ 5,230,804     $ 636,389     $ 1,692,460     $ -     $ 9,097,678  

Intersegment revenues

    -       (434,517 )     -       -       -       (434,517 )

Revenue from external customers

    1,538,025       4,796,287       636,389       1,692,460       -       8,663,161  

Segment profit (loss)

    756,853       1,560,919       18,467       159,792       (888,967 )     1,607,064  

Total assets

    1,348,904       11,171,172       1,237,907       3,881,872       6,176,785       23,816,640  

Capital expenditures

    7,078       164,628       11,167       63,750       103,637       350,260  

Total depreciation & amortization

    9,305       73,020       14,655       105,370       33,647       235,997  

 

Six Months Ended

August 31, 2014

 

 

Franchising

   

Manufacturing

   

Retail

   

U-Swirl, Inc.

   

Other

   

Total

 

Total revenues

  $ 3,045,328     $ 11,337,343     $ 1,095,183     $ 4,994,512     $ -     $ 20,472,366  

Intersegment revenues

    (1,510 )     (691,202 )     -       -       -       (692,712 )

Revenue from external customers

    3,043,818       10,646,141       1,095,183       4,994,512       -       19,779,654  

Segment profit (loss)

    1,484,322       2,856,060       (35,339 )     232,439       (1,857,182 )     2,680,300  

Total assets

    1,335,567       12,004,854       1,138,616       15,719,423       8,452,732       38,651,192  

Capital expenditures

    6,702       266,774       33,853       63,352       27,342       398,023  

Total depreciation & amortization

    20,731       191,505       17,141       432,835       77,326       739,538  

  

 
10

 

  

Six Months Ended

August 31, 2013

 

 

Franchising

   

Manufacturing

   

Retail

   

U-Swirl, Inc.

   

Other

   

Total

 

Total revenues

  $ 3,198,041     $ 11,956,859     $ 1,151,527     $ 3,409,866     $ -     $ 19,716,293  

Intersegment revenues

    -       (875,270 )     -       -       -       (875,270 )

Revenue from external customers

    3,198,041       11,081,589       1,151,527       3,409,866       -       18,841,023  

Segment profit (loss)

    1,605,298       3,309,387       (26,392 )     327,871       (1,778,407 )     3,437,757  

Total assets

    1,348,904       11,171,172       1,237,907       3,881,872       6,176,785       23,816,640  

Capital expenditures

    15,529       196,109       16,778       63,750       115,888       408,054  

Total depreciation & amortization

    17,898       145,392       29,396       210,947       68,120       471,753  

 

Revenue from one customer of the Company’s Manufacturing segment represented approximately $1.9 million, or 9.8 percent, of the Company’s revenues from external customers during the six months ended August 31, 2014 compared to $2.0 million, or 10.6 percent of the Company’s revenues from external customers during the six months ended August 31, 2013.

 

NOTE 8 – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Intangible assets consist of the following:

           

August 31, 2014

   

February 28, 2014

 
   

Amortization Period

(years)

   

Gross Carrying

Value

   

Accumulated Amortization

   

Gross Carrying

Value

   

Accumulated Amortization

 

Intangible assets subject to amortization

                                       

Store design

    10     $ 220,778     $ 207,402     $ 220,778     $ 206,652  

Packaging licenses

    3-5       120,830       120,830       120,830       120,830  

Packaging design

    10       430,973       430,973       430,973       430,973  

Trademark/Non competition agreements

    5-20       593,340       21,296       593,340       5,283  

Franchise Rights

    20       6,580,034       257,883       6,580,034       90,786  

Total

            7,945,955       1,038,384       7,945,955       854,524  

Intangible assets not subject to amortization

                                       

Franchising segment-

                                       

Company stores goodwill

            1,013,328       267,020       1,099,328       267,020  

Franchising goodwill

            3,464,500       197,682       3,464,500       197,682  

Manufacturing segment-Goodwill

            295,000       197,682       295,000       197,682  

Trademark

            20,000       -       20,000       -  

Total Goodwill

            4,792,828       662,384       4,878,828       662,384  
                                         

Total Intangible Assets

          $ 12,738,783     $ 1,700,768     $ 12,824,783     $ 1,516,908  

 

Amortization expense related to intangible assets totaled $183,860 and $443 during the six months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

At August 31, 2014, annual amortization of intangible assets, based upon our existing intangible assets and current useful lives, is estimated to be the following:

 

2015

  $ 190,127  

2016

    413,645  

2017

    459,218  

2018

    481,977  

2019

    494,614  

Thereafter

    4,867,990  

Total

  $ 6,907,571  

  

 
11

 

 

NOTE 9 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Company has entered into Franchise Agreements and a Development Agreement with a member of RMCF’s and U-Swirl’s Boards of Directors. The Director operates two ALY locations under the Franchise Agreements and the Development Agreement. As of August 31, 2014, the Company had receivables of approximately no amount due from the Director associated with the director’s ownership and operation of the two current ALY locations.

 

U-Swirl, Inc. had a net payable of $717 and $11,989 as of August 31, 2014 and February 28, 2014, respectively, from a U-Swirl franchise that is owned and operated by the grandchildren of the Company’s former Chief Marketing Officer.

 

As of August 31, 2014 and February 28, 2014, U-Swirl, Inc. had deferred revenue of $30,000 and $30,000, respectively, from an area developer in which the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer have a minority interest.

 

NOTE 10 – RESTRUCTURING AND ACQUISITION RELATED CHARGES

 

In connection with the acquisitions of the assets of CherryBerry, Yogli Mogli and Fuzzy Peach Franchising, LLC, the Company recorded net restructuring charges of $124,551 during the six months ended August 31, 2014 associated with these acquisitions. Primarily these charges were the result of professional fees for due diligence, valuation, audit and other activities in connection with these acquisitions. See Note 1 for a descriptions of the acquisitions of CherryBerry, Yogli Mogli and Fuzzy Peach Franchising, LLC.

 

On September 4, 2014, Ulderico Conte, Henry E. Cartwright and Terry A. Cartwright resigned as directors of U-Swirl, Inc. In addition, Messrs. Conte, H. Cartwright and T. Cartwright resigned as officers of U-Swirl, Inc. Also on September 4, 2014, the U-Swirl Board of Directors appointed Bryan J. Merryman as the Chairman of the Board, replacing Franklin E. Crail. Mr. Merryman currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of RMCF.

 

In connection with these management changes, U-Swirl announced an operational restructuring designed to enhance U-Swirl’s operating efficiencies, improve its franchise support capabilities, and rationalize its cost structure. This restructuring resulted in expense associated with termination of the employment agreements with the named officers, severance payments for other employees and expense associated with the impairment of certain long-lived leasehold improvement, property and equipment. The Company recorded restructuring charges of $584,661 during the six months ended August 31, 2014 associated with this operational restructuring.

 

Total restructuring and acquisition charges incurred were comprised of the following for the six months ended August 31:

 

   

2014

 

Professional fees

  $ 186,011  

Severance/transitional compensation

    212,027  

Leasehold improvements, property and equipment impairment of long-lived assets

    243,000  

Acceleration of restricted stock unit vesting

    65,049  

Other

    3,125  
         

Total

  $ 709,212  

 

NOTE 11 – SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS

 

During the three months ended August 31, 2014, the Company sold one Company-owned Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory location and four U-Swirl Company–owned cafés. These locations were sold for a combination of cash and notes receivable. Additionally, the Company began the process of closing the U-Swirl, Inc. corporate offices in Henderson, Nevada and to market for sale an additional U-Swirl Company-owned café at a price substantially below the net book value of the assets. Associated with this asset disposal activity, the Company recorded the following in the three months ended August 31, 2014:

 

   

2014

 

Cash received on asset sales

  $ 525,000  

Notes receivable

    431,244  

  

 
12

 

 

NOTE 12 – NOTE PAYABLE

 

The Company’s long-term debt is comprised of a promissory note used to finance the Company’s business acquisitions (unpaid balance as of August 31, 2014, $6.4 million).

 

As of August 31, 2014 and February 28, 2014, notes payable consisted of the following:

 

   

August 31, 2014

   

February 28, 2014

 
                 

Promissory note

  $ 6,400,000     $ 6,400,000  

Less: current maturities

    (706,693 )     (108,023 )

Long-term obligations

  $ 5,693,307     $ 6,291,977  

 

The following table summarizes annual maturities of our notes payable as of August 31, 2014:

 

   

Amount

 

2015

  $ 108,000  

2016

    1,209,000  

2017

    1,256,000  

2018

    1,304,000  

Thereafter

    2,523,000  

Total minimum payments

    6,400,000  

Less: current maturities

    (706,693 )
         

Long-term obligations

  $ 5,693,307  

 

 

 
13

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the unaudited financial statements and related notes of the Company included elsewhere in this report. The statements included in this report other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and include statements regarding our cash flow, dividends, operating income and future growth. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this document may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "will," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "potential," or similar expressions. Factors which could cause results to differ include, but are not limited to: changes in the confectionery business environment, seasonality, consumer interest in our products, general economic conditions, the success of U-Swirl, Inc., receptiveness of our products internationally, consumer trends, costs and availability of raw materials, competition, the success of our co-branding strategy and the effect of government regulations. Government regulations which we and our franchisees either are or may be subject to and which could cause results to differ from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: local, state and federal laws regarding health, sanitation, safety, building and fire codes, franchising, employment, manufacturing, packaging and distribution of food products and motor carriers. For a detailed discussion of the risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements contained herein, please see the “Risk Factors” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2014 which can be viewed at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or through our website at www.rmcf.com. These forward-looking statements apply only as of the date of this report. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Except as required by law, we are not obligated to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that might reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report or those that might reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

Unless otherwise specified, the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” refers to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, which includes its 40% owned subsidiary, U-Swirl, Inc.

 

Overview

 

We are a product-based international franchisor, confectionery manufacturer and retail operator. Our revenues and profitability are derived principally from our franchised/licensed system of retail stores that feature chocolate, frozen yogurt, and other confectionery products. We also sell our candy in selected locations outside our system of retail stores and license the use of our brand with certain consumer products. We own and operate fourteen retail units as a laboratory to test marketing, design and operational initiatives.

 

The most important factors in continued growth in our earnings are ongoing unit growth, increased same-store sales and increased same-store pounds purchased from the factory. Historically, unit growth has more than offset decreases in same-store sales and same-store pounds purchased.

 

Our ability to successfully achieve expansion of our Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and frozen yogurt franchise systems depends on many factors not within our control, including the availability of suitable sites for new store establishment, the availability of adequate financing options and the availability of qualified franchisees to support such expansion.

 

Efforts to reverse the decline in same-store pounds purchased from the factory by franchised stores and to increase total factory sales depend on many factors, including new store openings, same-store sales, and the receptivity of our franchise system to our product introductions and promotional programs.

 

In January 2013, we, through a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Newco”), entered into an agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of YHI, Inc. and Yogurtini International, LLC (collectively, “Yogurtini”), which are the franchisors of self-serve frozen yogurt retail units branded as “Yogurtini.” In addition, in January 2013, we entered into two agreements to sell all of our membership interests in Newco and substantially all of our assets in Aspen Leaf Yogurt, LLC to U-Swirl, Inc. (“U-Swirl”), a publicly traded company (OTCQB: SWRL), in exchange for a 60% controlling equity interest in U-Swirl. Upon completion of these transactions, we ceased to operate any Company-owned Aspen Leaf Yogurt locations or sell and support franchise locations. U-Swirl is in the business of offering consumers frozen desserts such as yogurt and sorbet. U-Swirl launched a national chain of self-serve frozen yogurt cafés called U-Swirl Frozen Yogurt and is franchising this concept. U-Swirl has built and operates cafés owned and operated by U-Swirl and franchises to others the right to own and operate U-Swirl cafés. In January 2014 and February 2014, U-Swirl acquired the franchise systems of self-serve frozen yogurt retail units branded as “CherryBerry,” “Yogli Mogli Frozen Yogurt” and “Fuzzy Peach Frozen Yogurt.” U-Swirl also operates self-serve frozen yogurt retail units branded as “Josie’s Frozen Yogurt.” As of August 31, 2014, we own approximately 40% of U-Swirl’s outstanding common stock, and the results of U-Swirl are consolidated in our results. We believe that the acquisition of a controlling interest in U-Swirl will provide us with the ability to reverse operating losses incurred by the development and operation of Aspen Leaf Yogurt, LLC and provide an opportunity to continue to expand our presence in the self-serve frozen yogurt industry. Our ability to execute on this strategy is dependant upon continued expansion of the franchise network of U-Swirl and the success of their franchisees.

  

 
14

 

 

Results of Operations

 

Three Months Ended August 31, 2014 Compared to the Three Months Ended August 31, 2013

 

Basic earnings per share decreased 17.6% from $.17 in the three months ended August 31, 2013 to $.14 in the three months ended August 31, 2014. Revenues increased 9.2% from $8.7 million in the three months ended August 31, 2013 to $9.5 million in the three months ended August 31, 2014. Operating income decreased 10.2% from $1.59 million in the three months ended August 31, 2013 to $1.43 million in the three months ended August 31, 2014. Net income decreased 14.6% from $1,028,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2013 to $877,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2014. The increase in revenues was primarily the result of an increase in royalty and marketing fees resulting from the U-Swirl acquisition of franchise rights in the prior fiscal year. This increase was offset by an increase in restructuring costs and the impairment of certain long-lived assets.

 

Revenues

 

Three Months Ended

                 
   

August 31,

    $    

%

 

($’s in thousands)

 

2014

   

2013

   

Change

   

Change

 

Factory sales

  $ 4,776.1     $ 4,796.2     $ (20.1 )     (0.4% )

Retail sales

    1,897.7       1,889.9       7.8       0.4 %

Franchise fees

    147.9       61.8       86.1       139.3 %

Royalty and Marketing fees

    2,635.8       1,915.2       720.6       37.6 %

Total

  $ 9,457.5     $ 8,663.1     $ 794.4       9.2 %

 

Factory Sales

 

The decrease in factory sales for the three months ended August 31, 2014 versus the three months ended August 31, 2013 was primarily due to a 4.3% decrease in same-store pounds purchased by our network of domestic franchised stores, partially offset by an increase in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise retail locations. Same store sales at domestic Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory locations increased 2.6% in the three months ended August 31, 2014, compared with the three months ended August 31, 2013.

 

Retail Sales

 

The increase in retail sales was primarily due to increased performance of Company-owned locations acquired or commencing operation during the prior fiscal year, offset by the closure or sale of certain under-performing locations. Same store sales at Company-owned stores decreased 1.0% in the three months ended August 31, 2014 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2013.

 

Royalties, Marketing Fees and Franchise Fees

 

The increase in royalties and marketing fees from the three months ended August 31, 2013 to the three months ended August 31, 2014 resulted from a 71.8% increase in domestic franchise stores in operation from the three months ended August 31, 2013 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2014, primarily as a result of U-Swirl’s acquisition of CherryBerry, Yogli Mogli and Fuzzy Peach franchise systems in January 2014 and February 2014 and the associated increase in franchise revenues due to such acquisitions. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in the number of domestic Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchises in operation. The average number of domestic Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise stores in operation decreased from 225 in the three months ended August 31, 2013 to 212 during the three months ended August 31, 2014. Franchise fee revenues increased as a result of the sale of three U-Swirl Company-owned cafés to a franchisee and the associated franchise fees recognized.

 

Costs and Expenses

 

Three Months Ended

                 
   

August 31,

    $    

%

 

($’s in thousands)

 

2014

   

2013

   

Change

   

Change

 
                                 

Cost of sales – factory adjusted

  $ 3,214.9     $ 3,077.5     $ 137.4       4.5 %

Cost of sales - retail

    652.8       623.4       29.4       4.7 %

Franchise costs

    519.4       519.7       (.3 )     (0.1% )

Sales and marketing

    583.8       462.7       121.1       26.2 %

General and administrative

    1,175.1       1,208.1       (33.0 )     (2.7% )

Retail operating

    932.6       944.0       (11.4 )     (1.2% )

Total

  $ 7,078.6     $ 6,835.4     $ 243.2       3.6 %

  

 
15

 

  

Adjusted Gross Margin

 

Three Months Ended

                 
   

August 31,

    $    

%

 

($’s in thousands)

 

2014

   

2013

   

Change

   

Change

 
                                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  $ 1,561.2     $ 1,718.7     $ (157.5 )     (9.2% )

Retail

    1,244.9       1,266.5       ( 21.6 )     (1.7% )

Total

  $ 2,806.1     $ 2,985.2     $ (179.1 )     (6.0% )

 

Adjusted Gross Margin

 

Three Months Ended

                 
   

August 31,

   

%

   

%

 
   

2014

   

2013

   

Change

   

Change

 

(Percent)

                               

Factory adjusted gross margin

    32.7 %     35.8 %     (3.1% )     (8.7% )

Retail

    65.6 %     67.0 %     (1.4% )     (2.1% )

Total

    42.0 %     44.6 %     (2.6% )     (5.8% )

 

Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin minus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin. The following table provides a reconciliation of factory adjusted gross margin to factory gross margin, the most comparable performance measure under GAAP:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

August 31,

 

($’s in thousands)

 

2014

   

2013

 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  $ 1,561.2     $ 1,718.7  

Less: Depreciation and Amortization

    100.8       72.5  

Factory GAAP gross margin

  $ 1,460.4     $ 1,646.2  

 

Cost of Sales

 

Factory margins decreased 310 basis points in the three months ended August 31, 2014 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2013 due primarily to increased costs of certain raw materials and a decline in manufacturing efficiencies associated with 2.2% lower production volume. The decrease in Company-owned store margin is due primarily to the increase in U-Swirl units in operation during the previously year and associated lower margins at U-Swirl units during the three months ended August 31, 2014.

 

Franchise Costs

 

Franchise costs were unchanged in the three months ended August 31, 2014 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2013 due primarily to an increase in franchise costs associated with supporting the additional U-Swirl franchise units acquired through business acquisitions in the prior year, offset by a reduction in franchise-related professional fees. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 18.7% in the three months ended August 31, 2014 from 26.3% in the three months ended August 31, 2013. This decrease is primarily a result of higher franchise and royalty revenues during the three months ended August 31, 2014.

 

 
16

 

 

Sales and Marketing

 

The increase in sales and marketing costs for the three months ended August 31, 2014 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2013 is primarily due to an increase in marketing costs associated with the increased U-Swirl franchise locations from the prior year.

 

General and Administrative

 

The decrease in general and administrative costs for the three months ended August 31, 2014 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2013 is due primarily to lower professional fees, mostly offset by the consolidation of U-Swirl general and administrative costs. For the three months ended August 31, 2014, approximately $440,000 of U-Swirl general and administrative costs were consolidated within our results, compared with $310,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2013. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 12.4% in the three months ended August 31, 2014 compared to 13.9% in the three months ended August 31, 2013.

 

Retail Operating Expenses

 

The decrease in retail operating expense was primarily due to a decrease in the average number of Company-owned stores in operation. The average number of Company-owned stores in operation decreased from 19 during the three months ended August 31, 2013 to 16 units in the three months ended August 31, 2014. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, decreased from 50.0% in the three months ended August 31, 2013 to 49.1% in the three months ended August 31, 2014. This decrease is primarily the result of the change in units in operation from the prior year.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization of $365,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2014 increased 54.7% from $236,000 incurred in the three months ended August 31, 2013. This increase was the result of additional factory assets in service and an increase in amortization related to intangible assets acquired in the prior fiscal year.

 

Other Income

 

Net interest expense was $46,800 in the three months ended August 31, 2014 compared to net interest income of $15,300 realized in the three months ended August 31, 2013. This change was the result of interest expense associated with a promissory note entered into in January 2014 to fund business acquisitions.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended August 31, 2014 was 32.8%, compared to 31.8% for the three months ended August 31, 2013. The increase of 1.0% was primarily the result of the consolidation of the U-Swirl net operating income. During the three months ended August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013 there was no income tax expense recognized on U-Swirl income. U-Swirl has significant net operating loss carryovers. In accordance with Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, deductibility of U-Swirl’s U.S. net operating loss carryovers may be subject to annual limitation in the event of a change in control. We have performed a preliminary evaluation as to whether a change in control has taken place, and have concluded that there was a change of control with respect to the net operating losses of U-Swirl when the Company acquired a 60% ownership interest in January 2013. Our effective income tax rate may increase in future periods, or for the full year as a result of estimates related to the income tax liability arising from the income before income taxes of U-Swirl.

 

Six Months Ended August 31, 2014 Compared to the Six Months Ended August 31, 2013

 

Basic earnings per share decreased 27.8% from $.36 for the six months ended August 31, 2013 to $.26 for the six months ended August 31, 2014. Revenues increased 5.0% to $19.8 million for the six months ended August 31, 2014 compared to $18.8 million in the six months ended August 31, 2013. Operating income decreased 18.6% from $3.4 million in the six months ended August 31, 2013 to $2.8 million in the six months ended August 31, 2014. Net income decreased 28.0% from $2.2 million in the six months ended August 31, 2013 to $1.6 million in the six months ended August 31, 2014. The increase in revenues, operating income and net income was due primarily to income from operations related to our frozen yogurt business, compared with an operating loss in our frozen yogurt business in the same period of the prior year.

 

 
17

 

 

 

Revenues

 

Six Months Ended

                 
   

August 31,

    $    

%

 

($’s in thousands)

 

2014

   

2013

   

Change

   

Change

 

Factory sales

  $ 10,646.1     $ 11,081.6     $ (435.5 )     (3.9 %)

Retail sales

    3,878.7       3,783.2       95.5       2.5 %

Franchise fees

    205.3       338.2       (132.9 )     (39.3 %)

Royalty and marketing fees

    5,049.6       3,638.0       1,411.6       38.8 %

Total

  $ 19,779.7     $ 18,841.0     $ 938.7       5.0 %

 

Factory Sales

 

The decrease in factory sales for the six months ended August 31, 2014 versus the six months ended August 31, 2013 was primarily due to a 3.6% decrease in same-store pounds purchased by our network of franchised stores, a 5.8% decrease in the average number of domestic Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchised stores in operation and a 1.4% decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchised retail stores.

 

Retail Sales

 

The increase in retail sales was primarily due to increased performance of Company-owned locations acquired or commencing operation during the prior fiscal year, offset by the closure or sale of certain under-performing locations. Same store sales at all Company-owned stores and cafés decreased 1.2% in the six months ended August 31, 2014 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2013.

 

Royalties, Marketing Fees and Franchise Fees

 

The increase in royalties and marketing fees from the six months ended August 31, 2013 to the six months ended August 31, 2014 resulted from a 62.1% increase in domestic franchise stores in operation from the six months ended August 31, 2013 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2014, primarily as a result of U-Swirl’s acquisition of CherryBerry, Yogli Mogli and Fuzzy Peach franchise systems in January 2014 and February 2014 and the associated increase in franchise revenues due to such acquisitions. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in the number of domestic Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchises in operation. The average number of domestic Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise stores in operation decreased from 225 in the six months ended August 31, 2013 to 212 during the six months ended August 31, 2014. Franchise fee revenues decreased as a result of the license fees associated with the license agreements for the development and franchising of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory stores in South Korea and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia being recognized in the six months ended August 31, 2013 and no international license fees being recognized in the six months ended August 31, 2014.

 

Costs and Expenses

 

Six Months Ended

                 
   

August 31,

    $    

%

 

($’s in thousands)

 

2014

   

2013

   

Change

   

Change

 
                                 

Cost of sales – factory adjusted

  $ 7,395.9     $ 7,454.7     $ (58.8 )     (0.8 %)

Cost of sales - retail

    1,305.2       1,273.4       31.8       2.5 %

Franchise costs

    1,064.9       998.5       66.4       6.6 %

Sales and marketing

    1,229.9       968.1       261.8       27.0 %

General and administrative

    2,629.1       2,478.8       150.3       6.1 %

Retail operating

    1,972.6       1,785.0       187.6       10.5 %

Total

  $ 15,597.6     $ 14,958.5     $ 639.1       4.3 %

 

Adjusted gross margin

 

Six Months Ended

                 
   

August 31,

    $    

%

 

($’s in thousands)

 

2014

   

2013

   

Change

   

Change

 
                                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  $ 3,250.2     $ 3,626.9     $ (376.7 )     (10.4 %)

Retail

    2,573.5       2,509.8       63.7       2.5 %

Total

  $ 5,823.7     $ 6,136.7     $ (313.0 )     (5.1 %)

  

 
18

 

  

Adjusted Gross Margin

 

Six Months Ended

                 
   

August 31,

   

%

   

%

 
   

2014

   

2013

   

Change

   

Change

 

(Percent)

                               

Factory adjusted gross margin

    30.5 %     32.7 %     (2.2 %)     (6.7 %)

Retail

    66.3 %     66.3 %     0.0 %     0.0 %

Total

    40.1 %     41.3 %     (1.2 %)     (2.9 %)

 

Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin minus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin. The following table provides a reconciliation of factory adjusted gross margin to factory gross margin, the most comparable performance measure under GAAP:

 

   

Six Months Ended

 
   

August 31,

 

($’s in thousands)

 

2014

   

2013

 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  $ 3,250.2     $ 3,626.9  

Less: Depreciation and Amortization

    190.5       144.4  

Factory GAAP gross margin

  $ 3,059.7     $ 3,482.5  

 

Costs and Expenses

 

Cost of Sales

 

Factory margins decreased 220 basis points in the six months ended August 31, 2014 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2013 due primarily to a decline in manufacturing efficiencies associated with 8.3% lower production volume in the six months ended August 31, 2014 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2013. Company-owned store margins were unchanged in the six months ended August 31, 2014 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2013.

 

Franchise Costs

 

The increase in franchise costs in the six months ended August 31, 2014 versus the three months ended August 31, 2013 is due primarily to an increase in franchise costs associated with supporting the additional U-Swirl franchise units acquired through business acquisitions in the prior year. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 20.3% in the six months ended August 31, 2014 from 25.1% in the six months ended August 31, 2013. This decrease as a percentage of royalty, marketing and franchise fees is primarily a result of higher franchise and royalty revenues.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

The increase in sales and marketing costs for the six months ended August 31, 2014 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2013 is primarily due to an increase in marketing costs associated with U-Swirl franchise locations.

 

General and Administrative

 

The increase in general and administrative costs for the six months ended August 31, 2014 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2013 is due primarily to the consolidation of U-Swirl’s general and administrative costs and an increase in compensation related expenses. For the six months ended August 31, 2014, approximately $988,000 of U-Swirl general and administrative costs were consolidated within our results, compared with $716,000 in the six months ended August 31, 2013. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 13.1% in the six months ended August 31, 2014 compared to 13.2% in the same period of the prior year.

  

 
19

 

 

Retail Operating Expenses

 

The increase in retail operating expenses for the six months ended August 31, 2014 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2013 was due primarily to changes in units in operation, resulting from the acquisition of six Company-owned locations in the prior year. This increase was offset by the closure of five underperforming locations in the prior year and the sale of four Company-owned locations in the six months ended August 31, 2014. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, increased from 47.2% in the six months ended August 31, 2013 to 50.9% in the six months ended August 31, 2014.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization of $740,000 in the six months ended August 31, 2014 increased 56.8% from $472,000 incurred in the six months ended August 31, 2013 due to additional depreciable assets in service. This increase was the result of additional factory assets in service and an increase in amortization related to intangible assets acquired in the prior fiscal year.

 

Other Income

 

Net interest expense was $95,600 in the six months ended August 31, 2014 compared to net interest income of $27,000 realized in the six months ended August 31, 2013. This change was the result of an increase in outstanding debt from a promissory note entered into in January 2014 to fund business acquisitions.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Our effective income tax rate for the six months ended August 31, 2014 was 30.4%, compared to 31.8% for the six months ended August 31, 2013. The decrease of 1.4% was primarily the result of the consolidation of the U-Swirl, Inc. net operating income and associated provision for income taxes. U-Swirl, Inc. has significant net operating loss carryovers and no income tax expense was recognized in the six months ended August 31, 2014 or August 31, 2013. In accordance with Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, deductibility of U-Swirl, Inc.’s U.S. net operating loss carryovers may be subject to annual limitation in the event of a change in control. We have performed a preliminary evaluation as to whether a change in control has taken place, and have concluded that there was a change of control with respect to the net operating losses of U-Swirl, Inc. when the Company acquired its 60% ownership interest in January 2013. Our effective income tax rate may increase in future periods, or for the full year as a result of estimates related to the income tax liability arising from the income before income taxes of U-Swirl, Inc.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of August 31, 2014, working capital was $11.2 million, compared with $9.0 million as of February 28, 2014, an increase of $2.2 million. The change in working capital was due primarily to operating results less the payment of dividends, an increase in notes receivable and the purchase of equipment.

 

Cash and cash equivalent balances increased $2.54 million from $5.86 million as of February 28, 2014 to $8.40 million as of August 31, 2014 as a result of cash flow generated by operating activities. Our current ratio was 2.4 to 1 at August 31, 2014 in comparison with 2.1 to 1 at February 28, 2014. We monitor current and anticipated future levels of cash and cash equivalents in relation to anticipated operating, financing and investing requirements.

 

We have a $5.0 million (no amount was outstanding as of August 31, 2014) working capital line of credit collateralized by substantially all of our assets with the exception of our retail store assets. Additionally, the line of credit is subject to various financial ratio and leverage covenants. As of August 31, 2014, we were in compliance with all such covenants. The line is subject to renewal on July 31, 2015.

 

The Company’s current long-term debt is comprised of a promissory note used to finance the Company’s business acquisitions (unpaid balance as of August 31, 2014 was $6.4 million. The note allows the Company to borrow up to a maximum of $7.0 million to finance business acquisitions and bears interest at an annual rate of 3.75%. Additionally, the promissory note is subject to various financial ratio and leverage covenants. As of August 31, 2014, we were in compliance with all such covenants.

 

We believe cash flows generated by operating activities and available financing will be sufficient to fund our operations at least through the end of fiscal 2015.

 

 
20

 

  

Stock Repurchase Plan Authorizations

 

We continue to evaluate options to maximize the returns on our cash and maintain an appropriate capital structure, including, among other alternatives, repurchases of our common stock. In July 2015, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase up to $3.0 million of our common stock. The number, price, structure and timing of the repurchases, if any, will be at our sole discretion and future repurchases will be evaluated by us depending on market conditions, liquidity needs and other factors. Share repurchases may be made in the open market, block trades or in privately negotiated transactions. The repurchase authorization does not have an expiration date and does not oblige us to acquire any particular amount of our common stock. The Board of Directors may suspend, modify or terminate the repurchase program at any time without prior notice.

 

Between July 15, 2014 and July 31, 2014, we repurchased 55,000 shares under the repurchase plan at an average price of $12.58 per share. As of August 31, 2014, approximately $2,308,000 remains available under the repurchase plan for further stock repurchases.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of August 31, 2014, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements or obligations.

 

Impact of Inflation

 

Inflationary factors such as increases in the costs of ingredients and labor directly affect our operations. Most of our leases provide for cost-of-living adjustments and require us to pay taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses, all of which are subject to inflation. Additionally, our future lease costs for new facilities may include potentially escalating costs of real estate and construction. There is no assurance that we will be able to pass on increased costs to our customers.

 

Depreciation expense is based on the historical cost to us of our fixed assets, and is therefore potentially less than it would be if it were based on current replacement cost. While property and equipment acquired in prior years will ultimately have to be replaced at higher prices, it is expected that replacement will be a gradual process over many years.

 

Seasonality

 

We are subject to seasonal fluctuations in sales, which cause fluctuations in quarterly results of operations. Historically, the strongest sales of our confectionary products have occurred during the Christmas holiday through Mother’s Day. We believe the strongest sales of frozen yogurt products will occur during the summer months. In addition, quarterly results have been, and in the future are likely to be, affected by the timing of new store openings and sales of franchises. Because of the seasonality of our business and the impact of new store openings and sales of franchises, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved in other quarters or for a full fiscal year.

 

Item 3.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We do not engage in commodity futures trading or hedging activities and do not enter into derivative financial instrument transactions for trading or other speculative purposes. We also do not engage in transactions in foreign currencies or in interest rate swap transactions that could expose us to market risk. However, we are exposed to some commodity price and interest rate risks.

 

We frequently enter into purchase contracts of between six to eighteen months for chocolate and certain nuts. These contracts permit us to purchase the specified commodity at a fixed price on an as-needed basis during the term of the contract. Because prices for these products may fluctuate, we may benefit if prices rise during the terms of these contracts, but we may be required to pay above-market prices if prices fall and we are unable to renegotiate the terms of the contract. As of August 31, 2014, based on future contractual obligations for ingredients, we estimate that a 10.0% change in the prices of contracted ingredients would result in a $24,000 favorable or unfavorable price benefit or cost, respectively, resulting from our contracts.

 

We have a $5.0 million bank line of credit that bears interest at a variable rate. As of August 31, 2014, no amount was outstanding under the line of credit. We do not believe that we are exposed to any material interest rate risk related to this credit facility.

 

We have a $7.0 million promissory note interest at a fixed rate or 3.75% annually. As of August 31, 2014, $6.4 million was outstanding under the note. We do not believe that we are exposed to any material interest rate risk related to this financing facility.

 

 
21

 

  

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to ensure that material information relating to us is made known to the officers who certify as to our financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board of Directors. These disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act. Based upon this evaluation as of August 31, 2014, our management has concluded that those disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

During the six months ended August 31, 2014, we began providing support services to U-Swirl related to information technology and financial reporting services. Through the offering of these services, we believe we have enhanced our internal control over financial reporting and improved the consistency of internal controls throughout our consolidated financial reporting. Except for the activities described above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended August 31, 2014 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

 

We are not currently involved in any material legal proceedings other than routine litigation incidental to our business.

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part 1, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2013. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2014.

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Period

 

Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased (1)

   

Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit) (1)

   

Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)

   

Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)

 

June 1, 2014—June 30, 2014

    55,000     $ 12.58       55,000     $ 2,308,100  

July 1, 2014—July 31, 2014

    -       -       -     $ 2,308,100  

August 1, 2014—August 31, 2014

    -       -       -     $ 2,308,100  

Total

    55,000     $ 12.58       55,000     $ 2,308,100  

(1)

On July 15, 2014, we announced that our Board of Directors had approved the repurchase of up to $3.0 million shares of our common stock. Between July 15, 2014 and July 31, 2014, we repurchased 55,000 shares under the repurchase plan at an average price of $12.58 per share. The number, price, structure and timing of the repurchases, if any, will be at our sole discretion and future repurchases will be evaluated by us depending on market conditions, liquidity needs and other factors. The stock repurchases may be made in the open market, block trades or privately negotiated transactions. The primary purpose of the share repurchase program is to allow us the flexibility to repurchase our common stock to return value to stockholders.  The repurchase authorization does not have an expiration date and does not oblige us to acquire any particular amount of our common stock.  Our Board of Directors may suspend, modify or terminate the repurchase program at any time without prior notice.

  

 
22

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

None.

 

 
23

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

 

3.1

Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Registrant for the year ended February 28, 2009)

 

 

3.2

Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant filed on May 22, 2009)

 

 

3.3

Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant filed on December 14, 2007)

 

 

10.1*

Promissory Note dated August 13, 2014 in the amount of $5,000,000 between Wells Fargo Bank and the Registrant

 

 

10.2

Stock Purchase Agreement, dated July 16, 2014, between Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. and Franklin E. Crail (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant filed on July 21, 2014)

 

 

10.3

Stock Purchase Agreement, dated July 16, 2014, between Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. and Bryan J. Merryman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant filed on July 21, 2014)

 

 

10.4

Stock Purchase Agreement, dated July 16, 2014, between Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. and Edward L. Dudley (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant filed on July 21, 2014)

 

 

31.1*

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Filed Pursuant To Section 302 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

31.2*

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Filed Pursuant To Section 302 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

32.1**

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Furnished Pursuant To Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

32.2**

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Furnished Pursuant To Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

 

 

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

 

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

 

 

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

 

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

 

 

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Filed herewith.

 

 

** Furnished herewith. 

 

 

 
24

 

  

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.

 

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC.

(Registrant)

 

Date: October 15, 2014

 

/s/ Bryan J. Merryman

    Bryan J. Merryman, Chief Operating Officer,
    Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Director

 

 

25