UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

x

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended July 1, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

or

 

 

 

o

 

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

 

Commission File Number 0-20574

 

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

51-0340466

(State or other jurisdiction

 

(I.R.S. Employer

of incorporation or organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

 

 

26901 Malibu Hills Road

 

 

Calabasas Hills, California

 

91301

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (818) 871-3000

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes x No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, 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.

 

Large accelerated filer x

 

 

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Smaller reporting company o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o  No x

 

As of July 21, 2008, 64,734,188 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding.

 

 

 


 

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX

 

 

Page
Number

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements:

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

1

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

2

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

 

3

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

4

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5

 

Item 2.

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

 

13

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

22

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

24

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

24

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

25

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

25

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

26

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

 

 

27

 



 

PART I.          FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.             Financial Statements

 

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

July 1, 
2008

 

January 1,
 2008

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

93,784

 

$

36,867

 

Investments and marketable securities

 

994

 

5,014

 

Accounts receivable

 

6,930

 

11,347

 

Other receivables

 

22,941

 

61,045

 

Inventories

 

29,848

 

24,058

 

Prepaid expenses

 

28,388

 

27,879

 

Deferred income taxes

 

1,062

 

15,003

 

Total current assets

 

183,947

 

181,213

 

Property and equipment, net

 

860,783

 

862,331

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Marketable securities

 

7

 

7,348

 

Trademarks

 

3,878

 

3,490

 

Prepaid rent

 

59,393

 

58,101

 

Other

 

35,622

 

33,270

 

Total other assets

 

98,900

 

102,209

 

Total assets

 

$

1,143,630

 

$

1,145,753

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

36,426

 

$

57,924

 

Income taxes payable

 

5,069

 

11,536

 

Other accrued expenses

 

123,750

 

147,612

 

Total current liabilities

 

165,245

 

217,072

 

Deferred income taxes

 

66,228

 

66,202

 

Deferred rent

 

53,250

 

50,025

 

Deemed landlord financing liability

 

51,383

 

50,214

 

Long-term debt

 

275,000

 

175,000

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

22,892

 

24,314

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued

 

¾

 

¾

 

Junior participating cumulative preferred stock, $.01 par value, 150,000 shares authorized; none issued

 

¾

 

¾

 

Common stock, $.01 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized; 82,788,335 and 82,660,209 issued at July 1, 2008 and January 1, 2008, respectively

 

828

 

827

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

363,707

 

354,328

 

Retained earnings

 

577,848

 

544,418

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(1,872

)

(2,898

)

Treasury stock, 18,073,847 and 13,508,424 shares at cost at July 1, 2008 and January 1, 2008, respectively

 

(430,879

)

(333,749

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

509,632

 

562,926

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

1,143,630

 

$

1,145,753

 

 

See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

1


 

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Thirteen 
Weeks Ended 
July 1, 2008

 

Thirteen 
Weeks Ended 
July 3, 2007

 

Twenty-Six 
Weeks Ended 
July 1, 2008

 

Twenty-Six
Weeks Ended 
July 3, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

407,134

 

$

373,167

 

$

800,937

 

$

729,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

104,540

 

92,283

 

205,279

 

181,843

 

Labor expenses

 

133,192

 

120,696

 

265,715

 

239,536

 

Other operating costs and expenses

 

96,243

 

85,199

 

192,141

 

169,993

 

General and administrative expenses

 

20,211

 

20,237

 

40,554

 

39,709

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses

 

18,361

 

15,633

 

36,454

 

31,023

 

Preopening costs

 

4,619

 

3,724

 

7,105

 

6,808

 

Total costs and expenses

 

377,166

 

337,772

 

747,248

 

668,912

 

Income from operations

 

29,968

 

35,395

 

53,689

 

60,838

 

Interest expense

 

(4,080

)

(3,058

)

(7,619

)

(4,105

)

Interest income

 

596

 

1,398

 

1,118

 

3,030

 

Other income/(expense), net

 

61

 

272

 

(114

)

539

 

Income before income taxes

 

26,545

 

34,007

 

47,074

 

60,302

 

Income tax provision

 

7,444

 

10,299

 

13,644

 

18,188

 

Net income

 

$

19,101

 

$

23,708

 

$

33,430

 

$

42,114

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.33

 

$

0.50

 

$

0.57

 

Diluted

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.33

 

$

0.50

 

$

0.56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

65,474

 

71,786

 

66,792

 

74,404

 

Diluted

 

65,916

 

72,818

 

67,240

 

75,522

 

 

See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

2


 

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Shares of 
Common 
Stock

 

Common 
Stock

 

Additional
 Paid-in 
Capital

 

Retained 
Earnings

 

Accumulated
 Other 
Comprehensive
 Income/(Loss)

 

Treasury 
Stock

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, January 1, 2008

 

82,660

 

$

827

 

$

354,328

 

$

544,418

 

$

(2,898

)

$

(333,749

)

$

562,926

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

33,430

 

 

 

33,430

 

Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities

 

 

 

 

 

48

 

 

48

 

Net unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments

 

 

 

 

 

978

 

 

978

 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

34,456

 

Issuance of common stock from stock options exercised

 

185

 

2

 

2,172

 

 

 

 

2,174

 

Tax benefit related to stock options exercised, net of cancellations

 

 

 

(797

 

 

 

(797

)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

7,684

 

 

 

 

7,684

 

Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures

 

(57

)

(1

)

 

 

 

 

(1

)

Capital contribution

 

 

 

320

 

 

 

 

320

 

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

(97,130

)

(97,130

)

Balance, July 1, 2008

 

82,788

 

$

828

 

$

363,707

 

$

577,848

 

$

(1,872

)

$

(430,879

)

$

509,632

 

 

See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

3


 

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Twenty-Six 
Weeks Ended 
July 1, 2008

 

Twenty-Six 
Weeks Ended 
July 3, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

33,430

 

$

42,114

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

36,454

 

31,023

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(3,750

)

451

 

Stock-based compensation

 

7,013

 

8,677

 

Tax benefit related to stock options exercised, net of cancellations

 

(993

1,656

 

Excess tax benefit related to stock options exercised

 

(348

)

(996

)

Other

 

768

 

54

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

4,417

 

5,281

 

Other receivables

 

38,104

 

15,254

 

Inventories

 

(5,790

)

(5,956

)

Prepaid expenses

 

(509

(711

)

Other assets

 

(2,672

)

(10,018

)

Accounts payable

 

(21,498

)

(2,937

)

Income taxes payable

 

10,676

 

9,083

 

Other accrued expenses

 

(22,661

)

(7,723

)

Cash provided by operating activities

 

72,641

 

85,252

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property and equipment

 

(39,766

)

(104,813

)

Investments in available-for-sale securities

 

 

(47,865

)

Sales of available-for-sale securities

 

11,466

 

48,266

 

Cash used in investing activities

 

(28,300

)

(104,412

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Deemed landlord financing proceeds

 

7,305

 

19,033

 

Deemed landlord financing payments

 

(636

)

(472

)

Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options

 

2,173

 

6,507

 

Excess tax benefit related to stock options exercised

 

348

 

996

 

Borrowings on credit facility

 

100,000

 

150,000

 

Purchase of treasury stock

 

(97,130

)

(180,362

)

Payment for future treasury stock purchases under accelerated stock repurchase agreement

 

 

(19,638

)

Capital contribution

 

516

 

 

Cash provided by/(used in) financing activities

 

12,576

 

(23,936

)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

56,917

 

(43,096

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

36,867

 

44,790

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

93,784

 

$

1,694

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

8,333

 

$

4,105

 

Income taxes paid

 

$

7,716

 

$

6,804

 

 

See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

4


 

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

1.  Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated (referred to herein as the “Company” or in the first person notations “we,” “us” and “our”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  The financial statements presented herein have not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm, but include all material adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the period.  However, these results are not necessarily indicative of results for any other interim period or for the full fiscal year.  The consolidated balance sheet data presented herein for January 1, 2008 was derived from our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year then ended, but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles.  The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions for the reporting periods covered by the financial statements.  These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.  Actual amounts could differ from these estimates.

 

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been omitted pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2008.

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to current year presentation.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  The statement applies whenever other statements require or permit assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value.  SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, except for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis, for which application has been deferred for one year.  As discussed in Note 10, we adopted SFAS 157 in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.  We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, that adoption of the deferred provisions of this statement will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS 159”).  SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses related to these financial instruments reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date.  SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  We did not elect to measure any additional assets or liabilities at fair value that are not already measured at fair value under existing standards.  Therefore, the adoption of this standard had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 161”).  SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities and is effective for us as of the first quarter of fiscal 2009.  The implementation of this statement will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP 142-3”).  FSP 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and requires enhanced related disclosures.  FSP 142-3 must be applied prospectively to all intangible assets acquired as of and subsequent to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  We are currently evaluating the impact that FSP 142-3 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

5


 

2.  Investments and Marketable Securities

 

Investments and marketable securities consisted of (in thousands):

 

Classification

 

Cost

 

Gross 
Unrealized 
Gains

 

Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses

 

Fair 
Value

 

Maturity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At July 1, 2008:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate debt securities

 

$

995

 

$

 

$

(1

$

994

 

February 2009

 

U.S. government agency obligations

 

¾

 

¾

 

¾

 

¾

 

 

 

Total

 

$

995

 

$

 

$

(1

$

994

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate debt securities

 

$

7

 

$

 

$

 

$

7

 

September 2009

 

U.S. government agency obligations

 

¾

 

¾

 

¾

 

¾

 

 

 

Total

 

$

7

 

$

 

$

 

$

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At January 1, 2008:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate debt securities

 

$

1,263

 

$

 

$

(8

)

$

1,255

 

June 2008 to August 2008

 

U.S. government agency obligations

 

3,764

 

¾

 

(5

)

3,759

 

February 2008 to May 2008

 

Total

 

$

5,027

 

$

 

$

(13

)

$

5,014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate debt securities

 

$

7,413

 

$

3

 

$

(68

)

$

7,348

 

January 2009 to May 2010

 

U.S. government agency obligations

 

¾

 

¾

 

¾

 

¾

 

 

 

Total

 

$

7,413

 

$

3

 

$

(68

)

$

7,348

 

 

 

 

3.  Inventories

 

Inventories consisted of (in thousands):

 

 

 

July 1, 2008

 

January 1, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant food and supplies

 

$

11,669

 

$

11,018

 

Bakery finished goods

 

14,710

 

9,686

 

Bakery raw materials and supplies

 

3,469

 

3,354

 

Total

 

$

29,848

 

$

24,058

 

 

4.  Long-Term Debt

 

Long-term debt consisted of (in thousands):

 

 

 

July 1, 2008

 

January 1, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit facility

 

$

275,000

 

$

175,000

 

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we amended our revolving credit facility (“Facility”) to increase the maximum available borrowing capacity to $300 million and then borrowed an additional $100 million under the Facility, primarily to fund share repurchases.  Outstanding debt under the amended Facility bears interest at a floating rate based on the London Interbank Offering Rate (LIBOR) plus a spread ranging from 0.75% to 1.0%, depending on our ratio of debt to trailing 12-month earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and noncash stock option expense (“EBITDA”), as defined in the agreement.  In addition, we pay a commitment fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.20%, also depending on our ratio of debt to EBITDA, calculated on the average unused portion of the Facility.

 

6


 

Availability under the Facility is reduced by outstanding standby letters of credit, which are used to support our self-insurance programs.  As of July 1, 2008, we had net availability for borrowings of $9.4 million, based on outstanding debt of $275.0 million and $15.6 million in standby letters of credit.  The Facility provides that we will maintain certain financial covenants, which include a debt to EBITDA ratio below a specified threshold, as well as a minimum EBITDAR (EBITDA plus rental expense as defined in the agreement) to interest and rental expense ratio.  At July 1, 2008, we were in compliance with these covenants. Since we have both the contractual ability and the intention to maintain the outstanding balance on our Facility, the debt is classified as long-term on our consolidated balance sheets.

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we entered into a four-year, zero-cost interest rate collar to hedge interest rate variability on the additional $100 million of borrowings on our revolving credit facility.  The interest rate collar consists of a combination of a purchased cap option with a three-month LIBOR cap rate of 4.50% and a sold floor option with a three-month LIBOR floor rate of 2.54%.  This derivative qualifies for hedge accounting as a cash flow hedge and, accordingly, is recognized at fair value as either an asset or a liability on the consolidated balance sheet.  All changes in fair value are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the related interest expense on the underlying borrowing is recognized.  Changes in the fair value of this interest rate collar are expected to be perfectly effective in offsetting the variability in interest payments attributable to fluctuations in three-month LIBOR rates above the cap rates and below the floor rates specified in the agreement.

 

5.  Stockholders’ Equity

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, our Board of Directors increased the share repurchase authorization of our common shares to 31.0 million from 21.0 million.  Under these authorizations, we have cumulatively repurchased a total of 18.1 million shares for a total cost of $430.9 million through July 1, 2008.  The authorization does not have an expiration date and it does not require us to purchase a specific number of shares.   This authorization may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time.  The timing and number of shares repurchased pursuant to the share repurchase authorization will be subject to a number of factors, including current market conditions, legal constraints and available cash or other sources of funding.  Shares may be repurchased in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions at times and prices considered appropriate by us. Our share repurchase plan will be used to return excess capital to shareholders in years when new restaurant site availability does not meet our criteria, as well as to minimize the dilutive impact of our stock option programs.

 

6.  Stock-Based Compensation

 

The following table presents information related to stock-based compensation (in thousands):

 

 

 

Thirteen
 Weeks Ended
 July 1, 2008

 

Thirteen
 Weeks Ended
 July 3, 2007

 

Twenty-Six
 Weeks Ended
 July 1, 2008

 

Twenty-Six 
Weeks Ended 
July 3, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

$

2,406

 

$

4,827

 

$

7,013

 

$

8,677

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax benefit

 

676

 

1,462

 

2,067

 

2,617

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capitalized stock-based compensation (1)

 

254

 

519

 

671

 

801

 

 


(1) 

Capitalized stock-based compensation is included in property and equipment, net and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

Stock Options

 

The weighted average fair value at the grant date for options issued during the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and 2007 was $7.90 and $10.10 per option, respectively.  The fair value of options at the grant date was estimated utilizing the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively: (a) no dividend yield on our stock, (b) expected stock price volatility of 36.0% and 30.9%, (c) a risk-free interest rate of 3.1% and 4.7%, and (d) an expected option term of 5.3 and 5.0 years.

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we adjusted our estimated forfeitures to reflect an increase in our rate of forfeited stock options, resulting in a $2.2 million reduction in stock-based compensation expense.

 

7


 

Stock option activity during the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 was as follows:

 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

(In years)

 

(In thousands)

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2008

 

9,339

 

$

25.98

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

933

 

$

21.04

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(185

)

$

11.77

 

 

 

 

 

Cancelled

 

(670

)

$

29.21

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at July 1, 2008

 

9,417

 

$

25.54

 

6.6

 

$

2,277

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested and expected to vest at July 1, 2008

 

7,656

 

$

25.20

 

6.2

 

$

2,277

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable at July 1, 2008

 

3,917

 

$

23.69

 

4.7

 

$

2,277

 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value (the difference between our closing stock price on July 1, 2008 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders, had all option holders exercised their options on July 1, 2008.  This amount changes based on the fair market value of our stock.  Total intrinsic value of options exercised for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 was $1.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively.  Total intrinsic value of options exercised for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 3, 2007 was $2.6 million and $6.1 million, respectively.  As of July 1, 2008, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested stock options was $26.6 million, which we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of approximately 2.8 years.

 

Restricted Shares

 

Restricted share activity during the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 was as follows:

 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Fair Value

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2008

 

527

 

$

25.70

 

Granted

 

¾

 

¾

 

Vested

 

¾

 

¾

 

Forfeited

 

(57

)

25.20

 

Outstanding at July 1, 2008

 

470

 

$

25.77

 

 

Fair value of our restricted shares is based on our closing stock price on the date of grant.  As of July 1, 2008, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested restricted shares was $7.0 million, which we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of approximately 1.8 years.

 

7.  Income Taxes

 

Included in the income tax provision for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 are the following two discreet items:

 

·                  The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is currently auditing our tax returns for fiscal years 2003, 2004 and 2005 with respect to the deductibility, under the provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m), of certain compensation in excess of $1 million per year paid to certain executive officers resulting from their exercise of stock options later determined to be misdated.  On May 1, 2008, the IRS issued a Notice of Proposed Adjustment to the Company disallowing the deduction of approximately $5.1 million of compensation expense with respect to the exercise of stock options by three current executive officers and one former executive officer.  While it is our position that these options met the requirements of Section 162(m) for deductibility, we established a $2.2 million liability in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 to account for the estimated taxes and interest due through July 1, 2008.

 

8


 

·                  Our application for a change in accounting for construction allowances was approved by the Internal Revenue Service on July 14, 2008.  As a result and in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 we recognized tax benefits of $16.8 million, excluding interest, which were reflected as decreases in both deferred tax assets and income tax payable.  In addition, we relieved $2.4 million of interest related to this uncertain tax position, reflected as a reduction to income tax expense for the second quarter of fiscal 2008.

 

We recognize interest related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.  Penalties related to uncertain tax positions are part of general and administrative expenses.  As of July 1, 2008, we have $1.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits and approximately $0.2 million of accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions.

 

8.      Net Income Per Share

 

At July 1, 2008 and July 3, 2007, 0.5 million shares of restricted stock issued to employees were unvested, and were therefore excluded from the calculation of basic earnings per share for each of the fiscal quarters ended on those dates.  Diluted net income per share includes the dilutive effect of both outstanding stock options and restricted shares, calculated using the treasury stock method.  Assumed proceeds from the in-the-money options include the windfall tax benefits, net of shortfalls, calculated under the “as-if” method as prescribed by Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment.”

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

Thirteen
Weeks Ended
July 1, 2008

 

Thirteen
Weeks Ended
July 3, 2007

 

Twenty-Six
Weeks Ended
July 1, 2008

 

Twenty-Six
Weeks Ended
July 3, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

19,101

 

$

23,708

 

$

33,430

 

$

42,114

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

65,474

 

71,786

 

66,792

 

74,404

 

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares

 

442

 

1,032

 

448

 

1,118

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 

65,916

 

72,818

 

67,240

 

75,522

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income per share

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.33

 

$

0.50

 

$

0.57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income per share

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.33

 

$

0.50

 

$

0.56

 

 

Shares of common stock equivalents of 8.4 million and 8.5 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 and 5.5 million for both the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 3, 2007, respectively, were excluded from the diluted calculation due to their anti-dilutive effect.

 

9.  Comprehensive Income

 

Comprehensive income consisted of (in thousands):

 

 

 

Thirteen
Weeks Ended
July 1, 2008

 

Thirteen
Weeks Ended
July 3, 2007

 

Twenty-Six
Weeks Ended
July 1, 2008

 

Twenty-Six
Weeks Ended
July 3, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

19,101

 

$

23,708

 

$

33,430

 

$

42,114

 

Net unrealized (loss)/gain on available-for-sale securities

 

(3

)

(110

)

48

 

90

 

Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments

 

4,813

 

632

 

978

 

632

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

23,911

 

$

24,230

 

$

34,456

 

$

42,836

 

 

10.  Fair Value Measurement

 

On January 2, 2008, we adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which defines fair value, establishes a framework for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  The statement applies whenever other statements require or permit assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value.  SFAS 157 is effective

 

9


 

for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, except for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis, for which application has been deferred for one year.

 

SFAS 157 established the following fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1:

Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.  Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.  Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments such as exchange-traded derivatives, listed equities and U.S. government treasury securities.

 

 

Level 2:

Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.  Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies.  These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, volatility factors, and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures.  Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace.  Instruments in this category include non-exchange-traded derivatives such as over the counter forwards, options and repurchase agreements.

 

 

Level 3:

Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources.  These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value.   At each balance sheet date, we perform an analysis of all instruments subject to SFAS No. 157 and include in Level 3 all of those whose fair value is based on significant unobservable inputs.

 

The following table presents our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of July 1, 2008 by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments

 

$

 

$

1,372

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments

 

$

 

$

5,071

 

$

 

 

Our derivative financial instruments are interest rate collars based on LIBOR swap rates, which are observable at commonly quoted intervals for the full term of the derivatives and therefore considered a Level 2 input.

 

11. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Following our announcement on July 18, 2006 of the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors’ review of our historical stock option granting practices, eight separate putative shareholder derivative actions (the “Option Derivative Actions”) were filed against certain current and former Directors and certain of our current and former officers alleging that the defendants improperly dated certain historical stock option grants.  These cases, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court were styled as Siebles v. Deitchle et. al. (Case No. BC355872) (subsequently re-filed in federal court), McGee v. Overton et al. (Case No. BC355953); Rigotti v. Overton, et al. (Case No. BC356850), Cullen v. Overton, et al. (Case No. BC356851), Sachs v. Overton et al. (Case No. BC357065), and filed in United States District Court for the Central District were styled as Siebles v. Deitchle et.al. (Case No. CV06 6234), Kuhns v. Deitchle et al. (Case No. SACV06917) and Freed v. Overton et al. (Case No. CV 06 06486).  On January 4, 2007, our Board of Directors established a Special Litigation Committee to facilitate timely and orderly consideration of the matters raised by and relating to the Option Derivative Actions. This committee completed its inquiry and the parties negotiated a stipulated settlement of the Option Derivative Actions.  The stipulated settlement was approved by the federal court and became effective June 4, 2008.  Pursuant to the stipulated settlement, the related state cases were dismissed, with prejudice.  Implementation of the terms of the settlement is in process.  In June, 2008, we were repaid an aggregate of $940,000 in cash or stock options with equivalent value by certain current and former directors and officers.  There are no future payments required by us.  In addition, the Los Angeles Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) advised us that it has completed its informal inquiry related to options misdating and does not intend to recommend any enforcement action against us.

 

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is currently auditing our tax returns for fiscal years 2003, 2004 and 2005 with respect to the deductibility, under the provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m), of certain compensation in excess of $1 million

 

10


 

per year paid to certain executive officers resulting from their exercise of stock options later determined to be misdated.  On May 1, 2008, the IRS issued a Notice of Proposed Adjustment (“Notice”) to us disallowing the deduction of approximately $5.1 million of compensation expense with respect to the exercise of stock options by three current executive officers and one former executive officer.  The Notice is only an IRS proposal and not a final IRS determination.  Our position is that our stock option compensation qualifies as performance based compensation that is not subject to the limitations on deductibility under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m).  We plan to continue our discussions with the IRS in an effort to reach a favorable resolution.  We will, if necessary, pursue all available administrative and legal remedies to resolve this matter favorably  While it is our position that these options met the requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) for deductibility, we established a $2.2 million liability in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 to account for the estimated taxes and interest due through July 1, 2008.

 

On July 2, 2008, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for the Cleveland District Office issued determination letters in Charge #s 532-2006-01040, -01030, -01042 in favor of three former employees alleging that we engaged in a pattern and practice of sex discrimination, and in the case of one claimant, racial discrimination, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII).  The determination alleges that our actions resulted in females as a class being denied entry and progression into upper ranks of management at our restaurants.  We deny these allegations.  The EEOC has invited us to participate in its conciliation process. The EEOC is seeking payment of actual damages incurred by the claimants as well as compensatory and/or punitive monetary costs and remedial actions. We intend to participate in the conciliation process.  Based upon the current status of this matter, we have not reserved for any future payments.

 

After failing in efforts to reach a conciliated settlement, on June 30, 2008, the EEOC for the Phoenix District Office filed a complaint with the United States District Court for the District of Arizona stylized as Equal Employment Opportunity Commission vs. The Cheesecake Factory, Inc.  The Complaint alleges that since November 2004, we engaged in unlawful employment practices by permitting a class of male employees, including three named former employees, to be sexually harassed by male co-workers creating a hostile work environment in violation of Title VII.  The Complaint also alleges, among other claims, that we knew or should of known of the alleged sexual harassment and failed to act reasonably to prevent or correct such alleged sexual harassment.  The Complaint seeks injunctive relief and monetary compensation, including for emotional pain and suffering, among other damages.  The Complaint has not been served to date.  If served, we intend to vigorously defend against this litigation.  Based upon the current status of this matter, we have not reserved for any future payments.

 

We are subject to various other administrative and legal proceedings that are discussed in Part I, Item 3 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2008.

 

11


 

12.  Segment Information

 

We operate in two business segments.  Restaurants consist of The Cheesecake Factory®, Grand Lux Cafe® and RockSugar Pan Asian KitchenTM, which have similar investment criteria and economic and operating characteristics.  The bakery segment produces baked desserts and other products for our restaurants and for other foodservice operators, retailers and distributors.  Bakery sales to our restaurants are recorded at prices similar to third-party national accounts.  Unallocated corporate expenses, which include all stock-based compensation, assets and capital expenditures, are presented below as reconciling items to the amounts presented in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Segment information is presented below (in thousands):

 

 

 

Thirteen
Weeks Ended
July 1, 2008

 

Thirteen
Weeks Ended
July 3, 2007

 

Twenty-Six
Weeks Ended
July 1, 2008

 

Twenty-Six
Weeks Ended
July 3, 2007

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurants

 

$

392,604

 

$

359,281

 

$

771,288

 

$

702,362

 

Bakery

 

26,736

 

25,500

 

53,819

 

50,440

 

Intercompany bakery sales

 

(12,206

)

(11,614

)

(24,170

)

(23,052

)

Total

 

$

407,134

 

$

373,167

 

$

800,937

 

$

729,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurants

 

$

46,510

 

$

53,238

 

$

88,575

 

$

95,359

 

Bakery

 

2,963

 

3,696

 

6,046

 

7,803

 

Corporate

 

(19,505

)

(21,539

)

(40,932

)

(42,324

)

Total

 

$

29,968

 

$

35,395

 

$

53,689

 

$

60,838

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurants

 

$

16,105

 

$

13,797

 

$

31,938

 

$

27,500

 

Bakery

 

744

 

723

 

1,474

 

1,399

 

Corporate

 

1,512

 

1,113

 

3,042

 

2,124

 

Total

 

$

18,361

 

$

15,633

 

$

36,454

 

$

31,023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurants

 

$

18,623

 

$

70,693

 

$

37,519

 

$

96,861

 

Bakery

 

301

 

1,888

 

846

 

3,529

 

Corporate

 

1,066

 

274

 

1,401

 

4,423

 

Total

 

$

19,990

 

$

72,855

 

$

39,766

 

$

104,813

 

 

 

 

July 1,
2008

 

January 1,
2008

 

Total assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurants

 

$

917,679

 

$

950,606

 

Bakery

 

59,358

 

59,041

 

Corporate

 

166,593

 

136,106

 

Total

 

$

1,143,630

 

$

1,145,753

 

 

12


 

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

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Certain information included in this Form 10-Q and other materials filed or to be filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission (as well as information included in oral or written statements made by us or on our behalf), may contain forward-looking statements about our current and expected performance trends, growth plans, business goals and other matters.  These statements may be contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in our press releases, in other written communications, and in oral statements made by or with the approval of one of our authorized officers.  Words or phrases such as “believe,” “plan,” “will likely result,” “expect,” “intend,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  These statements, and any other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as codified in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time (the “Act”).

 

In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Act, we have identified and filed important factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements made by us, or on our behalf (see Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2008). These cautionary statements are to be used as a reference in connection with any forward-looking statements. The factors, risks and uncertainties identified in these cautionary statements are in addition to those contained in any other cautionary statements, written or oral, which may be made or otherwise addressed in connection with a forward-looking statement or contained in any of our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Because of these factors, risks and uncertainties, we caution against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be incorrect, and there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Except as may be required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to modify or revise any forward-looking statement to take into account or otherwise reflect subsequent events or circumstances arising after the date that the forward-looking statement was made.

 

General

 

This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Form 10-Q and the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2008.  The inclusion of supplementary analytical and related information herein may require us to make appropriate estimates and assumptions to enable us to fairly present, in all material respects, our analysis of trends and expectations with respect to our results of operations and financial position taken as a whole.

 

As of July 24, 2008, we operated 143 upscale, full-service, casual dining restaurants under The Cheesecake Factoryâ mark and 13 upscale, full-service, casual dining restaurants under the Grand Lux Cafeâ mark.  We also operate one unit of our newest concept, RockSugar Pan Asian KitchenTM and two bakery production facilities.  Additionally, we license two bakery cafe outlets under The Cheesecake Factory Bakery Cafeâ mark to another foodservice operator.

 

Our revenues consist of sales from our restaurant operations and sales from our bakery operations to other foodservice operators, retailers and distributors (“bakery sales”).  Revenues from restaurant sales are recognized when payment is tendered at the point of sale.  Revenues from bakery sales are recognized upon transfer of title to customers.  We recognize a liability upon the sale of our gift cards and recognize revenue when these gift cards are redeemed in our restaurants or on our website. Revenues from unredeemed gift cards are recognized over three years based on historical and expected redemption trends.

 

New restaurants become eligible to enter our comparable sales calculations in their 19th month of operation.  We utilize a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the Tuesday closest to December 31st for financial reporting purposes.   Both fiscal 2008 and 2007 consist of 52 weeks.

 

The Cheesecake Factory is an upscale casual dining concept that offers approximately 200 menu items including appetizers, pizza, seafood, steaks, chicken, burgers, pasta, specialty items, salads, sandwiches, omelets and desserts, including approximately 40 varieties of cheesecake and other baked desserts.  Grand Lux Cafe is also an upscale casual dining concept offering approximately 150 menu items.  RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen is our newest upscale casual dining concept showcasing the cuisines of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and India.  In contrast to many chain restaurant operations, substantially all of our menu items (except desserts manufactured at our bakery production facilities) are prepared on the restaurant premises using high quality, fresh ingredients based on innovative and proprietary recipes.  We believe our restaurants are recognized by consumers for offering

 

13


 

exceptional value with generous food portions at moderate prices.  Our restaurants’ distinctive, contemporary design and decor create a high-energy ambiance in a casual setting.  Our restaurants currently range in size from 5,400 to 21,000 interior square feet, provide full liquor service and are generally open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, as well as Sunday brunch.

 

Overview

 

In addition to being highly competitive, the restaurant industry is often affected by changes in consumer tastes, nutritional concerns and discretionary spending patterns; changes in general economic conditions; public safety conditions; demographic trends; weather conditions; the cost and availability of raw materials, labor and energy; purchasing power; and governmental regulations.  Accordingly, as part of our strategy we must constantly evolve and refine the critical elements of our restaurant concepts to protect their longer-term competitiveness and to maintain and enhance the strength of our brand.  Our strategy is focused on a prudent allocation of capital intended to enhance overall earnings per share growth and increase returns on invested capital.  Operationally, we strive to improve productivity and efficiency through the use of technology and a commitment to selecting, training and retaining high quality employees.  Our overall value proposition is to continue to provide exceptional value through a broad menu of freshly prepared, high quality and large portion appetizers, entrees and desserts at moderate prices in an upscale casual setting.

 

In evaluating and assessing the performance of our business, we believe the following are key performance indicators that should be taken into consideration:

 

·                  New Restaurant Openings.  We intend to continue developing The Cheesecake Factory and Grand Lux Cafe restaurants in high quality, high profile locations within densely populated areas in both existing and new markets.  We apply a disciplined approach to site selection, choosing only premier sites that can deliver high margins.  The majority of our revenue growth will continue to come from new restaurant openings.  Comparable sales increases at existing restaurants and increased bakery sales will also contribute to overall revenue growth.

 

In fiscal 2007, we opened 21 new restaurants, including five Grand Lux Cafes.  In fiscal 2008, we expect to open six new Cheesecake Factory restaurants and the initial unit of our newest concept, RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen, which we opened in the second quarter of 2008.

 

·                  General and Administrative Expenses Expressed as a Percentage of Revenues.   Efficiently scaling our restaurant and bakery support infrastructure will allow us to grow general and administrative expenses at a slower rate than revenue growth over the longer-term.

 

·                  Income from Operations Expressed as a Percentage of Revenues (“Operating Margins”).  Operating margins are subject to fluctuations in commodity costs, labor, other operating costs and expenses, such as restaurant-level occupancy expenses, and preopening expenses.  Operating margins are also impacted by restaurant traffic and our ability to leverage fixed costs over a higher revenue base.  Our objective is to gradually increase our operating margin by continuing our focus on superior guest service and by capturing economies of scale and fixed cost leverage, as well as maximizing our purchasing power as our business grows.

 

·                  Return on Invested Capital (“ROIC”).  Return on invested capital measures our ability to make the best decisions about how we allocate our capital.  ROIC is affected by the cost to build restaurants, the level of revenues that the restaurant can deliver and our ability to maximize the profitability of restaurants through strict cost management.  Our objective is to deploy capital towards new restaurant openings and share repurchases in a manner that will maximize our ROIC.

 

14


 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our consolidated statements of operations expressed as percentages of revenues.  The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

 

 

 

Thirteen
Weeks Ended
July 1, 2008

 

Thirteen
Weeks Ended
July 3, 2007

 

Twenty-Six
Weeks Ended
July 1, 2008

 

Twenty-Six
Weeks Ended
July 3, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

25.7

 

24.7

 

25.6

 

24.9

 

Labor expenses

 

32.7

 

32.3

 

33.2

 

32.8

 

Other operating costs and expenses

 

23.6

 

22.9

 

24.0

 

23.3

 

General and administrative expenses

 

5.0

 

5.4

 

5.1

 

5.5

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses

 

4.5

 

4.2

 

4.5

 

4.3

 

Preopening costs

 

1.1

 

1.0

 

0.9

 

0.9

 

Total costs and expenses

 

92.6

 

90.5

 

93.3

 

91.7

 

Income from operations

 

7.4

 

9.5

 

6.7

 

8.3

 

Interest expense

 

(1.0

)

(0.8

)

(0.9

)

(0.5

)

Interest income

 

0.1

 

0.3

 

0.1

 

0.4

 

Other income, net

 

0.0

 

0.1

 

0.0

 

0.1

 

Income before income taxes

 

6.5

 

9.1

 

5.9

 

8.3

 

Income tax provision

 

1.8

 

2.7

 

1.7

 

2.5

 

Net income

 

4.7

%

6.4

%

4.2

%

5.8

%

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended July 1, 2008 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended July 3, 2007

 

Revenues

 

Revenues increased 9% to $407.1 million for the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to $373.2 million for the thirteen weeks ended July 3, 2007.

 

Restaurant sales increased 9% to $392.6 million compared to $359.3 million for the same period of the prior year.  The resulting sales increase of $33.3 million consisted of a $13.3 million, or a 4.1% decrease, in comparable restaurant sales and $46.6 million increase from restaurants not in the comparable sales base.  Our restaurant sales increase results from the opening of 23 restaurants since the end of the comparable quarter of the prior year.

 

Comparable restaurant sales at The Cheesecake Factory restaurants decreased approximately 4.1% from the prior year second quarter.  We implemented an approximate 1.5% effective menu price increase during our winter menu update in January and February 2008, and an approximate 1.5% effective menu price increase during our summer menu update in July and August 2007.  The decrease in comparable sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was below our effective menu price increase for the quarter due to reduced traffic at our restaurants, which we believe was caused primarily by the macro economic factors affecting the restaurant industry in general.

 

Comparable sales at the Grand Lux Cafes decreased approximately 4.5% compared to the prior year second quarter.  We implemented an approximate 1.5% effective menu price increase in April 2008 and an approximate 1.0% effective menu price increase in April 2007.  We believe this decrease in comparable sales is also attributable to the macro economic factors impacting the restaurant industry in general.

 

We presently update and reprint the menus in our restaurants twice a year.  For Cheesecake Factory restaurants, these updates generally occur during January and February (the “winter menu change”) and during July and August (the “summer menu change”). As part of these menu updates, we evaluate the need for menu price increases based on those operating cost and expense increases that we are aware of or can reasonably expect.  While menu price increases can facilitate increased comparable restaurant sales in addition to offsetting margin pressure, all potential menu price increases must be carefully considered in light of their ultimate acceptability by our restaurant guests.  Additionally, other factors outside of our control, such as inclement weather, timing of holidays, general economic and competitive conditions and other factors referenced in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 1, 2008 can impact comparable sales comparisons.  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that increases in comparable sales will be achieved.

 

15


 

Total restaurant operating weeks increased 15.2% to 2,005 for the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2008.  Average sales per restaurant operating week decreased 5.2% to $195,800 compared to the same period last year.  This decrease in average weekly sales is due principally to decreased restaurant traffic in general and the increased openings of Grand Lux Cafes, which we expect to open with average sales per week lower than the existing Grand Lux Cafe base.

 

During fiscal 2008, our goal is to open seven new restaurants, consisting of six Cheesecake Factory restaurants as well as the initial unit of our newest concept, RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen.  We opened four Cheesecake Factory restaurants and RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen during the second quarter of fiscal 2008.  Although it is difficult for us to predict the timing of our new restaurant openings by quarter, due to the nature of our leased restaurant locations and our highly customized layouts, our current plan calls for the remaining two openings to occur in the fourth quarter.

 

Bakery sales to other foodservice operators, retailers and distributors (“bakery sales”) increased 4% to $14.5 million for the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to $13.9 million for the comparable period of the prior year. This increase is due primarily to higher sales to the warehouse clubs, which is our largest sales channel for bakery sales.  Sales to warehouse clubs comprised approximately 61% of total bakery sales in the current quarter compared to 60% for the same period of the prior year.

 

We strive to develop and maintain long-term, growing relationships with our bakery customers, based largely on our 35-year reputation for producing high quality, creative baked desserts.  However, bakery sales volumes will always be less predictable than our restaurant sales.  It is difficult to predict the timing of bakery product shipments and contribution margins on a quarterly basis, as the purchasing plans of our large-account customers may fluctuate.  Due to the highly competitive nature of the bakery business, we are unable to enter into long-term contracts with our large-account bakery customers, who may discontinue purchasing our products without advance notice at any time for any reason.

 

Cost of Sales

 

Cost of sales increased 13% to $104.5 million for the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2008, compared to $92.3 million for the comparable period last year.  This increase was primarily attributable to the 9% increase in revenues.  As a percentage of revenues, cost of sales increased to 25.7% in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to 24.7% in the same period of the prior year. This increase was primarily attributable to unfavorable year-over-year pricing for cheese, poultry and general grocery items.

 

The menus at our restaurants are among the most diversified in the foodservice industry and, accordingly, are not overly dependent on a single commodity.  Changes in costs for one commodity are often, but not always, counterbalanced by cost changes in other commodity categories.  The principal commodity categories for our restaurants include fresh produce, poultry, meat, fish and seafood, cheese, other fresh dairy products, bread and general grocery items.

 

We are currently able to contract for the majority of the food commodities used in our operations for periods up to one year.  With the exception of cream cheese used in our bakery operations, many of the fresh commodities, such as fish, dairy, and certain produce products are not currently contractible for periods longer than 30 days in most cases.  As a result, these fresh commodities can be subject to unforeseen supply and cost fluctuations due principally to weather and other general agricultural conditions.  Cream cheese is the most significant commodity used in our bakery products, with an expected requirement of as much as 12 million to 13 million pounds during fiscal 2008.  We have contracted for a majority of our cream cheese requirements for fiscal 2008 and will also purchase cream cheese on the spot market as necessary to supplement our agreements.

 

As has been our past practice, we will carefully consider opportunities to introduce new menu items and implement selected menu price increases to help offset expected cost increases for key commodities and other goods and services utilized by our operations.  While we have been successful in the past in reacting to inflation and other changes in the costs of key operating resources by gradually increasing prices for our menu items, coupled with more efficient purchasing practices, productivity improvements and greater economies of scale, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to do so in the future.

 

While we have taken steps to qualify multiple suppliers and enter into agreements for some of the key commodities used in our restaurant and bakery operations, there can be no assurance that future supplies and costs for these commodities will not fluctuate due to weather and other market conditions outside of our control.  For new restaurants, cost of sales will typically be higher than normal during the first 90 to 120 days of operations until our management team at each new restaurant becomes more accustomed to optimally predicting, managing and servicing the high sales volumes typically experienced by our restaurants.

 

Labor Expenses

 

Labor expenses, which include restaurant-level labor costs and bakery direct production labor, including associated fringe benefits, increased 10% to $133.2 million for the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to $120.7 million for the same period of the prior year.  This increase was principally in support of the 9% increase in revenues over the second quarter of fiscal 2007.  As a

 

16


 

percentage of revenues, labor expenses increased to 32.7% versus 32.3% for the comparable period last year.  While we manage our labor judiciously to adapt to revenue fluctuations, we expect to experience some de-leveraging of labor costs at lower sales levels as we are committed to delivering the level of service our guests expect, while still achieving reasonable labor costs. In addition, we experienced minimum wage increases in several states in which we operate.  For the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2008, stock-based compensation included in labor expenses was $0.2 million, net of a $1.5 million reduction in expense related to an increase in our estimated stock option forfeiture rate.  For the thirteen weeks ended July 3, 2007, labor expenses included stock-based compensation expense of $1.6 million, or 0.4% of revenues.

 

Other Operating Costs and Expenses

 

Other operating costs and expenses consist of restaurant-level occupancy expenses (rent, insurance, licenses, taxes and utilities), other operating expenses (excluding food costs and labor expenses reported separately) and bakery production overhead, selling and distribution expenses.  Other operating costs and expenses increased 13% to $96.2 million for the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to $85.2 million for the comparable period of the prior year.  This increase was principally attributable to the 9% increase in revenues.  As a percentage of revenues, other operating costs and expenses increased to 23.6% for the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2008 versus 22.9% for the comparable period of fiscal 2007.  Higher utility costs and the de-leveraging of fixed cost maintenance contracts due to lower average weekly sales at our restaurants accounted for the majority of this increase.  In addition, the second quarter of fiscal 2007 included a $1.0 million insurance benefit related to settlement of disputed coverage under an employment practices claim.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses consist of the restaurant management recruiting and training program, the restaurant field supervision organization, the bakery administrative organization and the corporate support organization.  G&A expenses were $20.2 million for the both the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2008 and for the comparable period of fiscal 2007.  As a percentage of revenues, G&A expenses decreased to 5.0% for the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2008 versus 5.4% for the same period of fiscal 2007.  For the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2008, stock-based compensation included in G&A expenses was $2.2 million, or 0.5% of revenues, net of a $0.7 million reduction in expense related to an increase in our estimated stock option forfeiture rate.  G&A expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 included $3.1 million, or 0.8% of revenues, of stock-based compensation expense.

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased 18% to $18.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to $15.6 million for the thirteen weeks ended July 3, 2007.  This increase was principally due to property and equipment additions associated with new restaurant openings.  As a percentage of revenues, depreciation and amortization increased to 4.5% for the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to 4.2% for the same period of fiscal 2007.  The increase is primarily attributable to de-leveraging from lower average weekly sales at our restaurants.

 

Preopening Costs

 

Preopening costs increased to $4.6 million for the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to $3.7 million in the same period of the prior year.  We had five restaurant openings, consisting of four Cheesecake Factory restaurants and RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen, during the second quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to two Cheesecake Factory restaurant openings for the same quarter last year.  In addition, preopening costs were incurred in both periods for restaurant openings in progress.

 

Preopening costs include incremental out-of-pocket costs that are directly related to the openings of new restaurants that are not otherwise capitalizable.  As a result of the highly customized and operationally complex nature of our upscale, high-volume concepts, the restaurant preopening process for our new restaurants is more extensive, time consuming and costly relative to that of most chain restaurant operations.  The preopening costs for one of our restaurants usually includes costs to relocate and compensate an average of 11 to 12 restaurant management employees prior to opening; costs to recruit and train an average of 200 to 250 hourly restaurant employees; wages, travel and lodging costs for our opening training team and other support employees; costs for practice services activities, and straight-line base rent expense subsequent to the construction period but prior to restaurant opening.   Preopening costs will vary from location to location depending on a number of factors, including the proximity of our existing restaurants; the size and physical layout of each location; the number of management and hourly employees required to open each restaurant; the relative difficulty of the restaurant staffing process; the cost of travel to and lodging for different metropolitan areas; and the extent of unexpected delays, if any, in construction and/or obtaining final licenses and permits to open the restaurants, which may also be caused by landlord delays.

 

Our preopening cost for a typical single-story Cheesecake Factory restaurant in an established market averages approximately $1.2 million to $1.4 million.  In addition to the direct costs noted above, there are also other preopening costs allocated to each restaurant opening, including costs for maintaining a roster of trained managers for pending openings, and corporate travel and support activities.  Preopening costs are usually higher for larger restaurants, our initial entry into new markets and for newer concepts.  We

 

17


 

usually incur the most significant portion of direct preopening costs within the two-month period immediately preceding and the month of a restaurant’s opening.  Preopening costs can fluctuate significantly from period to period, based on the number and timing of restaurant openings and the specific preopening costs incurred for each restaurant.  We expense preopening costs as incurred.

 

Interest Expense, Interest Income and Other Income/Expense, Net

 

Interest expense increased to $4.1 million for the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to $3.1 million for the comparable prior year period, due primarily to higher borrowings on our revolving credit facility.  Interest expense also included $0.9 million for the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2008 versus $0.7 million for the comparable prior year period associated with landlord construction allowances deemed to be financing in accordance with EITF 97-10, “The Effect of Lessee Involvement in Asset Construction.”

 

Interest income decreased to $0.6 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to $1.4 million for the same period of the prior year, due primarily to lower investment balances driven by significant share repurchases during fiscal 2007 and the first half of fiscal 2008.

 

We recorded net other income of $0.1 million for the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to $0.3 million for the comparable prior year period.

 

Income Tax Provision

 

Our effective income tax rate was 28.0% for the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared with 30.3% for the comparable prior year period.  The effective tax rate is affected by a number of factors, including pretax income, operating margins and tax credits achieved during the year.  Income tax expense for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was impacted by the accrual of $2.2 million in taxes and interest related to the potential disallowance of the deductibility of certain executive compensation under the provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m).  This increase was offset by a $2.4 million reduction in income tax expense related to Internal Revenue Service approval of our application for a change in accounting for construction allowances.  See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

 

Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 1, 2008 Compared to Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 3, 2007

 

Revenues

 

Revenues increased 10% to $800.9 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to $729.8 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 3, 2007.

 

Restaurant sales increased 10% to $771.3 million compared to $702.4 million for the same period of the prior year.  The resulting sales increase of $68.9 million consisted of a $18.3 million, or a 3.1% decrease, in comparable restaurant sales and $87.2 million increase from restaurants not in the comparable sales base.  Restaurant sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 were negatively impacted by approximately $5.0 million and $2.8 million, respectively, due to severe weather in many parts of the country.  Excluding the weather-related impact we estimate that comparable restaurant sales would have decreased by 2.8%.

 

Comparable restaurant sales at The Cheesecake Factory restaurants decreased approximately 3.1%, or approximately 2.8% excluding the weather-related impact, compared to the first half of fiscal 2007.  We implemented an approximate 1.5% effective menu price increase during our winter menu update in January and February 2008, and an approximate 1.5% effective menu price increase during our summer menu update in July and August 2007.  The decrease in comparable sales for the first half of fiscal 2008 was below our effective menu price increase due to reduced traffic at our restaurants, which we believe was caused primarily by the macro economic factors affecting the restaurant industry in general.

 

Comparable sales at the Grand Lux Cafes decreased approximately 3.1%, or approximately 3.0% excluding the weather-related impact, compared to the first half of fiscal 2007.  We implemented an approximate 1.5% effective menu price increase in April 2008 and an approximate 1.0% effective menu price increase in April 2007.  We believe this decrease in comparable sales is also attributable to the macro economic factors impacting the restaurant industry in general.

 

Bakery sales to other foodservice operators, retailers and distributors (“bakery sales”) increased 8% to $29.6 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to $27.4 million for the comparable period of the prior year. This increase is due primarily to higher sales to the warehouse clubs, which is our largest sales channel for bakery sales.  Sales to warehouse clubs comprised approximately 65% of total bakery sales in both the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 and the comparable period of the prior year.

 

18


 

Cost of Sales

 

Cost of sales increased 13% to $205.3 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008, compared to $181.8 million for the comparable period last year.  This increase was primarily attributable to the 10% increase in revenues.  As a percentage of revenues, these costs increased to 25.6% for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to 24.9% in the same period of the prior year. This increase was primarily attributable to unfavorable year-over-year pricing for cheese, poultry and general grocery items.

 

Labor Expenses

 

Labor expenses increased 11% to $265.7 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to $239.5 million for the same period of the prior year.  This increase was principally due to the impact of new restaurant openings.  As a percentage of revenues, labor expenses increased to 33.2% versus 32.8% for the comparable period last year.  While we manage our labor judiciously to adapt to revenue fluctuations, we expect to experience some de-leveraging of labor costs at lower sales levels as we are committed to delivering the level of service our guests expect, while still achieving reasonable labor costs. In addition, we experienced minimum wage increases in several states in which we operate.  For the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008, stock-based compensation included in labor expenses was $2.0 million, or 0.2% of revenues, net of a $1.5 million reduction in expense related to an increase in our estimated stock option forfeiture rate.  For the twenty-six weeks ended July 3, 2007, labor expenses included stock-based compensation expense of $3.3 million, or 0.5% of revenues.

 

Other Operating Costs and Expenses

 

Other operating costs and expenses increased 13% to $192.1 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to $170.0 million for the comparable period of the prior year.  This increase was principally attributable to the 10% increase in revenues.  As a percentage of revenues, other operating costs and expenses increased to 24.0% for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 versus 23.3% for the comparable period of fiscal 2007.  Higher utility costs and the de-leveraging of fixed cost maintenance contracts due to lower average weekly sales at our restaurants accounted for the majority of this increase.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses increased 2% to $40.6 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to $39.7 million for the same period of fiscal 2007.  As a percentage of revenues, G&A expenses decreased to 5.1% for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 versus 5.5% for the same period of fiscal 2007.  The decrease as a percent of revenues is partially due to the inclusion of a $1.7 million expense, or 0.2% of revenues, in the prior year to reimburse staff members who were impacted by taxes assessed under Internal Revenue Service Section 409A on the exercise of certain stock options in fiscal 2006.  For the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008, stock-based compensation included in G&A expenses was $4.9 million, or 0.6% of revenues, net of a $0.7 million reduction in expense related to an increase in our estimated stock option forfeiture rate.  G&A expenses for the twenty-six weeks ended July 3, 2007 included $5.2 million, or 0.7% of revenues, of stock-based compensation expense.

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased 18% to $36.5 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to $31.0 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 3, 2007.  This increase was principally due to property and equipment additions associated with new restaurant openings.  As a percentage of revenues, depreciation and amortization increased to 4.5% for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to 4.3% for the same period of fiscal 2007.  The increase is primarily attributable to de-leveraging from lower average weekly sales at our restaurants.

 

Preopening Costs

 

Preopening costs increased to $7.1 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to $6.8 million in the same period of the prior year.  We incurred preopening costs to open five restaurants, consisting of four Cheesecake Factory restaurants and RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen, during the first half of fiscal 2008 compared to two Cheesecake Factory restaurants and one Grand Lux Cafe for the same period last year.  In addition, preopening costs were incurred in both periods for restaurant openings in progress.

 

Interest Expense, Interest Income and Other Income/Expense, Net

 

Interest expense increased to $7.6 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to $4.1 million for the comparable prior year period, due primarily to higher borrowings on our revolving credit facility.  Interest expense also included $1.8 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 versus $1.3 million for the comparable prior year period associated with landlord

 

19


 

construction allowances deemed to be financing in accordance with EITF 97-10, “The Effect of Lessee Involvement in Asset Construction.”

 

Interest income decreased to $1.1 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared to $3.0 million for the same period of the prior year, due primarily to lower investment balances driven by significant share repurchases during fiscal 2007 and the first half of fiscal 2008.

 

We recorded net other expense for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 of $0.1 million compared to net other income of $0.5 million for the comparable prior year period.  This variance primarily relates to declines in value of our investments in variable life insurance contracts used to informally fund our Executive Savings Plan.

 

Income Tax Provision

 

Our effective income tax rate was 29.0% for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008 compared with 30.2% for the comparable prior year period.  The effective tax rate is affected by a number of factors, including pretax income, operating margins and tax credits achieved during the year.  Income tax expense for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was impacted by the accrual of $2.2 million in taxes and interest related to the potential disallowance of the deductibility of certain executive compensation under the provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m).  This increase was offset by a $2.4 million reduction in income tax expense related to Internal Revenue Service approval of our application for a change in accounting for construction allowances.  See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, a summary of our key liquidity measurements (dollar amounts in millions):

 

 

 

July 1,
2008

 

January 1,
2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and marketable securities on hand

 

$

94.8

 

$

49.2

 

Net working capital

 

$

18.7

 

$

(35.9

)

Adjusted net working capital (1)

 

$

18.7

 

$

(28.5

)

Current ratio

 

1.1:1

 

0.8:1

 

Adjusted current ratio (1)

 

1.1:1

 

0.9:1

 

Long-term debt and deemed landlord financing liability, including current portion

 

$

327.8

 

$

226.5

 

 


(1)

 

Includes all marketable securities classified as either current assets ($1.0 million and $5.0 million at July 1, 2008 and January 1, 2008, respectively) or noncurrent assets ($7.3 million at January 1, 2008.)

 

 

 

Twenty-Six
Weeks Ended
July 1, 2008

 

Twenty-Six
Weeks Ended
July 3, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash provided by operating activities

 

$

72.6

 

$

85.3

 

Capital expenditures

 

$

39.8

 

$

104.8

 

 

During the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2008, our cash and marketable securities on hand increased by $45.6 million to $94.8 million from the January 1, 2008 balance.  This increase was primarily attributable to borrowing on our credit facility, cash provided by operating activities and landlord construction contributions, partially offset by the purchase of treasury stock and property and equipment.  In the table above, we present adjusted net working capital and current ratio calculations that include all marketable securities classified as either current or noncurrent assets.  We believe these adjusted calculations provide investors with useful information regarding our overall liquidity position because all marketable securities are readily available to meet our liquidity requirements.

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we amended our revolving credit facility (“Facility”) to increase the maximum available borrowing capacity to $300 million and then borrowed an additional $100 million under the Facility, primarily to fund share repurchases.  Outstanding debt under the amended Facility bears interest at a floating rate based on the London Interbank Offering Rate (LIBOR) plus a spread ranging from 0.75% to 1.0%, depending on our ratio of debt to trailing 12-month earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and noncash stock option expense (“EBITDA”), as defined in the agreement.  In addition, we pay a

 

20


 

commitment fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.20%, also depending on our ratio of debt to EBITDA, calculated on the average unused portion of the Facility.

 

Availability under the Facility is reduced by outstanding standby letters of credit, which are used to support our self-insurance programs.  As of July 1, 2008, we had net availability for borrowings of $9.4 million, based on outstanding debt of $275.0 million and $15.6 million in standby letters of credit.  The Facility provides that we will maintain certain financial covenants, which include a debt to EBITDA ratio below a specified threshold, as well as a minimum EBITDAR (EBITDA plus rental expense) to interest and rental expense ratio.  At July 1, 2008, we were in compliance with these covenants.

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we entered into a four-year, zero-cost interest rate collar to hedge interest rate variability on the additional $100 million of borrowings on our revolving credit facility.  The interest rate collar consists of a combination of a purchased cap option with a three-month LIBOR cap rate of 4.50% and a sold floor option with a three-month LIBOR floor rate of 2.54%.

 

Landlord construction allowances related to restaurant locations for which we are deemed, for accounting purposes only, to have an ownership interest are reflected in our balance sheets as deemed landlord financing.  This liability is amortized over the lease term based on the rent payments designated in the lease agreement.

 

Our new restaurant development model more closely resembles that of a retail business that occupies leased space in shopping malls, lifestyle centers, office complexes, strip centers, entertainment centers and other real estate developments.  We typically seek to lease our restaurant locations for primary periods of 15 to 20 years under operating lease arrangements. Our rent structures vary from lease to lease, but generally provide for the payment of both minimum and contingent (percentage) rent based on sales, as well as other expenses related to the leases (for example, our prorata share of common area maintenance, property tax and insurance expenses).  We disburse cash for leasehold improvements, furnishings, fixtures and equipment to build out our leased premises.  We may also disburse cash for structural additions that we make to leased premises that generally are reimbursed to us by our landlords as construction contributions pursuant to agreed-upon terms in the respective leases.  If obtained, landlord construction contributions usually take the form of up-front cash, full or partial credits against minimum or percentage rents otherwise payable by us, or a combination thereof. We do not have any current plans to encumber our existing leasehold interests with secured financing.  We own substantially all of the equipment, furniture and trade fixtures in our restaurants and currently plan to do so in the future.

 

For fiscal 2008, we currently estimate our cash outlays for capital expenditures to range between $75 million and $80 million, net of agreed-upon, up-front cash landlord construction contributions and excluding $12 million to $13 million of expected noncapitalizable preopening costs for new restaurants.  This amount also excludes approximately $3 million of landlord construction contributions to be applied as reductions to minimum or percentage rent over the lease terms. The amount reflected as additions to property and equipment in the consolidated statements of cash flows may vary from this estimate based on the accounting treatment of each operating lease. This estimate contemplates a net outlay of $47 million to $49 million for as many as seven new restaurants to be opened during fiscal 2008, including our newest concept, RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen, as well as estimated construction-in-progress disbursements for anticipated fiscal 2009 openings and estimated collections of up-front cash landlord construction contributions.  Expected capital expenditures for fiscal 2008 also include approximately $16 million to $18 million for maintenance and capacity addition expenditures to our existing restaurants and $12 million to $13 million for bakery and corporate infrastructure investments.

 

Based on our current expansion objectives, we believe that our cash and short-term investments on hand, combined with expected cash flows provided by operations, available borrowings under our credit facility and expected landlord construction contributions should be sufficient in the aggregate to finance our planned capital expenditures and other operating activities through the foreseeable future.  We may seek additional funds to finance our growth in the future.  However, there can be no assurance that such funds will be available when needed or be available on terms acceptable to us.

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, our Board of Directors increased the share repurchase authorization of our common shares to 31.0 million from 21.0 million.  Under these authorizations, we have cumulatively repurchased a total of 18.1 million shares for a total cost of $430.9 million through July 1, 2008.  The authorization does not have an expiration date and it does not require us to purchase a specific number of shares.   This authorization may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time.  The timing and number of shares repurchased pursuant to the share repurchase authorization will be subject to a number of factors, including current market conditions, legal constraints and available cash or other sources of funding.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  The statement applies whenever other statements require or permit assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value.  SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, except for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis, for

 

21


 

which application has been deferred for one year.  As discussed in Note 10, we adopted SFAS 157 in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.  We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, that adoption of the deferred provisions of this statement will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS 159”).  SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses related to these financial instruments reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date.  SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  We did not elect to measure any additional assets or liabilities at fair value that are not already measured at fair value under existing standards.  Therefore, the adoption of this standard had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 161”).  SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities and is effective for us as of the first quarter of fiscal 2009.  The implementation of this statement will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP 142-3”).  FSP 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and requires enhanced related disclosures.  FSP 142-3 must be applied prospectively to all intangible assets acquired as of and subsequent to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  We are currently evaluating the impact that FSP 142-3 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The following discussion of market risks contains forward-looking statements.  Actual results may differ materially from the following discussion based on general conditions in the financial and commodity markets.

 

We are exposed to market risk from interest rate changes on funded debt.  This exposure relates to the component of the interest rate on our $300 million revolving credit facility (“Facility”) that is indexed to three-month LIBOR.    At July 1, 2008, we had $275.0 million in debt outstanding under the Facility.  Since the majority of this debt is hedged, a hypothetical 1% interest rate increase would only have a $0.3 million impact on our results of operations.

 

A change in market prices also exposes us to market risk related to our investments in marketable securities. As of July 1, 2008 and January 1, 2008, we held $1.0 million and $12.4 million in marketable securities, respectively. A hypothetical 10% decline in the market value of those securities would result in $0.1 million and $1.2 million of unrealized losses and a corresponding decline in their fair values at July 1, 2008 and January 1, 2008, respectively.  This hypothetical decline would not affect our cash flows until the securities were disposed of.

 

We purchase food and other commodities for use in our operations, based upon market prices established with our suppliers.  Many of the commodities purchased by us can be subject to volatility due to market supply and demand factors outside of our control.  To manage this risk in part, we attempt to enter into fixed price purchase commitments, with terms typically up to one year, for many of our commodity requirements.  However, we are currently unable to contract for many of our fresh commodities such as fish and dairy items (except for cream cheese used in our bakery operations) for periods longer than 30 days.  Dairy costs can also fluctuate due to government regulation.  Substantially all of our food and supplies are available from several sources, which helps to diversify our overall commodity cost risk.  In addition, we have the ability to increase certain menu prices, or vary certain menu items offered, in response to food commodity price increases.  Some of our commodity purchase arrangements may contain contractual features that limit the price paid by establishing certain price floors or caps.  We do not use financial instruments to hedge commodity prices, since our purchase arrangements with suppliers, to the extent that we can enter into such arrangements, help control the ultimate cost that we pay.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We have established and maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company and our subsidiaries required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter

 

22


 

how well designed and operated, can provide only a reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management was necessarily required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.  We carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of July 1, 2008.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

 

Following our announcement on July 18, 2006 of the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors’ review of our historical stock option granting practices, eight separate putative shareholder derivative actions (the “Option Derivative Actions”) were filed against certain current and former Directors and certain of our current and former officers alleging that the defendants improperly dated certain historical stock option grants.  These cases, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court were styled as Siebles v. Deitchle et. al. (Case No. BC355872) (subsequently re-filed in federal court), McGee v. Overton et al. (Case No. BC355953); Rigotti v. Overton, et al. (Case No. BC356850), Cullen v. Overton, et al. (Case No. BC356851), Sachs v. Overton et al. (Case No. BC357065), and filed in United States District Court for the Central District were styled as Siebles v. Deitchle et.al. (Case No. CV06 6234), Kuhns v. Deitchle et al. (Case No. SACV06917) and Freed v. Overton et al. (Case No. CV 06 06486).  On January 4, 2007, our Board of Directors established a Special Litigation Committee to facilitate timely and orderly consideration of the matters raised by and relating to the Option Derivative Actions. This committee completed its inquiry and the parties negotiated a stipulated settlement of the Option Derivative Actions.  The stipulated settlement was approved by the federal court and became effective June 4, 2008.  Pursuant to the stipulated settlement, the related state cases were dismissed, with prejudice.  Implementation of the terms of the settlement is in process.  In June, 2008, we were repaid an aggregate of $940,000 in cash or stock options with equivalent value by certain current and former directors and officers.  There are no future payments required by us.  In addition, the Los Angeles Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) advised us that it has completed its informal inquiry related to options misdating and does not intend to recommend any enforcement action against us.

 

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is currently auditing our tax returns for fiscal years 2003, 2004 and 2005 with respect to the deductibility, under the provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m), of certain compensation in excess of $1 million per year paid to certain executive officers resulting from their exercise of stock options later determined to be misdated.  On May 1, 2008, the IRS issued a Notice of Proposed Adjustment (“Notice”) to us disallowing the deduction of approximately $5.1 million of compensation expense with respect to the exercise of stock options by three current executive officers and one former executive officer.  The Notice is only an IRS proposal and not a final IRS determination.  Our position is that our stock option compensation qualifies as performance based compensation that is not subject to the limitations on deductibility under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m).  We plan to continue our discussions with the IRS in an effort to reach a favorable resolution.  We will, if necessary, pursue all available administrative and legal remedies to resolve this matter favorably  While it is our position that these options met the requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) for deductibility, we established a $2.2 million liability in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 to account for the estimated taxes and interest due through July 1, 2008.

 

On July 2, 2008, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for the Cleveland District Office issued determination letters in Charge #s 532-2006-01040, -01030, -01042 in favor of the three former employees alleging that the Company engaged in a pattern and practice of sex discrimination, and in the case of one claimant, racial discrimination, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII). The determination alleges that the Company’s actions resulted in females as a class being denied entry and progression into upper ranks of management at our restaurants. The Company denies these allegations. The EEOC has invited the Company to participate in its conciliation process. The EEOC is seeking payment of actual damages incurred by the claimants as well as compensatory and/or punitive monetary costs and remedial actions. The Company intends to participate in the conciliation process. Based upon the current status of this matter, we have not reserved for any future payments.

 

After failing in efforts to reach a conciliated settlement, on June 30, 2008, the EEOC for the Phoenix District Office filed a complaint with the United States District Court for the District of Arizona stylized as Equal Employment Opportunity Commission vs. The Cheesecake Factory, Inc.  The Complaint alleges that since November 2004, we engaged in unlawful employment practices by permitting a class of male employees, including three named former employees, to be sexually harassed by male co-workers creating a hostile work environment in violation of Title VII.  The Complaint also alleges, among other claims, that we knew or should of known of the alleged sexual harassment and failed to act reasonably to prevent or correct such alleged sexual harassment.  The Complaint seeks injunctive relief and monetary compensation, including for emotional pain and suffering, among other damages.  The Complaint has not been served to date.  If served, we intend to vigorously defend against this litigation.  Based upon the current status of this matter, we have not reserved for any future payments.

 

We are subject to various other administrative and legal proceedings that are discussed in Part I, Item 3 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2008.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

 

A description of the risk factors associated with our business is contained in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2008.  These cautionary statements are to be used as a reference in connection

 

24


 

with any forward-looking statements.  The factors, risks and uncertainties identified in these cautionary statements are in addition to those contained in any other cautionary statements, written or oral, which may be made or otherwise addressed in connection with a forward-looking statement or contained in any of our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

The following provides information regarding our purchase during the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2008 of equity securities that are registered by us pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act:

 

Period

 

Total Number
of
Shares
Purchased

 

Average
Price Paid
per Share

 

Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs

 

Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs

 

April 2 — May 6, 2008

 

403,466

 

$

22.34

 

403,466

 

14,922,034

 

May 7 — June 3, 2008

 

1,999,631

 

21.58

 

1,999,631

 

12,922,403

 

June 4 — July 1, 2008

 

 

 

 

12,922,403

 

Total

 

2,403,097

 

 

 

2,403,097

 

 

 

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, our Board of Directors increased the share repurchase authorization of our common shares to 31.0 million from 21.0 million.  Under these authorizations, we have cumulatively repurchased a total of 18.1 million shares for a total cost of $430.9 million through July 1, 2008.  The authorization does not have an expiration date and it does not require us to purchase a specific number of shares.   This authorization may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time.  The timing and number of shares repurchased pursuant to the share repurchase authorization will be subject to a number of factors, including current market conditions, legal constraints and available cash or other sources of funding.

 

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

Our Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on May 22, 2008 in Thousand Oaks, California.  A total of 59,707,999 of the Company’s shares were present or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting, representing 89% of our shares outstanding as of the March 31, 2008 record date.  The matters submitted for a vote and the related election results are as follows:

 

Election of two nominees to serve as directors of the Company for a three-year term and until respective successors shall be elected and qualified.  The result of the vote taken was as follows:

 

Name

 

For

 

Withheld

 

David Overton

 

58,958,939

 

749,060

 

Agnieszka Winkler

 

59,252,710

 

455,288

 

 

The terms of office of Messrs. Bernstein, Cappello, Kransdorf, and White and Dr. Klock continue after the meeting.

 

Approval of an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2001 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan.

 

For

 

Against

 

Abstain

 

Broker Non-Votes

 

19,169,474

 

26,132,042

 

87,044

 

14,319,439

 

 

Approval of amendments to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to eliminate the classified Board of Directors and make conforming changes to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation.

 

For

 

Against

 

Abstain

 

Broker Non-Votes

 

59,310,947

 

317,605

 

79,446

 

 

 

Ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 30, 2008.  The result of the vote taken was as follows:

 

For

 

Against

 

Abstain

 

Broker Non-Votes

 

59,420,007

 

243,484

 

44,506

 

 

 

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Item 6.  Exhibits

 

Exhibit 2.1

 

Form of Reorganization Agreement (1)

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.1

 

Certificate of Incorporation (2)

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.2

 

Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock, $.01 Par Value (2)

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.3

 

Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation (2)

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.4

 

Amendments to Certificate of Incorporation (3)

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.5

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws (4)

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.6

 

Bylaw Amendments (5)

 

 

 

Exhibit 4.1

 

Form of Rights Agreement dated as of August 4, 1998 between The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated and U.S. Stock Transfer Corporation (6)

 

 

 

Exhibit 4.2

 

Amendment No. 1 to Rights Agreement dated as of November 4, 2003 between The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated and U.S. Stock Transfer Corporation (7)

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

First Amendment to the Trust Agreement under The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated Executive Savings Plan (8)

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.2

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 


(1)

 

Previously filed and incorporated by reference herein from the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-47936).

 

 

 

(2)

 

Previously filed and incorporated by reference herein from the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 28, 2005.

 

 

 

(3)

 

Previously filed and incorporated by reference herein from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed May 28, 2008.

 

 

 

(4)

 

Previously filed and incorporated by reference herein from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed December 10, 2007.

 

 

 

(5)

 

Previously filed and incorporated by reference herein from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed April 21, 2008.

 

 

 

(6)

 

Previously filed and incorporated by reference herein from the Registrant’s Form 8-A dated August 19, 1998.

 

 

 

(7)

 

Previously filed and incorporated by reference herein from the Registrant’s post-effective Amendment No. 1 to its Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed November 13, 2003.

 

 

 

(8)

 

Previously filed and incorporated by reference herein from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed July 8, 2008.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: July 24, 2008

 

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY INCORPORATED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ DAVID OVERTON

 

 

 

David Overton

 

 

 

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ CHERYL M. SLOMANN

 

 

 

Cheryl M. Slomann

 

 

 

Interim Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Controller

 

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting

 

 

 

Officer)

 

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