UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
For the quarterly period ended
For the transition period from ________to________
Commission file number:
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| | |
| (State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| | | |
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.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | ||
| ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ||||
| Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
On January 10, 2022, the registrant had outstanding
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
| PART I. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 3 |
| Item 1. | Financial Statements | 3 |
| PART II. | OTHER INFORMATION | 30 |
| SIGNATURES | 32 |
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
| Three Months Ended November 30, | Nine Months Ended November 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Franchise and royalty fees | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Costs and Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | ||||||||||||||||
| Franchise costs | ||||||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | ||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | ||||||||||||||||
| Retail operating | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense of $, $, $ and $, respectively, included in cost of sales | ||||||||||||||||
| Costs associated with Company-owned store closures | ||||||||||||||||
| Total costs and expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from Operations | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Other Income (Expense) | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest Expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Interest Income | ||||||||||||||||
| Gain on insurance recovery | ||||||||||||||||
| Debt forgiveness income | ||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | ||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Income Tax Provision (Benefit) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Consolidated Net Income (Loss) | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||
| Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||
| Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||
| Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding - Basic | ||||||||||||||||
| Dilutive Effect of Employee Stock Awards | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted | ||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| November 30, | February 28, | |||||||
| 2021 | 2021 | |||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current Assets | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,435,234 and $1,341,853, respectively | ||||||||
| Notes receivable, current portion, less current portion of the valuation allowance of $ and $, respectively | ||||||||
| Refundable income taxes | ||||||||
| Inventories, net | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Total current assets | ||||||||
| Property and Equipment, Net | ||||||||
| Other Assets | ||||||||
| Notes receivable, less current portion and valuation allowance of $ and $, respectively | ||||||||
| Goodwill, net | ||||||||
| Franchise rights, net | ||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | ||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | ||||||||
| Lease right of use asset | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Total other assets | ||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||
| Current Liabilities | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | |||||||
| Accrued salaries and wages | ||||||||
| Gift card liabilities | ||||||||
| Other accrued expenses | ||||||||
| Contract liabilities | ||||||||
| Lease liability | ||||||||
| Total current liabilities | ||||||||
| Lease Liability, Less Current Portion | ||||||||
| Contract Liabilities, Less Current Portion | ||||||||
| Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||
| Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||
| Preferred stock, $ par value per share; authorized; -- shares issued and outstanding | ||||||||
| Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, authorized shares | ||||||||
| Undesignated series, authorized shares | ||||||||
| Common stock, $ par value, shares authorized, shares and shares issued and outstanding, respectively | ||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||
| Retained earnings | ||||||||
| Total stockholders' equity | ||||||||
| Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
| Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
| November 30, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Cash Flows From Operating Activities | ||||||||
| Net Loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
| Provision for obsolete inventory | ||||||||
| Provision for loss on accounts and notes receivable | ||||||||
| Asset impairment and store closure losses | ||||||||
| Gain on sale or disposal of property and equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Forgiveness of indebtedness | ( | ) | ||||||
| Expense recorded for stock compensation | ||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | ( | ) | ||||||
| Refundable income taxes | ( | ) | ||||||
| Inventories | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Other current assets | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accounts payable | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accrued liabilities | ||||||||
| Contract liabilities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Cash Flows from Investing Activities | ||||||||
| Proceeds received on notes receivable | ||||||||
| Purchase of intangible assets | ( | ) | ||||||
| Proceeds from insurance recovery | ||||||||
| Proceeds from sale or distribution of assets | ||||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Increase in other assets | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities | ||||||||
| Proceeds from long-term debt | ||||||||
| Proceeds from the line of credit | ||||||||
| Dividends paid and redemption of outstanding preferred stock purchase rights | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | ||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period | ||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
| Additional | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Paid-in | Retained | ||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Capital | Earnings | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of August 31, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net (loss) income | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock, vesting of restricted stock units and other, net of shares withheld | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity compensation, restricted stock units, net of shares withheld | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of November 30, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of February 29, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net (loss) income | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock, vesting of restricted stock units and other, net of shares withheld | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity compensation, restricted stock units, net of shares withheld | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of November 30, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of August 31, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net (loss) income | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock, vesting of restricted stock units and other, net of shares withheld | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity compensation, restricted stock units, net of shares withheld | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemption of outstanding preferred stock purchase rights | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of November 30, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of February 28, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net (loss) income | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock, vesting of restricted stock units and other, net of shares withheld | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity compensation, restricted stock units, net of shares withheld | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemption of outstanding preferred stock purchase rights | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of November 30, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 – NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Nature of Operations
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. (a Colorado corporation), Aspen Leaf Yogurt, LLC (“ALY”), and U-Swirl International, Inc. (“U-Swirl”), and its
The Company is an international franchisor, confectionery manufacturer and retail operator. Founded in 1981, the Company is headquartered in Durango, Colorado and manufactures an extensive line of premium chocolate candies and other confectionery products. U-Swirl franchises and operates self-serve frozen yogurt cafés. The Company also sells its candy in selected locations outside of its system of retail stores and through ecommerce channels, and licenses the use of its brand with certain consumer products.
U-Swirl operates self-serve frozen yogurt cafés under the names “U-Swirl,” “Yogurtini,” “CherryBerry,” “Yogli Mogli Frozen Yogurt,” “Fuzzy Peach Frozen Yogurt,” “Let’s Yo!” and “Aspen Leaf Yogurt.”
The Company’s revenues are currently derived from three principal sources: sales to franchisees and others of chocolates and other confectionery products manufactured by the Company; the collection of initial franchise fees and royalties from franchisees’ sales; and sales at Company-owned stores of chocolates, frozen yogurt, and other confectionery products.
In FY 2020 and early FY 2021 we entered into a long-term strategic alliance and ecommerce agreements, respectively, with Edible Arrangements®, LLC and its affiliates (“Edible”), whereby it is intended that we would become the exclusive provider of certain branded chocolate products to Edible, its affiliates and its franchisees. Under the strategic alliance, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory branded products are intended to be available for purchase both on Edible’s website as well as through over 1,000 franchised Edible locations nationwide. In addition, due to Edible’s significant e-commerce expertise and scale, we have also executed an ecommerce licensing agreement with Edible, whereby Edible is expected to sell a wide variety of chocolates, candies and other confectionery products produced by the Company or its franchisees through Edible’s websites. There is no assurance that the strategic alliance and ecommerce agreements will be deployed into our operations and to our satisfaction, or that we will achieve the expected full benefits from these agreements. During the nine months ended November 30, 2021, certain disagreements arose between RMCF and Edible related to the strategic alliance and ecommerce agreements resulting in continuing discussions, the result of which are not currently determinable. Purchases by Edible during the three and nine months ended November 30, 2021 were approximately $
The following table summarizes the number of stores operating under the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory brand and frozen yogurt cafés as of November 30, 2021:
| Sold, Not Yet Open | Open | Total | ||||||||||
| Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory | ||||||||||||
| Company-owned stores | ||||||||||||
| Franchise stores - Domestic stores and kiosks | ||||||||||||
| International license stores | ||||||||||||
| Cold Stone Creamery - co-branded | ||||||||||||
| U-Swirl (Including all associated brands) | ||||||||||||
| Company-owned stores - co-branded | ||||||||||||
| Franchise stores - Domestic stores | ||||||||||||
| Franchise stores - Domestic - co-branded | ||||||||||||
| International license stores | ||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||
During FY 2021 the Company initiated formal legal proceedings against Immaculate Confections (“IC”), the operator of RMCF locations in Canada. In its complaint, the Company alleged, among other things, that IC has utilized the Company’s trademarks and other intellectual property without authority to do so and that IC has been unjustly enriched by their use of the Company’s trademarks and intellectual property.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In June 2021 a court order was issued declaring the original 1991 Development Agreement for Canada between RMCF and IC had expired. In September 2021, the Company and IC reached a Settlement Agreement (the “IC Agreement”) whereby the parties agreed to a six months negotiation period to explore alternative solutions. During the six-month period, IC will continue to operate locations as Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. The IC Agreement contains provisions that would require IC to de-identify its locations if a solution is not reached. As of the date of this filing, IC operates
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company, without audit, and reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) regulations. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (of a normal and recurring nature) which are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the nine months ended November 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year.
These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A filed on June 28, 2021. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Subsequent Events
Management evaluated all activity of the Company through the issue date of the financial statements and concluded that no subsequent events have occurred that would require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.
COVID-19 Update
As discussed in more detail throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended November 30, 2021 (this “Quarterly Report”), we have experienced significant business disruptions resulting from efforts to contain the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”), including the vast mandated self-quarantines of customers throughout the United States and internationally. During the year ended February 28, 2021 nearly all of the Company-owned and franchise stores were directly and negatively impacted by public health measures taken in response to COVID-19, with nearly all locations experiencing reduced operations as a result of, among other things, modified business hours and store and mall closures. As a result, franchisees and licensees were not ordering products for their stores in line with historical amounts. This trend has negatively impacted, and may continue to negatively impact, among other things, factory sales, retail sales and royalty and marketing fees. Beginning in May 2020, most stores previously closed for much of March 2020 and April 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, began to re-open. During the year ended February 28, 2021, approximately
In addition, as previously announced on May 11, 2020, the Board of Directors has suspended future quarterly dividends until the Board of Directors determines that resumption of dividend payments is in the best interest of the Company and our stockholders.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Except for the recent accounting pronouncements described below, other recent accounting pronouncements are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 significantly changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. ASU 2016-13 will require immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of many financial assets, which will generally result in earlier recognition of allowances for credit losses on loans and other financial instruments. ASU 2016-13 is effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning March 1, 2023 and subsequent interim periods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 2 – SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
| Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
| November 30, | ||||||||
| Cash paid for: | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
| Interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Income taxes | ||||||||
| Non-cash Operating Activities | ||||||||
| Accrued Inventory | $ | $ | ||||||
NOTE 3 –REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
The Company recognizes revenue from contracts with its customers in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification® (“ASC”) 606, which provides that revenues are recognized when control of promised goods or services is transferred to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received for those goods or services. The Company generally receives a fee associated with the Franchise Agreement or License Agreement (collectively “Customer Contracts”) at the time that the Customer Contract is entered. These Customer Contracts have a term of up to
Initial Franchise Fees, License Fees, Transfer Fees and Renewal Fees
In accordance with ASC 606, the initial franchise services are not distinct from the continuing rights or services offered during the term of the franchise agreement, and are treated as a single performance obligation. Initial franchise fees are being recognized as the Company satisfies the performance obligation over the term of the franchise agreement, which is generally
The following table summarizes contract liabilities as of November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020:
| Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
| November 30: | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Contract liabilities at the beginning of the year: | $ | $ | ||||||
| Revenue recognized | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Contract fees received | ||||||||
| Amortized gain on the financed sale of equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Contract liabilities at the end of the period: | $ | $ | ||||||
At November 30, 2021, annual revenue expected to be recognized in the future, related to performance obligations that are not yet fully satisfied, are estimated to be the following:
| FY 22 | ||||
| FY 23 | ||||
| FY 24 | ||||
| FY 25 | ||||
| FY 26 | ||||
| Thereafter | ||||
| Total | $ |
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Gift Cards
The Company’s franchisees sell gift cards, which do not have expiration dates or non-usage fees. The proceeds from the sale of gift cards by the franchisees are accumulated by the Company and paid out to the franchisees upon customer redemption. ASC 606 requires the use of the “proportionate” method for recognizing breakage. Under the guidance of ASC 606 the Company recognizes breakage from gift cards when the gift card is redeemed by the customer or the Company determines the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed by the customer is remote (“gift card breakage”). The determination of the gift card breakage rate is based upon Company-specific historical redemption patterns.
Factory Sales of Confectionary Items, Retail Sales and Royalty and Marketing Fees
Confectionary items sold to the Company’s franchisees, others and its Company-owned stores sales are recognized at the time of the underlying sale and are presented net of sales taxes and discounts. Royalties and marketing fees from franchised or licensed locations, which are based on a percent of sales and recognized at the time the sales occur.
NOTE 4 – DISAGGREGATION OF REVENUE
The following table presents disaggregated revenue by method of recognition and segment:
| Three Months Ended November 30, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues recognized over time under ASC 606: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchising | Manufacturing | Retail | U-Swirl | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| Franchise fees | $ | $ | - | $ | - | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Revenues recognized at a point in time: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchising | Manufacturing | Retail | U-Swirl | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| Factory sales | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Retail sales | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Royalty and marketing fees | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended November 30, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues recognized over time under ASC 606: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchising | Manufacturing | Retail | U-Swirl | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| Franchise fees | $ | $ | - | $ | - | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Revenues recognized at a point in time: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchising | Manufacturing | Retail | U-Swirl | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| Factory sales | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Retail sales | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Royalty and marketing fees | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| Nine Months Ended November 30, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues recognized over time under ASC 606: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchising | Manufacturing | Retail | U-Swirl | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| Franchise fees | $ | $ | - | $ | - | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Revenues recognized at a point in time: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchising | Manufacturing | Retail | U-Swirl | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| Factory sales | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Retail sales | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Royalty and marketing fees | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended November 30, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues recognized over time under ASC 606: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchising | Manufacturing | Retail | U-Swirl | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| Franchise fees | $ | $ | - | $ | - | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Revenues recognized at a point in time: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchising | Manufacturing | Retail | U-Swirl | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| Factory sales | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Retail sales | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Royalty and marketing fees | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
NOTE 5 – INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of the following:
| November 30, 2021 | February 28, 2021 | |||||||
| Ingredients and supplies | $ | $ | ||||||
| Finished candy | ||||||||
| U-Swirl food and packaging | ||||||||
| Reserve for slow moving inventory | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total inventories | $ | $ | ||||||
NOTE 6 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property and equipment consists of the following:
| November 30, 2021 | February 28, 2021 | |||||||
| Land | $ | $ | ||||||
| Building | ||||||||
| Machinery and equipment | ||||||||
| Furniture and fixtures | ||||||||
| Leasehold improvements | ||||||||
| Transportation equipment | ||||||||
| Less accumulated depreciation | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Property and equipment, net | $ | $ | ||||||
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Depreciation expense related to property and equipment totaled $
NOTE 7 – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill and intangible assets consist of the following:
| November 30, 2021 | February 28, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization Period (in years) | Gross Carrying Value | Accumulated Amortization | Gross Carrying Value | Accumulated Amortization | |||||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets subject to amortization | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Store design | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Packaging licenses | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Packaging design | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Trademark/Non-competition agreements | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise rights | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill and intangible assets not subject to amortization | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchising segment | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Company stores goodwill | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Franchising goodwill | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Manufacturing segment-goodwill | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Trademark | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Goodwill and Intangible Assets | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
Amortization expense related to intangible assets totaled $
At November 30, 2021, annual amortization of intangible assets, based upon the Company’s existing intangible assets and current useful lives, is estimated to be the following:
| 2022 | ||||
| 2023 | ||||
| 2024 | ||||
| 2025 | ||||
| 2026 | ||||
| Thereafter | ||||
| Total | $ |
NOTE 8 – IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
We assess the potential impairment of our long-lived assets on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets or asset group may not be recoverable. Due to the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations, we determined it was necessary to perform an interim test of our long-lived assets during the three months ended May 31, 2020. Based on the results of these assessments, we recorded $
Certain interim tests conducted during the three months ended May 31, 2020 did not indicate a need for impairment. Franchise rights, store design, manufacturing segment goodwill and franchising goodwill tests succeeded during the interim period. We believe we have made reasonable estimates and judgements, however, further COVID-19 related impacts could cause interim testing to be performed in future periods and further impairments recorded if testing of impairment is not successful in future periods.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The assessment of our goodwill, trademark and long-lived asset fair values includes many assumptions that are subject to risk and uncertainties. The primary assumptions, which are all Level 3 inputs of the fair value hierarchy (inputs to the valuation methodology that are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement), used in our impairment testing consist of:
| ● | Expected future cash flows from operation of our Company-owned units. |
| ● | Forecasted future royalty revenue, marketing revenue and associated expenses. |
| ● | Projected rate of royalty savings on trademarks. |
| ● | Our cost of capital. |
During the nine months ended November 30, 2020 costs associated with the impairment of long-lived and intangible assets consisted of the following:
| Company store goodwill impairment | $ | |||
| Trademark intangible asset impairment | ||||
| Company-owned store impairment of long-lived assets and inventory | ||||
| Total | $ |
During the nine months ended November 30, 2021 the Company did not identify any triggering events and there were costs associated with the impairment of long-lived assets during the nine months ended November 30, 2021.
NOTE 9 – LINE OF CREDIT AND LONG-TERM DEBT
Paycheck Protection Program
During the year ended February 28, 2021 the Company received promissory notes pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), under the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (the “SBA Loans”). The Company received total proceeds of $
Revolving Credit Line
The Company has a $
NOTE 10 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Cash Dividend
The Company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $
As previously announced on May 11, 2020, the Board of Directors suspended the Company’s fiscal year 2021 first quarter cash dividend payment to preserve cash and provide additional flexibility in the current environment as a result of the economic impact of COVID-19. Furthermore, the Board of Directors has suspended future quarterly dividends until the Board of Directors determines that resumption of dividend payments is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders.
Future declarations of dividends will depend on, among other things, the Company's results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, and on such other factors as the Company's Board of Directors may in its discretion consider relevant and in the best long-term interest of the Company’s stockholders.
On October 2, 2021, the Board of Directors approved the redemption of all the outstanding preferred stock purchase rights (the “Rights”) granted pursuant to the Rights Agreement, dated March 1, 2015, between the Company and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as Rights Agent (as amended, the “Rights Agreement”), commonly referred to as a “poison pill.” Immediately upon the action of the Board of Directors to approve the redemption of the Rights, the right to exercise the Rights terminated, which effectively terminated the Rights Agreement. Pursuant to the Rights Agreement, the Rights were redeemed at a redemption price of $
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Stock Repurchases
On July 15, 2014, the Company publicly announced a plan to repurchase up to $
Warrants
In consideration of Edible entering into the exclusive supplier agreement and the performance of its obligations therein, on December 20, 2019, the Company issued Edible a warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase up to
The Company determined that the grant date fair value of the warrants was de minimis and did not record any amount in consideration of the warrants. The Company utilized a Monte Carlo model for purposes of determining the grant date fair value.
Stock-Based Compensation
Under the Company’s 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended and restated) (the “2007 Plan”), the Company may authorize and grant stock awards to employees, non-employee directors and certain other eligible participants, including stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units.
The Company recognized $
The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity during the nine months ended November 30, 2021 and 2020:
| Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
| November 30, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Outstanding non-vested restricted stock units as of February 28 or 29: | ||||||||
| Granted | ||||||||
| Vested | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Cancelled/forfeited | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Outstanding non-vested restricted stock units as of November 30: | ||||||||
| Weighted average grant date fair value | $ | $ | ||||||
| Weighted average remaining vesting period (in years) | ||||||||
The Company issued
During the three- and nine-month periods ended November 30, 2021, the Company recognized $
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
During the three months ended November 30, 2021 the Company accelerated
The Company has outstanding stock options as of November 30, 2021.
NOTE 11 – EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common shares issuable through the settlement of restricted stock units. Restricted stock units become dilutive within the period granted and remain dilutive until the units vest and are issued as common stock.
The weighted-average number of shares outstanding used in the computation of diluted earnings per share does not include outstanding common shares issuable if their effect would be anti-dilutive. During the nine months ended November 30, 2021,
NOTE 12 – LEASING ARRANGEMENTS
The Company conducts its retail operations in facilities leased under non-cancelable operating leases of up to years. Certain leases contain renewal options for between and additional years at increased monthly rentals. Some of the leases provide for contingent rentals based on sales in excess of predetermined base levels. All of the Company’s leases are classified as operating leases.
The Company acts as primary lessee of some franchised store premises, which the Company then subleases to franchisees, but the majority of existing locations are leased by the franchisee directly. Currently, there are not indications that the Company will be required to make any payments on behalf of franchisees.
In some instances, the Company has leased space for its Company-owned locations that are now occupied by franchisees. When the Company-owned location was sold or transferred, the store was subleased to the franchisee who is responsible for the monthly rent and other obligations under the lease.
The Company also leases trucking equipment and warehouse space in support of its manufacturing operations. Expense associated with trucking and warehouse leases is included in cost of sales on the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company accounts for payments related to lease liabilities on a straight-line basis over the lease term. During the nine months ended November 30, 2021 and 2020, lease expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income was $
The lease liability reflects the present value of the Company’s estimated future minimum lease payments over the life of its leases. This includes known escalations and renewal option periods reasonably assured of being exercised. Typically, renewal options are considered reasonably assured of being exercised if the sales performance of the location remains strong. Therefore, the Right of Use Asset and Lease Liability include an assumption on renewal options that have not yet been exercised by the Company, and are not currently a future obligation. The Company has separated non-lease components from lease components in the recognition of the Asset and Liability except in instances where such costs were not practical to separate. To the extent that occupancy costs, such as site maintenance, are included in the Asset and Liability, the impact is immaterial. For franchised locations, the related occupancy costs including property taxes, insurance and site maintenance are generally required to be paid by the franchisees as part of the franchise arrangement. In addition, the Company is the lessee under non-store related leases such as storage facilities and trucking equipment. For leases where the implicit rate is not readily determinable, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate to calculate the lease liability that represents an estimate of the interest rate the Company would incur to borrow on a collateralized basis over the term of a lease. The weighted average discount rate used for operating leases was
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As of November 30, 2021, maturities of lease liabilities for the Company’s operating leases were as follows:
| FY 22 | $ | |||
| FY 23 | ||||
| FY 24 | ||||
| FY 25 | ||||
| FY 26 | ||||
| Thereafter | ||||
| Total | $ | |||
| Less: imputed interest | ( | ) | ||
| Present value of lease liabilities: | $ | |||
| Weighted average lease term (in years) |
During the nine months ended November 30, 2021, the Company entered into lease amendments to extend the terms of leases for certain Company-owned locations. These lease amendments resulted in the Company recognizing a present value of future lease liability of $
NOTE 13 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Employment Agreement Payments upon a Change in Control
We have entered into employment agreements with certain of our executives which contain, among other things, "change in control" severance provisions. The employment agreements generally provide that, if the Company or the executive terminates the executive's employment under circumstances constituting a "triggering termination," the executive will be entitled to receive, among other benefits, 2.99 times the sum of (i) the executive's annual salary and (ii) the lesser of (a) two times the bonus that would be payable to the executive for the bonus period in which the change in control occurred or (b) 25% of the executive's annual salary. The executive will also receive an additional payment of $
A “change in control,” as used in these employment agreements, generally means a change in the control of the Company following any number of events, but specifically a proxy contest in which our Board of Directors prior to the transaction constitutes less than a majority of our Board of Directors after the transaction or the members of our Board of Directors during any consecutive two-year period who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board of Directors cease to be the majority of the Board of Directors at the conclusion of that period. We have determined that a change in control has taken place. A “triggering termination” generally occurs when an executive is terminated during a specified period preceding a change in control of us, or if the executive or the Company terminates the executive’s employment under circumstances constituting a triggering termination during a specified period after a change in control. A triggering termination may also include a voluntary termination under certain scenarios.
As a result of the changes in our Board of Directors, the Company may be liable to each executive for change in control payments contingent upon a triggering termination event. As of November 30, 2021 the amount of the cash severance payments and benefits contingent upon a triggering termination event are estimated to be approximately $
Purchase Contracts
The Company frequently enters into purchase contracts of between to months for chocolate and certain nuts. These contracts permit the Company to purchase the specified commodity at a fixed price on an as-needed basis during the term of the contract. Because prices for these products may fluctuate, the Company may benefit if prices rise during the terms of these contracts, but it may be required to pay above-market prices if prices fall and it is unable to renegotiate the terms of the contract. As of November 30, 2021, the Company was contracted for approximately $
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 14 – OPERATING SEGMENTS
The Company classifies its business interests into reportable segments: Franchising, Manufacturing, Retail Stores, U-Swirl operations and Other. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1 to these consolidated financial statements and Note 1 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A filed on June 28, 2021. The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on operating contribution, which excludes unallocated corporate general and administrative costs and income tax expense or benefit. The Company’s reportable segments are strategic businesses that utilize common merchandising, distribution and marketing functions, as well as common information systems and corporate administration. All inter-segment sales prices are market based. Each segment is managed separately because of the differences in required infrastructure and the difference in products and services:
| Three Months Ended November 30, 2021 | Franchising | Manufacturing | Retail | U-Swirl | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment revenues | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue from external customers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit (loss) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total depreciation & amortization | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended November 30, 2020 | Franchising | Manufacturing | Retail | U-Swirl | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment revenues | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue from external customers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit (loss) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total depreciation & amortization | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended November 30, 2021 | Franchising | Manufacturing | Retail | U-Swirl | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment revenues | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue from external customers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit (loss) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total depreciation & amortization | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| Nine Months Ended November 30, 2020 | Franchising | Manufacturing | Retail | U-Swirl | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment revenues | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue from external customers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit (loss) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total depreciation & amortization | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
NOTE 15 – CONTESTED SOLICITATION OF PROXIES AND CHANGE IN CONTROL PAYMENTS
Contested Solicitation of Proxies
During the three and nine months ended November 30, 2021, the Company incurred substantial costs associated with a stockholder’s contested solicitation of proxies in connection with its 2021 annual meeting of stockholders. During the three and nine months ended November 30, 2021, the Company incurred approximately $
Employment Agreement Payments upon a Change in Control
As described above in Note 13, we have entered into employment agreements with certain of our executives, which contain, among other things, "change in control" severance provisions.
As previously announced, Bryan J. Merryman agreed to voluntarily step down as President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company upon the hiring of a new President and CEO for the Company. The Company is actively engaged in the search for a new CEO to succeed Mr. Merryman who will continue until such time in the capacity of interim CEO.
In connection therewith, the Company and Mr. Merryman entered into a letter agreement dated November 8, 2021 (the “Letter Agreement”), effective November 3, 2021 (the “Effective Date”), amending that certain Second Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2019, by and between the Company and Mr. Merryman (the “Current Employment agreement”). Pursuant to the Letter Agreement, among other things, Mr. Merryman will (i) continue as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, and (ii) until the Company hires a new President and CEO, as the interim President and CEO of the Company. Except as specifically set forth in the Letter Agreement, all the terms and provisions of the Current Employment Agreement remain unmodified and in full force and effect. In addition, on November 3, 2021, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors recommended, and the Board of Directors unanimously approved, the acceleration of vesting of approximately
As a result of this Letter Agreement the Company incurred the following costs during the three and nine months ended November 30, 2021:
| Accrued severance compensation | $ | |||
| Accelerated restricted stock unit compensation expense: | ||||
| Total | $ |
These costs are recognized as general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Quarterly Report”) includes statements of our expectations, intentions, plans and beliefs that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and are intended to come within the safe harbor protection provided by those sections. These forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. The nature of our operations and the environment in which we operate subject us to changing economic, competitive, regulatory and technological conditions, risks and uncertainties. The statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this Quarterly Report are forward-looking statements. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this document may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "will," "intend," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "should," "plan," "estimate," "potential," or similar expressions. Factors which could cause results to differ include, but are not limited to: the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on our business, including, among other things, disruptions to our supply chain, including, but not limited to, raw materials and freight costs, the availability of qualified labor, online sales, factory sales, retail sales and royalty and marketing fees, our liquidity, our cost cutting and capital preservation measures, achievement of the anticipated potential benefits of the strategic alliance with Edible (as defined herein), our ability to provide products to Edible under the strategic alliance, the ability to increase our online sales through the agreements with Edible, the outcome of the legal proceedings initiated against Immaculate Confections, the operator of RMCF locations in Canada, changes in the confectionery business environment, seasonality, consumer interest in our products, general economic conditions, the success of our frozen yogurt business, receptiveness of our products internationally, consumer and retail trends, costs and availability of raw materials, competition, the success of our co-branding strategy, the success of international expansion efforts and the effect of government regulations. Government regulations which we and our franchisees and licensees either are, or may be, subject to and which could cause results to differ from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: local, state and federal laws regarding health, sanitation, safety, building and fire codes, franchising, licensing, employment, manufacturing, packaging and distribution of food products and motor carriers. For a detailed discussion of the risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements contained herein, please see the section entitled “Risk Factors” contained in Item 1A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A filed on June 28, 2021. Additional factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to: the length and severity of the current COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on among other things, factory sales, retail sales, royalty and marketing fees and operations, the effect of any governmental action or mandated employer-paid benefits in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our ability to manage costs and reduce expenditures in the current economic environment and the availability of additional financing if and when required. These forward-looking statements apply only as of the date of this Quarterly Report. As such they should not be unduly relied upon for more current circumstances. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that might reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this Quarterly Report or those that might reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Unless otherwise specified, the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” refers to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries (including its operating subsidiary with the same name, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Colorado corporation (“RMCF”)).
Overview
We are an international franchisor, confectionery manufacturer and retail operator. Founded in 1981, we are headquartered in Durango, Colorado and manufacture an extensive line of premium chocolate candies and other confectionery products. Our subsidiary, U-Swirl International, Inc. (“U-Swirl”), franchises and operates soft-serve frozen yogurt cafés. Our revenues and profitability are derived principally from our franchised/license system of retail stores that feature chocolate, frozen yogurt and other confectionary products. We also sell our candy outside of our system of retail stores and license the use of our brand with certain consumer products. As of November 30, 2021, there were two Company-owned, 97 licensee-owned and 161 franchised Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory stores operating in 37 states, South Korea, Panama, and the Philippines. As of November 30, 2021, U-Swirl operated three Company-owned cafés and 66 franchised cafés located in 22 states and Qatar. U-Swirl operates self-serve frozen yogurt cafés under the names “U-Swirl,” “Yogurtini,” “CherryBerry,” “Yogli Mogli Frozen Yogurt,” “Fuzzy Peach Frozen Yogurt,” “Let’s Yo!” and “Aspen Leaf Yogurt”.
In FY 2020 and early FY 2021, we entered into a long-term strategic alliance and ecommerce agreements with Edible, whereby it is intended that we would become the exclusive provider of certain branded chocolate products to Edible, its affiliates and its franchisees. Under the strategic alliance, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory branded products are intended to be available for purchase both on Edible’s website as well as through over 1,000 franchised Edible locations nationwide. In addition, due to Edible’s significant e-commerce expertise and scale, we have also executed an ecommerce licensing agreement with Edible, whereby Edible is expected to sell a wide variety of chocolates, candies and other confectionery products produced by the Company or its franchisees through Edible’s websites. There is no assurance that the strategic alliance and ecommerce agreements will be deployed into our operations and to our satisfaction, or that we will achieve the expected full benefits from these agreements. During the nine months ended November 30, 2021, certain disagreements arose between RMCF and Edible related to the strategic alliance and ecommerce agreements resulting in continuing discussions, the result of which are not currently determinable. There can be no assurance historical revenue levels will be indicative of future revenues.
COVID-19
As discussed in more detail throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended November 30, 2021 (this “Quarterly Report”), we have experienced significant business disruptions resulting from efforts to contain the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”), including the vast mandated self-quarantines of customers throughout the United States and internationally. During the year ended February 28, 2021 nearly all of the Company-owned and franchise stores were directly and negatively impacted by public health measures taken in response to COVID-19, with nearly all locations experiencing reduced operations as a result of, among other things, modified business hours and store and mall closures. As a result, franchisees and licensees were not ordering products for their stores in line with historical amounts. This trend has negatively impacted, and may continue to negatively impact, among other things, factory sales, retail sales and royalty and marketing fees. Beginning in May 2020, most stores previously closed for much of March 2020 and April 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, began to re-open. During the year ended February 28, 2021, approximately 53 stores closed and have not re-opened and the future of these locations is uncertain. That is a closure rate significantly higher than historical levels. As of the date of this report, most stores have met or exceeded pre-COVID-19 sales levels, however, many retail environments have continued to be adversely impacted by changes to consumer behavior as a result of COVID-19. Most stores re-opened subject to various local health restrictions and often with reduced operations. Strong consumer spending and other macro-economic trends as well as the roll out of vaccines and relaxing of most local health restrictions have resulted in significant increases in sales at our franchise stores during the nine months ended November 30, 2021. Our ability to meet the increase in franchise store demand has been impacted by labor and supply chain constraints. We are unsure how the emergence of COVID-19 variants, such as Delta and Omicron, will impact the positive recovery trends.
Labor and Supply Chain
As a result of macro-economic inflationary trends and disruptions to the global supply chain, we have experienced and expect to continue experiencing higher raw material, labor, and freight costs. We have begun to see labor and logistics challenges, which we believe have contributed to lower factory, retail and e-commerce sales of our products due to the availability of material, labor and freight. In addition, we could experience additional lost sale opportunities if our products are not available for purchase as a result of continued disruptions in our supply chain relating to an inability to obtain ingredients or packaging, labor challenges at our logistics providers or our manufacturing facility, or if we or our franchisees experience delays in stocking our products.
Contested Solicitation of Proxies
During the three and nine months ended November 30, 2021, the Company incurred substantial costs associated with a stockholder’s contested solicitation of proxies in connection with our 2021 annual meeting of stockholders. During the three and nine months ended November 30, 2021, the Company incurred approximately $800,000 and $1.7 million of costs, respectively, associated with the contested solicitation of proxies, compared with no comparable costs incurred in the three and nine months ended November 30, 2020. These costs are recognized as general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Additionally, as a result of the contested solicitation of proxies and the resulting changes to the composition of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Company incurred $1.9 million of accrued severance costs and accelerated restricted stock unit expense during the three and nine months ended November 30, 2021. As previously announced, Bryan J. Merryman agreed to voluntarily step down as President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company upon the hiring of a new President and CEO for the Company. The Company is actively engaged in the search for a new CEO to succeed Mr. Merryman who will continue until such time in the capacity of interim CEO.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended November 30, 2021 Compared to the Three Months Ended November 30, 2020
Results Summary
Basic earnings per share decreased from $0.09 per share in the three months ended November 30, 2020 to a loss of $(0.24) per share in the three months ended November 30, 2021. Revenues increased 17.7% from $7.2 million in the three months ended November 30, 2020 to $8.5 million in the three months ended November 30, 2021. Income from operations decreased from $399,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2020 to a loss from operations of $(1,959,000) in the three months ended November 30, 2021. Net income decreased from $524,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2020 to a net loss of $(1,478,000) in the three months ended November 30, 2021. The increase in revenue was due primarily to the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic during the three months ended November 30, 2020, including its impact on our operation and the operations of our franchised, licensed and Company-owned locations. During the three months ended November 30, 2021 most of the disruptions experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic were no longer impacting our network of franchised and licensed retail stores and many of our locations have exceeded, pre-pandemic levels. The decrease in income from operations and net income was due primarily to the costs associated with the contested solicitation of proxies and the associated accrued severance and stock compensation costs.
Revenues
| Three Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||
| November 30, |
% |
|||||||||||||||
| ($'s in thousands) |
2021 |
2020 |
Change |
Change |
||||||||||||
| Factory sales |
$ | 6,376.4 | $ | 5,570.4 | $ | 806.0 | 14.5 | % | ||||||||
| Retail sales |
636.0 | 531.4 | 104.6 | 19.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Franchise fees |
61.7 | 46.1 | 15.6 | 33.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Royalty and marketing fees |
1,433.5 | 1,081.0 | 352.5 | 32.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Total |
$ | 8,507.6 | $ | 7,228.9 | $ | 1,278.7 | 17.7 | % | ||||||||
Factory Sales
The increase in factory sales for the three months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the three months ended November 30, 2020 was primarily due to a 37.8% increase in sales of product to our network of franchised and licensed retail stores, partially offset by a 31.1% decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchised retail stores. Purchases by the Company’s largest customer, Edible Arrangements LLC (“Edible”), during the three months ended November 30, 2021 were approximately $413,400, or 4.9% of the Company’s revenues, compared to $1.2 million, or 16.3% of the Company’s revenues during the three months ended November 30, 2020. The increase in sales of product to our network of franchised and licensed retail stores was primarily the result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated public health measures in place during the three months ended November 30, 2020, which significantly reduced traffic in our stores. During the three months ended November 30, 2021 most of the disruptions experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic were no longer impacting our network of franchised and licensed retail stores and many of our locations had exceeded, pre-pandemic levels. During the nine months ended November 30, 2021, certain disagreements arose between RMCF and Edible related to the strategic alliance and ecommerce agreements resulting in continuing discussions, the result of which are not currently determinable. There can be no assurance historical revenue levels will be indicative of future revenues. Same store pounds purchased by domestic franchise and licensed locations increased 2.6% during the three months ended November 30, 2021, when compared to the three months ended November 30, 2019 (the most recent comparable period prior to the business disruptions of COVID-19).
Retail Sales
Retail sales at Company-owned stores increased 19.7% during the three months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the three months ended November 30, 2020 as a result of all of our Company-owned stores being open during the three months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the limited operations of all of our Company-owned stores for much of the three months ended November 30, 2020. The limited operations of our Company-owned stores in the prior year period was the result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated public health measures in place during the three months ended November 30, 2020. As of November 30, 2021, all Company-owned stores had substantially resumed full operations following COVID-19 related closure.
Royalties, Marketing Fees and Franchise Fees
The increase in royalties and marketing fees from the three months ended November 30, 2020 to the three months ended November 30, 2021 was primarily due to the majority of our franchise locations having resumed normal operations during the three months ended November 30, 2021, due to the relaxing of restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated public health measures in place during the three months ended November 30, 2020 as well as the rollout of vaccines. Nearly all of our franchised locations experienced reduced operations during the three months ended November 30, 2020. Same store sales at domestic franchise locations increased 22.4% during the three months ended November 30, 2021 when compared to the three months ended November 30, 2019 (the most recent comparable period prior to the business disruptions of COVID-19).
The increase in franchise fee revenue for the three months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the three months ended November 30, 2020 was the result of an increase in revenue resulting from the closure of franchise locations and the associated recognition of revenue in the three months ended November 30, 2021, with no comparable revenue during the three months ended November 30, 2020. This increase was partially offset by fewer franchise stores in operation and the associated recognition of revenue over the terms of the various franchise agreements.
Costs and Expenses
Cost of Sales
| Three Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||
| November 30, |
$ | % |
||||||||||||||
| ($'s in thousands) |
2021 |
2020 |
Change |
Change |
||||||||||||
| Cost of sales - factory |
$ | 4,960.9 | $ | 4,505.4 | $ | 455.5 | 10.1 | % | ||||||||
| Cost of sales - retail |
239.8 | 182.6 | 57.2 | 31.3 | % | |||||||||||
| Franchise costs |
458.5 | 440.7 | 17.8 | 4.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Sales and marketing |
377.2 | 382.5 | (5.3 | ) | (1.4 | )% | ||||||||||
| General and administrative |
3,865.9 | 788.7 | 3,077.2 | 390.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Retail operating |
420.3 | 361.4 | 58.9 | 16.3 | % | |||||||||||
| Total |
$ | 10,322.6 | $ | 6,661.3 | $ | 3,661.3 | 55.0 | % | ||||||||
Gross Margin
| Three Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||
| November 30, |
$ | % |
||||||||||||||
| ($'s in thousands) |
2021 |
2020 |
Change |
Change |
||||||||||||
| Factory gross margin |
$ | 1,415.5 | $ | 1,065.0 | $ | 350.5 | 32.9 | % | ||||||||
| Retail gross margin |
396.2 | 348.8 | 47.4 | 13.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Total |
$ | 1,811.7 | $ | 1,413.8 | $ | 397.9 | 28.1 | % | ||||||||
| Three Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||
| November 30, |
% |
% |
||||||||||||||
| 2021 |
2020 |
Change |
Change |
|||||||||||||
| (Percent) |
||||||||||||||||
| Factory gross margin |
22.2 | % | 19.1 | % | 3.1 | % | 16.1 | % | ||||||||
| Retail gross margin |
62.3 | % | 65.6 | % | (3.3 | )% | (5.1 | )% | ||||||||
| Total |
25.8 | % | 23.2 | % | 2.7 | % | 11.5 | % | ||||||||
Adjusted Gross Margin
| Three Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||
| November 30, |
$ | % |
||||||||||||||
| ($'s in thousands) |
2021 |
2020 |
Change |
Change |
||||||||||||
| Factory gross margin |
$ | 1,415.5 | $ | 1,065.0 | $ | 350.5 | 32.9 | % | ||||||||
| Plus: depreciation and amortization |
155.2 | 157.6 | (2.4 | ) | (1.5 | )% | ||||||||||
| Factory adjusted gross margin |
1,570.7 | 1,222.6 | 348.1 | 28.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Retail gross margin |
396.2 | 348.8 | 47.4 | 13.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Total Adjusted Gross Margin |
$ | 1,966.9 | $ | 1,571.4 | $ | 395.5 | 25.2 | % | ||||||||
| Factory adjusted gross margin |
24.6 | % | 21.9 | % | 2.7 | % | 12.2 | % | ||||||||
| Retail gross margin |
62.3 | % | 65.6 | % | (3.3 | )% | (5.1 | )% | ||||||||
| Total Adjusted Gross Margin |
28.0 | % | 25.8 | % | 2.3 | % | 8.9 | % | ||||||||
Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin plus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin.
Cost of Sales and Gross Margin
Factory gross margins increased to 22.2% in the three months ended November 30, 2021 compared to 19.1% the three months ended November 30, 2020, due primarily to higher average sell prices and a 12.5% increase in production volume in the three months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the three months ended November 30, 2020, partially offset by increased costs of materials and labor. The increase in production volume was the result of an increase in factory sales.
Retail gross margins decreased from 65.6% during the three months ended November 30, 2020 to 62.3% during the three months ended November 30, 2021. This decrease was primarily due to increased costs.
Franchise Costs
The increase in franchise costs in the three months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the three months ended November 30, 2020 was due primarily to an increase in professional fees. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 30.7% in the three months ended November 30, 2021 from 39.1% in the three months ended November 30, 2020. This decrease as a percentage of royalty, marketing and franchise fees is primarily a result of an increase in royalty revenues.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing costs were comparable for the three months ended November 30, 2021 and the three months ended November 30, 2020.
General and Administrative
The increase in general and administrative costs for the three months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the three months ended November 30, 2020 is primarily due to costs associated with a stockholder’s contested solicitation of proxies in connection with our 2021 annual meeting of stockholders and the compensation costs associated with the letter agreement between the Company and Mr. Merryman. During the three months ended November 30, 2021, the Company incurred approximately $800,000 of costs associated with the contested solicitation of proxies and $1.9 million in change in control severance expense, compared with no comparable expenses incurred in the three months ended November 30, 2020. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 45.4% in the three months ended November 30, 2021 compared to 10.9% in the three months ended November 30, 2020.
Retail Operating Expenses
The increase in retail operating expenses for the three months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the three months ended November 30, 2020 was due primarily to the resumption of normal operations at most of our Company-owned stores so that most stores were fully operational during the three months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the limited operations of all of our Company-owned stores for much of the three months ended November 30, 2020. The limited operation of our Company-owned stores was the result of COVID-19 and the associated public health measures in place during the three months ended November 30, 2020. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, decreased from 68.0% in the three months ended November 30, 2020 to 66.1% in the three months ended November 30, 2021. This decrease is primarily the result of higher retail sales, partially offset by higher retail operating expenses.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales, was $144,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2021, a decrease of 15.0% from $169,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2020. This decrease was the result of lower amortization of franchise rights, the result of a decrease in frozen yogurt cafés in operation. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for a summary of annual amortization of intangible assets based upon existing intangible assets and current useful lives. Depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales decreased 1.5% from $158,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2020 to $155,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2021.
Other Income (Expense)
Other income was $2,200 in the three months ended November 30, 2021 compared to other income of $298,000 realized in the three months ended November 30, 2020. This change was primarily the result of a gain on insurance recovery realized and debt forgiveness income during the three months ended November 30, 2020 with no comparable amounts realized during the three months ended November 30, 2021. Net interest expense was $21,200 in the three months ended November 30, 2020 compared with net interest income of $2,200 during the three months ended November 30, 2021. This change was primarily the result of the Company’s increased debt during the prior year as a result of measures taken to ensure adequate liquidity during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the prior year, the Company borrowed $3.4 million from its line of credit and borrowed $1.5 million of loans under the Paycheck Protection Program. The line of credit was paid in full and Paycheck Protection Program loans were fully forgiven during the year ended February 28, 2021.
Income Tax Expense
Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended November 30, 2021 was 24.5% compared to an effective tax rate in the three months ended November 30, 2020 of 24.8%.
Nine Months Ended November 30, 2021 Compared to the Nine Months Ended November 30, 2020
Results Summary
Basic earnings per share increased from a net loss of $(0.51) per share for the nine months ended November 30, 2020 to a net loss of $(0.11) per share for the nine months ended November 30, 2021. Revenues increased 57.5% from $15.3 million for the nine months ended November 30, 2020 to $24.0 million for the nine months ended November 30, 2021. Loss from operations decreased from an operating loss of $(4.3) million for the nine months ended November 30, 2020 to an operating loss of $(1.1) million for the nine months ended November 30, 2021. Net loss decreased from a net loss of $(3.1) million for the nine months ended November 30, 2020 to a net loss of $(701,000) for the nine months ended November 30, 2021. The increase in revenue was due primarily to the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic during the nine months ended November 30, 2020, including its impact on our operation and the operations of our franchised, licensed and Company-owned locations. During the nine months ended November 30, 2021 many of the disruptions experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic were no longer impacting our network of franchised and licensed retail stores and many of our locations had returned to, or exceeded, pre-pandemic levels. These increases were partially offset by the costs associated with the contested solicitation of proxies incurred during the nine months ended November 30, 2021 with no comparable costs in the nine months ended November 30, 2020. The decrease in loss from operations and net loss was due primarily to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated impact on revenue during the nine months ended November 30, 2020 partially offset by the costs associated with the contested solicitation of proxies and the associated accrued severance and stock compensation costs during the nine months ended November 30, 2021.
Revenues
| Nine Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||
| November 30, |
$ | % |
||||||||||||||
| ($'s in thousands) |
2021 |
2020 |
Change |
Change |
||||||||||||
| Factory sales |
$ | 16,578.5 | $ | 11,203.7 | $ | 5,374.8 | 48.0 | % | ||||||||
| Retail sales |
2,208.1 | 1,214.4 | 993.7 | 81.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Franchise fees |
165.0 | 174.7 | (9.7 | ) | (5.6 | )% | ||||||||||
| Royalty and marketing fees |
5,075.8 | 2,665.9 | 2,409.9 | 90.4 | % | |||||||||||
| Total |
$ | 24,027.4 | $ | 15,258.7 | $ | 8,768.7 | 57.5 | % | ||||||||
Factory Sales
The increase in factory sales for the nine months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the nine months ended November 30, 2020 was primarily due to an 86.6% increase in sales of product to our network of franchised and licensed retail stores partially offset by a 27.7% decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchised retail stores. Purchases by the Company’s largest customer, Edible, during the nine months ended November 30, 2021 were approximately $1.2 million, or 5.0% of the Company’s revenues, compared to $2.1 million, or 13.9% of the Company’s revenues during the nine months ended November 30, 2020. The increase in sales of product to our network of franchised and licensed retail stores was primarily the result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated public health measures in place during the nine months ended November 30, 2020, which significantly reduced traffic in our stores. During the nine months ended November 30, 2021 most of the disruptions experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic were no longer impacting our network of franchised and licensed retail stores and many of our locations had returned to, or exceeded, pre-pandemic levels. During the nine months ended November 30, 2021, certain disagreements arose between RMCF and Edible related to the strategic alliance and ecommerce agreements resulting in continuing discussions, the result of which are not currently determinable. There can be no assurance historical revenue levels will be indicative of future revenues. Same store pounds purchased by domestic franchise and licensed locations increased 11.1% during the nine months ended November 30, 2021 when compared to the nine months ended November 30, 2019 (the most recent comparable period prior to the business disruptions of COVID-19).
Retail Sales
The increase in retail sales for the nine months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the nine months ended November 30, 2020 was primarily due to all of our Company-owned stores being open during the nine months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the closure or limited operations of all of our Company-owned stores for much of the nine months ended November 30, 2020. The closure or limited operations of our Company-owned stores in the prior year period was the result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated public health measures in place during the nine months ended November 30, 2020. As of November 30, 2021 most Company-owned stores had resumed full operations following COVID-19 related closure.
Royalties, Marketing Fees and Franchise Fees
The increase in royalty and marketing fees for the nine months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the nine months ended November 30, 2020 was primarily due to the majority of our franchise locations having resumed normal operations during the nine months ended November 30, 2021, due to the relaxing of restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated public health measures in place during the nine months ended November 30, 2020 as well as the rollout of vaccines earlier in the fiscal year. Nearly all of our franchised locations experienced reduced operations and periods of full closure during the nine months ended November 30, 2020. Same store sales at domestic franchise locations increased 17.8% during the nine months ended November 30, 2021 when compared to the nine months ended November 30, 2019 (the most recent comparable period prior to the business disruptions of COVID-19).
The decrease in franchise fee revenue for the nine months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the nine months ended November 30, 2020 was the result of a decrease in revenue resulting from the closure of franchise location and the associated recognition of revenue in the nine months ended November 30, 2020, with fewer comparable closures during the nine months ended November 30, 2021 and fewer franchise stores in operation and the associated recognition of revenue over the term of the various franchise agreements.
Costs and Expenses
Cost of Sales
| Nine Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||
| November 30, |
$ | % |
||||||||||||||
| ($'s in thousands) |
2021 |
2020 |
Change |
Change |
||||||||||||
| Cost of sales - factory |
$ | 13,065.3 | $ | 10,203.7 | $ | 2,861.6 | 28.0 | % | ||||||||
| Cost of sales - retail |
754.1 | 421.1 | 333.0 | 79.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Franchise costs |
1,747.4 | 1,312.9 | 434.5 | 33.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Sales and marketing |
1,195.8 | 1,265.5 | (69.7 | ) | (5.5 | )% | ||||||||||
| General and administrative |
6,575.0 | 4,756.7 | 1,818.3 | 38.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Retail operating |
1,304.6 | 1,010.0 | 294.6 | 29.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Total |
$ | 24,642.2 | $ | 18,969.9 | $ | 5,672.3 | 29.9 | % | ||||||||
Gross Margin
| Nine Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||
| November 30, |
$ | % |
||||||||||||||
| 2021 |
2020 |
Change |
Change |
|||||||||||||
| Factory gross margin |
$ | 3,513.2 | $ | 1,000.0 | $ | 2,513.2 | 251.3 | % | ||||||||
| Retail gross margin |
1,454.0 | 793.3 | 660.7 | 83.3 | % | |||||||||||
| Total |
$ | 4,967.2 | $ | 1,793.3 | $ | 3,173.9 | 177.0 | % | ||||||||
| Nine Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||
| November 30, |
% |
% |
||||||||||||||
| 2021 |
2020 |
Change |
Change |
|||||||||||||
| Factory gross margin |
21.2 | % | 8.9 | % | 12.3 | % | 137.4 | % | ||||||||
| Retail gross margin |
65.8 | % | 65.3 | % | 0.5 | % | 0.8 | % | ||||||||
| Total |
26.4 | % | 14.4 | % | 12.0 | % | 83.1 | % | ||||||||
Adjusted Gross Margin
| Nine Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||
| November 30, |
$ | % |
||||||||||||||
| ($'s in thousands) |
2021 |
2020 |
Change |
Change |
||||||||||||
| Factory gross margin |
$ | 3,513.2 | $ | 1,000.0 | $ | 2,513.2 | 251.3 | % | ||||||||
| Plus: depreciation and amortization |
464.8 | 473.3 | (8.5 | ) | (1.8 | )% | ||||||||||
| Factory adjusted gross margin |
3,978.0 | 1,473.3 | 2,504.7 | 170.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Retail gross margin |
1,454.0 | 793.3 | 660.7 | 83.3 | % | |||||||||||
| Total Adjusted Gross Margin |
$ | 5,432.0 | $ | 2,266.6 | $ | 3,165.4 | 139.7 | % | ||||||||
| Factory adjusted gross margin |
24.0 | % | 13.2 | % | 10.8 | % | 82.5 | % | ||||||||
| Retail gross margin |
65.8 | % | 65.3 | % | 0.5 | % | 0.8 | % | ||||||||
| Total Adjusted Gross Margin |
28.9 | % | 18.3 | % | 10.7 | % | 58.4 | % | ||||||||
Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin plus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin.
Cost of Sales and Gross Margin
Factory gross margins increased to 21.2% in the nine months ended November 30, 2021 compared to a gross margin of 8.9% during the nine months ended November 30, 2020, due primarily to a 39.4% increase in production volume, higher average sell prices, and the impacts of Employee Retention Credits in the nine months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the nine months ended November 30, 2020, partially offset by increased costs of materials and labor. The increase in production volume was in response to a 48.0% increase in factory sales, primarily due to a resumption of normal factory operations during the nine months ended November 30, 2021 compared to significantly reduced operations during the nine months ended November 30, 2020. Operations during the nine months ended November 30, 2020 were lower than historical levels as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the decrease in production volume, factory fixed costs, including idle labor, did not decrease proportionate to factory revenue during the nine months ended November 30, 2020. During the nine months ended November 30, 2020 the Company incurred approximately $280,000 of production labor costs associated with paying employees who abided by local stay at home orders related to COVID-19 public health measures. This excess capacity cost, in the form of idle labor, was included in cost of sales.
Retail gross margins increased from 65.3% during the nine months ended November 30, 2020 to 65.8% during the nine months ended November 30, 2021. The increase in retail gross margins was primarily the result of the resumption of normal operations during the nine months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the temporary closure of all of our Company-owned stores for portions of the nine months ended November 30, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the associated impact on perishable inventory. This increase was mostly offset by higher costs.
Franchise Costs
The increase in franchise costs in the nine months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the nine months ended November 30, 2020 was due primarily to an increase in professional fees, the result of litigation with our licensee in Canada. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 33.3% in the nine months ended November 30, 2021 from 46.2% in the nine months ended November 30, 2020. This decrease as a percentage of royalty, marketing and franchise fees is primarily a result of higher royalty fees partially offset by higher costs.
Sales and Marketing
The decrease in sales and marketing costs for the nine months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the nine months ended November 30, 2020 was primarily due to a decrease in online advertising costs.
General and Administrative
The increase in general and administrative costs for the nine months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the nine months ended November 30, 2020 is primarily due to costs associated with a stockholder’s contested solicitation of proxies in connection with our 2021 annual meeting of stockholders and the compensation costs associated with the letter agreement between the Company and Mr. Merryman. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in bad debt expense and a decrease in the impairment of certain intangible assets. During the nine months ended November 30, 2021, the Company incurred approximately $1.7 million of costs associated with the contested solicitation of proxies and $1.9 million in change in control severance expense, compared with no comparable costs incurred in the nine months ended November 30, 2020. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 27.4% in the nine months ended November 30, 2021 compared to 31.2% in the nine months ended November 30, 2020.
Retail Operating Expenses
The increase in retail operating expenses for the nine months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the nine months ended November 30, 2020 was a result of the re-opening of all of our Company-owned stores so that all stores were open during the nine months ended November 30, 2021 compared to the closure or limited operation of all of our Company-owned stores for much of the nine months ended November 30, 2020. The closure or limited operation of our Company-owned stores was the result of COVID-19 and the associated public health measures in place during the nine months ended November 30, 2020. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, decreased from 83.2% in the nine months ended November 30, 2020 to 59.1% in the nine months ended November 30, 2021. This decrease is primarily the result of higher retail sales partially offset by higher retail operating expenses.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales, was $440,000 in the nine months ended November 30, 2021, a decrease of 17.1% from $531,000 in the nine months ended November 30, 2020. This decrease was the result of lower amortization of franchise rights, the result of a decrease in frozen yogurt cafés in operation. See Note 7 to the financial statements for a summary of annual amortization of intangible assets based upon existing intangible assets and current useful lives. Depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales decreased 1.8% from $473,000 in the nine months ended November 30, 2020 to $465,000 in the nine months ended November 30, 2021.
Other Income (Expense)
Other income decreased to $176,500 during the nine months ended November 30, 2021 compared to other income of $261,000 during the nine months ended November 30, 2020. This change was primarily the result of debt forgiveness income during the nine months ended November 30, 2020 with no comparable amounts realized during the nine months ended November 30, 2021. Net interest income was $9,300 in the nine months ended November 30, 2021 compared to net interest expense of $57,600 during the nine months ended November 30, 2020. This change was primarily the result of the Company’s increased debt as a result of measures taken during the three months ended May 31, 2020 to ensure adequate liquidity during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the nine months ended November 30, 2020, the Company borrowed $3.4 million from its line of credit and borrowed $1.5 million of loans under the Paycheck Protection Program. The line of credit was paid in full and Paycheck Protection Program loans were fully forgiven during the year ended February 28, 2021.
The Company recognized a gain on insurance recovery of $167,100 during the nine months ended November 30, 2021, compared with $210,500 recognized during the nine months ended November 30, 2020. The Company recognized forgiveness of debt of $108,300 during the nine months ended November 30, 2020, with no comparable amount recognized during the nine months ended November 30, 2021.
Income Tax Expense
Our effective income tax rate for the nine months ended November 30, 2021 was 20.2%, compared to 24.3% for the nine months ended November 30, 2020. This decrease was primarily the result of the impact of different values of vested restricted stock units for financial reporting purposes compared to how the same vested restricted stock units are valued for tax purposes.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As discussed below, we took several defensive measures to maximize liquidity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the suspension of our cash dividend, reducing expenses, extending payment terms with vendors, reducing production volume and deferring discretionary capital expenditures. Based on these actions, we believe that cash flows from operations and our cash and cash equivalents on hand, will be sufficient to meet our ongoing liquidity needs and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next twelve months. Additional future financing may be necessary to fund our operations, and there can be no assurance that, if needed, we will be able to secure additional debt or equity financing on terms acceptable to us or at all, especially in light of the market volatility and uncertainty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we believe we have adequate sources of liquidity over the long term, the success of our operations, the global economic outlook, and the pace of sustainable growth in our markets, in each case, in light of the market volatility and uncertainty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, among other factors, could impact our business and liquidity.
As of November 30, 2021, working capital was $9.0 million, compared to $9.0 million as of February 28, 2021.
Cash and cash equivalent balances increased approximately $400,000 to $6.0 million as of November 30, 2021 compared to $5.6 million as of February 28, 2021, primarily due to improved operating results. Our current ratio was 2.5 to 1 at November 30, 2021 compared to 3.4 to 1 at February 28, 2021. We monitor current and anticipated future levels of cash and cash equivalents in relation to anticipated operating, financing and investing requirements.
During the nine months ended November 30, 2021, we had a net loss of $(700,908). Operating activities provided cash of $857,048, with the principal adjustment to reconcile the net income to net cash used by operating activities being an increase in accrued liabilities of $1,343,856, an increase in accounts payable of $1,079,671, depreciation and amortization of $904,972, and expense related to stock-based compensation of $709,210, partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $985,887 and an increase in inventory of $936,483. During the comparable 2020 period, we had a net loss of $(3,067,570), and operating activities used cash of $2,012,609. The principal adjustment to reconcile the net income to net cash used by operating activities being the provision for loss on accounts and notes receivable of $1,468,815, asset impairment and store closure losses of $544,060, depreciation and amortization of $1,004,539 and the expense recorded for stock compensation of $399,636.
During the nine months ended November 30, 2021, investing activities used cash of $407,457, primarily due to the purchases of property and equipment of $704,462 partially offset by proceeds from insurance recovery of $206,336. In comparison, investing activities provided cash of $198,438 during the nine months ended November 30, 2020 primarily due to proceeds from the sales of assets, the result of insurance proceeds, of $304,962.
During the nine months ended November 30, 2021, financing activities used cash of $61,276 due to the redemption of the shareholder rights plan. In comparison, financing activities provided cash of $4,263,021 during the prior year period primarily due to the use of the line of credit and receipt of loans under the Paycheck Protection Program, as described above. There was no amount outstanding related to our line of credit and loans under the Paycheck Protection Program as of November 30, 2021, the result of repayment and forgiveness, respectively.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of November 30, 2021, except for the purchase obligations as described below, we had no material off-balance sheet arrangements or obligations.
Purchase obligations: As of November 30, 2021, we had purchase obligations of approximately $64,000. These purchase obligations primarily consist of contractual obligations for future purchases of commodities for use in our manufacturing.
Impact of Inflation
We have recently experienced historically high levels of inflation related to labor and materials. Inflationary factors such as increases in the costs of ingredients and labor directly affect our operations. Most of our leases provide for cost-of-living adjustments and require us to pay taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses, all of which are subject to inflation. Additionally, our future lease costs for new facilities may include potentially escalating costs of real estate and construction. There is no assurance that we will be able to pass on increased costs to our customers.
Depreciation expense is based on the historical cost to us of our fixed assets, and is therefore potentially less than it would be if it were based on current replacement cost. While property and equipment acquired in prior years will ultimately have to be replaced at higher prices, it is expected that replacement will be a gradual process over many years.
Seasonality
We are subject to seasonal fluctuations in sales, which cause fluctuations in quarterly results of operations. Historically, the strongest sales of our products have occurred during key holidays and the summer vacation season. In addition, quarterly results have been, and in the future are likely to be, affected by the timing of new store openings and sales of franchises. Because of the seasonality of our business and the impact of new store openings and sales of franchises, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved in other quarters or for a full fiscal year.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that material information relating to us is made known to the officers who certify as to our financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board of Directors. These disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of November 30, 2021.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended November 30, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
| PART II. | OTHER INFORMATION |
| Item 1. | Legal Proceedings |
The Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business from time to time. Management believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
| Item 1A. | Risk Factors |
In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part 1, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A filed on June 28, 2021. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A.
| Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds |
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
| Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities |
None.
| Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures |
Not Applicable.
| Item 5. | Other Information |
None.
| 3.3 |
||
| 10.1* | Revolving Line of Credit Note, dated October 13, 2021, between Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. | |
| 10.2 | Letter Agreement, dated November 8, 2021, between Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. and Bryan J. Merryman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2021). | |
| 31.1* | Certification Filed Pursuant to Section 302 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
| 32.1** | Certification Furnished Pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
| 101.INS | * Inline XBRL Instance Document (the Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because it’s XBRL (1)) | |
| 101.SCH | * Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (1) | |
| 101.CAL | * Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (1) | |
| 101.DEF | * Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (1) | |
| 101.LAB | * Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (1) | |
| 101.PRE | * Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (1) | |
| 104 | * Cover page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and combined in Exhibit 101.1) |
| (1) |
These interactive data files shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1937, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability under those sections. |
| * Filed herewith | ||
| ** Furnished herewith |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC.
(Registrant)
| Date: January 13, 2022 |
/s/ Bryan J. Merryman |
|
| Bryan J. Merryman, Interim Chief Executive Officer, | ||
| Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |