(Mark One)
For the quarterly period ended November 27, 2008
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission File Number1-12604
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (414) 905-1000
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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING AT JANUARY 2, 2009 – 20,841,655 CLASS B COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING AT JANUARY 2, 2009 – 8,885,126
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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Accounting Policies – Refer to the Company’s audited financial statements (including footnotes) for the fiscal year ended May 29, 2008, contained in the Company’s Form 10-K Annual Report for such year, for a description of the Company’s accounting policies.
Basis of Presentation – The consolidated financial statements for the 13 and 26 weeks ended November 27, 2008 and November 29, 2007 have been prepared by the Company without audit. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the unaudited interim financial information at November 27, 2008, and for all periods presented, have been made. The results of operations during the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the entire year or other interim periods.
Comprehensive Income – Total comprehensive income for the 13 and 26 weeks ended November 27, 2008 was $998,000 and $13,252,000, respectively. Total comprehensive income for the 13 and 26 weeks ended November 29, 2007 was $2,727,000 and $14,371,000, respectively.
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consists of the following, all presented net of tax:
Earnings Per Share – Net earnings per share (EPS) of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock is computed in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128, Earnings per Share (SFAS No. 128) using the two-class method. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 128, basic net earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding less any non-vested stock. Diluted net earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, adjusted for the effect of dilutive stock options and non-vested stock using the treasury method. Convertible Class B Common Stock is reflected on an if-converted basis. The computation of the diluted net earnings per share of Common Stock assumes the conversion of Class B Common Stock, while the diluted net earnings per share of Class B Common Stock does not assume the conversion of those shares.
Holders of Common Stock are entitled to cash dividends per share equal to 110% of all dividends declared and paid on each share of Class B Common Stock. As such, and in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force 03-06,Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128(EITF 03-06), the undistributed earnings for each period are allocated based on the proportionate share of entitled cash dividends. The computation of diluted net earnings per share of Common Stock assumes the conversion of Class B Common Stock and, as such, the undistributed earnings are equal to net earnings for that computation.
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The following table illustrates the computation of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock basic and diluted earnings per share for net earnings and provides a reconciliation of the number of weighted-average basic and diluted shares outstanding:
Investments – Available for sale securities are stated at fair market value, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of shareholders’ equity. The cost of securities sold is based upon the specific identification method. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary are included in investment income (loss). The Company evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment on a periodic basis and principally considers the type of security, the severity of the decline in fair value and the duration of the decline in fair value in determining whether a security’s decline in fair value is other-than-temporary. During the 13 weeks ended November 27, 2008, the Company recognized a $1,424,000 other-than-temporary investment loss on securities whose market value was substantially below cost.
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Defined Benefit Plan – The components of the net periodic pension cost of the Company’s unfunded nonqualified, defined-benefit plan are as follows:
The Company utilizes derivatives principally to manage market risks and reduce its exposure resulting from fluctuations in interest rates. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions.
The Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement on February 1, 2008 covering $25,170,000 of floating rate debt, which expires February 1, 2011, and requires the Company to pay interest at a defined rate of 3.24% while receiving interest at a defined variable rate of one-month LIBOR (1.90% at November 27, 2008). Per SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” the Company must recognize derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and on the type of hedging relationship. Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting must be adjusted to fair value through earnings. The Company’s interest rate swap agreement is considered effective and qualifies as a cash flow hedge. For derivatives that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive loss and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. For the 13 and 26 weeks ended November 27, 2008, the interest rate swap was considered effective and had no effect on earnings. The decrease in fair value of the interest rate swap of $701,000 ($428,000 net of tax) and $860,000 ($522,000 net of tax), is included in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the 13 and 26 weeks ended November 27, 2008, respectively. The Company does not expect the interest rate swap to have any effect on earnings within the next 12 months.
On February 29, 2008, the Company also entered into an interest rate swap agreement covering $25,000,000 of floating rate debt, which required the Company to pay interest at a defined rate of 3.49% while receiving interest at a defined variable rate of three-month LIBOR. The interest rate swap agreement was considered effective and qualified as a cash flow hedge. On March 19, 2008, the Company terminated the swap, at which time cash flow hedge accounting ceased. The fair value of the swap on the date of termination was a liability of $567,000 ($338,000 net of tax). For the 13 and 26 weeks ended November 27, 2008, the Company reclassified $28,000 ($17,000 net of tax) and $66,000 ($39,000 net of tax), respectively, from other comprehensive loss to interest expense. The remaining loss at November 27, 2008 in other comprehensive loss will be reclassified into earnings as interest expense through April 15, 2013, the remaining life of the original hedge. The Company expects to reclassify approximately $113,000 ($68,000 net of tax) of loss into earnings within the next 12 months.
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The Company adopted SFAS No. 157,Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157), on May 30, 2008 as it relates to financial assets and liabilities and the impact of this adoption was not material to the Company’s financial statements. SFAS No. 157 will be effective for the Company’s nonfinancial assets and liabilities on May 29, 2009, the first day of the Company’s next fiscal year. SFAS No. 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, defines fair value based upon an exit price model, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands the applicable disclosure requirements. SFAS No. 157 indicates, among other things, that a fair value measurement assumes that a transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.
SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy for the pricing inputs used to measure fair value. The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified in one of the following categories:
The Company’s effective income tax rate for the 26 weeks ended November 27, 2008 and November 29, 2007 was 39.2% and 40.6%, respectively. The decrease in the effective rate is primarily due to the decrease in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits resulting from a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations.
The Company has approximately five years remaining on a ten and one half-year office lease. On July 7, 2005, the lease was amended in order to exit leased office space for the Company’s former limited-service lodging division. To induce the landlord to amend the lease, the Company guaranteed the lease obligations of the new tenant of the relinquished space throughout the remaining term of the lease. The maximum amount of future payments the Company could be required to pay if the new tenant defaults on its lease obligations was approximately $2,304,000 as of November 27, 2008.
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The Company’s primary operations are reported in the following business segments: Theatres and Hotels/Resorts. Corporate items include amounts not allocable to the business segments. Corporate revenues consist principally of rent and the corporate operating loss includes general corporate expenses. Corporate information technology costs and accounting shared services costs are allocated to the business segments based upon several factors, including actual usage and segment revenues.
Following is a summary of business segment information for the 13 and 26 weeks ended November 27, 2008 and November 29, 2007 (in thousands):
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Certain matters discussed in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition are “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may generally be identified as such because the context of such statements include words such as we “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect” or words of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our future plans, objectives or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which may cause results to differ materially from those expected, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) the availability, in terms of both quantity and audience appeal, of motion pictures for our theatre division, as well as other industry dynamics such as the maintenance of a suitable window between the date such motion pictures are released in theatres and the date they are released to other distribution channels; (2) the effects of increasing depreciation expenses, reduced operating profits during major property renovations, and preopening and start-up costs due to the capital intensive nature of our businesses; (3) the effects of adverse economic conditions in our markets, particularly with respect to our hotels and resorts division; (4) the effects of adverse weather conditions, particularly during the winter in the Midwest and in our other markets; (5) the effects on our occupancy and room rates from the relative industry supply of available rooms at comparable lodging facilities in our markets; (6) the effects of competitive conditions in our markets; (7) our ability to identify properties to acquire, develop and/or manage and continuing availability of funds for such development; and (8) the adverse impact on business and consumer spending on travel, leisure and entertainment resulting from terrorist attacks in the United States, the United States’ responses thereto and subsequent hostilities. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made herein are made only as of the date of this Form 10-Q and we undertake no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
We report our consolidated and individual segment results of operations on a 52-or-53-week fiscal year ending on the last Thursday in May. Fiscal 2009 is a 52-week year, as was fiscal 2008. We divide our fiscal year into three 13-week quarters and a final quarter consisting of 13 or 14 weeks. Our primary operations are reported in the following two business segments: movie theatres and hotels and resorts.
The following table sets forth revenues, operating income, other income (expense), net earnings and earnings per common share for the comparable second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 and 2008 (in millions, except for per share and variance percentage data):
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Revenues increased in our theatre division during the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 compared to the same periods last year, offsetting decreases in revenues from our hotels and resorts division. Our total operating income (earnings before other income/expense and income taxes) decreased slightly during the second quarter and was essentially even through the first half of fiscal 2009 compared to the same periods last year due to reduced operating results from our hotels and resorts division, offsetting significantly improved operating results from our theatre division. The theatre division operating results during both periods in fiscal 2009 were favorably impacted by new screens acquired during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 and an overall stronger slate of film product. Our hotels and resorts division reported decreased fiscal 2009 second quarter and first half revenues and operating income compared to the same periods last year due primarily to the impact of reduced occupancy rates resulting from reduced business and consumer spending on travel and leisure due to the current economic environment. Significant unusual investment losses and losses on property, equipment and other assets during the fiscal 2009 second quarter resulted in an overall decrease in our fiscal 2009 second quarter and first half net earnings compared to the same periods last year.
We recognized investment losses of $2.0 million and $1.7 million during the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, respectively, compared to approximately $340,000 and $700,000 of investment income during the same periods last year. The significant decrease in investment income during the fiscal 2009 periods was primarily the result of two unusual investment losses reported during our second quarter. We recognized a $1.4 million pre-tax investment loss on securities held whose decline in fair value we deemed to be other than temporary. Prior to the fiscal 2009 second quarter, losses on these “available for sale” investments had previously been included in “other comprehensive loss” in shareholders’ equity. In addition, we reported an $800,000 pre-tax investment loss during the fiscal 2009 second quarter related to loans to and investments in a former Baymont Inns & Suites joint venture that currently owns real estate that has declined in value because of current commercial real estate market conditions. We have a very limited amount of these types of investments and our exposure to additional losses related to securities and joint ventures is not significant. For the remainder of fiscal 2009, our investment income will likely remain slightly lower than last year’s comparative quarters due to expected reduced interest income from our declining balance of timeshare notes receivable.
Our interest expense totaled $3.6 million and $7.4 million for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, respectively, compared to $3.8 million and $7.9 million during the same periods last year. The decrease in interest expense during our fiscal 2009 periods was the result of a lower average interest rate, as our total borrowings in fiscal 2009 were actually higher than last year due to our recent theatre acquisition. Our borrowing levels typically increase later in our fiscal year as our operating cash flows decline during our slower operating months. That may result in a slight increase in our interest expense during subsequent quarters of fiscal 2009 compared to the first two quarters of this year, depending upon our capital expenditure levels during this same time period.
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We reported losses on disposition of property, equipment and other assets of $1.1 million and $1.2 million during the fiscal 2009 second quarter and first half, respectively, compared to losses of $163,000 and $107,000 during the same periods last year. During our fiscal 2009 second quarter, we reported a loss of approximately $1.1 million related to an adjustment of prior pro-rated gains recorded on the sale of condominium units at our Platinum Hotel & Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada. With approximately 94% of the units sold, prior gains were recorded on a “percentage of completion” method based upon estimated total proceeds once all 255 units were sold. As a result of the current economic environment and its impact on Las Vegas real estate values, we have lowered our estimated total proceeds which we expect to receive when the remaining 16 units are sold. Our pro-rated gain on sale of the previous units was reduced accordingly. We did not recognize any other significant gains or losses on the disposition of property, equipment and other assets during the second quarters and first halves of fiscal 2009 or 2008. The timing of periodic sales of our property and equipment may vary from quarter to quarter, resulting in variations in our reported gains or losses on disposition of property and equipment.
We reported net equity losses from unconsolidated joint ventures of $15,000 and $99,000 during the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, respectively, compared to losses of $69,000 and $138,000 during the same periods of fiscal 2008. Net losses during both years included our share of results from our one remaining operating Baymont 50% joint venture and two hotel joint ventures in which we have a 15% ownership interest. We currently do not expect significant variations in net equity gains or losses from unconsolidated joint ventures during the remaining quarters of fiscal 2009 compared to the same periods last year.
We reported income tax expense for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 of $670,000 and $8.6 million, respectively, compared to $2.0 million and $10.0 million during the same periods of fiscal 2008. Our fiscal 2009 second quarter and first half effective income tax rates were 42.8% and 39.2%, respectively, compared to our fiscal 2008 second quarter and first half effective rate of 40.4% and 40.6%, respectively. The decrease in our year-to-date effective tax rate was primarily due to a decrease in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations during the fiscal 2009 first quarter. We currently expect our effective tax rate for the remaining quarters of fiscal 2009 to be closer to 40%. Our actual fiscal 2009 effective income tax rate may be different from our estimated quarterly rates depending upon actual facts and circumstances.
The following table sets forth revenues, operating income and operating margin for our theatre division for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 and 2008 (in millions, except for variance percentage and operating margin):
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Consistent with the seasonal nature of the motion picture exhibition industry, the second quarter of our fiscal year is typically the slowest period for our theatre division. Our theatre division recognized increased operating results for our fiscal 2009 second quarter and first half compared to last year’s same periods, primarily due to the incremental results from the seven theatres comprised of 83 screens in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska acquired from Douglas Theatre Company (“Douglas”) and related parties during our fiscal 2008 fourth quarter and a strong fiscal 2009 second quarter film slate. Our operating margin during the second quarter of fiscal 2009 increased due to the impact of increased revenues at our comparable theatres and decreased slightly during the fiscal 2009 first half compared to the prior year due to higher fixed costs related to the new theatres.
The following table breaks down the components of revenues for the theatre division for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 and 2008 (in millions, except for variance percentage):
The increase in our box office receipts and concession revenues for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 compared to the same periods last year was primarily due to the impact of the Douglas theatres acquired during our fiscal 2008 fourth quarter and strong second quarter film product. Excluding the Douglas theatres, box office receipts and concession revenues increased 8.6% and 9.2%, respectively. For the first half of fiscal 2009, excluding the Douglas theatres, box office receipts increased 1.8% and concession revenues increased 2.4% compared to the first half of fiscal 2008. A 5.1% and 4.5% increase in our average ticket price for these comparable theatres during the fiscal 2009 second quarter and first half, respectively, compared to the same periods last year, contributed to our increased overall box office receipts. The increases in our average ticket price were attributable primarily to selected price increases and premium pricing for our digital 3D and UltraScreen® attractions. Our average concession revenues per person for the fiscal 2009 second quarter and first half increased 5.8% and 4.9%, respectively, compared to the same periods last year, due primarily to selected price increases and an increase in the variety of food and beverage items offered at selected theatres. Other revenues increased during our fiscal 2009 second quarter and first half due in part to increases in pre-show and lobby advertising income and film booking fees.
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Total theatre attendance increased 20.6% and 14.4%, respectively, during the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 compared to the same periods last year. Excluding the Douglas theatres, theatre attendance increased 3.3% during the second quarter and decreased 2.4% for the first half of fiscal 2009 compared to last year’s same periods. Our second quarter and first half attendance was negatively impacted by the lack of the traditionally strong Thanksgiving Day weekend this year, which will be included in our third quarter during fiscal 2009. Movie theatres have historically performed well during difficult economic conditions, as evidenced by the fact that national theatre attendance increased during five of the last seven recessions. A strong slate of films compared to the prior year, particularly during October and November, contributed to this division’s strong performance during the fiscal 2009 second quarter. Virtually all of the fiscal 2009 first half decline in comparable attendance occurred during our first quarter, when the August film slate this year did not perform as well as last year’s August films and television viewership of the Olympics and the Democratic National Convention in August 2009 also negatively impacted our results. Our highest grossing films during the fiscal 2009 second quarter included Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, Quantum of Solace, High School Musical 3: Senior Year, Eagle Eye and Twilight.
The inclusion of the Thanksgiving weekend during the fiscal 2009 third quarter will favorably impact our comparisons to last year’s operating results from comparable theatres during the upcoming quarter. Conversely, adverse December weather conditions in our Midwestern markets likely had some negative impact on attendance. Nonetheless, in addition to strong November holdovers, several new films performed quite well during the holiday season, including Four Christmases, Yes Man, Seven Pounds, Bedtime Stories, Marley & Me, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Valkyrie. Films scheduled to be released during the remainder of our fiscal 2009 third quarter that may also generate box office interest include Bride Wars, Revolutionary Road, My Bloody Valentine 3D, He’s Just Not That Into You, Pink Panther 2 and Friday the 13th. Revenues for the theatre business and the motion picture industry in general are heavily dependent on the general audience appeal of available films, together with studio marketing, advertising and support campaigns and the maintenance of the current “windows” between the date a film is released in theatres and the date a motion picture is released to other channels, including video on-demand and DVD. These are factors over which we have no control.
During the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, we continued to execute on several previously described strategies. Our 14 digital 3D screens, installed during our fiscal 2009 first quarter, benefitted during the second quarter from the latest 3D release, Disney’s Bolt, with the 3D presentations of this film outperforming the corresponding 2D versions of the same film. More than a dozen 3D films are currently scheduled for release during calendar 2009. A broader roll-out of digital cinema in our theatres, originally thought likely to begin in calendar 2009, remains tied to the ability of third-party implementers to obtain the necessary financing, which could be difficult in the current credit market. In addition, 23 of our theatres are currently equipped to present alternate programming such as concerts and sporting events through our affiliation with a national digital broadcast network, which included a new and expanded season ofThe Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD. Our successful ice cream and coffee brands, which were initially rolled out at our flagship Majestic Cinema, were introduced into our theatre in Sturtevant (Racine), Wisconsin during our fiscal 2009 first quarter. Late in our second quarter, we opened a new food court concept named the “Hollywood Café” with pizza, ice cream, coffee and additional menu items at our theatre in Oakdale, Minnesota. We also recently began construction on a Zaffiro’s pizza restaurant that will be connected to an existing theatre in Mequon, Wisconsin.
We ended the first half of fiscal 2009 with a total of 673 company-owned screens in 55 theatres and 6 managed screens in one theatre compared to 588 company-owned screens in 48 theatres and 6 managed screens in one theatre at the end of the same period last year. We opened a new UltraScreen addition to our 14-screen theatre in Orland Park, Illinois at the end of our fiscal 2009 second quarter and we recently began construction on our circuit’s 13th UltraScreen at our Mequon, Wisconsin theatre, with hopes to open this screen by May 2009.
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The following table sets forth revenues, operating income and operating margin for our hotels and resorts division for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 and 2008 (in millions, except for variance percentage and operating margin):
Division revenues and operating income decreased during our fiscal 2009 second quarter and first half compared to the prior year same periods. A rapidly deteriorating economic environment, which primarily impacted our properties that rely most heavily on group business during our fiscal 2009 first quarter, began to negatively impact our corporate transient and leisure customer segments during our second quarter. Food and beverage revenues at our hotels declined at a slightly higher pace than room revenues during the fiscal 2009 second quarter compared to the same period last year as customers also reduced the amount they spent during their stay.
The following table sets forth certain operating statistics for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 and 2008, including our average occupancy percentage (number of occupied rooms as a percentage of available rooms), our average daily room rate, or ADR, and our total revenue per available room, or RevPAR, for company-owned properties:
RevPAR increased at three of our eight company-owned properties during the second quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to the same period last year. Five of our company-owned properties recognized increased RevPAR during the first half of fiscal 2009 compared to the first half of fiscal 2008, with our newest hotels reporting the largest increases. Declines in occupancy at our remaining properties resulted in an overall decrease in RevPAR for the fiscal 2009 second quarter and first half compared to the same periods last year. Our overall ADR increased slightly during the reported periods, but in general the increases were modest, as the current economic environment limited our ability to raise rates.
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Hotel and resort division operating income and operating margins declined during the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 compared to the same periods last year due to the aforementioned reduced revenues. Improved operating results from our newest hotels and a favorable comparison to last year at our Chicago Four Points hotel due to a real estate tax adjustment during the fiscal 2008 second quarter partially offset the declines in operating income at the hotels most impacted by the economic downturn.
The current near-term outlook for the future performance of this division continues to be very uncertain, as we continue to face significant economic headwinds. Historically, hotel revenues have generally tracked very closely with traditional macroeconomic statistics such as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and the current outlook for calendar 2009 does not look encouraging. Our group business booking pace continues to lag behind last year’s pace, and our ongoing group business is often resulting in less overall revenues than in the past as group sizes shrink and on-site ancillary spending decreases. The corporate transient and leisure customer segments worsened significantly during the fiscal 2009 second quarter. Because the lead time for reservations from these customers is relatively short (often only one to two weeks), our ability to project future occupancies from these customers is very limited. On a positive note, we believe that we benefit from the location of our properties, which tend to be in slightly less volatile markets, so our overall RevPAR declines have generally been slightly less than others in our industry segment. We will continue to monitor the situation and continue to adjust our sales focus and operating costs as needed. Barring a faster economic improvement than is currently forecast, we expect this division to report reduced comparative year-over-year operating results during the remaining quarters of fiscal 2009.
We have been providing technical development and preopening services to the owners of three previously described hotel projects currently under development. We continue to expect one of these properties, the Venturella Resort & Spa in Orlando, Florida, to open later in fiscal 2009 after completion of a significant renovation. We will manage this hotel upon its scheduled opening. We continue to pursue several new growth opportunities as well, with a focus on expanding our hotel management business. A number of the projects that we are currently exploring may also include small equity investments. Currently, the largest hindrance to new growth in the hotel industry is the lack of available financing. A potentially positive aspect of this circumstance is the likelihood that supply growth may decline in the near term, which can have a favorable impact on owners of existing hotels like us. Credit difficulties for struggling existing hotels may also create acquisition opportunities for well-capitalized companies like ours at some point in the future as well.
Our movie theatre and hotels and resorts businesses each generate significant and consistent daily amounts of cash, subject to previously noted seasonality, because each segment’s revenue is derived predominantly from consumer cash purchases. We believe that these relatively consistent and predictable cash sources, as well as the availability of approximately $114 million of unused credit lines as of the end of our fiscal 2009 second quarter, should be adequate to support the ongoing operational liquidity needs of our businesses during the remainder of fiscal 2009.
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Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $6.6 million during the first half of fiscal 2009 to $35.6 million, compared to $29.0 million during the prior year’s first half. The increase was due primarily to favorable timing in the collection of accounts and notes receivable and the payment of accounts payable.
Net cash used in investing activities during the fiscal 2009 first half totaled $15.0 million, compared to $6.3 million during the fiscal 2008 first half. The increase in net cash used in investing activities was primarily the result of a $4.6 million increase in capital expenditures and a decrease in cash received that was previously held by intermediaries.
Capital expenditures totaled $14.6 million during the first half of fiscal 2009 compared to $10.0 million during the prior year’s first half. Fiscal 2009 first half capital expenditures included approximately $10.8 million incurred in our theatre division, including costs associated with a land purchase in Omaha, Nebraska, the UltraScreen opened in Orland Park, Illinois, the digital 3D projectors purchased during the first quarter and the construction of the Hollywood Café at our theatre in Oakdale, Minnesota. Fiscal 2008 first half capital expenditures included approximately $7.1 million incurred in our hotels and resorts division, including costs associated with renovations at our Pfister Hotel.
Net cash used in financing activities during the first half of fiscal 2009 totaled $23.6 million compared to $24.0 million during the first half of fiscal 2008. Our principal payments on notes payable and long-term debt totaled approximately $23.0 million during the first half of fiscal 2009 compared to approximately $29.4 million during the same period last year. Excess cash during the period was used to reduce our commercial paper borrowings. As a result, new debt of only $4.0 million was required during our fiscal 2009 first half compared to new debt of $18.0 million related to commercial paper borrowings added during the first half of fiscal 2008. Our debt-capitalization ratio was 0.45 at November 27, 2008 compared to 0.47 at our fiscal 2008 year-end.
During our fiscal 2009 first half, we repurchased only approximately 11,000 of our common shares for approximately $191,000 in conjunction with the exercise of stock options, compared to 445,000 of common shares repurchased for approximately $8.4 million in conjunction with the exercise of stock options and open market purchases during the first half of fiscal 2008. As of November 27, 2008, approximately 2.3 million shares remained available under prior Board of Directors repurchase authorizations. Any additional repurchases are expected to be executed on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions depending upon a number of factors, including prevailing market conditions.
We previously indicated that we expected our fiscal 2009 capital expenditures, including potential purchases of interests in joint ventures (but excluding any potential acquisitions) to be in the $60-$80 million range. As the economic environment worsened during our second quarter, we began reviewing our plans with a goal of reducing our overall fiscal 2009 capital expenditures. We believe that maintaining a strong balance sheet should be a primary consideration during this difficult climate. As a result, we currently believe that our fiscal 2009 capital expenditures will now more likely be in the $30-$40 million range. The largest portion of this reduction in planned capital spending is the result of our revising the scope of our planned renovations at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa and Hilton Milwaukee City Center and breaking the projects into multiple phases that will carry over into the following fiscal year. The actual timing and extent of the implementation of our current expansion plans will depend in large part on industry and general economic conditions, our financial performance and available capital, the competitive environment, evolving customer needs and trends and the availability of attractive opportunities. It is likely that our plans will continue to evolve and change in response to these and other factors.
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We have not experienced any material changes in our market risk exposures since May 29, 2008.
On December 5, 2008, a class action complaint, captioned as Goodman v. Platinum Condominium Development, LLC, was filed in the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada for Clark County against Platinum Condominium Development, LLC (“Platinum LLC”), one of our subsidiaries. To date, Platinum LLC has not been served with a summons or a copy of the complaint. The complaint, filed by Adam Goodman, seeks an unspecified amount of damages and alleges violations of federal and Nevada law. The complaint alleges that Platinum LLC made various representations in connection with the sale of condominium units in the Platinum Hotel & Spa development in Las Vegas, Nevada. Platinum LLC denies any wrongdoing and plans to vigorously contest the complaint, if and when it is ever served.
We are unable to predict the scope or outcome of this matter or quantify its eventual impact, if any, on us. At this time, we are also unable to estimate expenses or possible losses associated with this matter, including whether some or all of such amounts may be covered by insurance.
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Risk factors relating to the Company are contained in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 29, 2008. No material change to such risk factors has occurred during the 26 weeks ended November 27, 2008.
Through November 27, 2008, our Board of Directors has approved the repurchase of up to 6.7 million shares of our outstanding Common Stock. Under these authorizations, we may repurchase shares of our Common Stock from time to time in the open market, pursuant to privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The repurchased shares are held in our treasury pending potential future issuance in connection with employee benefit, option or stock ownership plans or other general corporate purposes. These authorizations do not have an expiration date.
The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases made by us or on our behalf of our Common Stock during the periods indicated. All of these repurchases were made in the open market and pursuant to the publicly announced repurchase authorizations described above.
Our 2008 annual meeting of shareholders was held on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 (the “Annual Meeting”). At the Annual Meeting, the following matter was voted on in person or by proxy and approved by our shareholders:
As of the August 6, 2008 record date for the Annual Meeting, 20,819,975 shares of Common Stock and 8,885,126 shares of Class B Common Stock were outstanding and eligible to vote, with the Common Stock entitled to one vote per share and the Class B Common Stock entitled to ten votes per share. Following are the final votes on the matter presented for shareholder approval at the Annual Meeting:
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On January 6, 2009, Stephen H. Marcus (“Mr. S. Marcus”) retired from his position as our Chief Executive Officer, effective January 6, 2009. Mr. S. Marcus will retain his position as Chairman of our Board of Directors and will remain actively involved in the business, serving on the Investment Committee and working on the development of our strategic initiatives.
On January 6, 2009, Gregory S. Marcus (“Mr. G. Marcus”) was elected our Chief Executive Officer to succeed Mr. S. Marcus, effective January 6, 2009. Mr. G. Marcus will retain his position as our President, which he has held since January 2008. Mr. G. Marcus joined the Company in 1992 as Director of Property Management/Corporate Development, where he spent several years acquiring real estate for our operating businesses. He then spent three years in operations, ultimately running our former limited-service lodging business, Baymont Inns & Suites. Mr. G. Marcus was promoted to Senior Vice President – Corporate Development in 1999 and became an executive officer of the Company in July 2005. He was elected to our Board of Directors in October 2005.
In connection with his retirement from his position as our Chief Executive Officer and his new employment relationship with us, Mr. S. Marcus’ compensation arrangement was revised. His annual base salary was decreased to $350,000 and his annual target incentive bonus percentage was decreased to 30% of his base salary, on a pro rated basis. Previously for fiscal 2009, Mr. S. Marcus’ base salary was $625,000 and his target incentive bonus percentage was 95% of his base salary. Likewise, in connection with his appointment as our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. G. Marcus’ compensation arrangement was revised. His annual base salary was increased to $500,000 and his annual target incentive bonus percentage was increased to 80% of his base salary, on a pro rated basis. Previously for fiscal 2009, Mr. G. Marcus’ base salary was $450,000 and his target incentive bonus percentage was 50% of his base salary. Both of the new compensation arrangements are effective as of January 6, 2009.
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Amendment and Restatement of The Marcus Corporation Retirement Income and Supplemental Retirement Plan
On December 19, 2008, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors approved amendments to The Marcus Corporation Retirement Income and Supplemental Retirement Plan (the “Plan”). On January 6, 2009, our Board of Directors ratified the Compensation Committee’s approval of the amendments to the Plan, which were effective as of December 31, 2008. The amendments provide that the retirement benefits to which Mr. S. Marcus is entitled upon his separation from service with the Company will commence effective January 1, 2009 (or as soon as practicable thereafter) and will be calculated as if Mr. S. Marcus terminated his employment with the Company on December 31, 2008. The Plan, as amended and restated, is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.
(b) On January 6, 2009, our Board of Directors adopted amendments to Sections 2.02 and 2.14 of our By-Laws. The amendments clarify that the exclusive means by which a shareholder may make nominations or submit other business (other than matters brought under Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) before an annual or special meeting of shareholders is pursuant to the procedures set forth in our By-Laws. The amendments also include additional disclosure requirements for proposing shareholders, including disclosure of the proponent’s ownership interest in the Company, any derivative instruments owned by the proponent, any short positions or other such arrangements involving the proponent, and the proponent’s financial relationship with his or her director nominee. The text of the amendments is filed as herewith as Exhibit 3.1 and the full text of the By-Laws, as amended, is filed herewith as Exhibit 3.2.
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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.
THE MARCUS CORPORATION
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