UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended February 28, 2025
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission File Number: 001-39012
KURA SUSHI USA, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware
26-3808434
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. EmployerIdentification No.)
17461 Derian Avenue, Suite 200
Irvine, California
92614
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (657) 333-4100
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share
KRUS
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See 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
Non-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 provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of April 1, 2025, the registrant had 11,085,419 shares of Class A common stock, $0.001 par value per share, outstanding and 1,000,050 shares of Class B common stock, $0.001 par value per share, outstanding.
Table of Contents
Page
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Condensed Balance Sheets
Condensed Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
2
Condensed Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
3
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
4
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
5
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
13
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
23
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
24
Legal Proceedings
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5.
Other Information
Item 6.
Exhibits
26
Signatures
27
i
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
Kura Sushi USA, Inc.
(amounts in thousands, except par value)
(Unaudited)
February 28, 2025
August 31, 2024
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
85,171
50,986
Accounts and other receivables
3,704
4,573
Inventories
2,354
2,219
Due from affiliate
14
166
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
3,450
3,391
Total current assets
94,693
61,335
Non-current assets:
Property and equipment – net
154,077
138,589
Operating lease right-of-use assets
140,800
123,682
Long-term investments
15,106
—
Deposits and other assets
5,696
4,916
Total assets
410,372
328,522
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
7,190
8,977
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
5,226
4,261
Salaries and wages payable
8,022
8,310
Operating lease liabilities – current
12,569
10,674
Due to affiliate
816
373
Sales tax payable
1,642
1,904
Total current liabilities
35,465
34,499
Non-current liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities – non-current
148,832
130,677
Other liabilities
1,030
808
Total liabilities
185,327
165,984
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 1,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding
Class A common stock, $0.001 par value; 50,000 shares authorized, 11,085 and 10,253 shares issued and outstanding as of February 28, 2025and August 31, 2024, respectively
11
10
Class B common stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000 shares authorized, 1,000 shares issued and outstanding as of February 28, 2025and August 31, 2024
Additional paid-in capital
262,763
195,515
Accumulated deficit
(37,730
)
(32,988
Total stockholders' equity
225,045
162,538
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
Sales
64,894
57,291
129,350
108,766
Restaurant operating costs:
Food and beverage costs
18,630
16,935
37,297
32,300
Labor and related costs
22,593
18,924
43,828
35,334
Occupancy and related expenses
5,099
3,953
9,853
7,861
Depreciation and amortization expenses
3,286
2,694
6,377
5,170
Other costs
8,780
8,200
18,121
15,644
Total restaurant operating costs
58,388
50,706
115,476
96,309
General and administrative expenses
10,985
8,168
19,718
16,777
110
107
219
211
Total operating expenses
69,483
58,981
135,413
113,297
Operating loss
(4,589
(1,690
(6,063
(4,531
Other expense (income):
Interest expense
12
20
Interest income
(859
(754
(1,424
(1,594
Loss before income taxes
(3,743
(948
(4,665
(2,957
Income tax expense
38
50
77
88
Net loss
(3,781
(998
(4,742
(3,045
Net loss per Class A and Class B shares
Basic
(0.31
(0.09
(0.40
(0.27
Diluted
Weighted average Class A and Class B shares outstanding
12,073
11,179
11,737
11,162
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain on short-term investments
30
33
Comprehensive loss
(968
(3,012
(amounts in thousands)
Common Stock
Additional
Total
Class A
Class B
Paid-in
Accumulated
Stockholders'
Shares
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Equity
Balances as of August 31, 2024
10,253
1,000
Stock-based compensation
1,152
Employee stock plan
493
Issuance of common stock in connection with follow-on public offering, net of underwriter discounts and issuance costs
800
64,354
64,355
(961
Balances as of November 30, 2024
11,064
261,514
(33,949
227,577
1,102
21
147
Balances as of February 28, 2025
11,085
Other Comprehensive
Income
Balances as of August 31, 2023
10,147
188,771
(24,184
43
164,641
1,034
8
(2,047
Other comprehensive income
Balances as of November 30, 2023
10,155
189,915
(26,231
46
163,741
1,080
71
1,427
Balances as of February 29, 2024
10,226
192,422
(27,229
76
165,280
Cash flows from operating activities
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization
6,596
5,381
Stock-based compensation, net of amounts capitalized
2,207
1,972
Bond premium amortization
155
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
1,020
(176
(135
(126
152
72
375
834
112
32
(829
(946
1,454
829
(288
(85
Operating lease liabilities and assets
2,915
1,704
(6
(12
(363
(216
Net cash provided by operating activities
8,623
6,218
Cash flows from investing activities
Payments for property and equipment
(23,109
(22,845
Payments for initial direct costs
(174
Purchases of liquor licenses
(891
(120
Purchases of investments
(25,261
(3,500
Maturities and redemptions of investments
10,000
5,999
Net cash used in investing activities
(39,396
(20,640
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of principal on finance leases
(36
(44
Taxes paid on vested restricted stock awards
(256
(368
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
896
1,905
Proceeds from the follow-on public offering, net of discounts and commissions
64,626
Payments of costs related to the follow-on offering
(272
Net cash provided by financing activities
64,958
1,493
Increase/ (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
34,185
(12,929
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
69,697
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
56,768
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid for income taxes
34
Noncash investing activities
Acquisition of finance leases
114
28
Amounts unpaid for purchases of property and equipment
1,899
2,394
Stock-based compensation capitalized to property and equipment, net
47
142
Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation
Kura Sushi USA, Inc. is a technology-enabled Japanese restaurant concept that provides guests with a distinctive dining experience by serving authentic Japanese cuisine through an engaging revolving sushi service model, which the Company refers to as the “Kura Experience.” Kura Sushi encourages healthy lifestyles by serving freshly prepared Japanese cuisine using high-quality ingredients that are free from artificial seasonings, sweeteners, colorings, and preservatives. Kura Sushi aims to make quality Japanese cuisine accessible to its guests across the United States through affordable prices and an inviting atmosphere. “Kura Sushi USA,” “Kura Sushi,” “Kura,” “our” and the “Company” refer to Kura Sushi USA, Inc. unless expressly indicated or the context otherwise requires.
Follow-On Offering
On November 13, 2024, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of common stock pursuant to the Company’s universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3, selling an aggregate of 800,328 shares of Class A common stock, including the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase 104,390 additional shares, at the price of $85.00 per share less an underwriting discount of $4.25 per share. The Company received aggregate net proceeds of $64.4 million after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company. The proceeds are to be used for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures, working capital, and other business purposes. No payments were made by the Company to directors, officers or persons owning 10% or more of the Company’s common stock or to their associates, or to the Company’s affiliates.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements (the “Condensed Financial Statements”) have been prepared by the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. As such, these Condensed Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and accompanying notes included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024.
The accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in Part II, Item 8, Note 2, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to fairly state the Condensed Financial Statements have been made. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2025 or for any other future annual or interim period.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Fiscal Year
The Company’s fiscal year begins on September 1 and ends on August 31, and references made to “fiscal year 2025” and “fiscal year 2024” refer to the Company’s fiscal years ending August 31, 2025 and ended August 31, 2024, respectively.
Use of Estimates
Preparing financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods presented.
Significant items subject to such estimates include asset retirement obligations, stock-based compensation, the useful lives of assets, the assessment of the recoverability of long-lived assets, and income taxes. The Company evaluates its estimates and
assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors and adjusts those estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates and assumptions.
Long-Term Investments
Long-term investments consist of long-term U.S. Government Agency debt securities. The Company considers all investments with an original maturity date greater than one year as long-term investments. The carrying value of the long-term investments is equivalent to their amortized cost basis. As of February 28, 2025 and August 31, 2024, long-term investments were $15.1 million and none, respectively. The Company classifies the long-term U.S. Government Agency debt securities as held-to-maturity. As of February 28, 2025, the Company’s holds a portfolio of held to maturity debt securities with an amortized cost basis of $15.1 million, a fair value of $15.0 million and gross unrealized holding losses of $0.1 million. Based on the evaluation of credit risk factors guaranteed by the U.S. government, the Company has concluded that an allowance for credit losses is unnecessary for its long-term investments.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2024-03, “Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses”, which requires public companies to disaggregate key expense categories such as inventory purchases, employee compensation and depreciation in their financial statements. In January 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-01 “Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income- Expense Disaggregation Disclosures- Clarifying the Effective Date”, which amends the effective date of ASU 2024-03 to clarify that all public business entities are required to adopt the guidance in annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt the guidance in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2028. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of this pronouncement on its financial statements and expects the update to result in additional disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures”, which requires greater disaggregation of income tax disclosures related to the income tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid and effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis although retrospective application is permitted. The Company expects to adopt the guidance in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2026. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of this pronouncement on its financial statements and expects the update to result in additional disclosures.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures,” which improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The guidance in this update is effective for all public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company expects to adopt the guidance in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2025. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of this pronouncement on its financial statements and expects the update to result in additional disclosures.
Note 2. Balance Sheet Components
Accounts and Other Receivables
Lease receivables
1,853
1,701
Credit card and other receivables
1,851
2,872
Total accounts and other receivables
6
Property and Equipment - net
Leasehold improvements
117,611
100,345
Lease assets
6,135
6,108
Furniture and fixtures
60,911
50,951
Computer equipment
4,286
3,714
Vehicles
273
243
Software
1,017
Construction in progress
9,211
15,080
Property and equipment – gross
199,444
177,458
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
(45,367
(38,869
Total property and equipment – net
Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment was $3.4 million and $2.8 million for the three months ended February 28, 2025 and February 29, 2024, respectively, and was $6.6 million and $5.4 million for the six months ended February 28, 2025 and February 29, 2024, respectively.
Note 3. Leases
The Company has operating and finance leases for its corporate offices, restaurant locations, office equipment, kitchen equipment and automobiles. The Company’s finance leases are not material. The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of less than 1 year to 30 years, some of which include options to extend the leases.
Lease related costs recognized in the condensed statements of operations and comprehensive loss are as follows:
Operating lease cost
Classification
Occupancy and related expenses, other costs and general and administrative expenses
4,031
3,237
7,835
6,298
Variable lease cost
Occupancy and related expenses, and general and administrative expenses
724
2,021
1,575
Total operating lease cost
5,061
3,961
9,856
7,873
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information related to leases are as follows:
Operating cash flows paid for operating lease liabilities
6,581
4,954
Operating right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
19,496
11,893
As of February 28, 2025, the Company had an additional $25.0 million of operating lease liabilities related to restaurants for which the Company had not yet taken possession. Subsequent to February 28, 2025, the Company entered into additional operating leases related to restaurants for which the Company has not yet taken possession. The lease liabilities associated with these leases are $22.6 million and expected to commence in fiscal year 2025 and 2026 with lease terms of up to 20 years.
7
Note 4. Related Party Transactions
Kura Sushi, Inc. (“Kura Japan”) is the majority stockholder of the Company and is incorporated and headquartered in Japan. In August 2019, the Company entered into a Shared Services Agreement with Kura Japan, pursuant to which Kura Japan provides the Company with certain strategic, operational and other support services, including assigning certain employees to work for the Company as expatriates to provide support to the Company’s operations, sending its employees to the Company on a short-term basis to provide support for the opening of new restaurants or renovation of existing restaurants, and providing the Company with certain supplies, parts and equipment for use in the Company’s restaurants. In addition, the Company has agreed to continue to provide Kura Japan with certain translational support services and market research. In exchange for such services, supplies, parts and equipment, the parties pay fees to each other as set forth under the Shared Services Agreement. A right of setoff is not required; however, from time to time, either party will net settle transactions as needed. Purchases of administrative supplies, expatriate salaries and travel and other administrative expenses payable to Kura Japan are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Purchases of equipment from Kura Japan are included in property and equipment in the accompanying balance sheets.
In August 2019, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Exclusive License Agreement (the “License Agreement”) with Kura Japan. Pursuant to the License Agreement, the Company pays Kura Japan a royalty fee of 0.5% of the Company’s net sales in exchange for an exclusive, royalty-bearing license for the use of certain of Kura Japan’s intellectual property rights, including, but not limited to, Kura Japan’s trademarks for “Kura Sushi,” “Mr. Fresh” and “Kura Revolving Sushi Bar,” and patents for a food management system and the Mr. Fresh protective dome, among other intellectual property rights necessary to continue operation of the Company’s restaurants. Royalty payments to Kura Japan are included in other costs at the restaurant level in the accompanying condensed statements of operations and comprehensive income loss.
On April 10, 2020, the Company and Kura Japan entered into a Revolving Credit Agreement, as amended, to provide the Company a revolving credit line of $45.0 million (as amended, the “Revolving Credit Agreement”). For additional information, see “Note 6. Debt.”
Balances with Kura Japan are as follows:
Reimbursements and other payments by the Company to Kura Japan were as follows:
Related party transactions:
Expatriate salaries expense
48
56
91
Royalty payments
325
287
647
545
Travel and other administrative expenses
Purchases of equipment
1,148
797
2,412
1,437
Total related party transactions
1,501
1,132
3,158
2,078
Reimbursements by Kura Japan to the Company were $43 thousand and $65 thousand for the three months ended February 28, 2025 and February 29, 2024, respectively and were $230 thousand and $222 thousand for the six months ended February 28, 2025 and February 29, 2024, respectively. The reimbursements were primarily for travel, professional fees and other administrative expenses.
Note 5. Stock-based Compensation
The following table summarizes the stock option activity under the Company’s 2018 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended and restated (the “Stock Incentive Plan”):
Options Outstanding
Number of SharesUnderlyingOutstanding Options
Weighted AverageExercisePrice Per Share
Outstanding — August 31, 2024
610,514
41.11
Granted
2,195
77.53
Exercised
(11,006
44.84
Cancelled/forfeited
(5,919
56.32
Outstanding — November 30, 2024
595,784
41.03
38,457
80.61
(13,581
29.69
(6,177
73.93
Outstanding — February 28, 2025
614,483
43.42
The following table summarizes the restricted stock unit (“RSU”) activity under the Stock Incentive Plan:
Number of SharesUnderlyingOutstanding RSU
Weighted AverageGrant Date Fair Value
36,120
84.01
Vested
(873
81.89
35,247
84.06
33,021
80.00
(10,499
81.11
(1,616
88.44
56,153
82.10
During the three months ended February 28, 2025, the Company granted 8,724 performance restricted stock units (“PSUs”) with a three-year performance vesting period and a weighted average grant date fair value of $80.00.
The total stock-based compensation recognized under the Stock Incentive Plan in the condensed statements of operations and comprehensive loss is as follows:
Restaurant-level stock-based compensation included in labor and related costs
199
156
378
303
Corporate-level stock-based compensation included in general and administrative expenses
882
810
1,829
1,669
1,081
966
Amount capitalized to property and equipment - net
Total stock-based compensation
2,254
2,114
9
Note 6. Debt
On April 10, 2020, the Company and Kura Japan entered into a Revolving Credit Agreement, as amended, establishing a $45.0 million revolving credit line for the Company. The maturity date for each advance is 60 months from the date of disbursement and the last day of the period of availability for advances is April 10, 2025. The Revolving Credit Note under the Revolving Credit Agreement has an interest rate for advances (made on or after April 10, 2021) fixed at 130% of the Annual Compounding Long-Term Applicable Federal Rate (“AFR”) on the date such advance is made. There are no financial covenants under the Revolving Credit Agreement with which the Company must comply.
As of February 28, 2025 and August 31, 2024, the Company had no outstanding balance and $45.0 million of availability remaining under the Revolving Credit Agreement. For additional information, see “Note 4. Related Party Transactions.”
On April 4, 2025, the Company and Kura Japan entered into a Third Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Third Amendment”) to extend the last day of the period of availability for the advances under the credit line from April 10, 2025 to April 10, 2028. In connection with the Third Amendment, the Revolving Credit Note under the Revolving Credit Agreement was also amended by incorporating the same amendments as provided under the Third Amendment.
Note 7. Loss Per Share
The net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is allocated based on the contractual participation rights of the Class A common stock and Class B common stock as if the loss for the year had been distributed. As the liquidation and dividend rights for Class A and Class B common stock are identical, the net loss attributable to all common stockholders is allocated on a proportionate basis.
The following table sets forth the computation of the Company’s basic and diluted net loss per share:
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
(3,468
(313
(909
(89
(4,338
(404
(2,772
(273
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
11,073
10,179
10,737
10,162
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders – basic
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders – diluted
The Company computes basic loss per common share using net loss and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, and computes diluted loss per common share using net loss and the weighted average number of common shares and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common shares include dilutive outstanding employee stock options and restricted stock units.
For the three and six months ended February 28, 2025, there were 679 thousand shares of common stock subject to outstanding employee stock options, RSUs and PSUs that were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For the three and six months ended February 29, 2024 , there were 678 thousand shares of common stock subject to outstanding employee stock options and RSUs that were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies
On January 19, 2024, two former employees initiated arbitration against the Company. Subsequently, on February 26, 2024, three additional former employees initiated a separate arbitration against the Company. Both sets of claimants allege violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) and violations of certain Washington, D.C. wage laws. In both arbitrations, claimants purported to raise collective claims on behalf of other similarly situated employees and former employees. In August 2024, the Company settled the claims with these five former employees, as well as 58 other current and former employees asserting similar claims (some under the laws of Pennsylvania, Virginia and Massachusetts), for approximately $3.9 million. Since that time, other current and former employees have asserted claims under the FLSA and applicable state laws (including Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Massachusetts) through counsel. In October 2024, the Company agreed to settle those claims for approximately $1.2 million.
The Company expensed $5.1 million related to these matters within general and administrative expenses in the condensed statements of operations and comprehensive loss and paid $3.9 million during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024. The Company paid the remaining accrued liability of $1.2 million related to these matters in October 2024. In February 2025, the Company agreed to settle additional claims for approximately $2.1 million, which was paid in March 2025.
The Company is involved from time to time in various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business, including but not limited to commercial disputes, environmental matters, employee related claims, intellectual property disputes and litigation in connection with transactions, including acquisitions and divestitures.
In the opinion of management, the Company does not believe that such litigation, claims, and administrative proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, a significant increase in the number of these claims or an increase in amounts owing under successful claims, including the putative class action referenced above, could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Company records a liability when a loss is considered probable, and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
Note 9. Income Taxes
The Company recorded an income tax expense of $38 thousand and $50 thousand for the three months ended February 28, 2025 and February 29, 2024, respectively and income tax expense of $77 thousand and $88 thousand for the six months ended February 28, 2025 and February 29, 2024, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rates for the three and six months ended February 28, 2025 substantially differed from the federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to a valuation allowance for the Company’s deferred tax assets and permanent difference related to employer tip credit.
The Company continually monitors and performs an assessment of the realizability of its deferred tax assets, including an analysis of factors such as future taxable income, reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, and tax planning strategies. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considered both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of deferred tax assets using a “more likely than not” standard. In making such assessment, more weight was given to evidence that could be objectively verified, including recent cumulative losses. Based on the Company’s review of this evidence, management determined that a full valuation allowance against all of the Company’s net deferred tax assets at February 28, 2025 was appropriate.
Note 10. Fair Value Measurements
The following table sets forth the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of February 28, 2025.
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets:
U.S. Government Agency debt securities
15,011
Total assets at fair value
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits in banks, certificates of deposits and money market funds. Due to their short-term nature, the carrying amounts reported in the accompanying balance sheets approximate the fair value of cash and cash equivalents. The fair value of our U.S. Government Agency debt securities are considered using Level 2 inputs of the fair value hierarchy. Level 2 inputs are based on market data that include factors such as interest rates, market and pricing activity and other market-based valuation techniques.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our unaudited financial statements and the related notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and with the audited financial statements and the related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024 (the “Annual Report”).
In addition to historical information, the following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements, such as statements about our plans, objectives, expectations, and intentions, which are based on current expectations and that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions as set forth and described in the “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” sections of the Annual Report. You should review those sections in our Annual Report for a discussion of important factors, including the continuing development of our business and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
“Kura Sushi USA,” “Kura Sushi,” “Kura,” “we,” “us,” “our,” “our company” and the “Company” refer to Kura Sushi USA, Inc. unless expressly indicated or the context otherwise requires.
Overview
Kura Sushi USA is a technology-enabled Japanese restaurant concept that provides guests with a distinctive dining experience by serving authentic Japanese cuisine through an engaging revolving sushi service model, which we refer to as the “Kura Experience.” We encourage healthy lifestyles by serving freshly prepared Japanese cuisine using high-quality ingredients that are free from artificial seasonings, sweeteners, colorings, and preservatives. We aim to make quality Japanese cuisine accessible to our guests across the United States through affordable prices and an inviting atmosphere.
Business Trends
During the six months ended February 28, 2025, we opened nine restaurants and expanded our restaurant base to 73 restaurants in twenty states and Washington, DC. Subsequent to February 28, 2025, we opened two additional restaurants totaling 75 restaurants. We expect to open a total of 14 new restaurants in fiscal year 2025 and therefore, we expect our revenue and restaurant operating costs to increase in fiscal year 2025. We also expect our general and administrative expenses to increase on a dollar basis in fiscal 2025 to support the growth of the company.
We have evaluated and will continue to evaluate the impact of import laws and tariffs on our operations. As of February 28, 2025, there was no material impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, we expect tariffs may impact our operations in certain areas, such as food and beverage costs, construction and equipment costs and other restaurant operating costs, for the remainder of fiscal 2025.
Key Financial Definitions
Sales. Sales represent sales of food and beverages in restaurants. Restaurant sales in a given period are directly impacted by the number of restaurants we operate and comparable restaurant sales performance.
Food and beverage costs. Food and beverage costs are variable in nature, change with sales volume and are influenced by menu mix and subject to increases or decreases based on fluctuations in commodity costs. Other important factors causing fluctuations in food and beverage costs include seasonality and restaurant-level management of food waste. Food and beverage costs are a substantial expense and are expected to grow proportionally as our sales grow.
Labor and related expenses. Labor and related expenses include all restaurant-level management and hourly labor costs, including wages, employee benefits, stock-based compensation for restaurant-level employees and payroll taxes. Similar to the food and beverage costs that we incur, labor and related expenses are expected to grow proportionally as our sales grow. Factors that influence fluctuations in our labor and related expenses include minimum wage and payroll tax legislation, the frequency and severity of workers’ compensation claims, healthcare costs and the performance of our restaurants.
Occupancy and related expenses. Occupancy and related expenses include rent for all restaurant locations and related taxes.
Depreciation and amortization expenses. Depreciation and amortization expenses are periodic non-cash charges that consist of depreciation of fixed assets, including equipment and capitalized leasehold improvements. Depreciation is determined using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives, which range from three to 20 years.
Other costs. Other costs include credit card processing fees, repairs and maintenance, restaurant-level advertising and promotions, restaurant supplies, royalty payments to Kura Japan, utilities and other restaurant-level expenses.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses include expenses associated with corporate and regional supervision functions that support the operations of existing restaurants and development of new restaurants, including compensation and benefits, travel expenses, stock-based compensation for corporate-level employees, legal and professional fees, information systems, corporate office rent and other related corporate costs. General and administrative expenses are expected to grow as our unit base grows.
Interest expense. Interest expense includes cash and non-cash charges related to our line of credit and finance lease obligations.
Interest income. Interest income includes income earned on our money market funds and investments.
Income tax expense (benefit). Provision for income taxes represents federal, state and local current and deferred income tax expense (benefit).
Results of Operations
The following tables present selected comparative results of operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2025 and February 29, 2024. Our financial results for these periods are not necessarily indicative of the financial results that we will achieve in future periods. Certain totals for the tables below may not recalculate or sum to 100% due to rounding.
$ Change
% Change
(dollar amounts in thousands)
7,603
13.3
%
Restaurant operating costs
1,695
10.0
3,669
19.4
1,146
29.0
592
22.0
580
7.1
7,682
15.2
2,817
34.5
2.8
10,502
17.8
(2,899
(171.5
8.3
(105
13.9
(2,795
294.8
(24.0
(2,783
278.9
20,584
18.9
4,997
15.5
8,494
24.0
1,992
25.3
1,207
23.3
2,477
15.8
19,167
19.9
2,941
17.5
3.8
22,116
19.5
(1,532
(33.8
30.0
170
(10.7
(1,708
57.8
(11
(12.5
(1,697
55.7
15
(as a percentage of sales)
100.0
28.7
29.6
28.8
29.7
34.8
33.0
33.9
32.5
7.9
6.9
7.6
7.2
5.1
4.7
4.9
4.8
13.5
14.3
14.0
14.4
90.0
88.5
89.2
88.6
16.9
15.4
0.2
107.1
103.0
104.6
104.2
(7.1
(3.0
(4.6
(4.2
(1.3
(1.1
(1.5
(5.8
(1.7
(3.5
(2.7
0.1
(5.9
(1.8
(3.6
(2.8
Three Months Ended February 28, 2025 Compared to Three Months Ended February 29, 2024
Sales. Sales were $64.9 million for the three months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $57.3 million for the three months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $7.6 million, or 13.3%. The increase in sales was primarily driven by the sales resulting from fourteen new restaurants opened subsequent to February 29, 2024, as well as increases in menu prices during the same period. Comparable restaurant sales decreased 5.3% for the three months ended February 28, 2025, as compared to the three months ended February 29, 2024 primarily due to a reduction in traffic.
Food and beverage costs. Food and beverage costs were $18.6 million for the three months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $16.9 million for the three months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $1.7 million, or 10.0%. The increase in food and beverage costs was primarily driven by costs associated with sales from fourteen new restaurants opened subsequent to February 29, 2024. As a percentage of sales, food and beverage costs decreased to 28.7% in the three months ended February 28, 2025 as compared to 29.6% in the three months ended February 29, 2024, primarily due to increases in menu prices and supply chain initiatives, which was partially offset by food cost inflation.
Labor and related costs. Labor and related costs were $22.6 million for the three months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $18.9 million for the three months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $3.7 million, or 19.4%. This increase in labor and related costs was primarily driven by additional labor costs incurred from fourteen new restaurants opened subsequent to February 29, 2024. As a percentage of sales, labor and related costs increased to 34.8% in the three months ended February 28, 2025 as compared to 33.0% in the three months ended February 29, 2024. The increase in cost as a percentage of sales was primarily due to increases in wage rates subsequent to February 29, 2024.
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Occupancy and related expenses. Occupancy and related expenses were $5.1 million for the three months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $4.0 million for the three months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $1.1 million, or 29.0%. The increase was primarily a result of additional lease expense related to the opening of fourteen new restaurants subsequent to February 29, 2024. As a percentage of sales, occupancy and related expenses increased to 7.9% in the three months ended February 28, 2025 as compared to 6.9% in the three months ended February 29, 2024, primarily driven by sales deleverage.
Depreciation and amortization expenses. Depreciation and amortization expenses incurred as part of restaurant operating costs were $3.3 million for the three months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $2.7 million for the three months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $0.6 million, or 22.0%. The increase consists of depreciation of property and equipment related to the fourteen new restaurants that opened subsequent to February 29, 2024. As a percentage of sales, depreciation and amortization expenses at the restaurant level was 5.1% for the three months ended February 28, 2025 as compared to 4.7% in the three months ended February 29, 2024. Depreciation and amortization expenses incurred at the corporate level were $0.1 million for both the three months ended February 28, 2025 and February 29, 2024, and as a percentage of sales were both 0.2%, respectively.
Other costs. Other costs were $8.8 million for the three months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $8.2 million for the three months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $0.6 million, or 7.1%. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in costs related to the fourteen new restaurants that opened subsequent to February 29, 2024. As a percentage of sales, other costs decreased to 13.5% in the three months ended February 28, 2025 as compared to 14.3% in the three months ended February 29, 2024, primarily driven by lower marketing, recruiting and travel expenses.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses were $11.0 million for the three months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $8.2 million for the three months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $2.8 million, or 34.5%. This increase was primarily due to the litigation settlement of $2.1 million, compensation-related costs of $0.5 million and $0.2 million in other net increases. As a percentage of sales, general and administrative expenses increased to 16.9% in the three months ended February 28, 2025 as compared to 14.3% in the three months ended February 29, 2024, primarily due to the $2.1 million litigation settlement expense, partially offset with sales leverage.
Interest expense. Interest expense was $13 thousand for the three months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $12 thousand for the three months ended February 29, 2024, respectively.
Interest income. Interest income was $859 thousand for the three months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $754 thousand for the three months ended February 29, 2024. The increase was primarily driven by investing incremental cash from our follow-on offering completed in November 2024 into money market funds and long-term investments, partially offset by lower interest rates.
Income tax expense. Income tax expense was $38 thousand for the three months ended February 28, 2025 compared to an income tax expense of $50 thousand for the three months ended February 29, 2024. For further discussion of our income taxes, see “Note 9. Income Taxes” in the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
Six Months Ended February 28, 2025 Compared to Six Months Ended February 29, 2024
Sales. Sales were $129.4 million for the six months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $108.8 million for the six months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $20.6 million, or 18.9%. The increase in sales was primarily driven by the sales resulting from fourteen new restaurants opened subsequent to February 29, 2024, as well as increases in menu prices during the same period. Comparable restaurant sales decreased 1.6% for the six months ended February 28, 2025, as compared to the six months ended February 29, 2024, primarily due to a reduction in traffic.
Food and beverage costs. Food and beverage costs were $37.3 million for the six months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $32.3 million for the six months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $5.0 million, or 15.5%. The increase in food and beverage costs was primarily driven by costs associated with sales from fourteen new restaurants opened subsequent to February 29, 2024. As a percentage of sales, food and beverage costs decreased to 28.8% in the six months ended February 28, 2025 as compared to 29.7% in the six months ended February 29, 2024, primarily due to increases in menu prices and supply chain initiatives, which was partially offset by food cost inflation.
Labor and related costs. Labor and related costs were $43.8 million for the six months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $35.3 million for the six months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $8.5 million, or 24.0%. This increase in labor and related costs was primarily driven by additional labor costs incurred from fourteen new restaurants opened subsequent to February 29, 2024. As a percentage of sales, labor and related costs increased to 33.9% in the six months ended February 28, 2025 as compared to 32.5% in the six months ended February 29, 2024. The increase in cost as a percentage of sales was primarily due to increases in wage rates subsequent to February 29, 2024.
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Occupancy and related expenses. Occupancy and related expenses were $9.9 million for the six months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $7.9 million for the six months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $2.0 million, or 25.3%. The increase was primarily a result of additional lease expense related to the opening of fourteen new restaurants opened subsequent to February 29, 2024. As a percentage of sales, occupancy and related expenses increased to 7.6% in the six months ended February 28, 2025, compared to 7.2% in the six months ended February 29, 2024, primarily driven by sales deleverage.
Depreciation and amortization expenses. Depreciation and amortization expenses incurred as part of restaurant operating costs were $6.4 million for the six months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $5.2 million for the six months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $1.2 million, or 23.3%. The increase consists of depreciation of property and equipment related to fourteen new restaurants opened subsequent to February 29, 2024. As a percentage of sales, depreciation and amortization expenses at the restaurant level remained reasonably consistent at 4.9% for the six months ended February 28, 2025 as compared to 4.8% for the six months ended February 29, 2024. Depreciation and amortization expenses incurred at the corporate level were $0.2 million for both the six months ended February 28, 2025 and February 29, 2024, and as a percentage of sales were both 0.2%, respectively.
Other costs. Other costs were $18.1 million for the six months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $15.6 million for the six months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $2.5 million, or 15.8%. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in costs related to fourteen new restaurants opened subsequent to February 29, 2024. As a percentage of sales, other costs decreased to 14.0% in the six months ended February 28, 2025 from 14.4% in the six months ended February 29, 2024, primarily driven by lower marketing, recruiting and travel expenses.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses were $19.7 million for the six months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $16.8 million for the six months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $2.9 million, or 17.5%. This increase was primarily due to the litigation settlement of $2.1 million and compensation-related costs of $1.1 million partially offset by $0.3 million decrease in professional fees. As a percentage of sales, general and administrative expenses decreased to 15.2% in the six months ended February 28, 2025 from 15.4% in the six months ended February 29, 2024, primarily driven by sales leverage, partially offset by the $2.1 million litigation settlement expense.
Interest expense. Interest expense was $26 thousand for the six months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $20 thousand for the six months ended February 29, 2024.
Interest income. Interest income was $1.4 million for the six months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $1.6 million for the six months ended February 29, 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by lower interest rates.
Income tax expense. Income tax expense was $77 thousand for the six months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $88 thousand for the six months ended February 29, 2024. For further discussion of our income taxes, see “Note 9. Income Taxes” in the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
Key Performance Indicators
In assessing the performance of our business, we consider a variety of financial and performance measures. The key measures for determining how our business is performing include sales, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Restaurant-level Operating Profit, Restaurant-level Operating Profit margin, comparable restaurant sales performance, and the number of restaurant openings.
Sales represents sales of food and beverages in restaurants, as shown on our condensed statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Several factors affect our restaurant sales in any given period, including the number of restaurants in operation, guest traffic and average check.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest, income taxes and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA plus stock-based compensation expense, non-cash lease expense and asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments, as well as certain items, such as litigation that we believe are not indicative of our core operating results. Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by sales. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP measures which are intended as supplemental measures of our performance and are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, GAAP. We believe that EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin provide useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to our financial condition and operating results.
18
However, these measures may not provide a complete understanding of the operating results of the Company as a whole and such measures should be reviewed in conjunction with our GAAP financial results.
We believe that the use of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin provides an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating ongoing operating results and trends and in comparing our financial measures with those of comparable companies, which may present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors. However, you should be aware when evaluating EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin that in the future we may incur expenses similar to those excluded when calculating these measures. In addition, our presentation of these measures should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. Our computation of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures computed by other companies, because all companies may not calculate Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin in the same fashion.
Because of these limitations, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin on a supplemental basis. You should review the reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin below and not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.
The following table reconciles net loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:
Interest income, net
(846
(742
(1,398
(1,574
3,396
2,801
EBITDA
(1,193
1,111
533
850
Stock-based compensation expense(a)
Non-cash lease expense(b)
681
773
1,401
1,590
Litigation(c)
2,105
205
Adjusted EBITDA
2,674
2,850
6,246
4,617
Adjusted EBITDA margin
4.1
5.0
4.2
Restaurant-level Operating Profit and Restaurant-level Operating Profit Margin
Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) is defined as operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization; stock-based compensation expense; pre-opening costs and general and administrative expenses which are considered normal, recurring, cash operating expenses and are essential to support the development and operations of our restaurants; non-cash lease expense; asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments; less corporate-level stock-based compensation expense recognized within general and administrative expenses. Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) margin is defined as Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) divided by sales. Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) and Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) margin are non-GAAP measures which are intended as supplemental measures of our performance and are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, GAAP. We believe that Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) and Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) margin provide useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to our financial condition and operating results, as this measure depicts normal, recurring cash operating expenses essential to supporting the development and operations of our restaurants. However, these measures may not provide a complete understanding of the operating results of the
19
Company as a whole and such measures should be reviewed in conjunction with our GAAP financial results. We expect Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) to increase in proportion to the number of new restaurants we open and our comparable restaurant sales growth.
We present Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) because it excludes the impact of general and administrative expenses, which are not incurred at the restaurant level. We also use Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) to measure operating performance and returns from opening new restaurants. Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) margin allows us to evaluate the level of Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) generated from sales.
However, you should be aware that Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) and Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) margin are financial measures that are not indicative of overall results for the Company, and Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) and Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) margin do not accrue directly to the benefit of stockholders because of corporate-level expenses excluded from such measures.
In addition, when evaluating Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) and Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) margin, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses similar to those excluded when calculating these measures. Our presentation of these measures should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. Our computation of Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) and Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) margin may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures computed by other companies, because all companies may not calculate Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) and Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) margin in the same fashion. Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) and Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) margin have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.
The following table reconciles operating loss to Restaurant-level Operating Profit and Restaurant-level Operating Profit margin:
Pre-opening costs(b)
1,001
901
1,750
Non-cash lease expense(c)
Corporate-level stock-based compensation in general and administrative expenses
(882
(810
(1,829
(1,669
Restaurant-level operating profit
11,217
11,209
22,931
21,270
Operating loss margin
)%
(2.9
(4.7
Restaurant-level operating profit margin
17.3
19.6
17.7
Comparable Restaurant Sales Performance
Comparable restaurant sales performance refers to the change in year-over-year sales for the comparable restaurant base. We include restaurants in the comparable restaurant base that have been in operation for at least 18 full calendar months prior to the start of the accounting period presented due to new restaurants experiencing a period of higher sales upon opening. For restaurants that were temporarily closed the comparative period was also adjusted.
Measuring our comparable restaurant sales performance allows us to evaluate the performance of our existing restaurant base. Various factors impact comparable restaurant sales, including:
Since opening new restaurants will be a significant component of our sales growth, comparable restaurant sales performance is only one measure of how we evaluate our performance. The following table shows the comparable restaurant sales performance:
Comparable restaurant sales performance (%)
(5.3)%
3.0%
(1.6)%
3.5%
Comparable restaurant base
49
45
36
Number of Restaurant Openings
The number of restaurant openings reflects the number of restaurants opened during a particular reporting period. Before we open new restaurants, we incur pre-opening costs. New restaurants may not be profitable, and their sales performance may not follow historical patterns. The number and timing of restaurant openings has had, and is expected to continue to have, an impact on our results of operations. The following table shows the growth in our restaurant base:
Restaurant activity:
Beginning of period
70
54
64
Openings
End of period
73
59
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity and cash flows are cash and cash equivalents on hand and cash provided by operating activities. Our primary uses of cash are for operational expenditures and capital investments, including new restaurants, costs incurred for restaurant remodels and restaurant fixtures. The significant components of our working capital are liquid assets such as cash, cash equivalents and receivables reduced by accounts payable and accrued expenses. Our working capital position benefits from the fact that we generally collect cash from sales to guests the same day or, in the case of credit or debit card transactions, within several days of the related sale, while we typically have longer payment terms with our vendors.
We believe that cash provided by operating activities, cash, and cash equivalents on hand will be sufficient to fund our lease obligations, capital expenditures and working capital needs for at least the next 12 months. We also maintain a Revolving Credit
Agreement with Kura Japan, of which the maturity date has been extended to April 10, 2028 pursuant to the Third Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement with Kura Japan.
During the six months ended February 28, 2025, we had no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement and have $45.0 million of availability remaining. As of February 28, 2025, we did not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements.
On November 13, 2024, we completed an underwritten public offering of common stock pursuant to our universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3, selling an aggregate of 800,328 shares of Class A common stock, including the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase 104,390 additional shares, at the price of $85.00 per share less an underwriting discount of $4.25 per share. We received aggregate net proceeds of $64.4 million after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by us. The proceeds are to be used for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures, working capital, and other business purposes. No payments were made by us to directors, officers or persons owning 10% or more of the our common stock or to their associates, or to our affiliates.
Summary of Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods presented:
Statement of Cash Flow data:
Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended February 28, 2025 was $8.6 million, primarily due to a net loss of $4.7 million, non-cash charges of $6.6 million for depreciation and amortization, $2.2 million for stock-based compensation, and net cash outflows of $4.4 million from changes in operating assets and liabilities.
Net cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended February 29, 2024 was $6.2 million, primarily due to a net loss of $3.0 million, non-cash charges of $5.4 million for depreciation and amortization, $2.0 million for stock-based compensation and net cash outflows of $1.9 million from changes in operating assets and liabilities.
Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities during the six months ended February 28, 2025 was $39.4 million, primarily due to $25.3 million in purchases of long-term investments, $23.1 million in purchases of property and equipment and $0.9 million in purchases of liquor licenses offset by $10.0 million of redemptions of long-term investments. The increase in purchases of property and equipment in the six months ended February 28, 2025 is primarily related to capital expenditures for future restaurant openings, maintaining our existing restaurants and other projects.
Net cash used in investing activities during the six months ended February 29, 2024 was $20.6 million, primarily due to $3.5 million in purchases of short-term investments, $22.8 million in purchases of property and equipment and $0.1 million in purchases of liquor licenses offset by $5.9 million of redemption of short-term investments. The increase in purchases of property and equipment in the six months ended February 29, 2024 is primarily related to capital expenditures for future restaurant openings, maintaining our existing restaurants and other projects.
Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities during the six months ended February 28, 2025 was $65.0 million and is primarily due to aggregate net proceeds from the issuance of stock of $64.4 million after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, $0.9 million of proceeds from exercise of stock options offset by $0.3 million in taxes paid on vested RSUs.
Net cash provided by financing activities during the six months ended February 29, 2024 was $1.5 million and is primarily due to $1.9 million of proceeds from exercise of stock options offset by $0.4 million in taxes paid on vested RSUs.
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Material Cash Requirements
As of February 28, 2025, we had $7.8 million in contractual obligations relating to the construction of new restaurants and purchase commitments for goods related to restaurant operations. All contractual obligations are expected to be paid during the next 12 months utilizing cash and cash equivalents on hand and provided by operating activities. For operating lease obligations, see “Note 3. Leases” in the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a description of our recently issued or adopted accounting pronouncements, including the respective date of adoption and expected effect on our results of operations and financial condition, see “Part I, Item 1, Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation” of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of operating results and financial condition are based on our financial statements. Preparing our financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales, expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on past experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and we evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis.
Our critical accounting policies are those that materially affect our financial statements. Our critical accounting estimates are those that involve subjective or complex judgments by management. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that may impact us in the future, actual results may be materially different from the estimates. We believe the assessment of potential impairments of long-lived assets is affected by significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements and that the judgments and estimates are reasonable.
There have been no material changes in our critical accounting policies and estimates from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024. Please refer to “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” of our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024 for a discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
There have been no material changes to our market risk during the six months ended February 28, 2025. For a discussion of our exposure to market risk, refer to our market risk disclosures set forth in Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” of our 2024 Form 10-K.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
In our current fiscal quarter, we have implemented a new purchasing and inventory management system across all of our restaurants. In connection with the new system, we have implemented additional controls. There have been no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter 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.
For a description of our legal proceedings, see Part I, Item 1, Note 8 – Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
There have been no material changes from the risk factors associated with our business previously disclosed in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, except as set forth below. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business and the trading price of our common stock.
Changes in food and supply costs and/or availability of products could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our profitability depends in part on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in food and supply costs and/or the availability of products necessary to operate our business, including, but not limited to, rice vinegar from Kura Japan, which owns the recipe and is our sole supplier of such rice vinegar. Shortages or interruptions in the availability of certain supplies caused by unanticipated demand, problems in production or distribution, tariffs or other trade restrictions, food contamination, inclement weather, natural disasters, or other conditions could adversely affect the productivity, availability, quality and cost of our ingredients, which could harm our operations. Any increase in the prices of the food products most critical to our menu, such as rice, fish and other seafood, as well as fresh vegetables, could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results from operations. Although we try to manage the impact that these fluctuations have on our operating results, we remain susceptible to increases in food costs and loss of supply as a result of factors beyond our control, such as general economic conditions, political instability, inflationary pressures, seasonal fluctuations, the effects of climate change and related weather conditions, demand, food safety concerns, generalized infectious diseases, product recalls and government regulations. Additionally, tariffs could impact supply chain reliability, disrupt established sourcing strategies, and result in increased operational complexity. Higher costs due to tariffs will generally lead to price increases for our products and other restaurant operating costs, potentially reducing consumer demand and impacting our competitive position in the market.
If any of our distributors or suppliers performs inadequately, or our distribution or supply relationships are disrupted for any reason, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be adversely affected. If we cannot replace or engage distributors or suppliers who meet our specifications in a short period of time, that could increase our expenses and cause shortages of food and other items at our restaurants, which could cause a restaurant to remove items from its menu. If that were to happen, affected restaurants could experience significant reductions in sales during the shortage or thereafter, if guests change their dining habits as a result. In addition, because we provide moderately priced food, we may choose not to, or may be unable to, pass along commodity price increases to consumers. These potential changes in food and supply costs could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information.
During the three months ended February 28, 2025, no director or officer of the Company, adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement, as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
On April 4, 2025, the Company and Kura Japan entered into a Third Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Third Amendment”) to extend the last day of the period of availability for the advances under the credit line from April 10, 2025 to April 10,
2028. In connection with the Third Amendment, the Revolving Credit Note under the Revolving Credit Agreement was also amended by incorporating the same amendments as provided under the Third Amendment.
The foregoing is only a summary of the material terms of the Third Amendment and does not purport to be complete, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Third Amendment attached thereto, a copy of which is attached to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as Exhibit 10.2 and incorporated by reference herein.
25
Item 6. Exhibits.
Exhibit
Number
Description
10.1
Form of Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice and Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 24, 2025 as Exhibit 10.1)
10.2*
Third Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated April 4, 2025.
31.1*
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1*
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2*
Certification of Principal Financial Officer 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 XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema With Embedded Linkbase Documents
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document and contained in Exhibit 101)
* Filed herewith.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: April 8, 2025
By:
/s/ Jeffrey Uttz
Jeffrey Uttz
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)