Nathan's Famous (NASDAQ: NATH) Q1 2027 and $102-per-share buyout
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. reported results for the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2026, with total revenues of 54,062 (in thousands), up approximately 15% from the prior-year period. Growth was led by the Branded Product Program, where sales rose about 20% to 35,039 (in thousands) on roughly 8% higher hot dog volume and a 17% increase in average selling price, and by a 10% increase in license royalties to 13,587 (in thousands). Company-owned restaurant sales and franchise fees and royalties were modestly lower.
Income from operations was 12,668 (in thousands), essentially flat versus last year, as cost of sales increased about 24% amid higher beef and beef trimming costs, reducing gross profit on branded and restaurant sales. Net income was 8,829 (in thousands) with diluted EPS of $2.14, slightly below the prior year. EBITDA was 13,040 (in thousands) and Adjusted EBITDA, adding back 295 (in thousands) of merger-related transaction costs and 280 (in thousands) of share-based compensation, was 13,615 (in thousands), slightly above the prior-year Adjusted EBITDA.
Cash provided by operating activities was 949 (in thousands), ending cash and cash equivalents were 24,686 (in thousands), and total debt net of issuance costs was 47,561 (in thousands) under a SOFR-based term loan; there were no revolver borrowings and all covenants were met. The company paid a regular cash dividend of $0.50 per share (aggregate 2,048 (in thousands)) in June 2026 and, under its merger agreement, may not declare further dividends. Nathan’s has agreed to be acquired by Smithfield Foods, Inc. for $102.00 per share in cash, with options and RSUs to be cashed out based on that price. The transaction remains subject to stockholder approval, antitrust waiting-period expiration, CFIUS Clearance, and other conditions; the company states it expects closing in the second half of 2026 and recorded approximately 275 (in thousands) of legal fees related to the merger in this period.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Filing Explained
Beyond the $102 cash terms, the filing adds contingent termination fees and a remaining 98,116-share repurchase authorization.
The quarterly report adds that the merger remains conditional, but if it reaches the Effective Time, Smithfield must pay all outstanding Credit Facility obligations. That makes debt repayment a closing mechanic rather than a current repayment or completed transaction.
The agreement also provides for a company termination fee of
The company reports 98,116 shares remaining under its repurchase authorization. The filing describes purchases as occurring from time to time depending on market conditions, so this is capacity rather than a commitment to repurchase those shares.
A named timing item is the agreement's
Key Figures
Key Terms
Branded Product Program financial
Per Share Merger Consideration financial
CFIUS Clearance regulatory
Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio financial
Adjusted EBITDA financial
Change of Control financial
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
FAQ
How did Nathan's Famous (NATH) perform in the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2026?
What drove the revenue changes for Nathan's Famous (NATH) this quarter?
What are the key terms and status of the Smithfield Foods merger with NATH?
What is Nathan's Famous (NATH) debt and cash position as of June 28, 2026?
What dividend did Nathan's Famous (NATH) pay, and can it pay more before the merger closes?
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT of 1934 For the transition period from to . |
Commission File No.
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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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
At August 3, 2026, an aggregate of
NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
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Item 1. |
Financial Statements. |
3 |
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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – June 28, 2026 (Unaudited) and March 29, 2026 |
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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited) – Thirteen Weeks Ended June 28, 2026 and June 29, 2025 |
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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Deficit (Unaudited) – Thirteen Weeks Ended June 28, 2026 and June 29, 2025 |
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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) – Thirteen Weeks Ended June 28, 2026 and June 29, 2025 |
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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements |
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Item 2. |
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. |
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Item 3. |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. |
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Item 4. |
Controls and Procedures. |
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PART II. |
OTHER INFORMATION |
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Item 1. |
Legal Proceedings. |
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Item 1A. |
Risk Factors. |
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Item 2. |
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds. |
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Item 3. |
Defaults Upon Senior Securities. |
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Item 4. |
Mine Safety Disclosures. |
32 |
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Item 5. |
Other Information. |
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Item 6. |
Exhibits. |
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SIGNATURES |
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
June 28, 2026 and March 29, 2026
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
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June 28, 2026 |
March 29, 2026 |
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CURRENT ASSETS |
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Cash and cash equivalents (Note E) |
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Accounts and other receivables, net (Note G) |
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Inventories |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Note H) |
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Total current assets |
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Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $ |
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Operating lease right-of-use assets, net (Note Q) |
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Goodwill |
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Intangible asset, net (Note I) |
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Deferred income taxes |
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Other assets |
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Total assets |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT |
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CURRENT LIABILITIES |
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Current portion of long-term debt (Note P) |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Accounts payable |
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Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Note K) |
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Current portion of operating lease liabilities (Note Q) |
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Deferred franchise fees |
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Total current liabilities |
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Long-term debt, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $ |
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Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities (Note Q) |
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Other liabilities |
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Deferred franchise fees |
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Total liabilities |
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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note R) |
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STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT |
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Common stock, $.01 par value; |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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Retained earnings |
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Stockholders’ equity before treasury stock |
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Treasury stock, at cost, |
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Total stockholders’ deficit |
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Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit |
$ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2026 and June 29, 2025
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
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June 28, 2026 |
June 29, 2025 |
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REVENUES |
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Branded Products |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Company-owned restaurants |
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License royalties |
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Franchise fees and royalties |
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Advertising fund revenue |
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Total revenues |
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COSTS AND EXPENSES |
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Cost of sales |
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Restaurant operating expenses |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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General and administrative expenses |
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Advertising fund expense |
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Total costs and expenses |
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Income from operations |
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Interest expense |
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Interest and dividend income |
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Other income, net |
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Income before provision for income taxes |
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Provision for income taxes |
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Net income |
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PER SHARE INFORMATION |
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Weighted average shares used in computing net income per share: |
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Basic |
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Diluted |
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Net income per share: |
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Basic |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Diluted |
$ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2026 and June 29, 2025
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
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Paid-in |
Retained |
Treasury Stock, at Cost |
Stockholders’ |
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Shares |
Stock |
Capital |
Earnings |
Shares |
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Deficit |
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Balance, March 29, 2026 |
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Shares issued in connection with share-based compensation plans |
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Dividends on common stock ($ |
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Share-based compensation |
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Net income |
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Balance, June 28, 2026 |
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Additional |
Total |
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Common |
Common |
Paid-in |
Retained |
Treasury Stock, at Cost |
Stockholders’ |
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Shares |
Stock |
Capital |
Earnings |
Shares |
Amount |
Deficit |
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Balance, March 30, 2025 |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ( |
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Dividends on common stock ($ |
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Share-based compensation |
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Net income |
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Balance, June 29, 2025 |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ( |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2026 and June 29, 2025
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
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June 28, 2026 |
June 29, 2025 |
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Cash flows from operating activities: |
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Net income |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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Amortization of debt issuance costs |
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Share-based compensation expense |
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Provision for expected credit losses |
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Deferred income taxes |
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Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
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Accounts and other receivables, net |
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Inventories |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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Other assets |
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Operating lease assets and liabilities |
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Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
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Deferred franchise fees |
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Other liabilities |
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Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
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Cash flows from investing activities: |
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Purchase of property and equipment |
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Net cash used in investing activities |
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Cash flows from financing activities: |
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Repayment of Credit Facility |
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Net cash used in financing activities |
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Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
( |
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Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
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Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Cash paid during the period for: |
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Interest |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Income taxes |
$ | $ | ||||||
See Note S for supplemental cash flow information.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 28, 2026
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
NOTE A - BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Nathan's Famous, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively “Nathan’s,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) as of and for the thirteen week periods ended June 28, 2026 and June 29, 2025 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. However, our results of operations are seasonal in nature, and the results of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for any other interim period or the full fiscal year.
The Company uses a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to March 31. The 2027 fiscal year will end on March 28, 2027 and will contain 52 weeks.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted pursuant to the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Management believes that the disclosures included in the accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial statements and footnotes are adequate to make the information not misleading but should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in Nathan’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2026 as filed with the SEC on June 9, 2026.
Our significant interim accounting policies include the recognition of advertising fund expense in proportion to advertising fund revenue, and the recognition of income taxes using an estimated annual effective tax rate.
A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies is identified in Note B of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2026.
Pending Merger with Smithfield Foods, Inc.
On January 20, 2026, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Smithfield Foods, Inc., a Virginia corporation (“Buyer”), and Boardwalk Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Buyer (“Merger Sub”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and subject to the satisfaction of the conditions thereof, Merger Sub shall merge with and into the Company (the “Merger” and the effective time of the Merger, the “Effective Time”). As a result of the Merger, at the Effective Time, the separate corporate existence of the Merger Sub shall cease, the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation in the Merger (the “Surviving Corporation”) and the Surviving Corporation shall become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Buyer. See NOTE T – MERGER for additional information.
NOTE B – NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET ADOPTED
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, “Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses”, which requires the disaggregation of certain expenses in the notes to the financial statements, to provide enhanced transparency into the expense captions presented on the face of the statements of earnings. Additionally, in January 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-01, “Income Statement Reporting Comprehensive Income Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Clarifying the Effective Date”, which clarified the effective date for non-calendar year-end entities such as us. The guidance is effective for the first annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments in this Update should be applied either (1) prospectively to financial statements for reporting periods after the effective date of this Update or (2) retrospectively to any or all prior periods presented in the financial statements. For the Company, annual reporting requirements will be effective for our fiscal year 2028 beginning on March 29, 2027 and interim reporting requirements will be effective beginning with our first quarter of fiscal year 2029. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-11, “Interim Reporting (Topic 270): Narrow-Scope Improvements,” which clarifies the applicability of the interim reporting guidance and provides a comprehensive list of required interim disclosures. The Update also incorporates a disclosure principle that requires entities to disclose events that occur since the end of the last annual reporting period that have a material impact on the entity. The Update will be effective for interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The Update should be applied either (1) prospectively to financial statements for reporting periods after the effective date or (2) retrospectively to any or all prior periods presented in the financial statements. For the Company, interim reporting requirements will be effective with our first quarter of fiscal year 2029. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.
The Company does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective accounting standards, when adopted, will have a material effect on the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
NOTE C – REVENUES
The Company’s disaggregated revenues for the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2026 and June 29, 2025 are as follows (in thousands):
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Thirteen weeks ended |
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June 29, 2025 |
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Branded Products |
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Company-owned restaurants |
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License royalties |
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Franchise royalties |
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Franchise fees |
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Advertising fund revenue |
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Total revenues |
$ | $ | ||||||
The following table disaggregates revenues by primary geographical market (in thousands):
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Thirteen weeks ended |
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June 28, 2026 |
June 29, 2025 |
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United States |
$ | $ | ||||||
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International |
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Total revenues |
$ | $ | ||||||
Contract balances
The following table provides information about contract liabilities from contracts with customers (in thousands):
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June 28, 2026 |
March 29, 2026 |
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Deferred franchise fees (a) |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Deferred revenues, which are included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” (b) |
$ | $ | ||||||
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(a) |
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(b) |
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Significant changes in deferred franchise fees are as follows (in thousands):
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Thirteen weeks ended |
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June 28, 2026 |
June 29, 2025 |
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Deferred franchise fees at beginning of period |
$ | $ | ||||||
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New deferrals due to cash received and other |
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Revenue recognized during the period |
( |
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Deferred franchise fees at end of period |
$ | $ | ||||||
Significant changes in deferred revenues are as follows (in thousands):
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Thirteen weeks ended |
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June 28, 2026 |
June 29, 2025 |
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Deferred revenues at beginning of period |
$ | $ | ||||||
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New deferrals due to cash received and other |
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Revenue recognized during the period |
( |
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Deferred revenues at end of period |
$ | $ | ||||||
Anticipated future recognition of deferred franchise fees
The following table reflects the estimated franchise fees to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied at the end of the period (in thousands):
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Estimate for fiscal year |
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2027(a) |
$ | |||
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2028 |
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2029 |
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2030 |
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2031 |
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Thereafter |
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Total |
$ | |||
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(a) |
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We have applied the optional exemption, as provided for under Topic 606 “Revenues from Contracts with Customers,” which allows us to not disclose the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations when the transaction price is a sales-based royalty.
NOTE D – INCOME PER SHARE
Basic net income per common share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and excludes any dilutive effect of share-based awards. Diluted net income per common share gives effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period. Dilutive common shares used in the computation of diluted net income per common share result from the assumed exercise of stock options as determined using the treasury stock method and restricted stock unit awards.
The following chart provides a reconciliation of information used in calculating the per-share amounts for the thirteen week periods ended June 28, 2026 and June 29, 2025, respectively (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
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June 28, 2026 |
June 29, 2025 |
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Net income |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Common Stock: |
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Weighted average basic shares outstanding |
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Effect of dilutive share-based awards |
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Weighted average diluted shares outstanding |
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Net income per share: |
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Basic |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Diluted |
$ | $ | ||||||
There were no anti-dilutive share-based awards for the thirteen week periods ended June 28, 2026 and June 29, 2025.
NOTE E – CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents principally consist of cash in bank accounts, money market accounts and money market funds. The Company considers money market accounts and money market funds to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents were $
At June 28, 2026 and March 29, 2026, substantially all of the Company’s cash balances are in excess of insurance limits of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the FDIC. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.
NOTE F – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Nathan’s follows a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of “observable inputs” and minimize the use of “unobservable inputs.” The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability on the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:
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Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for an identical asset or liability in an active market |
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Level 2 - inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for a similar asset or liability in an active market or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability |
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Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability and reflect the Company’s own assumptions |
The carrying amounts reported in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of those items.
The carrying amount of our long-term debt (see Note P – LONG-TERM DEBT) also approximates fair value since such borrowings bear interest at variable market rates and is categorized as Level 2.
Certain non-financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis; that is, the assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when evidence of impairment exists. At June 28, 2026, no fair value adjustment or material fair value measurements were required for non-financial assets or liabilities.
NOTE G – ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES, NET
Accounts and other receivables, net, consist of the following (in thousands):
|
June 28, |
March 29, |
|||||||
|
2026 |
2026 |
|||||||
|
Branded product sales |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Franchise and license royalties |
||||||||
|
Other |
||||||||
|
Less: allowance for credit losses |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Accounts and other receivables, net |
$ | $ | ||||||
Our provision for credit losses is based on the current expected credit losses model. The Company is exposed to credit losses through its trade accounts receivable. Trade accounts receivable are generally due within
An allowance for credit losses is determined by pooling financial assets based on similar risk characteristics and delinquency status under an aging method at the measurement date. The Company considers both qualitative and quantitative information when developing the estimate including assessments of collectability based on historical trends, the financial condition of the Company’s franchisees, licensees and Branded Product Program customers, including any known or anticipated bankruptcies, and an evaluation of current economic conditions as well as the Company’s expectations of conditions in the future.
The Company provides for expected credit losses through a charge to earnings. After the Company has used reasonable collection efforts, it writes off accounts receivable through a charge to the allowance for credit losses.
Changes in the Company’s allowance for credit losses for the thirteen week period ended June 28, 2026 and the fiscal year ended March 29, 2026 are as follows (in thousands):
|
June 28, 2026 |
March 29, 2026 |
|||||||
|
Beginning balance |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Provision for expected credit losses |
||||||||
|
Write offs and recoveries |
( |
) | ||||||
|
Ending balance |
$ | $ | ||||||
NOTE H – PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following (in thousands):
|
June 28, |
March 29, |
|||||||
|
2026 |
2026 |
|||||||
|
Income taxes |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Real estate taxes |
||||||||
|
Insurance |
||||||||
|
Marketing |
||||||||
|
Other |
||||||||
|
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets |
$ | $ | ||||||
NOTE I - INTANGIBLE ASSET
The Company’s definite-lived intangible asset consists of trademarks, and the trade name and other intellectual property in connection with its Arthur Treacher’s co-branding agreements. Based upon review of the current Arthur Treacher’s co-branding agreements, the Company determined that the remaining useful lives of these agreements is two years concluding in fiscal year 2028, and the intangible asset is subject to annual amortization. The Company performs an annual impairment test, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the intangible asset may be impaired. The Company tests for recoverability of its definite-lived intangible asset based on the projected undiscounted cash flows to be derived from such co-branding agreements. Cash flow projections require significant estimates and assumptions by management. Should the estimates and assumptions prove to be incorrect, the Company may be required to record an impairment charge in future periods and such impairment could be material.
There have been no significant events or changes in circumstances during the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2026 that would indicate that the carrying amount of the Company’s intangible asset may be impaired as of June 28, 2026.
NOTE J - LONG LIVED ASSETS
Long-lived assets on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Long-lived assets include property, equipment and right-of-use assets for operating leases with finite useful lives. Assets are grouped at the individual restaurant level, which represents the lowest level for which cash flows can be identified largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. The Company generally considers a history of restaurant operating losses to be its primary indicator of potential impairment for individual restaurant locations.
The Company tests for recoverability based on the projected undiscounted cash flows to be derived from such assets. If the projected undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, the Company will record on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis, an impairment loss, if any, based on the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of the asset. The Company generally measures fair value by considering discounted estimated future cash flows from such assets. Cash flow projections and fair value estimates require significant estimates and assumptions by management. Should the estimates and assumptions prove to be incorrect, the Company may be required to record impairment charges in future periods and such impairments could be material.
There have been no significant events or changes in circumstances during the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2026 that would indicate that the carrying amount of the Company’s long-lived assets may be impaired as of June 28, 2026.
NOTE K – ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
|
June 28, |
March 29, |
|||||||
|
2026 |
2026 |
|||||||
|
Dividend payable |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Payroll and other benefits |
||||||||
|
Accrued rebates |
||||||||
|
Rent and occupancy costs |
||||||||
|
Deferred revenue |
||||||||
|
Interest |
||||||||
|
Professional fees |
||||||||
|
Merger costs |
||||||||
|
Sales, use and other taxes |
||||||||
|
Corporate income taxes |
||||||||
|
Other |
||||||||
|
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
$ | $ | ||||||
NOTE L – INCOME TAXES
The effective income tax rates for the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2026 and June 29, 2025 were
The amount of unrecognized tax benefits included in Other liabilities at June 28, 2026 and March 29, 2026 was $
The American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”), among other things, includes provisions to expand the IRC Section 162(m) disallowance for deduction of certain compensation paid by publicly held corporations. Effective tax years starting after December 31, 2026 (March 29, 2027 for the Company), ARPA expands the limitation to cover the next five most highly compensated employees. We continue to evaluate the potential impact ARPA may have on our operations and consolidated financial statements in future periods.
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”). The legislation has multiple effective dates, with certain provisions effective in 2025 and others implemented through 2027. The OBBBA makes permanent key elements of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including 100% bonus depreciation, and the business interest expense limitation. The OBBBA did not have a material impact to our provision for income taxes for the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2026. The Company is continuing to evaluate the full year impact of the OBBBA and, based on our preliminary analysis, we do not anticipate a material effect on our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending March 28, 2027.
NOTE M – SEGMENT INFORMATION
Nathan’s considers itself to be a brand marketer of the Nathan’s Famous signature products to the foodservice industry pursuant to its various business structures. Nathan’s sells its products directly to consumers through its Restaurant Operations segment consisting of Company-owned and franchised restaurants, including virtual kitchens; to distributors that resell our products to the foodservice industry through the Branded Product Program; and by third party manufacturers pursuant to license agreements that sell our products to supermarkets, club stores and grocery stores nationwide.
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer has been identified as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) who regularly reviews operating results, evaluates performance and allocates resources for the Branded Product Program, Product Licensing and Restaurant Operations segments based upon a number of factors, the primary profit measure being income from operations as reported on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings. The CODM regularly reviews revenues, gross profit and income from operations by segment when evaluating the financial performance of each segment. Significant segment expenses are monitored by the CODM and included in the tables below. Segment asset information is not used by the CODM to assess performance and allocate resources and therefore is not presented. Certain administrative expenses are not allocated to the segments and are reported within the Corporate segment.
Branded Product Program – This segment derives revenue principally from the sale of hot dog products either directly to foodservice operators or to various foodservice distributors who resell the products to foodservice operators.
Product licensing – This segment derives revenue, primarily in the form of royalties, from licensing a broad variety of Nathan’s Famous branded products, including our hot dogs, frozen crinkle-cut French fries and additional products through retail supermarkets, grocery channels and club stores throughout the United States.
Restaurant operations – This segment derives revenue from the sale of our products at Company-owned restaurants and earns fees and royalties from its franchised restaurants, including its virtual kitchens.
Revenues from operating segments are from transactions with unaffiliated third parties and do not include any intersegment revenues.
Interest expense, interest and dividend income, and other income, net are managed centrally at the corporate level, and, accordingly, such items are not presented by segment since they are excluded from the measure of profitability reviewed by the CODM.
The following tables summarize segment information and reconcile our segment results to our consolidated results as reported on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (in thousands):
|
June 28, 2026 |
Branded Product Program |
Product Licensing |
Restaurant Operations |
Corporate |
Total |
|||||||||||||||
|
Revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Less: |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Cost of sales |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Segment gross profit |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Less (1): |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restaurant operating expenses (2) |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Department expenses (3) |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other general and administration expenses (4) |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Payroll expense |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Depreciation and amortization |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Advertising fund expense |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Income from operations |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Interest expense |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||
|
Interest and dividend income |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other income, net |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Income before provision for income taxes |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
June 29, 2025 |
Branded Product Program |
Product Licensing |
Restaurant Operations |
Corporate |
Total |
|||||||||||||||
|
Revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Less: |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Cost of sales |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Segment gross profit |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Less (1): |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restaurant operating expenses (2) |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Department expenses (3) |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other general and administration expenses (4) |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Payroll expense |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Depreciation and amortization |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Advertising fund expense |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Income from operations |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Interest expense |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||
|
Interest and dividend income |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other income, net |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Income before provision for income taxes |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
(1) |
|
|
(2) |
|
|
(3) |
|
|
(4) |
|
NOTE N – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Total share-based compensation expense during the thirteen week periods ended June 28, 2026 and June 29, 2025 was $
The Company recognizes compensation expense for unvested share-based awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Compensation expense recognized under all share-based awards is as follows (in thousands):
| Thirteen weeks ended | ||||||||
|
June 28, 2026 |
June 29, 2025 |
|||||||
|
Stock options |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Restricted stock units |
||||||||
|
Total compensation cost |
$ | $ | ||||||
Stock options:
There were no new share-based awards granted during the thirteen week period ended June 28, 2026.
Transactions with respect to stock options for the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2026 are as follows:
|
Weighted |
Weighted |
Aggregate |
||||||||||||||
|
Average |
Average |
Intrinsic |
||||||||||||||
|
Exercise |
Remaining |
Value |
||||||||||||||
|
Shares |
Price |
Contractual Life |
(in thousands) |
|||||||||||||
|
Options outstanding at March 29, 2026 |
$ | $ | ||||||||||||||
|
Granted |
- | - | ||||||||||||||
|
Exercised |
$ | - | $ | |||||||||||||
|
Options outstanding at June 28, 2026 |
$ | $ | ||||||||||||||
|
Options exercisable at June 28, 2026 |
$ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Restricted stock units:
Transactions with respect to restricted stock units for the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2026 are as follows:
|
Weighted |
||||||||
|
Average |
||||||||
|
Grant-date Fair value |
||||||||
|
Shares |
Per share |
|||||||
|
Unvested restricted stock units at March 29, 2026 |
$ | |||||||
|
Granted |
||||||||
|
Vested |
||||||||
|
Unvested restricted stock units at June 28, 2026 |
$ | |||||||
NOTE O – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
1. |
Dividends |
Effective June 9, 2026, as permitted under the Merger Agreement, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) declared its regular quarterly cash dividend of $
|
2. |
Stock Repurchase Programs |
In 2016, the Board authorized increases to the sixth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to
NOTE P – LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
|
June 28, 2026 |
March 29, 2026 |
|||||||
|
SOFR Term Loan Borrowings with an effective interest rate of |
$ | |
$ | |||||
|
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Total debt, net of debt issuance costs |
||||||||
|
Less: current portion of long-term debt |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Long-term debt, net |
$ | $ | ||||||
The Company’s mandatory debt principal repayments as of June 28, 2026 were as follows (in thousands):
|
Fiscal Year |
Amount |
|||
|
Remainder of 2027 |
||||
|
2028 |
||||
|
2029 |
||||
|
2030 |
||||
|
Total |
$ | |||
Total debt repayments through 2030 exceed the total carrying amount of the Company’s debt as of June 28, 2026 because the carrying amount reflects the unamortized portion of debt issuance costs.
On July 10, 2024 (the “Effective Date”), the Company entered into a five-year unsecured Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) among the Company, as borrower, direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company, as guarantors, the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “Lenders”) and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender, L/C issuer and a Lender (capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement).
The Credit Agreement provides for a term loan facility (“Term Loan”) of $
The Company borrowed $
Term Loan and Revolving Loan borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum, at the Company’s option, of (a) for Base Rate Loans, the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate of
The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative covenants and negative covenants and requires the Company to maintain a Consolidated Fixed Charge Ratio not to exceed
The outstanding Term Loan borrowings under the Credit Agreement are payable in equal quarterly installments of
The outstanding Term Loan borrowings and the Revolving Loan borrowings under the Credit Agreement are voluntarily prepayable by the Company without penalty or premium, provided, that each of the following shall require a mandatory prepayment of outstanding Term Loan borrowings and Revolving Loan borrowings by the Company as follows: (i)
The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by all of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries.
The Credit Agreement provides that certain Change of Control events constitutes an Event of Default. Such an Event of Default entitles the Lenders to, among other things, cause all outstanding debt obligations under the Credit Agreement to become immediately due and payable.
As previously announced, on January 20, 2026, the Company entered into the Merger Agreement, by and among the Company, the Buyer and Merger Sub.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof and in accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”), Merger Sub shall merge with and into the Company.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Buyer at the Effective Time shall pay all outstanding obligations under the Credit Facility.
NOTE Q – LEASES
The Company is party as lessee to various leases for land, buildings and certain office equipment for its Company-owned restaurants and corporate office. The Company previously leased and subleased one property; this arrangement was terminated on November 4, 2025.
Company as lessee
The components of the net lease cost for the thirteen week periods ended June 28, 2026 and June 29, 2025 were as follows (in thousands):
|
Thirteen weeks ended |
||||||||
|
June 28, 2026 |
June 29, 2025 |
|||||||
|
Operating lease cost |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Variable lease cost |
||||||||
|
Less: Sublease income, net |
( |
) | ||||||
|
Total net lease cost |
$ | $ | ||||||
The components of the net lease cost are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the thirteen week periods ended June 28, 2026 and June 29, 2025 as follows (in thousands):
|
Thirteen weeks ended |
||||||||
|
June 28, 2026 |
June 29, 2025 |
|||||||
|
Restaurant operating expenses |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
General and administrative expenses |
||||||||
|
Less: Other income, net |
( |
) | ||||||
|
Total net lease cost |
$ | $ | ||||||
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities for the thirteen week periods ended June 28, 2026 and June 29, 2025 were as follows (in thousands):
|
Thirteen weeks ended |
||||||||
|
June 28, 2026 |
June 29, 2025 |
|||||||
|
Operating cash flows from operating leases |
$ | $ | ||||||
The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate for operating leases as of June 28, 2026 were as follows:
|
Weighted average remaining lease term (years): |
||||
|
Weighted average discount rate: |
% |
Future lease commitments to be paid and received by the Company as of June 28, 2026 were as follows (in thousands):
|
Payments |
Receipts |
|||||||||||
|
Operating Leases |
Subleases |
Net Leases |
||||||||||
|
Fiscal year: |
||||||||||||
|
2027(a) |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
|
2028 |
||||||||||||
|
2029 |
||||||||||||
|
2030 |
||||||||||||
|
Total lease commitments |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
|
Less: Amount representing interest |
( |
) | ||||||||||
|
Present value of lease liabilities (b) |
$ | |||||||||||
|
(a) |
|
|
(b) |
|
Company as lessor
The components of lease income for the thirteen week periods ended June 28, 2026 and June 29, 2025 were as follows (in thousands):
|
Thirteen weeks ended |
||||||||
|
June 28, 2026 |
June 29, 2025 |
|||||||
|
Operating lease income, net |
$ | $ | ||||||
NOTE R - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Proceedings
The Company and its subsidiaries are from time to time involved in ordinary and routine litigation. Management presently believes that the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations. Nevertheless, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable rulings could occur. An unfavorable ruling could include money damages and, in such event, could result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations for the period in which the ruling occurs.
Service Provider Agreement
The Company engaged a financial advisor in connection with the Merger Agreement as defined and disclosed in NOTE T – MERGER to assist the Company and to provide certain advisory services. In connection with this arrangement, the Company may be required to pay such financial advisor certain contingent fees related to their services to the extent that certain conditions are met. The contingent fees related to this arrangement are based on (i) a fixed fee that was due and paid upon the delivery of a fairness opinion in January 2026 and (ii) a percentage fee based upon the aggregate transaction value net of the fixed fee in (i) above payable upon the closing of the transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
NOTE S – SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Non-cash financing activities
Dividends declared but not yet paid of $
During the thirteen week period ended June 28, 2026, we issued
NOTE T – MERGER
On January 20, 2026, the Company entered into the Merger Agreement, by and among the Company, the Buyer and Merger Sub.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof and in accordance with the DGCL, Merger Sub shall merge with and into the Company. As a result of the Merger, at the Effective Time, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall cease, the Company shall continue as the Surviving Corporation and the Surviving Corporation shall become a wholly owned subsidiary of Buyer. After the Merger, the Company will cease to be publicly traded.
At the Effective Time, as a result of the Merger and without any action on the part of Buyer, Merger Sub, the Company or the holders of any of the following securities: (i) each share of common stock of the Company, par value $
Immediately prior to the Effective Time, (i) each option to purchase Company Shares outstanding under a Company Stock Plan (each a “Company Stock Option”), whether or not vested and exercisable, that is outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be automatically converted into the right to receive from Buyer or the Surviving Corporation an amount in cash (subject to applicable withholding taxes) equal to the product obtained by multiplying (A) the excess, if any, of the Per Share Merger Consideration over the per share exercise price of such Company Stock Option, by (B) the aggregate number of Company Shares that were issuable upon exercise of such Company Stock Option immediately prior to the Effective Time and (ii) each restricted stock unit of the Company granted and outstanding pursuant to a Company Stock Plan (each a “Company RSU”) shall be deemed to have been earned and become fully vested (in the case of any performance based award, with the applicable performance metrics at the target level), shall be canceled and extinguished as of the Effective Time and, in exchange, each former holder of any such Company RSU shall have the right to receive from Buyer or the Surviving Corporation an amount in cash equal to the product obtained by multiplying (A) the number of Company Shares subject to such Company RSU by (B) the Per Share Merger Consideration (such amount, the “RSU Award Payment”). Any dividend equivalents earned prior to the Effective Time will be paid in cash as soon as administratively practicable following settlement of the Company RSUs. From and after the Effective Time, each Company RSU shall no longer represent the right to receive Company Shares by the former holder thereof, but shall only entitle such holder to the payment of the RSU Award Payment. The Compensation Committee of the Company Board will adopt resolutions to provide that all Company Stock Options and Company RSUs shall terminate conditioned upon, and effective immediately prior to, the Effective Time and the holders thereof will be entitled only to the amount, if any, specified herein in respect thereof.
The Company has also agreed not to, among other things, (i) solicit, initiate, knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate any alternative competing transaction, (ii) participate in any discussions or negotiations with any third party with respect to any alternative competing transaction, (iii) approve or recommend any alternative competing transaction, (iv) enter into any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement, merger agreement, share purchase agreement, asset purchase agreement, share exchange agreement, option agreement or other similar definitive agreement relating to an alternative competing transaction or (v) propose or agree to do any of the foregoing.
Notwithstanding the foregoing customary “no-shop” restrictions, if prior to obtaining the Company Stockholder Approval (as defined in the Merger Agreement) the Company receives an unsolicited written Acquisition Proposal (as defined in the Merger Agreement) from a third party and the Company Board determines in good faith that (x) such Acquisition Proposal constitutes or could be reasonably expected to result in a Superior Proposal (as defined in the Merger Agreement) and (y) the failure to take the actions set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) of this paragraph would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under law, the Company may, in response to such Acquisition Proposal, (i) furnish Company information and access to the third party making such Acquisition Proposal and (ii) participate in discussions or negotiations with such third party with respect to such Acquisition Proposal, or otherwise cooperate with or assist or participate in, or facilitate, any such discussions or negotiations.
The consummation of the Merger is subject to certain closing conditions, including but not limited to (a) receipt of the Company Stockholder Approval, (b) that no law or governmental order prohibits, restrains, enjoins or makes illegal the consummation of the Merger, (c) that any waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the Merger and the other transactions under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 have terminated or expired and (d) that the parties have obtained CFIUS Clearance (as defined in the Merger Agreement) for the Merger. Each of Buyer’s, Merger Sub’s, and the Company’s obligation to consummate the Merger is also subject to certain additional conditions, including (i) subject to certain materiality standards, the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the other party or parties, (ii) performance in all material respects by the other party or parties of its or their obligations under the Merger Agreement and (iii) with respect to Buyer’s and Merger Sub’s obligations to consummate the Merger, the absence of a Company Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Merger Agreement) with respect to the Company.
The Merger Agreement also contains certain termination provisions for the Company and Buyer, including the right of the Company, in certain circumstances, to terminate the Merger Agreement and accept a Superior Proposal. The Company will be required to pay Buyer a termination fee in cash equal to $
Upon the election of the Company, the Company and Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp., an affiliate of Buyer (“SPMC”), will enter into an amendment to the licensing and supply letter agreement, dated as of December 5, 2012 (the “Licensing Agreement”), by and between Nathan’s Famous Systems, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, and SPMC, which will extend the term of the Licensing Agreement for an additional four years to March 2, 2036 from the current expiration date of March 2, 2032, and Buyer will be required to pay the Company a termination fee in cash equal to $
On January 20, 2026, the Company entered into letter agreements (each a “Retention Agreement”) with each of Eric Gatoff, Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Robert Steinberg, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Under the Retention Agreements, each such individual is entitled to a cash retention bonus payment if (1) such individual is actively employed by the Company or a subsidiary as of closing under the Merger Agreement and has not given notice of his intent to resign or (2) the individual is terminated by the Company for any reason and closing under the Merger Agreement later occurs. The retention bonus payment amount is $
The Company incurred approximately $
Additional information regarding the Merger Agreement and the proposed Merger is included in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 21, 2026.
NOTE U – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company evaluated subsequent events through the date the condensed consolidated financial statements were issued and filed with the SEC. There were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that involve risks and uncertainties. Words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which are based on the current belief of the Company’s management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company’s management. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include but are not limited to: the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement or the failure to satisfy the closing conditions; the possibility that the consummation of the proposed transaction is delayed or does not occur, including the failure of Nathan's stockholders to approve the proposed transaction; uncertainty as to whether the parties will be able to complete the proposed transaction on the terms set forth in the Merger Agreement; uncertainty regarding the timing of the receipt of required regulatory approvals for the proposed transaction and the possibility that the parties may be required to accept conditions that could reduce or eliminate the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction as a condition to obtaining regulatory approvals or that the required regulatory approvals might not be obtained at all; the outcome of any legal proceedings that have been or may be instituted against the parties or others following announcement of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement; challenges, disruptions and costs of integrating and achieving anticipated synergies, or that such synergies will take longer to realize than expected, risks that the proposed transaction and other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement disrupt current plans and operations that may harm Nathan's businesses; the amount of any costs, fees, expenses, impairments and charges related to the proposed transaction, and uncertainty as to the effects of the announcement or pendency of the proposed transaction on the market price of Nathan's common stock and/or on its financial performance; the impact of disease epidemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic; increases in the cost of food and paper products; the impact of price increases on customer visits; the status of our licensing and supply agreements, including our licensing revenue and overall profitability being substantially dependent on our agreement with Smithfield Foods, Inc.; the impact of our debt service and repayment obligations under our credit facility, including the effect on our ability to fund working capital, operations and make new investments; economic (including inflationary pressures like those currently being experienced); weather (including the impact on sales at our restaurants particularly during the summer months), and changes in the price of beef and beef trimmings; our ability to pass on the cost of any price increases in beef and beef trimmings; legislative and business conditions; potential changes in U.S. income tax or tariff policies; the collectability of receivables; changes in consumer tastes; the continued viability of Coney Island as a destination location for visitors; the ability to attract franchisees; the impact of the minimum wage legislation on labor costs in New York State or other changes in labor laws, including regulations which could render a franchisor as a “joint employer” or the impact of our union contracts; our ability to attract competent restaurant and managerial personnel; the enforceability of international franchising agreements; the future effects of any food borne illness, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE and e coli; and the risk factors reported from time to time in the Company’s SEC reports. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking statements.
The following discussion and analysis is intended to help you understand us, our operations and our financial performance. It should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes, which are included elsewhere in this report.
Introduction
As used in this Report, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Nathan’s” or the “Company” mean Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and its subsidiaries (unless the context indicates a different meaning).
We are engaged primarily in the marketing of the “Nathan’s Famous” brand and the sale of products bearing the “Nathan’s Famous” trademarks through several different channels of distribution. Historically, our business has been the operation and franchising of quick-service restaurants featuring Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs, crinkle-cut French fries, and a variety of other menu offerings. Our Company-owned and franchised restaurants operate under the name “Nathan’s Famous,” the name first used at our original Coney Island restaurant opened in 1916. Nathan’s Product Licensing Program sells packaged hot dogs; frozen crinkle-cut French fries and additional products to retail customers through supermarkets, grocery channels and club stores for off-site consumption. Our Branded Product Program enables foodservice retailers and others to sell some of Nathan’s proprietary products outside of the realm of a traditional franchise relationship. In conjunction with this program, purchasers of Nathan’s products are granted a limited use of the Nathan’s Famous trademark with respect to the sale of the purchased products, including Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs, certain other proprietary food items and paper goods. Our Branded Menu Program is a limited franchise program, under which foodservice operators may sell a greater variety of Nathan’s Famous menu items than under the Branded Product Program.
Our revenues are generated primarily from selling products under Nathan’s Branded Product Program, operating Company-owned restaurants, licensing agreements for the sale of Nathan’s products within supermarkets, grocery stores and club stores, the sale of Nathan’s products directly to other foodservice operators, the manufacture of certain proprietary spices by third parties and the royalties, fees and other sums we can earn from franchising the Nathan’s restaurant concept (including the Branded Menu Program and virtual kitchens).
At June 28, 2026, our restaurant system, excluding virtual kitchens, consisted of 223 locations, including 111 Branded Menu Program locations, as well as four Company-owned restaurants (including one seasonal unit), located in 19 states, and 11 foreign countries.
At June 29, 2025, our restaurant system, excluding virtual kitchens, consisted of 225 locations, including 115 Branded Menu Program locations, as well as four Company-owned restaurants (including one seasonal unit), located in 19 states, and 12 foreign countries.
Our primary focus is to expand the market penetration of the Nathan’s Famous brand by increasing the number of distribution points for our products across all of our business platforms, including our Licensing Program for distribution of Nathan’s Famous branded consumer packaged goods, our Branded Products Program for distribution of Nathan’s Famous branded bulk products to the foodservice industry, and our namesake restaurant system comprised of both Company-owned restaurants and franchised locations, including virtual kitchens. The primary drivers of our growth have been our Licensing and Branded Product Programs which have been the largest contributors to the Company’s revenues and profits.
While we do not expect to significantly increase the number of Company-owned restaurants, we may opportunistically and strategically invest in a small number of new units as showcase locations for prospective franchisees and master developers as we seek to grow our franchise system. We continue to seek opportunities to drive sales in a variety of ways as we adapt to the ever-changing consumer and business climate.
As described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 29, 2026, our future results could be materially impacted by many developments including our dependence on Smithfield Foods, Inc. as our principal supplier and the dependence of our licensing revenue and overall profitability on our agreement with Smithfield Foods, Inc. In addition, our future operating results could be impacted by supply constraints on beef or by increased costs of beef, beef trimmings and other commodities due to inflationary pressures compared to earlier periods and our proposed transaction with Smithfield Foods, Inc. under the Merger Agreement.
As described below, we are also including information relating to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP financial measures, in this Form 10-Q quarterly report. See “Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures.”
Recent events
Merger Agreement
As previously announced, on January 20, 2026, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Smithfield Foods, Inc., a Virginia corporation (“Buyer”) and Boardwalk Merger Sub, Inc. a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Buyer (“Merger Sub”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof and in accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”), Merger Sub shall merge with and into the Company (the “Merger,” and the effective time of the Merger, the “Effective Time”). As a result of the Merger, at the Effective Time, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall cease, the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation in the Merger (the “Surviving Corporation”) and the Surviving Corporation shall become a wholly owned subsidiary of Buyer. After the Merger, the Company will cease to be publicly traded. Completion of the transaction remains contingent upon meeting several conditions specified in the Merger Agreement which include securing approval from the holders of a majority of Nathan’s outstanding stock, obtaining clearance from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and fulfilling other closing requirements. We expect the transaction to close in the second half of 2026. For more information regarding the Merger, see NOTE T – MERGER to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Inflationary Factors
Inflationary pressures negatively impacted our earnings during the first three months of fiscal 2027, and we anticipate continued inflationary pressures on commodity prices, including beef and beef trimmings, as well as rising labor costs during the remainder of fiscal 2027. In general, we have been able to offset some of these cost increases resulting from inflation through various actions, such as increasing prices at our Company-owned restaurants and entering into sales agreements with our Branded Product Program customers that are correlated to our cost of beef and beef trimmings. We continue to monitor these inflationary pressures and may need to adjust our prices further to mitigate the impact of these inflationary pressures. Inherent volatility in commodity markets, including beef and beef trimmings, could have a significant impact on our results of operations. Delays in implementing price increases, competitive pressures, a decline in consumer spending levels and other factors may limit our ability to recover such cost increases.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
As discussed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2026, the discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in those condensed consolidated financial statements. These judgments can be subjective and complex, and consequently, actual results could differ from those estimates. Our most critical accounting estimates relate to impairment of intangible assets; impairment of long-lived assets; current expected credit losses; customer rebates and income taxes (including uncertain tax positions). During the thirteen week period ended June 28, 2026, there have been no changes to our critical accounting estimates from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2026.
New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
Please refer to NOTE B – NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET ADOPTED in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for our discussion of New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
The Company believes that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP financial measures, are useful to investors to assist in assessing and understanding the Company's operating performance and underlying trends in the Company's business because EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are (i) among the measures used by management in evaluating performance and (ii) are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties as a common performance measure.
Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures
The following is provided to supplement certain Non-GAAP financial measures.
In addition to disclosing results that are determined in accordance with US GAAP, the Company has provided EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net income excluding (i) interest expense; (ii) provision for income taxes and (iii) depreciation and amortization expense. The Company has also provided Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as EBITDA, excluding (i) non-recurring transaction costs consisting primarily of professional fees incurred in connection with the Merger Agreement and (ii) share-based compensation that the Company believes will impact the comparability of its results of operations.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not recognized terms under US GAAP and should not be viewed as alternatives to net income or other measures of financial performance or liquidity in conformity with US GAAP. Additionally, our definitions of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may differ from other companies. Analysis of results and outlook on a non-US GAAP basis should be used as a complement to, and in conjunction with, data presented in accordance with US GAAP.
The following is a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands):
| Thirteen weeks ended | ||||||||
|
June 28, 2026 |
June 29, 2025 |
|||||||
|
(unaudited) |
||||||||
|
Net income |
$ | 8,829 | $ | 8,928 | ||||
|
Interest expense |
638 | 758 | ||||||
|
Provision for income taxes |
3,334 | 3,329 | ||||||
|
Depreciation and amortization |
239 | 228 | ||||||
|
EBITDA |
13,040 | 13,243 | ||||||
|
Transaction costs (1) |
295 | - | ||||||
|
Share-based compensation |
280 | 288 | ||||||
|
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ | 13,615 | $ | 13,531 | ||||
|
(1) |
Consists principally of legal costs incurred in connection with the transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement. |
Seasonality
Our routine business pattern is affected by seasonal fluctuations, including the effects of weather and economic conditions. Historically, sales from our Company-owned restaurants, principally at Coney Island, and franchised restaurants from which franchised royalties are earned and the Company’s earnings have been highest during our first two fiscal quarters, with the fourth quarter representing the slowest period. Routine seasonality is primarily attributable to weather conditions in the marketplace for our Company-owned and franchised restaurants, which are principally located in the Northeast of the United States. Additionally, revenues from our Branded Product Program, Branded Menu Program and Product licensing program generally follow similar seasonal fluctuations, although not to the same degree. We expect that this seasonality will continue. Working capital requirements may vary throughout the year to support these seasonal patterns.
Due to the above seasonal factors, as well as inflationary pressures, our results of operations for the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2026 are not necessarily indicative of those for any other quarter or for a full fiscal year.
Results of Operations
Thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2026 compared to thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2025
Revenues
Total revenues increased by approximately 15% to $54,062,000 for the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2026 (“fiscal 2027 period”) as compared to $46,998,000 for the thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2025 (“fiscal 2026 period”). The increase in total revenues was primarily driven by pricing actions within the Branded Product Program and modest increases in certain license royalty streams, which were partially offset by lower franchise fees and royalties and Company-owned restaurant revenues.
Foodservice sales from the Branded Product Program increased by approximately 20% to $35,039,000 during the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $29,075,000 for the fiscal 2026 period. During the fiscal 2027 period, the total volume of hot dogs sold in the Branded Product Program increased by approximately 8% as compared to the fiscal 2026 period. Our average selling price, which is partially correlated to the beef markets, increased by approximately 17% as compared to the fiscal 2026 period.
Total Company-owned restaurant sales decreased by approximately 1% to $3,951,000 during the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $3,986,000 during the fiscal 2026 period. Restaurant sales were primarily impacted by a 1% decline in average check.
License royalties increased by approximately 10% to $13,587,000 in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $12,381,000 in the fiscal 2026 period. Total royalties earned on sales of hot dogs from our license agreement with Smithfield Foods, Inc. at retail and foodservice, increased by approximately 10% to $12,617,000 in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $11,464,000 in the fiscal 2026 period. The increase is due to a 3% increase in retail volume, as well as a 7% increase in net selling price. The royalties earned on the foodservice business decreased by $47,000 as compared to the fiscal 2026 period. Royalties earned from all other licensing agreements for the manufacture and sale of Nathan’s products increased by $53,000 during the fiscal 2027 period as compared to the fiscal 2026 period primarily due to higher royalties earned on sales of proprietary spices and beef sticks offset, in part, by lower royalties on franks-in-a-blanket, mozzarella sticks and other hors d’oeuvres.
Franchise fees and royalties were $1,074,000 in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $1,129,000 in the fiscal 2026 period. Total royalties were $1,020,000 in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $1,001,000 in the fiscal 2026 period. Royalties earned under the Branded Menu Program were $179,000 in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $176,000 in the fiscal 2026 period. Royalties earned under the Branded Menu Program are not based upon a percentage of restaurant sales but are based upon product purchases. Virtual kitchen royalties were $48,000 in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $15,000 in the fiscal 2026 period. Traditional franchise royalties were $793,000 in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $810,000 in the fiscal 2026 period. Franchise restaurant sales decreased to $18,204,000 in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $18,444,000 in the fiscal 2026 period principally due to lower sales at mall locations and casino locations, primarily in Las Vegas, Nevada, offset, in part, by higher sales at travel plazas and airports. Comparable domestic franchise sales (consisting of 60 Nathan’s franchised restaurants, excluding sales under the Branded Menu Program) were $14,623,000 in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $14,417,000 in the fiscal 2026 period.
At June 28, 2026, 223 franchised locations, including domestic, international and Branded Menu Program units were operating as compared to 225 franchised locations, including domestic, international and Branded Menu Program units at June 29, 2025. Total franchise fee income was $54,000 in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $128,000 in the fiscal 2026 period. Domestic franchise fee income was $27,000 in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $23,000 in the fiscal 2026 period. International franchise fee income was $27,000 in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $54,000 in the fiscal 2026 period. We recognized $51,000 in forfeited fees in the fiscal 2026 period. During the fiscal 2027 period, four franchise locations opened and two franchise locations closed. During the fiscal 2026 period, eight franchise locations opened and thirteen franchise locations closed.
Advertising fund revenue, after eliminating Company contributions, was $411,000 in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $427,000 in the fiscal 2026 period.
Costs and Expenses
Overall, our cost of sales increased by approximately 24% to $35,205,000 in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $28,423,000 in the fiscal 2026 period. Our gross profit (calculated as total Branded Products sales plus total Company-owned restaurant sales less cost of sales) was $3,785,000 during the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $4,638,000 during the fiscal 2026 period.
Cost of sales in the Branded Product Program increased by approximately 26% to $33,087,000 in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $26,233,000 in the fiscal 2026 period, primarily due to an 8% increase in the volume of hot dogs sold, as well as a 22% increase in the average cost per pound of our hot dogs. A shrinking supply of cattle due to drought conditions and high input costs, combined with strong industry demand and inflationary pressures have resulted in higher commodity prices, including beef and beef trimmings, contributing to the increase in the average cost per pound of our hot dogs. We did not make any purchase commitments of beef during the fiscal 2027 and 2026 periods. If the cost of beef and beef trimmings increases and we are unable to pass on these higher costs through price increases or otherwise reduce any increase in our costs through the use of purchase commitments, our margins will be adversely impacted. With respect to Company-owned restaurants, our cost of sales during the fiscal 2027 period was $2,118,000 or 54% of restaurant sales, as compared to $2,190,000 or 55% of restaurant sales during the fiscal 2026 period. Food and paper costs as a percentage of Company-owned restaurant sales were 24%, which was comparable to the prior year. Labor and related expenses as a percentage of Company-owned restaurant sales were 29%, down from 31% primarily as a result of tighter management and staffing stabilization.
Restaurant operating expenses were $1,216,000 in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $1,179,000 in the fiscal 2026 period. The increase is due primarily to higher repairs and maintenance expense of $14,000 and higher utilities expense of $36,000 which were offset, in part, by lower credit card processing fees of $29,000. As a percentage of Company-owned restaurant sales, restaurant operating expenses were 30.8% in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to 29.6% in the fiscal 2026 period.
Depreciation and amortization, which primarily consists of the depreciation of fixed assets, including leasehold improvements and equipment and the amortization of a definite-lived intangible asset, was $239,000 in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $228,000 in the fiscal 2026 period.
General and administrative expenses increased by approximately 9% to $4,323,000 in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $3,950,000 in the fiscal 2026 period. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to higher professional fees of $288,000 due primarily to our pending acquisition with Buyer pursuant to the Merger Agreement. Refer to NOTE T – MERGER in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements above for further information.
Advertising fund expense, after eliminating Company contributions, was $411,000 in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to $427,000 in the fiscal 2026 period.
Other Items
Interest expense of $638,000 in the fiscal 2027 period represented interest expense of $620,000 on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) Term Loan borrowings and amortization of debt issuance costs of $18,000.
Interest expense of $758,000 in the fiscal 2026 period represented interest expense of $739,000 on the SOFR Term Loan borrowings and amortization of debt issuance costs of $19,000.
The reduction in interest expense of $120,000 is due primarily to lower outstanding long-term debt and a lower interest rate associated with our Credit Agreement.
Interest and dividend income of $133,000 in the fiscal 2027 period represented amounts earned by the Company on its interest bearing money market accounts and money market funds as compared to $203,000 in the fiscal 2026 period. The decrease is due to lower levels of invested cash in the fiscal 2027 period as compared to the fiscal 2026 period.
Other income, net was $21,000 in the fiscal 2026 period which primarily relates to sublease income from a franchised restaurant.
Provision for Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate for the fiscal 2027 period was 27.4% as compared to 27.2% in the fiscal 2026 period. The effective income tax rate for the fiscal 2027 period reflected income tax expense of $3,334,000 recorded on $12,163,000 of pre-tax income. The effective income tax rate for the fiscal 2026 period reflected income tax expense of $3,329,000 recorded on $12,257,000 of pre-tax income. The effective tax rates are higher than the U.S. Federal statutory rates primarily due to state and local taxes, as well as non-deductible executive compensation under the Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m). The effective income tax rate for the fiscal 2027 period included an unfavorable discrete tax adjustment of 0.6% for non-deductible transaction costs offset, in part, by a favorable discrete tax adjustment of 0.4% for stock compensation activity.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”), among other things, includes provisions to expand the IRC Section 162(m) disallowance for deduction of certain compensation paid by publicly held corporations. Effective for tax years starting after December 31, 2026 (March 29, 2027 for the Company), ARPA expands the limitations to cover the next five most highly compensated employees. We continue to evaluate the potential impact ARPA may have on our operations and condensed consolidated financial statements in future periods.
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”) was enacted in the United States. The OBBBA includes significant provisions, such as the permanent extension of certain expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and the restoration of favorable tax treatment for certain business provisions. The legislation has multiple effective dates, with certain provisions effective in 2025 and others to be implemented through 2027. The OBBBA did not have a material impact to our provision for income taxes for the fiscal 2027 period.
The amount of unrecognized tax benefits at June 28, 2026 was $375,000 all of which would impact the Company’s effective tax rate, if recognized. As of June 28, 2026, the Company had approximately $372,000 accrued for the payment of interest and penalties in conjunction with unrecognized tax benefits.
Nathan’s estimates that its unrecognized tax benefit excluding accrued interest and penalties could be further reduced by up to $50,000 during the fiscal year ending March 28, 2027 due primarily to the lapse of statutes of limitations which would favorably impact the Company’s effective tax rate, although no assurances can be given in this regard.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At June 28, 2026 and June 29, 2025, Nathan’s did not have any open purchase commitments for hot dogs. Nathan’s may enter into purchase commitments in the future as favorable market conditions become available.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources and uses of cash
Cash and cash equivalents at June 28, 2026 aggregated $24,686,000, a $282,000 increase during the fiscal 2027 period as compared to cash of $24,404,000 at March 29, 2026. Net working capital increased to $34,764,000 at June 28, 2026 as compared to $28,218,000 at March 29, 2026.
Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash flows from operations and our cash and cash equivalents. Our primary cash requirements are to fund the June 2026 Regular Cash Dividend, to satisfy the debt service under our credit facility, capital expenditures, lease obligations, working capital and general corporate needs.
Summary of Cash Flows
The following table presents summary cash flow information for the periods indicated (in thousands).
|
(In thousands) |
Thirteen weeks ended |
|||||||
|
June 28, 2026 |
June 29, 2025 |
|||||||
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
$ | 949 | $ | (220 | ) | |||
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
(67 | ) | (115 | ) | ||||
|
Net cash used in financing activities |
(600 | ) | (600 | ) | ||||
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 282 | $ | (935 | ) | |||
Operating activities
Cash provided by operations of $949,000 is primarily attributable to net income of $8,829,000 in addition to other non-cash operating items of $565,000, offset by changes in other operating assets and liabilities of $8,445,000. Non-cash operating expenses consist principally of depreciation and amortization of $239,000, amortization of debt issuance costs of $18,000, share-based compensation expense of $280,000 and a provision for credit losses of $57,000. In the fiscal 2027 period, accounts and other receivables increased by $11,493,000 due primarily to higher Branded Product Program receivables of $3,819,000, higher franchise and license royalties receivable of $6,975,000 and higher receivables due to the Advertising Fund of $685,000. Inventories increased by $508,000 due to timing and Branded Product Program inventory in transit. Prepaid expenses and other current assets decreased by $541,000 due primarily to a decrease in prepaid income taxes of $210,000 and a decrease in prepaid marketing and other expenses of $401,000 which were offset, in part, by an increase in prepaid real estate taxes of $92,000. Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities increased by $3,100,000 due principally to an increase in accounts payable of $2,701,000 due to the timing of product purchases for our Branded Product Program and Company-owned restaurants. Additionally, there was an increase in accrued corporate taxes of $2,906,000 due to the timing of estimated tax payments. Offsetting these increases was a reduction in accrued payroll and other benefits of $1,848,000 resulting from the payment of fiscal year-end 2026 compensation as well as the recognition of $707,000 of deferred revenue.
Investing activities
Cash used in investing activities of $67,000 in the fiscal 2027 period is primarily attributable to capital expenditures incurred for our Branded Product Program and our Coney Island restaurants.
Financing activities
During fiscal 2027, we made $600,000 of mandatory principal repayments on our Term Loan borrowings under the Credit Agreement.
Subsequent to the fiscal 2027 period, we paid our next quarterly mandatory principal repayment on our Term Loan borrowings of $600,000 on June 30, 2026.
Credit Agreement
On July 10, 2024 (the “Effective Date”), the Company entered into a five-year unsecured Credit Agreement among the Company, as borrower, direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company, as guarantors, the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “Lenders”) and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender, L/C issuer and a Lender.
The Credit Agreement provides for a term loan facility (“Term Loan”) of $60,000,000 and a revolving credit facility (“Revolving Loan”) of up to $10,000,000. The Credit Agreement also provides that the Company has the right from time to time during the term of the Credit Agreement to request the Lenders for incremental revolving loan borrowing increases of up to an additional $10,000,000 in the aggregate, subject to, among other items, the Lenders agreeing to lend any such additional amounts and compliance with terms specified in the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement matures on July 10, 2029.
The Company borrowed $60,000,000 in Term Loan borrowings on the Effective Date to refinance and redeem its 2025 Notes. The Company will use any Revolving Loan borrowings under the Credit Agreement for working capital and general corporate purposes. As of June 28, 2026, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Loan. See Note P – LONG-TERM DEBT in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information on the Credit Agreement.
Share Repurchases
In 2016, the Board authorized increases to the sixth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 1,200,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the Company. As of June 28, 2026, Nathan’s has repurchased 1,101,884 shares at a cost of $39,000,000 under the sixth stock repurchase plan. At June 28, 2026, there were 98,116 shares remaining to be repurchased pursuant to the sixth stock repurchase plan. The plan does not have a set expiration date. Purchases under the Company’s stock repurchase program may be made from time to time, depending on market conditions, in open market or privately negotiated transactions, at prices deemed appropriate by management. There is no set time limit on the repurchases. There were no stock repurchases during the fiscal 2027 period and the fiscal 2026 period. The terms of the Merger Agreement prohibit the Company from repurchasing any of its common stock subject to certain limited exceptions.
Common Stock Dividends
As discussed above, we had cash and cash equivalents at June 28, 2026 aggregating $24,686,000. Our Board routinely monitors and assesses its cash position and our current and potential capital requirements. The Company paid the June 2026 Regular Cash Dividend of $2,048,000 on June 30, 2026. After the payment of the June 2026 Regular Cash Dividend, the Company is no longer permitted to declare and pay any further dividends under the Merger Agreement.
Purchase Commitments
At June 28, 2026 and March 29, 2026, Nathan’s did not have any open purchase commitments to purchase hot dogs.
Cash Flow Outlook
We expect that in the future we will make investments in certain existing restaurants, support the growth of the Branded Product and Branded Menu Programs, and service the principal and interest obligations under the Credit Agreement, funding those investments from our operating cash flow. We may also incur capital and other expenditures or engage in investing activities in connection with opportunistic situations that may arise on a case-by-case basis as permitted pursuant to our Credit Agreement, and the Merger Agreement. While our Credit Agreement bears interest at a fluctuating interest rate based on the SOFR plus a spread adjustment, if the Company makes cash interest payments on the Term Loan borrowings at the interest rate effective at August 7, 2026, then for the remainder of the fiscal year ending March 28, 2027, we expect to make cash interest payments of approximately $1,802,000 on the Term Loan borrowings.
We may from time to time seek to make voluntary prepayments of our Term Loan borrowings under our Credit Agreement. Such voluntary prepayments, if any, will depend on market conditions, our liquidity requirements, satisfactory compliance of covenants and conditions pursuant to our Credit Agreement, the Merger Agreement and other factors.
Management believes that available cash and cash equivalents and cash generated from operations should provide sufficient capital to finance our operations, fund our operating lease obligations, capital expenditures and satisfy our debt service requirements for the next 12 months.
Contractual Obligations
At June 28, 2026, our contractual obligations primarily consist of the Term Loan borrowings under our Credit Agreement and the mandatory debt principal repayments and the related interest payments, operating leases, and employment agreements with certain executive officers. These contractual obligations impact our short-term and long-term liquidity and capital resource needs. See NOTE P – LONG-TERM DEBT and NOTE Q - LEASES in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and as disclosed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2026 as filed with the SEC on June 9, 2026.
Inflationary Pressures
Inflationary pressures on labor and rising commodity prices, most notably for beef and beef trimmings, have impacted our consolidated results of operations during the fiscal 2027 period, and this trend may continue through the remainder of fiscal 2027.
Our average cost of hot dogs during the fiscal 2027 period was approximately 22% higher than during the fiscal 2026 period. Our average cost of hot dogs during the fiscal year ended March 29, 2026 was approximately 19% higher than during the fiscal year ended March 30, 2025. Inherent volatility experienced in certain commodity markets, such as those for beef and beef trimmings due to seasonal shifts, climate conditions, industry demand, inflationary pressures and other macroeconomic factors could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. This impact will depend on our ability to manage such volatility through price increases and product mix. We are unable to predict the future cost of our hot dogs and expect to experience price volatility for our beef products during the remainder of fiscal 2027. To the extent that beef prices increase as compared to earlier periods, it could impact our results of operations. In the past, we entered into purchase commitments for a portion of our hot dogs to reduce the impact of increasing market prices. We may attempt to enter into similar purchase arrangements for hot dogs and other products in the future.
We have experienced competitive pressure on labor rates as a result of the increase in the minimum hourly wage for fast food workers where our Company-owned restaurants are located. On January 1, 2026, the minimum wage increased from $16.50 to $17.00 in New York City, Long Island and Westchester. Further, beginning in 2027, the minimum wage across New York State will increase annually according to the Consumer Price Index. There has also been an increased demand for labor at all levels which has resulted in greater challenges retaining adequate staffing levels at our Company-owned restaurants; our franchised restaurants and Branded Menu Program locations; as well as for certain vendors in our supply chain that we depend on for our commodities. We remain in contact with our major suppliers and to date we have not experienced significant disruptions in our supply chain.
We believe that these increases in the minimum wage and other changes in employment laws have had a significant financial impact on our financial results and the results of our franchisees that operate in New York State. Our business could be negatively impacted if the decrease in margins for our franchisees results in the potential loss of new franchisees or the closing of a significant number of franchised restaurants.
We expect to continue experiencing volatility in oil and gas prices on our distribution costs for food products and utility costs in the Company-owned restaurants and volatile insurance costs resulting from rising rates.
Continued increases in labor costs, commodity prices and other operating expenses, including health care, could adversely affect our operations. We attempt to manage inflationary pressure, and rising commodity costs, at least in part, through raising prices. Delays in implementing price increases, competitive pressures, consumer spending levels and other factors may limit our ability to offset these rising costs. Volatility in commodity prices, including beef and beef trimmings could have a significant adverse effect on our results of operations.
The Company’s business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows can be impacted by a number of factors, including but not limited to those set forth above in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” any one of which could cause our actual results to vary materially from recent results or from our anticipated future results. For a discussion identifying additional risk factors and important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, also see the discussions in “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in this Form 10-Q and “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended March 29, 2026.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We have historically invested our cash in money market accounts and money market funds which are affected by short term interest rates. As of June 28, 2026, Nathan’s cash and cash equivalents balance aggregated $24,686,000. Interest income on our cash and cash equivalents would increase or decrease by approximately $62,000 per annum for each 0.25% change in interest rates.
Borrowings
On July 10, 2024, we entered into a Credit Agreement and borrowed $60,000,000 in Term Loan borrowings to refinance and redeem the 2025 Notes. Borrowings under our Credit Agreement bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate based on SOFR or a base rate plus a spread adjustment. Accordingly, a rising interest rate environment would result in higher interest expense due on borrowings. A hypothetical 100 bps increase in the interest rate on our $47,800,000 of outstanding unsecured Term Loan borrowings at June 28, 2026 would lead to an increase of approximately $478,000 in cash interest costs over the next twelve months. We currently do not anticipate entering into interest rate swaps or other financial instruments to hedge our borrowings.
Commodity Costs
We are exposed to market price fluctuations in commodities, most notably beef and beef trimmings. Inflationary pressures on commodity prices have directly impacted our consolidated results of operations during the fiscal 2027 period, most notably within our Branded Product Program segment. This trend may continue for the remainder of fiscal 2027. Our average cost of hot dogs during the fiscal 2027 period was approximately 22% higher than during the fiscal 2026 period.
We are unable to predict the future cost of our hot dogs and expect to experience price volatility for our beef products for the remainder of fiscal 2027. Factors that affect beef prices are outside of our control and include foreign and domestic supply and demand, inflation, weather and seasonality. To the extent that beef prices increase as compared to earlier periods, it could impact our results of operations. In the past, we have entered into purchase commitments for a portion of our hot dogs to reduce the impact of increasing market prices. We may attempt to enter into purchase arrangements for hot dogs and other products in the future. Additionally, we expect to continue experiencing volatility in oil and gas prices on our distribution costs for our food products and utility costs in the Company-owned restaurants and volatile insurance costs resulting from rising rates.
We have not attempted to hedge against fluctuations in the prices of the commodities we purchase using future, forward, option or other instruments. As a result, we expect that the majority of our future commodity purchases will be subject to market changes in the prices of such commodities. We have attempted to enter into sales agreements with our Branded Product Program customers that are correlated to our cost of beef, thus reducing our market volatility, or have passed through permanent increases in our commodity prices to our Branded Product Program customers that are not on formula pricing, thereby reducing the impact of long-term increases on our financial results. A short-term increase or decrease of 10% in the cost of our food and paper products for the period ended June 28, 2026 would have increased or decreased our cost of sales by approximately $3,331,000.
Foreign Currencies
Foreign franchisees generally conduct business with us and make payments in United States dollars, reducing the risks inherent with changes in the values of foreign currencies. As a result, we have not purchased future contracts, options or other instruments to hedge against changes in values of foreign currencies and we do not believe fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies would have a material impact on our financial results.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and Exchange Act Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Controls
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended June 28, 2026 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
We believe that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the control system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
None.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2026, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing Nathan's. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
None.
Item 5. Other Information.
During the quarter ended June 28, 2026,
Item 6. Exhibits.
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31.1 |
*Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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31.2 |
*Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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32.1 |
*Certification by Eric Gatoff, CEO, Nathan’s Famous, Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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32.2 |
*Certification by Robert Steinberg, CFO, Nathan’s Famous, Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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101.1 |
*The following materials from the Nathan’s Famous, Inc., Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 2026 formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Deficit, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) related notes. |
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104 |
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL 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.
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NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC. |
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By: |
/s/ Eric Gatoff |
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Eric Gatoff |
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Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
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| Date: August 7, 2026 | By: | /s/ Robert Steinberg | |
| Robert Steinberg | |||
| Vice President – Finance | |||
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and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
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