FORM 10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
(Mark One)

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT  OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 28, 2009.

¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT of 1934
 
For the transition period from ________________________ to ________________________.

Commission file number 0-3189

NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
11-3166443
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)

1400 Old Country Road, Westbury, New York  11590
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(516) 338-8500
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

________________________________________________________________
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):
   Large accelerated filer ¨         Accelerated filer  x
Non-accelerated filer ¨           Smaller reporting company ¨
                                      (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)                                           

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Yes ¨ No x

At August 5, 2009, an aggregate of 5,373,748 shares of the registrant's common stock, par value of $.01, were outstanding.

 

 

NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

   
Page
   
Number
     
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements.
3
     
 
Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) Consolidated Balance Sheets – June 28, 2009 (Unaudited) and March 29, 2009
3
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings - Thirteen Weeks Ended June 28, 2009 and June 29, 2008 (Unaudited)
4
     
 
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity – Thirteen Weeks Ended June 28, 2009 (Unaudited)
5
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Thirteen Weeks Ended June 28, 2009 and June 29, 2008 (Unaudited)
6
     
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
7
     
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
14
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
19
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures.
20
     
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings.
21
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors.
21
     
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
22
     
Item 6.
Exhibits.
23
     
SIGNATURES
24
   
Exhibit Index
25

 
-2-

 

Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
June 28, 2009 and March 29, 2009
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Item 1. Financial Statements

   
June 28, 2009
   
March 29, 2009
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
ASSETS
           
             
CURRENT ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 9,011     $ 8,679  
Marketable securities
    25,265       25,670  
Accounts and other receivables, net
    6,941       4,869  
Note receivable
    296       290  
Inventories
    1,002       668  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    700       1,326  
Deferred income taxes
    696       696  
Total current assets
    43,911       42,198  
                 
Note receivable
    1,389       1,466  
Property and equipment, net
    4,110       4,126  
Goodwill
    95       95  
Intangible asset, net
    1,353       1,353  
Deferred income taxes
    431       428  
Other assets
    158       158  
                 
     $ 51,447     $ 49,824  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Accounts payable
  $ 3,200     $ 2,857  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    3,485       3,867  
Deferred franchise fees
    143        171  
Total current liabilities
    6,828       6,895  
                 
Other liabilities
    1,039       1,080  
                 
Total liabilities
    7,867       7,975  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note K)
               
                 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Common stock, $.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 8,305,683 shares issued; and 5,611,877 shares outstanding at June 28, 2009 and March 29, 2009.
    83       83  
Additional paid-in capital
    49,108       49,001  
Retained earnings
    12,791       11,228  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    396       335  
      62,378       60,647  
Treasury stock, at cost, 2,693,806 shares at June 28, 2009 and March 29, 2009.
    (18,798 )     (18,798 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    43,580       41,849  
                 
    $ 51,447     $ 49,824  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 
-3-

 

Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2009 and June 29, 2008
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

   
June 28, 2009
   
June 29, 2008
 
             
REVENUES
           
Sales
  $ 11,015     $ 11,016  
Franchise fees and royalties
    1,154       1,152  
License royalties
    1,807       1,615  
Interest income
    240       247  
Other income
    16       12  
Total revenues
    14,232       14,042  
                 
COSTS AND EXPENSES
               
Cost of sales
    8,109       8,332  
Restaurant operating expenses
    823       912  
Depreciation and amortization
    199       198  
General and administrative expenses
    2,628       2,445  
Total costs and expenses
    11,759       11,887  
                 
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes
    2,473       2,155  
Provision for income taxes
    910       800  
Income from continuing operations
    1,563       1,355  
                 
Income from discontinued operations, including gains on disposal of discontinued operation before income taxes of $3,906 in 2008
    -       3,914  
Provision for income taxes
     -       1,447  
Income from discontinued operations
     -       2,467  
                 
Net income
  $ 1,563     $ 3,822  
                 
PER SHARE INFORMATION
               
Basic income per share:
               
Income from continuing operations
  $ .28     $ .22  
Income from discontinued operations
     -        .40  
Net income
  $ .28     $ .62  
                 
Diluted income per share:
               
Income from continuing operations
  $ .27     $ .21  
Income from discontinued operations
     -        .38  
Net income
  $ .27     $ .59  
                 
Weighted average shares used in computing income per share
               
Basic
    5,612,000       6,165,000  
Diluted
    5,879,000       6,473,000  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 
-4-

 

Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2009
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

                   
Accumulated
                 
           
Additional
     
Other
             
Total
 
   
Common
 
Common
 
Paid-in
 
Retained
 
Comprehensive
 
Treasury Stock, at Cost
   
Stockholders’
 
   
Shares
 
Stock
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Income
 
Shares
   
Amount
   
Equity
 
                                       
Balance, March 29, 2009
    8,305,683   $ 83   $ 49,001   $ 11,228   $ 335     2,693,806     $ (18,798 )   $ 41,849  
                                                       
Share-based compensation
    -     -     107     -     -     -       -       107  
                                                       
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of deferred income tax of  $40
    -     -     -     -     61     -       -       61  
                                                       
Net income
    -     -     -     1,563     -     -       -       1,563  
                                                       
Balance, June 28, 2009
    8,305,683   $ 83   $ 49,108   $ 12,791   $ 396     2,693,806     $ (18,798 )   $ 43,580  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

 
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Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2009 and June 29, 2008
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

   
June 28, 2009
   
June 29, 2008
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 1,563     $ 3,822  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
               
Depreciation and amortization
    199       198  
Amortization of intangible assets
    -       3  
Amortization of bond premium
    71       58  
Amortization of deferred compensation
    -       18  
Gains on sales of subsidiaries
    -       (3,906 )
Share based compensation expense
    107       106  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    121       -  
Deferred income taxes
    (43 )     (43 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts and other receivables, net
    (2,193 )     (1,698 )
Inventories
    (328 )     (168 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    626       624  
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    (39 )     880  
Deferred franchise fees
    (28 )     58  
Other liabilities
    (41 )     47  
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
     15       (1 )
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities
    435       500  
Purchase of property and equipment
    (189 )     (169 )
Payments received on notes receivable
    71       147  
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary
    -       3,961  
                 
Net cash provided by investing activities
    317       4,439  
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Repurchase of treasury stock
    -       (1,460 )
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
    -       10  
                 
 Net cash used in financing activities
    -       (1,450 )
                 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    332       2,988  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    8,679       14,381  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 9,011     $ 17,369  
                 
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ -     $ -  
Income taxes
  $ 155     $ 123  
                 
Noncash Financing Activities:
               
Loan made in connection with the sale of subsidiary
  $ -     $ 250  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 
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NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 28, 2009
(Unaudited)
 NOTE A - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Nathan's Famous, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively “Nathan’s”, the “Company” or “we”) as of and for the thirteen-week periods ended June 28, 2009 and June 29, 2008 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The unaudited 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, these results are not necessarily indicative of results for any other interim period or the full fiscal year.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Management believes that the disclosures included in the accompanying 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, 2009.

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 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies subsequent to March 29, 2009.

On April 23, 2008, Nathan’s completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, NF Roasters Corp., and on June 7, 2007, completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Miami Subs Corporation (See Note E).

We evaluated events or transactions which occurred subsequent to the balance sheet date but prior to August 7, 2009, the issuance date of the financial statements, for recognition or disclosure.

NOTE B - RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS –NOT YET ADOPTED
 
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 168 “The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162” (“SFAS No. 168”), which establishes the FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM (“Codification”) as the source of authoritative U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. SFAS No. 168 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods, ending after September 15, 2009, which for us is the second quarter of fiscal 2010. The implementation of SFAS No. 168 will not have any impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations upon adoption.

NOTE C – ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141R”), which establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in an acquiree, including the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in a business combination.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No.141R-1, “Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arises from Contingencies” (“FSP No. 141R-1”), which provides guidelines on the initial recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting, and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. FSP No. 141R-1 provides that an acquirer shall recognize an asset acquired or a liability assumed in a business combination that arises from a contingency at fair value, at the acquisition date, if the acquisition-date fair value of that asset or liability can be determined during the measurement period. FSP No. 141R-1 provides guidance in the event that the fair value of an asset acquired or liability assumed cannot be determined during the measurement period. FSP No. 141R-1 provides that an acquirer shall develop a systematic and rational basis for subsequently measuring and accounting for assets and liabilities arising from contingencies and also provides for the disclosure requirements.
 
Nathan’s adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 141R and FSP No. 141R-1 on March 30, 2009. The adoption of these standards had no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 
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In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 amends ARB No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary, which is sometimes referred to as minority interest, is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. Among other requirements, this statement requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest. It also requires disclosure, on the face of the consolidated income statement, of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest. Nathan’s adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 160 on March 30, 2009. The adoption of this standard had no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 142-3 (“FSP No. 142-3”), “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets,” which amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”  Nathan’s adopted the provisions of FSP No. 142-3 on March 30, 2009. The adoption of this standard had no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
In June 2008, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force 08-3 (“EITF 08-3”), “Accounting by Lessees for Maintenance Deposits,” which provides guidance for accounting for maintenance deposits paid by a lessee to a lessor. Nathan’s adopted the provisions of EITF 08-3 on March 30, 2009. The adoption of this standard had no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position Nos. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments,” (“FSP No. 115-2 and FSP No. 124-2”) which segregate credit and noncredit components of impaired debt securities that are not expected to be sold. Impairments will still have to be measured at fair value in other comprehensive income. The FSPs also require some additional disclosures regarding expected cash flows, credit losses, and an aging of securities with unrealized losses. Nathan’s adopted the provisions of FSP No. 115-2 and FSP No. 124-2 on March 30, 2009. The adoption of these standards had no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position Nos. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” which increases the frequency of fair value disclosures to a quarterly basis instead of annually. The guidance relates to fair value disclosures for any financial instruments that are not currently reflected on the balance sheet at fair value. Prior to this FSP, fair values for these assets and liabilities were only disclosed annually. Nathan’s adopted the provisions of FSP No. 107-1 and FSP APB 28-1 on March 30, 2009. The adoption of these standards, which required interim disclosures, which we included in Note D, had no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In May 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events” (“SFAS No. 165”), which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. SFAS No. 165 establishes: 1) The period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements; 2) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements; and 3) the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. SFAS No. 165 also requires disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events. Nathan’s adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 165 on March 30, 2009. In connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 165, we have included a disclosure to address the date through which we evaluated subsequent events.
 
NOTE D – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements(“SFAS No. 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value. SFAS No. 157 eliminates the diversity in practice that exists due to the different definitions of fair value. SFAS No. 157 retains the exchange price notion in earlier definitions of fair value, but clarifies that the exchange price is the price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell an asset or liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. SFAS No. 157 states that the transaction is hypothetical at the measurement date, considered from the perspective of the market participant who holds the asset or liability. As such, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price), as opposed to the price that would be paid to acquire the asset or received to assume the liability at the measurement date (an entry price). SFAS No. 157 also establishes a three-level hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  In February 2008, the FASB delayed the effective date of the provisions of SFAS No. 157 for certain non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (i.e., at least annually) for one year. Nathan’s adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157 for financial assets and liabilities on March 31, 2008 and adopted the remaining provisions for non-financial assets and liabilities on March 30, 2009.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly,” (“FSP No. 157-4”), which provides guidelines for a broad interpretation of when to apply market-based fair value measurements. FSP No. 157-4 reaffirms management’s need to use judgment to determine when a market that was once active has become inactive and in determining fair values in markets that are no longer active. FSP No. 157-4 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. Nathan’s adopted the provisions of FSP No. 157-4 on March 30, 2009. The effect on our consolidated financial position and results of operations of adopting these standards was not significant.

 
-8-

 
 
The valuation hierarchy established by SFAS No. 157 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:
 
·   Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for an identical asset or liability in an active market
 
·   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
 
·   Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability
 
The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 28, 2009 by SFAS No.157 valuation hierarchy (in thousands):
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Carrying Value
 
                                 
Marketable securities
  $ -     $ 25,265     $ -     $ 25,265  
                                 
Total assets at fair value
  $ -     $ 25,265     $ -     $ 25,265  
 
Nathan’s marketable securities, which consists primarily of municipal bonds, are not actively traded.  The valuation of such bonds is based upon quoted market prices for similar bonds currently trading in an active market.

The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of the instruments.  The carrying amount of the note receivable approximates fair value, as determined using level three inputs, as the current interest rate on such instrument approximates current market interest rates on similar instruments.

Certain non-financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring 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, 2009, no fair value adjustment or material fair value measurements were required for non-financial assets or liabilities.

NOTE E – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

The Company follows the provisions of SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS No. 144”), related to the accounting and reporting for components of a business to be disposed of.  In accordance with SFAS No. 144, the definition of discontinued operations includes components of an entity whose cash flows are clearly identifiable. SFAS No. 144 requires the Company to classify as discontinued operations any restaurant, property or business outlet that Nathan’s sells, abandons or otherwise disposes of where the Company will have no further involvement in the operation of, or cash flows from, such restaurant, property or business outlet operations.

1.
Sale of NF Roasters Corp.

On April 23, 2008, Nathan’s completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, NF Roasters Corp. (“NF Roasters”), the franchisor of the Kenny Rogers Roasters concept, to Roasters Asia Pacific (Cayman) Limited. Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement (“NFR Agreement”), Nathan’s sold all of the stock of NF Roasters for $4,000,000 in cash.

In connection with the NFR Agreement, Nathan’s and its previously-owned subsidiary, Miami Subs, may continue to sell Kenny Rogers products within the then-existing restaurants without payment of royalties.

 
-9-

 

The following is a summary of the assets and liabilities of NF Roasters, as of the date of sale, that were sold:

Cash
  $ 8,000 (A)
Accounts receivable, net
    1,000  
Deferred income taxes, net
    230,000  
Intangible assets, net
    391,000  
Other assets
    30,000  
Total assets sold
    660,000  
         
Accrued expenses
    27,000 (B)
Other liabilities
    328,000  
Total liabilities sold
    355,000  
         
Net assets sold
  $ 305,000  

 
(A)
- Represents unexpended marketing funds.
 
(B)
- Includes unexpended marketing funds of $8,000.

Nathan’s realized a gain on the sale of NF Roasters of $3,656,000 net of professional fees of $39,000 and recorded income taxes of $1,289,000 on the gain during the fiscal year ended March 29, 2009. Nathan’s has determined that it will not have any significant cash flows or continuing involvement in the ongoing operations of NF Roasters.

Therefore, the results of operations for NF Roasters, including the gain on disposal, have been presented as discontinued operations for the period ended June 29, 2008.

2. Sale of Miami Subs Corporation

On June 7, 2007, Nathan’s completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Miami Subs Corporation (“Miami Subs”) to Miami Subs Capital Partners I, Inc. (“Purchaser”). Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement (“MSC Agreement”), Nathan’s sold all of the stock of Miami Subs in exchange for $3,250,000 consisting of $850,000 in cash and the Purchaser’s promissory note in the principal amount of $2,400,000 (the “MSC Note”).  The MSC Note bears interest at 8% per annum and is secured by a lien on all of the assets of Miami Subs and by the personal guarantees of two principals of the Purchaser. The Purchaser may also prepay the MSC Note at any time. In the event the MSC Note was fully repaid within one year of the sale, Nathan’s would have been required to reduce the amount due by $250,000. Due to the ability to prepay the loan and reduce the amount due, the recognition of $250,000 was initially deferred. The MSC Note was not prepaid within the requisite timeframe and Nathan’s recognized an additional gain of $250,000, or $158,000 net of tax, resulting from the contingent consideration which was deferred at the time of sale, during the fiscal year ended March 29, 2009.

NOTE F - INCOME PER SHARE

Basic income per common share is calculated by dividing income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and excludes any dilutive effect of stock options or warrants. Diluted 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 income per common share result from the assumed exercise of stock options and warrants, as determined using the treasury stock method.

The following chart provides a reconciliation of information used in calculating the per share amounts for the thirteen-week periods ended June 28, 2009 and June 29, 2008, respectively.
 
  Thirteen weeks
                           
Income from
 
   
Income from
               
Continuing Operations
 
   
Continuing Operations
   
Number of Shares
   
Per Share
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(in thousands)
   
(in thousands)
             
Basic EPS
                                   
Basic calculation
  $ 1,563     $ 1,355       5,612       6,165     $ 0.28     $ 0.22  
Effect of dilutive employee stock options and warrants
    -       -       267       308       (0.01 )     (0.01 )
Diluted EPS
                                               
Diluted calculation
  $ 1,563     $ 1,355       5,879       6,473     $ 0.27     $ 0.21  
 
 
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Options to purchase 110,000 shares of common stock in the thirteen-week periods ended June 28, 2009 and June 29, 2008 were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the exercise prices exceeded the average market price of common shares during the period.

NOTE G – INCOME TAXES

The income tax provisions on continuing operations reflect effective tax rates of 36.8% in 2009 and 37.1% in 2008.  Nathan’s estimates that its annual tax rate for the fiscal year ending March 28, 2010 will be approximately 35.0% to 37.5%.  The final annual tax rate is subject to many variables, including the effect of tax-exempt interest earned, among other factors, and therefore cannot be determined until the end of the fiscal year; therefore, the actual tax rate could differ from our current estimates.

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits at June 28, 2009 was $510,000, all of which would impact Nathan’s effective tax rate, if recognized.  As of June 28, 2009, Nathan’s had $380,000 of accrued interest and penalties in connection with unrecognized tax benefits.

There was no material change in the amount of uncertain tax benefits recognized during the thirteen-week period ended June 28, 2009. Nathan’s is seeking to resolve various uncertain tax positions during the year ending March 28, 2010. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could change in the next 12 months, which could lower its effective tax rate for the year.
 
Nathan’s estimates that its unrecognized tax benefits and the related accrued interest and penalties could be reduced by $50,000 to $250,000.

NOTE H – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
 
Total share-based compensation during the thirteen-week periods ended June 28, 2009 and June 29, 2008 was $107,000 and $124,000, respectively. Total share-based compensation is included in general and administrative expense in our accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. As of June 28, 2009, there was $792,000 of unamortized compensation expense related to stock options. We expect to recognize this expense over approximately two years, three months, which represents the requisite service periods for such awards.
 
There were no share-based awards granted during the thirteen-week periods ended June 28, 2009 or June 29, 2008.
 
Stock options outstanding:
 
Transactions with respect to stock options for the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2009, are as follows:
 
         
Weighted-
   
Weighted-
       
         
Average
   
Average
   
Aggregate
 
         
Exercise
   
Remaining
   
Intrinsic
 
   
Shares
   
Price
   
Contractual Life
   
Value
 
                         
Options outstanding at March 29, 2009
    1,027,308     $ 6.94       2.93     $ 6,723,000  
                                 
Granted
    -       -       -       -  
Expired
    -       -       -       -  
Exercised
     -       -       -       -  
                                 
Options outstanding at June 28, 2009
    1,027,308     $ 6.94       2.68     $ 7,081,436  
                                 
Options exercisable at June 28, 2009
    869,975     $ 5.44       2.24     $ 7,056,156  

There were no stock options exercised during the thirteen-week period ended June 28, 2009.

NOTE I – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Through June 28, 2009, Nathan’s purchased a total of 2,693,806 shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $18,798,000 pursuant to its stock repurchase plans previously authorized by the Board of Directors.  None of these repurchased shares were repurchased during the thirteen-week period ended June 28, 2009.  On November 13, 2008, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized a fourth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, under which 193,806 shares were repurchased at a cost of $2,400,000 as of June 28, 2009.

On February 5, 2009, Nathan’s and Mutual Securities Inc. (“MSI”) entered into an agreement (the “10b5-1 Agreement”) pursuant to which MSI has been authorized to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, having a value of up to an aggregate $3.6 million, which commenced on March 16, 2009.  The 10b5-1 Agreement was adopted under the safe harbor provided by Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in order to assist the Company in implementing its previously-announced fourth stock repurchase plan, for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares.  The 10b5-1 Agreement shall terminate no later than March 15, 2010.

 
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On June 30, 2009, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized its fifth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the Company and the Company repurchased 238,129 shares of common stock at a cost of $3,015,000 in a privately- negotiated transaction with Prime Logic Capital, LLC.

After giving effect to the repurchase made on June 30, 2009, there are 306,194 and 261,871 shares remaining to be purchased pursuant to the fourth and fifth stock repurchase plans, respectively.

Purchases 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 to be made under the fourth and fifth stock repurchase plans.
 
At June 28, 2009 the Company has reserved 15,246,683 shares of common stock for issuance upon exercise of the Rights approved by the Board of Directors on June 4, 2008.

NOTE J - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The components of comprehensive income are as follows:
   
Thirteen 
weeks ended
 June 28, 2009
   
Thirteen
weeks ended
June 29, 2008
 
   
(in thousands)
   
(in thousands)
 
             
Net income
  $ 1,563     $ 3,822  
                 
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of  tax expense (benefit) of $40, and ($99), respectively
    61       (143 )
                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 1,624     $ 3,679  

Accumulated other comprehensive income at June 28, 2009 and March 29, 2009 consists entirely of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred taxes.

NOTE K - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

1.
Commitments

In January 2009, the Company entered into a commitment to purchase 2,592,000 pounds of hot dogs for $4,368,000 from its primary hot dog manufacturer between April through September 2009. Through June 28, 2009, Nathan’s purchased approximately 1,256,000 pounds of hot dogs pursuant to this purchase commitment. Nathan’s expects to complete the purchase of the remaining 1,336,000 pounds of product between July and September 2009.

2.    Contingencies

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.

The Company is also involved in the following legal proceedings:

On March 20, 2007, a personal injury lawsuit was initiated seeking unspecified damages against the Company's subtenant and the Company's master landlord at a leased property in Huntington, New York.  The claim relates to damages suffered by an individual as a result of an alleged "trip and fall" on the sidewalk in front of the leased property, maintenance of which is the subtenant's responsibility.  Although the Company was not named as a defendant in the lawsuit, under its master lease agreement the Company may have an obligation to indemnify the master landlord in connection with this claim.  The Company did not maintain its own insurance on the property concerned at the time of the incident; however, the Company is named as an additional insured under its subtenant's liability policy.  Accordingly, if the master landlord is found liable for damages and seeks indemnity from the Company, the Company believes that it would be entitled to coverage under the subtenant's insurance policy.  Additionally, under the terms of the sublease, the subtenant is required to indemnify the Company, regardless of insurance coverage.

 
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The Company is party to a License Agreement with SMG, Inc. ("SMG") dated as of February 28, 1994, as amended (the "License Agreement") pursuant to which: (i) SMG acts as the Company's exclusive licensee for the manufacture, distribution, marketing and sale of packaged Nathan's Famous frankfurter product at supermarkets, club stores and other retail outlets in the United States; and (ii) the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to require SMG to produce hot dogs for the Nathan's Famous restaurant system and Branded Product Program.  On July 31, 2007, the Company provided notice to SMG that the Company has elected to terminate the License Agreement, effective July 31, 2008, due to SMG's breach of certain provisions of the License Agreement. SMG has disputed that a breach has occurred and has commenced, together with certain of its affiliates, an action in state court in Illinois seeking, among other things, a declaratory judgment that SMG did not breach the License Agreement.  The Company has answered SMG's complaint and asserted its own counterclaims which seek, among other things, a declaratory judgment that SMG did breach the License Agreement and that the Company has properly terminated the License Agreement. On July 31, 2008, SMG and Nathan’s entered into a stipulation pursuant to which Nathan’s agreed that it would not effectuate the termination of the License Agreement on the grounds alleged in the present litigation until such litigation has been successfully adjudicated, and SMG agreed that in such event, Nathan’s shall have the option to require SMG to continue to perform under the License Agreement for an additional period of up to six months to ensure an orderly transition of the business to a new licensee/supplier. Each of the parties has moved for summary judgment in its favor.

On July 31, 2009, the Company was served with a class action complaint filed in the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey, Essex County (the "Complaint").  In addition to Nathan's Famous, Inc., the Complaint names as defendants Kraft Foods, Sara Lee Corporation, ConAgra Foods, Inc., and Marathon Enterprises, Inc. (together with Nathan's Famous, Inc., the "Defendants"). The named class plaintiffs purport to represent consumers who have purchased processed meat products that were distributed and sold in New Jersey from July 22, 2003 through July 22, 2009.  The Complaint alleges, among other things, that Defendants violated the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-2) (the "Act") by omitting material information about their respective processed meat products for the purpose of inducing consumers to purchase the products.  The Complaint seeks injunctive relief, attorneys' fees and costs incurred in bringing the lawsuit.  The named plaintiffs are further seeking combined damages in the amount of $900.00. If a violation of the Act is found to have occurred, named plaintiffs are entitled to trebled damages in the combined amount of $2,700.00.  The Company is presently evaluating its response to the Complaint; however, management believes that any liability will not have a material impact on the financial condition of the Company.

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

Forward-Looking Statements
 
Statements in this Form 10-Q quarterly report may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that express our intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions or any other statements relating to our future activities or other future events or conditions. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are not within our control, include but are not limited to: the adverse effect that increasing commodity costs has on our profitability and operating results; the pending litigation with the primary supplier of hot dogs to our Branded Product Program may result in a disruption in that supply or increased costs, which would adversely effect our operating results; current economic conditions could result in decreased consumer spending on discretionary products, such as fast food; as well as those risks discussed from time to time in the Company’s Form 10-K annual report for the year ended March 29, 2009, and in other documents which we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. We generally identify forward-looking statements with the words “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “will,” “should” and similar expressions. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Form 10-Q.

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-fried potatoes, and a variety of other menu offerings.  Our Company-owned and franchised units operate under the name “Nathan’s Famous,” the name first used at our original Coney Island restaurant opened in 1916. Nathan’s licensing program began in 1978 by selling packaged hot dogs and other meat products to retail customers through supermarkets or grocery-type retailers for off-site consumption. During fiscal 1998, we introduced our Branded Product Program, which enables foodservice retailers to sell some of Nathan’s proprietary products outside of the realm of a traditional franchise relationship. In conjunction with this program, foodservice operators are granted a limited use of the Nathan’s Famous trademark with respect to the sale of Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs and certain other proprietary food items and paper goods. During fiscal 2008, we launched our Branded Menu 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, franchising the Nathan’s restaurant concept (including under the Branded Menu Program) and licensing agreements for the sale of Nathan’s products within supermarkets and club stores, the manufacture of certain proprietary spices and the sale of Nathan’s products directly to other foodservice operators.

In addition to plans for expansion through franchising, licensing and our Branded Product Program, Nathan’s continues to co-brand within its restaurant system.  Nathan’s is also the owner of the Arthur Treachers brand. At June 28, 2009, the Arthur Treacher’s brand was being sold within 58 Nathan’s restaurants.

Today, our restaurant system consists of 289 Nathan’s franchised or licensed units, including 102 Branded Menu units and five Company-owned units (including one seasonal unit), located in 24 states, the Cayman Islands and four foreign countries. Included in the number of Branded Menu units are 42 Miami Subs locations.  Previously, Miami Subs locations were not included in the number of units operating. At June 29, 2008, our restaurant system consisted of 230 Nathan’s franchised or licensed units, including 40 limited-menu Branded Menu locations and six Company-owned units (including one seasonal unit), located in 20 states and four foreign countries.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

As discussed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2009, the discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The preparation of these financial statements require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in those financial statements. These judgments can be subjective and complex, and consequently, actual results could differ from those estimates. Our most critical accounting policies and estimates relate to revenue recognition; impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets; impairment of long-lived assets; impairment of notes receivable; share-based compensation and income taxes (including uncertain tax positions).  Since March 29, 2009, there have been no changes in our critical accounting policies or significant changes to the assumptions and estimates related to them.

 
-14-

 

Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Note C to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1, for a complete discussion of the impact of adopting new accounting pronouncements during the fiscal quarter ended June 28, 2009 on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

See Note B, to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1, for a discussion of recently issued accounting standards not yet adopted.

Revenues from Continuing Operations

Total sales were $11,015,000 for the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2009 (“fiscal 2010 period”) as compared to $11,016,000 for the thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2008 (“fiscal 2009 period”).   Foodservice sales from the Branded Product and Branded Menu Programs increased by 3.4% to $6,843,000 for the fiscal 2010 period as compared to sales of $6,618,000 in the fiscal 2009 period. This increase was primarily attributable to price increases of 11.7%, which was partly offset by lower sales volume of approximately 8.4%. Total Company-owned restaurant sales (representing four comparable Nathan’s restaurants and one seasonal restaurant during both periods and one restaurant that was transferred to a franchisee on January 26, 2009) were $3,496,000 for the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $3,859,000 during the fiscal 2009 period. Sales at the four comparable Company-owned restaurants (excluding one seasonal restaurant and the restaurant that was transferred to a franchisee in January 2009) were $3,282,000 during the fiscal 2010 period, as compared to $3,387,000 during the fiscal 2009 period. The sales decline at our four comparable Company-owned restaurants occurred during June 2009, which we believe was primarily attributable to weather conditions.  The rain during June 2009 severely reduced the number of people that went to the beach and consequently our Coney Island restaurant.  Sales during April and May 2009 had increased by approximately 5.1% over the same period last year. During the fiscal 2010 period, sales to our television retailer were approximately $137,000 higher than the fiscal 2009 period. Nathan’s products were on air 38 times during the fiscal 2010 period as compared to 18 times during the fiscal 2009 period. This year’s airings included 10 “Try Me” special promotions, seven “Today’s Special Value” promotions and two, half-hour food shows.

Franchise fees and royalties were $1,154,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $1,152,000 in the fiscal 2009 period. Total royalties were $1,037,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $1,035,000 in the fiscal 2009 period. During the fiscal 2010 period, we did not recognize revenue of $105,000 for royalties deemed to be uncollectible as compared to the fiscal 2009 period, when we did not recognize $27,000 of royalty income. Total royalties, excluding the adjustments for royalties deemed uncollectible as described above, were $1,142,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $1,062,000 in the fiscal 2009 period. During the fiscal 2010 period, Nathan’s earned $30,000 of higher royalties from sales by our manufacturers and primary distributor under our Branded Menu Program primarily due to the increase in the number of Branded Menu locations.  Franchise restaurant sales were $23,998,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $23,756,000 in the fiscal 2009 period. Comparable domestic franchise sales (consisting of 128 Nathan’s outlets, excluding sales under the Branded Menu Program) were $16,887,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $18,303,000 in the fiscal 2009 period, a decrease of 7.7%.  Franchise sales continued to be negatively affected by the economic recession, particularly at our travel, retail and entertainment venues, where sales are lower by approximately 10% compared to the fiscal 2009 period. At June 28, 2009, 289 domestic and international franchised or Branded Menu Program franchise outlets were determined to be operating as compared to 230 domestic and international franchised or Branded Menu Program franchise outlets at June 29, 2008. (Included in the number of Branded Menu units are 42 Miami Subs locations at June 28, 2009.  Previously, Miami Subs locations were not included in the number of units operating.)  Royalty income from 13 domestic franchised outlets was deemed unrealizable during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2009, as compared to 10 franchised outlets during the thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2008. Domestic franchise fee income was $68,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $47,000 in the fiscal 2009 period due to the opening of more conventional locations during the fiscal 2010 period. International franchise fee income was $49,000 in the fiscal 2010 period, as compared to $70,000 during the fiscal 2009 period primarily due to fewer openings of international franchised restaurants. During the fiscal 2010 period, seven new franchised outlets opened, including four Branded Menu Program outlets, one unit in Kuwait and one unit in the Dominican Republic. During the fiscal 2009 period, 14 new franchised outlets were opened, including nine Branded Menu Program outlets, two units in Kuwait and one unit in Dubai.

License royalties increased by $192,000 or 11.9% to $1,807,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $1,615,000 in the fiscal 2009 period. Total royalties earned on sales of hot dogs from our retail and foodservice license agreements of $1,516,000 increased 11.6% from $1,358,000 as a result of higher licensee sales during the fiscal 2010 period.  Royalties earned from SFG, primarily from the retail sale of hot dogs, were $1,125,000 during the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $1,052,000 during the fiscal 2009 period. Royalties earned from another licensee, substantially from sales of hot dogs to Sam’s Club, were $391,000 during the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $306,000 during the fiscal 2009 period. Beginning March 2008, Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs were introduced into over 500 of the foodservice cafes operating in Sam’s Clubs throughout the United States. The Sam’s Club introduction was substantially completed by June 2008.  Accordingly, we anticipate earning similar royalties under this agreement during the balance of this fiscal year as compared to the last three fiscal quarters of last year. We earned higher revenues of $37,000 from our agreement for the manufacture of Nathan’s proprietary ingredients. Interest income was $240,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $247,000 in the fiscal 2009 period, primarily due to lower interest income on our MSC Note (as defined) receivable, received in connection with the sale of Miami Subs on June 7, 2007.

 
-15-

 

Other income was $16,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $12,000 in the fiscal 2009 period.

Costs and Expenses from Continuing Operations

Overall, our cost of sales decreased by $223,000 to $8,109,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $8,332,000 in the fiscal 2009 period. Our gross profit (representing the difference between sales and cost of sales) was $2,906,000 or 26.4% of sales during the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $2,684,000 or 24.4% of sales during the fiscal 2009 period.

In the Branded Product Program, our cost of sales decreased by approximately $93,000 during the fiscal 2010 period when compared to the fiscal 2009 period, primarily as a result of the sales volume decline, which was partly offset by an approximate 5.7% increase in the cost of our hot dogs. During the fiscal 2010 period, the market price of hot dogs was approximately 0.5% higher than during the fiscal 2009 period. This disparity is due to the varying effects that the Company’s purchase commitments had on the fiscal 2010 period and fiscal 2009 period results. In January 2009, we entered into a purchase commitment, as amended, to acquire 2,592,000 pounds of hot dogs at $1.685 per pound from April 2009 through September 2009. In January 2008, we entered into a purchase commitment to acquire approximately 1,785,000 pounds of hot dogs at $1.535 per pound from April 2008 through August 2008. These purchase commitments lowered our hot dog costs during the fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 periods by $41,000 and $304,000, respectively, as compared to purchasing all of our products at the then-prevailing market price. These savings offset some of the effects of the higher commodity costs for beef and beef trimmings. Beginning in July 2008, we initiated price increases in our Branded Product Program, in an effort to offset the increased cost of our hot dogs, which has improved margins. If the cost of beef and beef trimmings increases and we are unable to pass on these higher costs through price increases, our margins will be adversely impacted.

With respect to our Company-owned restaurants, our cost of sales during the fiscal 2010 period was $1,997,000 or 57.1% of restaurant sales, as compared to $2,237,000 or 58.0% of restaurant sales in the fiscal 2009 period.  During the fiscal 2010 period, our Company-owned stores experienced lower food and labor-related costs as a percentage of sales. The lower food cost as a percentage of sales was due primarily to the slightly lower commodity cost of our products and the effect of the sales price increases for select menu items. Cost of sales to our television retailer increased by $110,000 in the fiscal 2010 period, primarily due to higher sales volume and the higher cost of hot dogs.

Restaurant operating expenses decreased by $89,000 to $823,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $912,000 in the fiscal 2009 period. The decrease during the fiscal 2010 period when compared to the fiscal 2009 period results from operating one less restaurant during the fiscal 2010 period of $61,000 and from lower utility costs of $14,000, lower occupancy costs of $20,000 and reductions in various other costs of $34,000, which were partly offset by higher marketing costs of $33,000 in connection with three monthly Free Standing Insert campaigns. During the fiscal 2010 period our utility costs were approximately 8.3% lower than the fiscal 2009 period which was due to lower commodity costs and lower consumption. We continue to be concerned about the uncertain market conditions for oil and natural gas.

Depreciation and amortization was $199,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $198,000 in the fiscal 2009 period.
 
General and administrative expenses increased by $183,000 or 7.5% to $2,628,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $2,445,000 in the fiscal 2009 period. The difference in general and administrative expenses was due primarily to an increase in bad debts of $121,000 and un-reimbursed property costs of $48,000. We also incurred higher tax and audit fees of approximately $83,000, which were partly offset by lower occupancy costs of $32,000, stock compensation of $18,000 and other reduced costs.

Provision for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations
 
In the fiscal 2010 period, the income tax provision was $910,000 or 36.8% of income from continuing operations before income taxes as compared to $800,000 or 37.1% of income from continuing operations before income taxes in the fiscal 2009 period. For the fiscal periods ended June 28, 2009 and June 29, 2008, Nathan’s tax provision, excluding the effects of tax-exempt interest income, was 40.1% and 40.6%, respectively.

Discontinued Operations
 
On April 23, 2008, Nathan’s completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, NF Roasters Corp. (“NF Roasters”), to Roasters Asia Pacific (Cayman) Limited. Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, Nathan’s sold all of the stock of NF Roasters for $4,000,000 in cash. The results of operations for NF Roasters, including the gains on disposal, have been presented as discontinued operations for the fiscal 2009 period.

 
-16-

 

Nathan’s realized a gain on the sale of NF Roasters of $3,656,000 net of professional fees of $39,000, and recorded income taxes of $1,289,000 on the gain during the thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2008. Nathan’s has determined that it will not have any significant cash flows or continuing involvement in the ongoing operations of NF Roasters.

On June 7, 2007, Nathan’s completed the sale of Miami Subs to Miami Subs Capital Partners I, Inc. (“Purchaser”). Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement (“MSC Agreement”), Nathan’s sold all of the stock of Miami Subs in exchange for $3,250,000, consisting of $850,000 in cash and the Purchasers Promissory Note in the amount of $2,400,000 (the MSC Note”).  In the event the MSC Note were fully repaid within one year of the sale, Nathan’s had agreed to reduce the amount due by $250,000. Due to the ability to prepay the loan and reduce the amount due, the recognition of $250,000 was initially deferred. The MSC Note was not prepaid within the requisite timeframe and Nathan’s recognized $250,000 as additional gain and initially recorded estimated income taxes of $92,000 during the fiscal 2009 period, resulting from the contingent consideration which was deferred at the time of sale.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We are not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements, other than the remaining purchase commitment to acquire approximately 1,336,000 pounds of hot dogs between July and September 2009. See Note K to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents at June 28, 2009 aggregated $9,011,000, increasing by $332,000 during the fiscal 2010 period.  At June 28, 2009, marketable securities were $25,265,000 compared to $25,670,000 at March 29, 2009 and net working capital increased to $37,083,000 from $35,303,000 at March 29, 2009.

Cash provided by operations of $15,000 in the fiscal 2010 period is primarily attributable to net income of $1,563,000, and other non-cash items of $455,000, net. Changes in Nathan’s operating assets and liabilities decreased cash by $2,003,000, resulting primarily from increased accounts and other receivables of $2,193,000, and increased inventories of $328,000, which were partly offset by decreases in prepaid expenses of $626,000. The increase in accounts and other receivables relates primarily to normal seasonal fluctuations from licensees of $1,064,000, increased sales under the Branded Product Program and to our television retailer of $516,000, advances to Nathan’s advertising fund of $356,000 and higher franchise royalties of $206,000. Inventories increased in anticipation of higher sales to our television retailer and in our Company-operated restaurants. The decrease in prepaid expenses is due primarily to the reduction of prepaid corporate income taxes of $282,000 which have been applied against the fiscal 2010 period income, usage of prepaid expenses for insurance and rent of $151,000 and various other reductions.

Cash provided by investing activities was $317,000 in the fiscal 2010 period, primarily related to cash proceeds of $435,000 from the redemption of maturing available-for-sale securities and $71,000 from the receipt of all scheduled payments on the MSC Note receivable. We also incurred capital expenditures of $189,000.

Through June 28, 2009, Nathan’s purchased a total of 2,693,806 shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $18,798,000  pursuant to its stock repurchase plans previously authorized by the Board of Directors.  None of these shares were repurchased during the thirteen-week period ended June 28, 2009.  On November 13, 2008, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized a fourth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, under which 193,806 shares were repurchased at a cost of $2,400,000 as of June 28, 2009.

On February 5, 2009, Nathan’s and MSI entered into an agreement (the “10b5-1 Agreement”) pursuant to which MSI has been authorized to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, having a value of up to an aggregate $3.6 million, which commenced on March 16, 2009.  The 10b5-1 Agreement was adopted under the safe harbor provided by Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in order to assist the Company in implementing its previously-announced fourth stock repurchase plan, for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares.  The 10b5-1 Agreement shall terminate no later than March 15, 2010.

On June 30, 2009, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized its fifth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the Company and the Company repurchased 238,129 shares of common stock at a cost of $3,015,000 in a privately- negotiated transaction with Prime Logic Capital, LLC.

After giving effect to the repurchase made on June 30, 2009, there are 306,194 and 261,871 shares remaining to be purchased pursuant to the fourth and fifth stock repurchase plans, respectively.

Purchases 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 to be made under the fourth and fifth stock repurchase plans.

Management believes that available cash, marketable securities and cash generated from operations should provide sufficient capital to finance our operations and stock repurchases for at least the next twelve months.

 
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Nathan’s philosophy with respect to maintaining a balance sheet with a significant amount of cash and marketable securities reflects our views of maintaining readily available capital to expand our existing business and pursue any new business opportunities which might present themselves to expand our business.  Nathan’s routinely assesses its investment management approach with respect to our current and potential capital requirements.

We expect that in the future we will continue the stock repurchase programs, make additional investments in certain existing restaurants and support the growth of the Branded Product Program and fund those investments from our operating cash flow. We may also incur capital expenditures in connection with opportunistic investments on a case-by-case basis.

At June 28, 2009, there were four properties that we lease from third parties which we sublease to franchisees and a non-franchisee. Two of the subleases are currently in default of the sublease agreements. We remain contingently liable for all costs associated with these properties including: rent, property taxes and insurance. We may incur future cash payments with respect to such properties, consisting primarily of future lease payments, including costs and expenses associated with terminating any of such leases.

The following schedule represents Nathan’s cash contractual obligations and commitments by maturity (in thousands):
 
       
Payments Due by Period
 
       
Less than
           
More than
 
Cash Contractual Obligations
 
Total
 
1 Year
 
1 - 3 Years
 
3-5 Years
   
5 Years
 
                         
Employment Agreements (a)
  $ 3,202   $ 1,236   $ 1,166   $ 400     $ 400  
Operating Leases
    10,925     1,576     1,347     1,082       6,920  
Gross Cash Contractual Obligations
    14,127     2,812     2,513     1,482       7,320  
                                   
Sublease Income
    1,173     232     452     244       245  
Net Cash Contractual Obligations
  $ 12,954   $ 2,580   $ 2,061   $ 1,238     $ 7,075  
                                   
   
Amount of Commitment Expiration by Period
 
   
Total
                           
   
Amounts
 
Less than
               
More than
 
Other Contractual Commitment
 
Committed
 
1 Year
 
1 - 3 Years
 
3-5 Years
   
5 Years
 
                                   
Commitment to purchase
  $ 2,251   $ 2,251   $ -   $ -     $ -  
Total Other Contractual Commitment
  $ 2,251   $ 2,251   $ -   $ -     $ -  

(a) Includes the extension of Messrs. Gatoff’s and Norbitz’ employment agreements for which no non-renewal notices were provided within the required 180 days of December 31, 2009.

Inflationary Impact

We do not believe that general inflation has materially impacted earnings since 2006. However, since then, we have experienced significant cost increases for certain food products, distribution costs and utilities. Our commodity costs for beef have been very volatile since fiscal 2004. During the fiscal 2010 period, the market price of hot dogs was approximately 0.5% higher than during the fiscal 2009 period. During that same period, our cost of beef has been approximately 5.7% higher than the fiscal 2009 period. This disparity is due to the varying affects that the purchase commitments had on the fiscal 2010 period and fiscal 2009 period results, which lowered our costs by 0.8% and 5.7%, respectively. To date, the cost of hot dogs has not increased as rapidly as we experienced during the period May through September 2008, when the cost of hot dogs reached the highest level since the inception of our Branded Product Program. Consequently, the resulting benefit of the purchase commitment was not as significant during the fiscal 2010 period. Since January 2009, the cost of beef and beef trimmings has been relatively stable. However, we are unable to predict the future cost of our hot dogs and expect to experience price volatility for our beef products during fiscal 2010. During the fiscal 2010 period we experienced lower costs for corn oil and cheese which were partly offset by higher costs for potatoes. We may seek to enter into a purchase commitment for corn oil in the future. Additionally, we continue to experience the volatility in oil prices on our  distribution costs for our food products and utility costs in our Company-owned restaurants.

From time to time, various Federal and New York State legislators have proposed changes to the minimum wage requirements. The Federal and New York State minimum wages were increased to $7.25 per hour, effective July 24, 2009.  This increase was the final scheduled increase pursuant to existing legislation where our Company-owned restaurants are located. This wage increase is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position as the vast majority of our employees are paid at a rate higher than the minimum wage.   Although we only operate five Company-owned restaurants, we believe that significant increases in the minimum wage could have a significant financial impact on our financial results and the results of our franchisees. Continued increases in labor, food and other operating expenses could adversely affect our operations and those of the restaurant industry and we might have to further reconsider our pricing strategy as a means to offset reduced operating margins.

 
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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 Consolidated Financial Statements” in this Form 10-Q and “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended March 29, 2009.

Item 3.     Quantitative  and Qualitative  Disclosures About Market Risk.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We have historically invested our cash and cash equivalents in short term, fixed rate, highly rated and highly liquid instruments which are reinvested when they mature throughout the year.  Although our existing investments are not considered at risk with respect to changes in interest rates or markets for these instruments, our rate of return on short-term investments could be affected at the time of reinvestment as a result of intervening events. As of June 28, 2009, Nathans’ cash and cash equivalents aggregated $9,011,000. Earnings on these cash and cash equivalents would increase or decrease by approximately $23,000 per annum for each 0.25% change in interest rates.

Marketable Securities

We have invested our marketable securities in intermediate term, fixed rate, highly rated and highly liquid instruments. These investments are subject to fluctuations in interest rates. As of June 28, 2009, the market value of Nathans’ marketable securities aggregated $25,265,000. Interest income on these marketable securities would increase or decrease by approximately $63,000 per annum for each 0.25% change in interest rates. The following chart presents the hypothetical changes in the fair value of the marketable investment securities held at June 28, 2009 that are sensitive to interest rate fluctuations (in thousands):
 
   
Valuation of securities
         
Valuation of securities
 
   
Given an interest rate
         
Given an interest rate
 
   
Decrease of X Basis points 
   
Fair
   
Increase of X Basis points
 
   
(150BPS)
 
(100BPS)
 
(50BPS)
   
Value
   
+50BPS
 
+100BPS  
   
+150BPS
 
                                                   
Municipal notes and bonds
  $ 26,399   $ 26,071   $ 25,692     $ 25,265     $ 24,817   $ 24,369     $ 23,928  

Borrowings

The interest rate on our prior borrowings was generally determined based upon the prime rate and was subject to market fluctuation as the prime rate changed, as determined within each specific agreement.  At June 28, 2009, we had no outstanding indebtedness. If we were to borrow money in the future, such borrowings would be based upon the then prevailing interest rates. We do not anticipate entering into interest rate swaps or other financial instruments to hedge our borrowings. Accordingly, we do not believe that fluctuations in interest rates would have a material impact on our financial results.

Commodity Costs

The cost of commodities is subject to market fluctuation. In January 2009, we entered a purchase commitment, as amended, to acquire 2,592,000 pounds of hot dogs at $1.685 per pound from April 2009 through September 2009. In January 2008, we entered into a purchase commitment to acquire approximately 1,785,000 pounds of hot dogs at $1.535 per pound from April 2008 through August 2008. During the fiscal 2010 period, the market price of hot dogs was approximately 0.5% higher than the fiscal 2009 period. However, our cost of beef was approximately 5.7% higher during the fiscal 2010 period than the fiscal 2009 period. This disparity is due to the varying effects that the purchase commitments had on the fiscal 2010 period and fiscal 2009 period results, which lowered our costs by 0.8% and 5.7%, respectively. We may attempt to enter into similar arrangements for hot dogs and other products in the future.  With the exception of those commitments, 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 commodities purchases will be subject to changes in the prices of such commodities. Generally, we have attempted to pass through permanent increases in our commodity prices to our customers, thereby reducing the impact of long-term increases on our financial results. A short-term increase or decrease of 10.0% in the cost of our food and paper products for the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2009 would have increased or decreased our cost of sales by approximately $658,000.

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.

 
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Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating 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 thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2009 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, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.

 
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

We and our subsidiaries are from time to time involved in ordinary and routine litigation.  Management presently believes that the ultimate outcome of such ordinary and routine litigation individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our 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 our results of operations for the period in which the ruling occurs.

On March 20, 2007, a personal injury lawsuit was initiated seeking unspecified damages against the Company's subtenant and the Company's master landlord at a leased property in Huntington, New York.  The claim relates to damages suffered by an individual as a result of an alleged "trip and fall" on the sidewalk in front of the leased property, maintenance of which is the subtenant's responsibility.  Although the Company was not named as a defendant in the lawsuit, under its master lease agreement the Company may have an obligation to indemnify the master landlord in connection with this claim.  The Company did not maintain its own insurance on the property concerned at the time of the incident; however, the Company is named as an additional insured under its subtenant's liability policy.  Accordingly, if the master landlord is found liable for damages and seeks indemnity from the Company, the Company believes that it would be entitled to coverage under the subtenant's insurance policy.  Additionally, under the terms of the sublease, the subtenant is required to indemnify the Company, regardless of insurance coverage.

The Company is party to a License Agreement with SMG, Inc. ("SMG") dated as of February 28, 1994, as amended (the "License Agreement") pursuant to which: (i) SMG acts as the Company's exclusive licensee for the manufacture, distribution, marketing and sale of packaged Nathan's Famous frankfurter product at supermarkets, club stores and other retail outlets in the United States; and (ii) the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to require SMG to produce frankfurters for the Nathan's Famous restaurant system and Branded Product Program.  On July 31, 2007, the Company provided notice to SMG that the Company has elected to terminate the License Agreement, effective July 31, 2008 (the "Termination Date"), due to SMG's breach of certain provisions of the License Agreement. SMG has disputed that a breach has occurred and has commenced, together with certain of its affiliates, an action in state court in Illinois seeking, among other things, a declaratory judgment that SMG did not breach the License Agreement. The Company filed its own action on August 2, 2007, in New York State court seeking a declaratory judgment that SMG has breached the License Agreement and that the Company has properly terminated the License Agreement. On January 23, 2008, the New York court granted SMG’s motion to dismiss the Company’s case in New York on the basis that the dispute was already the subject of a pending lawsuit in Illinois.   The Company has answered SMG's complaint and asserted its own counterclaims which seek, among other things, a declaratory judgment that SMG did breach the License Agreement and that the Company has properly terminated the License Agreement. On July 31, 2008, SMG and Nathan’s entered into a Stipulation pursuant to which Nathan’s agreed that it would not effectuate the termination of the License Agreement on the grounds alleged in the present litigation until such litigation has been successfully adjudicated, and SMG agreed that in such event, Nathan’s shall have the option to require SMG to continue to perform under the License Agreement for an additional period of up to six months to ensure an orderly transition of the business to a new licensee/supplier. Each of the parties has moved for summary judgment in its favor.

On July 31, 2009, the Company was served with a class action complaint filed in the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey, Essex County (the "Complaint").  In addition to Nathan's Famous, Inc., the Complaint names as defendants Kraft Foods, Sara Lee Corporation, ConAgra Foods, Inc., and Marathon Enterprises, Inc. (and together with Nathan's Famous, Inc., the "Defendants"). The named class plaintiffs purport to represent consumers who have purchased processed meat products that were distributed and sold in New Jersey from July 22, 2003 through July 22, 2009.  The Complaint alleges, among other things, that Defendants violated the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-2) (the "Act") by omitting material information about their respective processed meat products for the purpose of inducing consumers to purchase the products.  The Complaint seeks injunctive relief, attorneys' fees and costs incurred in bringing the lawsuit.  The named plaintiffs are further seeking combined damages in the amount of $900.00. If a violation of the Act is found to have occurred, named plaintiffs are entitled to trebled damages in the combined amount of $2,700.00.  The Company is presently evaluating its response to the Complaint; however, management believes that any liability will not have a material impact on the financial condition of the Company.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

You should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2009, 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.

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

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period (A)
 
(a) Total Number of
Shares Purchased
   
(b) Average Price
Paid per Share
   
(c) Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
   
(d) Maximum
Number of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plan
 
                         
March 30, 2009
April 26, 2009
   
-0-
    $ -      
-0-
      306,194  
                                 
April 27, 2009
May 24, 2009
   
-0-
    $ -      
-0-
      306,194  
                                 
May 25, 2009
June 28, 2009
   
-0-
    $ -      
-0-
      306,194  
Total
   
-0-
    $ -      
-0-
      306,194  

A) Represents the Company’s fiscal periods during the first quarter ended June 28, 2009.

On September 14, 2001, Nathan’s was authorized to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of its common stock. Pursuant to its first stock repurchase program, we repurchased 1,000,000 shares of common stock in open market transactions and a private transaction at a total cost of $3,670,000. On October 7, 2002, Nathan’s was authorized to purchase up to 1,000,000 additional shares of its common stock. Nathan’s concluded the second authorized stock repurchase program of 1,000,000 shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $5,416,000. On November 5, 2007, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to an additional 500,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the Company.  On June 11, 2008, Nathan’s and Mutual Securities, Inc. (“MSI”) entered into an agreement (the “first 10b5-1 Agreement”) pursuant to which MSI was authorized to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock having a value of up to an aggregate $6 million.  Purchases under the first 10b5-1 Agreement have been completed.  On February 5, 2009, Nathan’s and MSI entered into a second agreement (the “second 10b5-1 Agreement”) pursuant to which MSI has been authorized to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, having a value of up to an aggregate $3.6 million, which purchases commenced on March 16, 2009.  Both the first and the second 10b5-1 Agreements were adopted under the safe harbor provided by Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in order to assist the Company in implementing its previously announced stock repurchase plans, for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares.  The first 10b5-1 plan was completed and the second 10b5-1 Agreement shall terminate no later than March 15, 2010.

Through June 28, 2009, Nathan’s purchased a total of 2,693,806 shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $18,798,000 pursuant to its stock repurchase plans previously authorized by the Board of Directors.  None of these repurchased shares were repurchased during the thirteen-week period ended June 28, 2009.  On November 13, 2008, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized a fourth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, under which 193,806 shares were repurchased at a cost of $2,400,000 as of June 28, 2009.

On June 30, 2009, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized its fifth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the Company and the Company repurchased 238,129 shares of common stock at a cost of $3,015,000 in a privately- negotiated transaction with Prime Logic Capital, LLC.

After giving effect to the repurchase made on June 30, 2009, there are 306,194 and 261,871 shares remaining to be purchased pursuant to the fourth and fifth stock repurchase plans, respectively.

Purchases 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 to be made under the fourth and fifth stock repurchase plans.

 
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Item 6.  Exhibits

3.1
Certificate of Incorporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33- 56976.)

3.2
Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation, filed December 15, 1992. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)

3.3
By-Laws, as amended. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K dated November 1, 2006.)

4.1
Specimen Stock Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)

4.2
Form of Rights Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Form 8-K dated June 6, 2008.)

4.3
Rights Agreement dated as of June 4, 2008 between Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated June 6, 2008.)

10.1
*Stock Purchase Agreement dated June 30, 2009 among Nathan’s Famous, Inc., Prime Logic Capital LLC and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.

31.1
*Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2
*Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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.

32.2
*Certification by Ronald G. DeVos, 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.

*Filed herewith.

 
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SIGNATURES

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

 
NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC.
     
Date: August  7, 2009
By:  
/s/Eric Gatoff
   
  Eric Gatoff
   
  Chief Executive Officer
   
  (Principal Executive Officer)
     
Date: August  7, 2009
By:  
/s/Ronald G. DeVos
   
Ronald G. DeVos
   
Vice President - Finance
   
and Chief Financial Officer
   
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
-24-

 

Exhibit Index

3.1
Certificate of Incorporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33- 56976.)

3.2
Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation, filed December 15, 1992. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)

3.3
By-Laws, as amended. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K dated November 1, 2006.)

4.1
Specimen Stock Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)

4.2
Form of Rights Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Form 8-K dated June 6, 2008.)

4.3
Rights Agreement dated as of June 4, 2008 between Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated June 6, 2008.)

10.1
*Stock Purchase Agreement dated June 30, 2009 among Nathan’s Famous, Inc., Prime Logic Capital LLC and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.

31.1
*Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2
*Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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.

32.2
*Certification by Ronald G. DeVos, 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.

*Filed herewith.

 
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