Activist investor Galloway urges Noodles & Company to sell most of its restaurants

Core Viewpoint - Galloway Capital Partners has acquired 6.01% of Noodles & Company's outstanding shares and is advocating for the sale of approximately 200 company-owned restaurants to enhance shareholder value and address financial challenges [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Situation - Noodles & Company had 349 company-owned restaurants and 86 franchised restaurants as of September 30 [1] - The company's shares closed at 72 cents, significantly below the $1 minimum threshold required by Nasdaq, indicating non-compliance for most of the year [3] - Galloway estimates that selling the recommended restaurants could generate around $60 million, which would help pay off a substantial portion of high-cost debt with interest rates between 9-10% [3] Group 2: Strategic Recommendations - The proposed sale is expected to strengthen cash flow, eliminate perceived bankruptcy risk, reduce interest expenses, and improve earnings per share [3] - Galloway emphasized that the company is at a decisive turning point and that management has been proactive in exploring options to maximize shareholder value [4] - The financial services firm Piper Sandler has been hired to advise on maximizing shareholder value, including the potential sale of the company [4] Group 3: Activist Involvement - Galloway referenced a successful strategy used with Regis Corporation, where a similar deleveraging approach led to significant equity value improvement [5] - The firm intends to engage with Noodles & Company's board and management on various issues, including share performance, operations, governance, and capital allocation policies [5]