Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q3 2026 was $7.5 million, down from $7.9 million in the prior year, reflecting the company's exit from low-margin revenue streams [20] - Total product and retail gross profit increased to $1.4 million, compared to $0.7 million in the same quarter last year, driven by pricing actions and improved product mix [20] - Net loss for the quarter was $0.2 million, or negative $0.02 per share, compared to a net loss of $0.8 million, or negative $0.11 per share in the prior year [21] - EBITDA improved to $0.4 million in Q3 2026 from negative $0.4 million in the same quarter last year [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continued to exit lower-margin specialty and wholesale revenue streams, leading to a modest year-over-year decline in total revenue but significant improvement in gross profit margin, which reached 21.4% compared to 10% in the prior year [5][20] - The company implemented targeted price adjustments across its four core franchise categories, contributing to margin expansion [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing momentum in franchise development, with two new stores under construction and 34 stores under area development agreements, indicating strong interest from financially sophisticated operators [4][9] - The company is rationalizing its current store base by closing underperforming locations, which negatively impact brand image [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a margin-first transformation strategy, prioritizing profitability and long-term value creation over lower-quality revenue [3] - The strategy includes improving product mix, simplifying the SKU portfolio, and enhancing operational and technology capabilities to support long-term growth [3][4] - Franchise development is a key strategic revenue pillar, with a disciplined approach to expanding into existing and new markets while improving average unit performance [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for margin expansion due to lower cocoa prices and effective purchasing strategies [8][28] - The company aims to return to profitability through disciplined execution and support for franchisees, while also investing in technology initiatives to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [18][16] Other Important Information - The company completed a $2.7 million equity capital raise, allowing it to pay down $1.2 million of debt and retain $1.5 million in additional working capital [16] - The company is advancing its digital initiatives, including a new POS system and a loyalty program expected to roll out in the first half of the year [15][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the 34 new stores and the pace of deployment? - The 34 area development agreements are across four franchisees, with a measured rollout expected to accelerate in later years [24] Question: How have you lined up the financing for these stores? - Existing owners have liquidity and are well-capitalized, minimizing the need for significant debt [25] Question: What is the expected impact of cocoa prices on margins? - Cocoa prices have come down, and the company has locked in favorable pricing for a portion of its expected production, which is expected to provide a margin tailwind [28] Question: Where are you in the journey of recapping the balance sheet? - The next steps include reducing debt and investing in the company, primarily from free cash flow [30] Question: When do you expect the accelerated franchise effort to begin affecting the top line? - New stores take roughly three years to mature, with a lag from lease signing to full productivity [35] Question: What are the biggest obstacles to growing the business? - Execution is the primary challenge, with a focus on profitable growth through the franchise system [39]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q3 2026 was $7.5 million, down from $7.9 million in the prior year, reflecting the company's exit from low-margin revenue streams [19] - Total product and retail gross profit increased to $1.4 million, compared to $0.7 million in the same quarter last year, driven by pricing actions and improved product mix [19] - Net loss for the quarter was $0.2 million, or negative $0.02 per share, compared to a net loss of $0.8 million, or negative $0.11 per share in the prior year [20] - EBITDA improved to $0.4 million in Q3 2026 from negative $0.4 million in the same quarter last year [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continued to exit lower-margin specialty and wholesale revenue streams, leading to a modest year-over-year decline in total revenue but significant improvement in gross profit and margin [5][19] - Gross manufacturing margin for the quarter was reported at 21.4%, compared to 10% for the same quarter of the prior year [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing momentum in franchise development, with two new stores under construction and 34 stores under area development agreements [4][8] - The franchise development team is actively working on building a backlog of new franchise opportunities, supported by improved digital marketing efforts [4][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a margin-first transformation strategy, prioritizing profitability and long-term value creation over lower-quality revenue [3] - The strategy includes improving product mix, implementing price adjustments, simplifying the SKU portfolio, and enhancing operational capabilities [3][6] - Franchise development is a key strategic revenue pillar, with a disciplined approach to expanding into both existing and new markets [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for margin expansion due to lower input costs, including the elimination of a 10% tariff on cocoa [8] - The company believes it is at an important inflection point in its transformation, with improved gross profit and margin indicating progress towards sustainable long-term growth [17][18] Other Important Information - The company completed a $2.7 million equity capital raise, allowing it to pay down $1.2 million of debt and retain $1.5 million in additional working capital [16] - The company is advancing its digital initiatives, including the launch of DoorDash Storefronts and a new POS system to enhance data visibility and customer engagement [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the 34 new stores and the pace of deployment? - The 34 area development agreements are across four unique franchisees, with a measured rollout expected to accelerate in later years [22][23] Question: How have you lined up the financing for these stores? - Existing owners have liquidity and debt facilities lined up, minimizing the need for significant debt to build a store [23] Question: What is the expected impact of cocoa price normalization on margins? - Cocoa prices have come down, and the company has locked in favorable pricing for a portion of its expected production, which is expected to provide a margin tailwind [24][25] Question: When do you expect the accelerated franchise effort to begin affecting the top line? - It is expected that from lease signing to store opening takes roughly six months, with a store taking about three years to reach maturity [27][28] Question: Do you expect dramatic revenue growth in 2026? - The company does not expect dramatic revenue growth from new stores in 2026 but sees opportunities for increased sales through existing stores and e-commerce channels [29][30] Question: What are the biggest obstacles facing the company in growing the business? - The primary challenge is execution, with a focus on profitable growth and improving top-line performance through the franchise system [30][31]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for Q3 2025 were $140 million, a 2.3% decrease from $143.4 million in the same quarter last year, primarily due to the closure of 11 underperforming Smokey Bones locations and lower same-store sales [16] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $13.1 million, compared to $14.1 million in the year-ago quarter [18] - Net loss attributable to FAT Brands was $58.2 million, or $3.39 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $44.8 million, or $2.74 per diluted share in the prior year quarter [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same-store sales performance improved, with a decline narrowed to 3.5% from 4.2% in the second quarter, marking the strongest quarterly performance this year [8] - The casual dining segment showed strong results with same-store sales growth of 3.9% [8] - The company opened 13 new locations during the third quarter and 60 locations year-to-date, with a target of 80 new openings for the year [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The restaurant industry continues to face headwinds, but the company is focused on strategic execution and enhancing shareholder value [7] - The company secured over 190 franchise development agreements year-to-date, contributing to approximately 900 committed locations scheduled to open over the next five to seven years [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is advancing plans for a $75-$100 million equity raise at Twin Peaks to pay down debt and fund new unit development [7] - The strategic pillars include organic expansion, targeted acquisitions, and manufacturing scale-up, particularly in cookie dough and dry mix production [8][9] - The company is focused on strengthening its financial position and capital structure while actively negotiating a debt restructuring with noteholders [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges in the restaurant industry, describing it as a "restaurant recessionary environment" but noted that the decline is manageable [23] - The company is optimistic about achieving positive cash flow in the coming quarters and reducing debt [7] - Management emphasized the importance of enhancing the guest experience in casual dining to justify pricing amidst rising labor and food costs [25][26] Other Important Information - The company has resolved various legal matters, including the dismissal of charges by the U.S. Department of Justice and the resolution of derivative cases, which are expected to save at least $30 million annually [5][7] - The FAT Brands Foundation has awarded 42 grants and provided over $170,000 in funding this year, promoting employee well-being and community support [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing on debt restructuring negotiations - Management is hopeful for a resolution during the current quarter, pending government reopening [19] Question: Status of underperforming Smokey Bones closures - All planned closures have been completed, with some additional closures expected as part of a master lease review [20] Question: Update on Fazoli's refranchising efforts - Material progress has been made, with proposals under evaluation [21] Question: Target for new store openings - The target has been adjusted from 100 to 80 new stores due to slower franchisee openings [21] Question: Details on SG&A reduction - Reductions have come from staff and executive cuts, as well as consolidating operations [22] Question: Same-store sales growth in casual dining - Several brands, including Hurricane Grill & Wings and Ponderosa & Bonanza, are performing well in this category [25] Question: Future opening program for Twin Peaks - Active development is ongoing, with both corporate and franchise locations planned [27]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q2 2026 was $6.8 million, an increase from $6.4 million in the same period last year [24] - Product sales rose to $5.2 million from $4.9 million year-over-year, while franchise and royalty fees increased to $1.6 million from $1.5 million [24] - The total product and retail gross profit was negative $33,000, reflecting year-over-year comparability factors and timing of inventory adjustments [24] - The net loss was $0.7 million, or negative $0.09 per share, compared to a net loss of $0.7 million or negative $0.11 per share in Q2 2025 [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on franchise growth and operational improvements, with a new VP of Operations implementing cost-saving strategies [5][6] - The franchise development momentum is building, with renewed interest from existing and prospective operators [8][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expanding its geographic footprint and exploring new markets, including areas with historically little presence [9] - The acquisition of a store in Camarillo, California, is expected to enhance market presence and profitability [17][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning from transformational planning to transformational performance, aiming for disciplined execution and long-term value creation [4][22] - A rebranding initiative is underway, modernizing customer touchpoints and enhancing the overall brand experience [11][12] - The company is focused on quality over quantity in franchise recruitment, targeting well-capitalized operators in high-traffic markets [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges ongoing operational challenges but is optimistic about returning to historic levels of profitability [5][21] - The company is well-positioned for the holiday season, with improved logistics and inventory management [20][21] - Management emphasizes a cultural shift towards a more accountable and results-oriented organization [20][22] Other Important Information - The company has made significant investments in technology and automation while maintaining its handcrafted legacy [7] - A new loyalty program is set to launch, aimed at enhancing customer engagement and understanding purchasing behavior [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Background of the new Chief Operating Officer - The new COO, Luis Burgos, has over 30 years of experience in manufacturing and operations, including roles at Kimberly Clark [28] Question: Targets for new store openings in 2026 and 2027 - The company aims for net positive store growth annually, exceeding closures with new openings [29] Question: Discussion on owned versus franchised stores - The company believes owning stores helps them be better franchisors and plans to strategically acquire more stores for testing and development [30][32] Question: Cash burn and potential need for equity financing - The company does not expect to continue burning cash for the next 12 months, with Q3 and Q4 historically being stronger periods [33][35] Question: Increase in franchise demand beyond visual aspects - The company offers a low labor model and defined costs for new store builds, making it attractive for franchisees [40] Question: Changes in factory operations impacting costs - The new VP of Operations is implementing changes that are still being tested for best practices [42] Question: Impact of easing cocoa prices on margins - Cocoa prices have decreased significantly, which is expected to improve margins as chocolate constitutes 40% of raw material costs [44]

Core Insights - Nathan's Famous, Inc. (NATH) has seen a 0.4% stock gain over the past three months, outperforming the industry decline of 2.8% but underperforming the S&P 500's gains of 9.6% [1][2] - The company reported strong top-line growth in its first-quarter fiscal 2026 results, although bottom-line performance was disappointing [2][3] - Management highlighted strengths in the Branded Product Program and franchise operations, while noting challenges from weather-related issues at company-owned restaurants [3][8] Financial Performance - The Branded Product Program showed notable sales growth due to higher average selling prices and volumes, despite rising beef costs [9][10] - Franchise restaurant sales increased year-over-year, with eight new franchised locations opened, contributing to asset-light revenue streams [11] - Nathan's Famous maintains stable profitability with consistent EBITDA performance, allowing for investment in growth despite cost pressures [12] Challenges - The company faces concentration risk due to its reliance on Smithfield Foods for supply and licensing revenues [13] - Inflationary pressures and volatility in commodity costs, along with rising labor expenses, present ongoing margin risks [13] Valuation - Nathan's Famous has a trailing 12-month EV/Sales ratio of 2.9X, lower than the industry average of 4.6X but higher than its five-year median of 2.7X [14][16] - Comparatively, peers Ark Restaurants and Flanigan's Enterprises have trailing EV/Sales ratios of 0.1X and 0.3X, respectively [16] Investment Outlook - The company exhibits strong core business strength and financial stability, making it an attractive option for both existing and new investors [17][18] - The current valuation suggests potential for growth if performance aligns more closely with the overall market [18]

Core Viewpoint - Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) has experienced a 10.8% stock price increase over the past three months, outperforming the industry average of 3.6%, driven by unit expansion, menu innovation, and digitalization efforts, despite concerns regarding an uncertain macro environment [1] Group 1: Growth Drivers - The company is focused on aggressive unit growth, having opened 534 net new stores in Q4 2024, bringing the total to 16,395, with KFC and Pizza Hut showing strong performance and quick payback periods of two to three years [2] - Yum China is optimistic about long-term growth in China, targeting underserved areas and enhancing accessibility through customized store formats, aiming for a franchise proportion of 40-50% for KFC and 20-30% for Pizza Hut in the coming years [3] - Menu innovation plays a crucial role, with KFC and Pizza Hut regularly introducing new items that cater to evolving consumer preferences, maintaining transaction growth while broadening the customer base [4] Group 2: Digitalization and Sales - The company has significantly invested in digitization, with digital sales reaching $9.6 billion in 2024, accounting for approximately 90% of total sales, supported by automation and AI to enhance customer experience [5] Group 3: Cost Concerns - Yum China faces high structural costs related to labor and rentals, with total costs and expenses rising to $2.44 billion in Q4 2024 from $2.38 billion in the previous year, and anticipates a 5.4% increase in restaurant expenses to $9.5 billion in 2025 due to wage inflation [7]