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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 28, 2014
 
Commission File No. 000-24743
 
 

 
BUFFALO WILD WINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
                
 
 
Minnesota
No. 31-1455915
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
 
5500 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 1600, Minneapolis, MN 55416
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(952) 593-9943
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
 
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  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES  x   NO  o
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  x    Accelerated filer  o    Non-accelerated filer  o    Smaller reporting company  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     YES  o   NO  x   
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of October 31, 2014: 18,926,231 shares.
 




TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page  
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
 
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
 
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
 
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
 
Signatures
 
 
Exhibit Index

2




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

BUFFALO WILD WINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
September 28,
2014
 
December 29,
2013
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
74,095

 
57,502

Marketable securities
26,234

 
7,584

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $155 and $25, respectively
25,585

 
21,845

Inventory
9,975

 
9,492

Prepaid expenses
11,759

 
4,509

Refundable income taxes

 
4,329

Deferred income taxes
12,405

 
9,287

Restricted assets
48,493

 
68,208

Total current assets
208,546

 
182,756

 
 
 
 
Property and equipment, net
471,485

 
440,538

Reacquired franchise rights, net
32,517

 
33,403

Other assets
19,960

 
16,498

Goodwill
34,810

 
32,533

Total assets
$
767,318

 
705,728

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Unearned franchise fees
$
2,241

 
1,818

Accounts payable
41,404

 
31,806

Accrued compensation and benefits
41,025

 
52,049

Accrued expenses
14,949

 
13,784

Income tax payable
2,429

 

System-wide payables
48,101

 
67,017

Total current liabilities
150,149

 
166,474

 
 
 
 
Long-term liabilities:
 
 
 
Other liabilities
6,774

 
1,913

Deferred income taxes
21,820

 
37,822

Deferred lease credits
37,046

 
33,711

Total liabilities
215,789

 
239,920

 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (note 10)


 


Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Undesignated stock, 1,000,000 shares authorized

 

Common stock, no par value. Authorized 44,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 18,925,231 and 18,803,663, respectively
145,092

 
133,203

Retained earnings
407,373

 
333,601

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1,561
)
 
(996
)
Total stockholders’ equity
550,904

 
465,808

Noncontrolling interests
625

 

Total equity
551,529

 
465,808

Total liabilities and equity
$
767,318

 
705,728

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3




BUFFALO WILD WINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Amounts in thousands except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
September 28,
2014
 
September 29,
2013
 
September 28,
2014
 
September 29,
2013
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restaurant sales
$
350,524

 
295,693

 
1,038,610

 
865,521

Franchise royalties and fees
22,934

 
20,108

 
68,697

 
59,651

Total revenue
373,458

 
315,801

 
1,107,307

 
925,172

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restaurant operating costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
101,886

 
88,689

 
296,210

 
268,410

Labor
111,897

 
89,740

 
324,663

 
264,500

Operating
52,364

 
44,668

 
151,419

 
126,985

Occupancy
19,796

 
17,276

 
58,048

 
50,267

Depreciation and amortization
24,776

 
21,587

 
71,354

 
62,814

General and administrative
27,784

 
24,664

 
86,163

 
69,562

Preopening
3,594

 
2,991

 
8,369

 
9,682

Loss on asset disposals and impairment
1,371

 
902

 
3,369

 
1,702

Total costs and expenses
343,468

 
290,517

 
999,595

 
853,922

Income from operations
29,990

 
25,284

 
107,712

 
71,250

Other income (loss)
(236
)
 
383

 
(128
)
 
644

Earnings before income taxes
29,754

 
25,667

 
107,584

 
71,894

Income tax expense
8,001

 
7,796

 
33,812

 
21,155

Net earnings
$
21,753

 
17,871

 
73,772

 
50,739

Earnings per common share – basic
$
1.15

 
0.95

 
3.90

 
2.70

Earnings per common share – diluted
$
1.14

 
0.95

 
3.89

 
2.69

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
18,923

 
18,779

 
18,900

 
18,765

Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted
19,021

 
18,889

 
18,985

 
18,842

 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
Net earnings
$
21,753

 
17,871

 
73,772

 
50,739

Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(529
)
 
(86
)
 
(565
)
 
(458
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(529
)
 
(86
)
 
(565
)
 
(458
)
Comprehensive income
$
21,224

 
17,785

 
73,207

 
50,281

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4




BUFFALO WILD WINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
Nine months ended
 
September 28,
2014
 
September 29,
2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
73,772

 
50,739

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operations:
 
 
 
Depreciation
67,932

 
59,004

Amortization
3,422

 
3,810

Loss on asset disposals and impairment
3,369

 
1,682

Deferred lease credits
4,209

 
3,852

Deferred income taxes
(18,774
)
 
(1,547
)
Stock-based compensation
10,251

 
7,290

Excess tax benefit from stock issuance
217

 
(399
)
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
 
 
 
Trading securities
(657
)
 
(829
)
Accounts receivable
(3,323
)
 
(266
)
Inventory
(400
)
 
(1,039
)
Prepaid expenses
(7,245
)
 
(225
)
Other assets
(160
)
 
(772
)
Unearned franchise fees
333

 
465

Accounts payable
4,128

 
(6,925
)
Income taxes
6,541

 
6,271

Accrued expenses
99

 
1,283

Net cash provided by operating activities
143,714

 
122,394

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Acquisition of property and equipment
(95,347
)
 
(96,552
)
Acquisition of businesses/investments in affiliates
(7,307
)
 
(10,288
)
Purchase of marketable securities
(17,993
)
 

Proceeds from marketable securities

 
3,282

Net cash used in investing activities
(120,647
)
 
(103,558
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from line of credit

 
5,000

Repayments of line of credit

 
(5,000
)
Issuance of common stock
1,829

 
1,237

Excess tax benefit from stock issuance
(217
)
 
399

Tax payments for restricted stock units
(7,474
)
 
(4,813
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(5,862
)
 
(3,177
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(612
)
 
(328
)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
16,593

 
15,331

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
57,502

 
21,340

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
74,095

 
36,671

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5




BUFFALO WILD WINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 AND SEPTEMBER 29, 2013
(Dollar amounts in thousands except share and per share data)
(unaudited)
(1)
Basis of Financial Statement Presentation
The consolidated financial statements as of September 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, and for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 have been prepared by Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The financial information as of September 28, 2014 and for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 is unaudited, but, in the opinion of management, reflects all adjustments and accruals necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods.
References in the remainder of this document to “company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to the business of Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. and our subsidiaries.
The financial information as of December 29, 2013 is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013, which is included in Item 8 in the Fiscal 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with such financial statements.
The results of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be achieved for the entire year ending December 28, 2014.
(2)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a)
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Cash flows related to inventory sales are classified in net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
We purchase products from a number of suppliers and believe there are alternative suppliers. We have minimum purchase commitments from some of our vendors, but the terms of the contracts and nature of the products are such that our purchase requirements do not create a market risk. One of the primary food products used by our restaurants and our franchised restaurants is chicken wings. Current month chicken wing prices are determined based on the average of the previous month’s wing market plus mark-up for processing and distribution. For the three-month periods ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, chicken wings were 22.8% and 23.7%, respectively, of restaurant cost of sales. For the nine-month periods ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, chicken wings were 21.6% and 25.4%, of restaurant cost of sales, respectively.
(b)
New Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09 “Revenue with Contracts from Customers.” ASU 2014-09 supersedes the current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The guidance introduces a five-step model to achieve its core principal of the entity recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the updated guidance but we do not believe the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
We reviewed all other significant newly-issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they either are not applicable to our operations or that no material effect is expected on our consolidated financial statements as a result of future adoption.

6




(3)
Fair Value Measurements
The guidance for fair value measurements establishes the authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and outlines the required disclosures regarding fair value measurements. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We use a three-tier fair value hierarchy based upon observable and non-observable inputs as follows:
Level 1 – Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
Level 2 – Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet as of September 28, 2014:
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Equivalents
$
61,599

 

 

 
61,599

Marketable Securities
8,238

 
17,996

 

 
26,234

Restricted Assets
1,262

 
1,765

 

 
3,027

The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 29, 2013:
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Equivalents
$
33,587

 

 

 
33,587

Marketable Securities
7,584

 

 

 
7,584

Restricted Assets
5,823

 

 

 
5,823

Our cash equivalents are comprised of money market funds and commercial paper which are valued using the Level 1 and Level 2 approach, respectively. Our marketable securities were classified as trading securities and available-for-sale securities. Our trading securities are comprised of investments held for future needs of our non-qualified deferred compensation plan and were reported at fair market value, using the “market approach” valuation technique. The “market approach” valuation method uses prices and other relevant information observable in market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and is a Level 1 approach. Our available-for-sale securities are comprised of certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and other highly liquid assets and are valued using a Level 2 approach. Our restricted assets include money market mutual funds and variable rate demand obligations and are valued using the Level 1 and Level 2 approach, respectively.
There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the nine-month periods ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013.
(4)
Marketable Securities
Marketable securities consisted of the following:
 
September 28,
2014

December 29,
2013
Available-for-sale
$
17,996

 

Trading
8,238

 
7,584

Total
$
26,234

 
$
7,584

Purchases of available-for-sale securities totaled $17,993 and there were no sales for the nine-month period ended September 28, 2014. Sales of available for-sale securities totaled $3,282 and there were no purchases for the nine-month period ended September 29, 2013.

7




(5)
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following:
 
September 28,
2014
 
December 29,
2013
Construction in process
$
32,138

 
18,792

Buildings
76,783

 
72,939

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
282,158

 
254,484

Leasehold improvements
421,523

 
380,155

Property and equipment, gross
812,602

 
726,370

Less accumulated depreciation
(341,117
)
 
(285,832
)
Property and equipment, net
$
471,485

 
440,538

(6)
Revolving Credit Facility
We have a $100,000 unsecured revolving credit facility. Loans under the facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our election, either (i) LIBOR for an interest period of one month, reset daily, plus 0.875%, if our consolidated total leverage ratio is less than or equal to 0.50, or plus 1.125% if our total leverage ratio is greater than or equal to .51, or (ii) LIBOR for an interest period of one, two, three, six or twelve months, reset at the end of the selected interest period, plus 0.875%, if our consolidated total leverage ratio is less than or equal to 0.50, or plus 1.125% if our consolidated total leverage ratio is greater than or equal to .51. As of September 28, 2014, we had no outstanding balance under the facility.
There is a commitment fee on the average unused portion of the facility at a rate per annum equal to 0.15%, if our consolidated total leverage ratio is less than or equal to 0.50, or 0.20% if our consolidated total leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 0.51.
The Credit Agreement requires us to maintain (a) consolidated coverage ratio as of the end of each fiscal quarter at no less than 2.50 to 1.00, (b) consolidated total leverage ratio as of the end of each fiscal quarter at no more than 2.00 to 1.00 and (c) minimum EBITDA during any consecutive four-quarter period at no less than $100,000. The Credit Agreement also contains other customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that restrict the right of the Company and its subsidiaries to merge, to lease, sell or otherwise dispose of assets, to make investments and to grant liens on their assets. As of September 28, 2014, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.
In May 2014, we extended the maturity date of the facility to February 7, 2017.
(7)
Stockholder’s Equity
(a)
Stock Options
We have 5.4 million shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our Equity Incentive Plan (Plan) for our employees, officers, and directors. The exercise price for stock options issued under the Plan is to be not less than the fair market value on the date of grant with respect to incentive and nonqualified stock options. Incentive stock options become exercisable in four equal installments from the date of the grant and have a contractual life of seven to ten years. Nonqualified stock options issued pursuant to the Plan have a four-year vesting period and have a contractual life of seven years. Incentive stock options may be granted under this Plan until March 12, 2022. We issue new shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options. Option activity is summarized for the nine months ended September 28, 2014 as follows:

8




 
Number
of shares
 
Weighted
average
exercise price
 
Average remaining contractual life
(years)
 
Aggregate intrinsic value
Outstanding, December 29, 2013
163,609

 
$
60.67

 
3.9
 
$
13,974

Granted
25,035

 
147.52

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(25,068
)
 
34.07

 
 
 
 
Cancelled
(1,800
)
 
74.32

 
 
 
 
Outstanding, September 28, 2014
161,776

 
$
78.08

 
3.9
 
$
9,572

Exercisable, September 28, 2014
88,456

 
55.09

 
2.8
 
7,107

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is before applicable income taxes, based on our closing stock price of $135.37 as of the last business day of the three-month period ended September 28, 2014, which would have been received by the optionees had all options been exercised on that date. As of September 28, 2014, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested stock options was approximately $2,010, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.4 years. During the nine-month periods ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $2,685 and $833, respectively. During the nine-month periods ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, the weighted average grant date fair value of options granted was $50.23 and $37.09, respectively. No shares vested during the nine-month periods ended September 28, 2014 or September 29, 2013.
The Plan had 1,170,719 shares available for grant as of September 28, 2014.
(b)
Restricted Stock Units
Restricted stock units are granted annually under the Plan at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors.
We grant restricted stock units subject to three-year cliff vesting and a cumulative three-year earnings target. The number of units which vest at the end of the three-year period is based on performance against the target. These restricted stock units are subject to forfeiture if they have not vested at the end of the three-year period. Stock-based compensation is recognized for the number of units expected to vest at the end of the period and is expensed beginning on the grant date through the end of the performance period.
For each grant, restricted stock units meeting the performance criteria will vest as of the end of the third fiscal year in the performance period, subject to a Plan specified maximum number of shares that may be issued to any individual in any year in settlement of restricted stock units. The distribution of vested restricted stock units as common stock typically occurs in March of the following year. The common stock is issued to participants net of the number of shares needed for the required minimum employee withholding taxes. We issue new shares of common stock upon the disbursement of restricted stock units. Restricted stock units are contingently issuable shares, and the activity for the nine months ended September 28, 2014 is as follows:
 
Number
of shares
 
Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
Outstanding, December 29, 2013
279,120

 
$
88.57

Granted
107,175

 
147.46

Vested
(3,576
)
 
142.85

Cancelled
(15,638
)
 
97.79

Outstanding, September 28, 2014
367,081

 
$
104.84

As of September 28, 2014, the total stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested awards not yet recognized was $18,626, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted during the nine-month periods ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 was $147.46 and $87.67, respectively. During the nine-month periods ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, we recognized $9,005 and $6,133, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units.

9




(c)
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
We have reserved 600,000 shares of common stock for issuance under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). The ESPP is available to substantially all employees subject to employment eligibility requirements. Participants may purchase our common stock at 85% of the beginning or ending closing price, whichever is lower, for each six-month period ending in May and November. During the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, we issued 8,037 and 14,505 shares of common stock, respectively, under the ESPP. As of September 28, 2014, we had 213,271 shares available for future issuance under the ESPP.
(8)
Earnings Per Common Share
The following is a reconciliation of basic and fully diluted earnings per common share for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013:
 
Three Months Ended September 28, 2014
 
Earnings
(numerator) 
 
Shares
(denominator) 
 
Per-share
amount 
Net earnings
$
21,753

 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share
21,753

 
18,922,923

 
$
1.15

Effect of dilutive securities – stock options

 
69,800

 
 

Effect of dilutive securities – restricted stock units
 
 
27,967

 
 
Earnings per common share – assuming dilution
$
21,753


19,020,690

 
$
1.14

 
Three Months Ended September 29, 2013
 
Earnings
(numerator) 
 
Shares
(denominator) 
 
Per-share
amount 
Net earnings
$
17,871

 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share
17,871

 
18,778,675

 
$
0.95

Effect of dilutive securities – stock options

 
67,385

 
 

Effect of dilutive securities – restricted stock units

 
42,486

 
 
Earnings per common share – assuming dilution
$
17,871

 
18,888,546

 
$
0.95

 
Nine Months Ended September 28, 2014
 
Earnings
(numerator) 
 
Shares
(denominator) 
 
Per-share
amount 
Net earnings
$
73,772

 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share
73,772

 
18,899,881

 
$
3.90

Effect of dilutive securities – stock options

 
75,681

 
 

Effect of dilutive securities – restricted stock units

 
9,322

 
 
Earnings per common share – assuming dilution
$
73,772

 
18,984,884

 
$
3.89

 
Nine Months Ended September 29, 2013
 
Earnings
(numerator) 
 
Shares
(denominator) 
 
Per-share
amount 
Net earnings
$
50,739

 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share
50,739

 
18,764,701

 
$
2.70

Effect of dilutive securities – stock options

 
63,331

 
 

Effect of dilutive securities – restricted stock units

 
14,162

 
 
Earnings per common share – assuming dilution
$
50,739

 
18,842,194

 
$
2.69

The following is a summary of those securities outstanding at the end of the respective periods, which have been excluded from the fully diluted calculations because the effect on net earnings per common share would have been antidilutive or were performance-granted shares for which the performance criteria had not yet been met:

10




 
Three months ended 
 
Nine months ended
 
September 28,
2014
 
September 29,
2013
 
September 28,
2014
 
September 29,
2013
Stock options
25,035

 
62,977

 
25,035

 
64,783

Restricted stock units
339,114

 
382,176

 
357,759

 
410,500

(9)
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
 
Nine months ended
 
September 28,
2014
 
September 29,
2013
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Income taxes
$
46,227

 
16,649

Noncash financing and investing transactions:
 
 
 
Property and equipment not yet paid for
5,232

 
1,571

Issuance of note payable for investment in subsidiary
2,375

 

(10)Contingencies
We are involved in various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 1 of Part 1 of this Quarterly Report and the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013. This discussion and analysis contains certain statements that are not historical facts, including, among others, those relating to our anticipated financial performance for 2014, cash requirements, and our expected store openings and preopening costs. Such statements are forward-looking and speak only as of the date on which they are made. Actual results are subject to various risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, those discussed in this Form 10-Q under Item 2 of Part I as well as in Item 1A of Part I of the fiscal 2013 Form 10-K. Information included in this discussion and analysis includes commentary on company-owned and franchised restaurant units, restaurant sales, same-store sales, and average weekly sales volumes. Management believes such sales information is an important measure of our performance, and is useful in assessing consumer acceptance of the Buffalo Wild Wings®, Inc. concepts and the overall health of the concepts. Franchise information also provides an understanding of our revenues because franchise royalties and fees are based on the opening of franchised units and their sales. However, franchise sales and same-store sales information does not represent sales in accordance with U. S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to financial information as defined or used by other companies.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our most critical accounting estimates, which are those that require significant judgment, include: valuation of long-lived assets and store closing reserves, goodwill, vendor allowances, self-insurance liabilities, and stock-based compensation. An in-depth description of these can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013. There have been no changes to those policies during this period.
We are currently monitoring several restaurants in regards to the valuation of long-lived assets. Based on our current estimates of the future operating results of these restaurants, we believe that the assets at these restaurants are not impaired. As we periodically refine our estimated future operating results, changes in our estimates and assumptions may cause us to realize impairment charges in the future. We believe that any future impairment charges related to the assets at these restaurants, in the aggregate, would not be material to our financial statements.



11




Overview
As of September 28, 2014, we owned and operated 463 company-owned restaurants, including 459 Buffalo Wild Wings®, 2 PizzaRev®, and 2 Rusty Taco®restaurants in North America (United States and Canada). We also franchised an additional 588 restaurants, including 577 North America and 4 International (outside of the United States and Canada) Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants, and 7 Rusty Taco restaurants. We are building for long-term future earnings growth by investing in Buffalo Wild Wings in the United States and Canada, international franchising, and emerging brands. These investments will allow us to achieve our vision of being a company of 3,000 restaurants worldwide.
We believe we will open 45 company-owned Buffalo Wild Wings and 2 PizzaRev restaurants and 50 franchised Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in 2014. Based on our third quarter results, fourth quarter trends in same-store sales, and anticipated food costs and labor expense, we believe net earnings growth will exceed 28% for 2014. Our growth and success depend on several factors and trends. First, we will continue our focus on trends in company-owned and franchised same-store sales as an indicator of the continued acceptance of our concept by consumers. We also review the overall trend in average weekly sales as an indicator of our ability to increase the sales volume and, therefore, cash flow per location. We remain committed to high quality operations and guest experience.
Our revenue is generated by:
Sales at our company-owned restaurants, which represented 94% of total revenue in the third quarter of 2014. Food and nonalcoholic beverages accounted for 80% of restaurant sales. The remaining 20% of restaurant sales was from alcoholic beverages. The menu items with the highest sales volume are traditional and boneless wings, each representing 21% of total restaurant sales.
Royalties and franchise fees received from our franchisees.
A second factor is our success in developing restaurants, including international locations. There are inherent risks in opening new restaurants, especially in new markets or countries, including the lack of experience, logistical support, and brand awareness. These factors may result in lower-than-anticipated sales and cash flow for restaurants in new markets, along with higher preopening costs. We believe our focus on new restaurant opening procedures, along with our expanding North American and international presence, will help to mitigate the overall risk associated with opening restaurants in new markets.
Third, we continue to monitor and react to changes in our cost of sales. The cost of sales is difficult to predict, as it has ranged from 28.2% to 32.7% of restaurant sales per quarter in our 2013 fiscal year and year-to-date in 2014, mostly due to the price and yield fluctuations in chicken wings. We are focused on minimizing the impact of rising costs per wing, which includes both price increases and yield fluctuations. Our efforts include selling wings by portion, new purchasing strategies, menu price increases, and reduced food waste, as well as marketing promotions, menu additions, and menu changes that affect the percentage that chicken wings represent of total restaurant sales. We will continue to monitor the cost of chicken wings, as it can significantly change our cost of sales and cash flow from company-owned restaurants. Current month chicken wing prices are determined based on the average of the previous month’s wing market plus mark-up for processing and distribution.
We generate cash from the operation of company-owned restaurants and from franchise royalties and fees. We highlight the specific costs associated with the on-going operation of our company-owned restaurants in the consolidated statement of earnings under “Restaurant operating costs.” Our depreciation and amortization expense consists primarily of depreciation related to assets used by our company-owned restaurants and amortization of reacquired franchise rights. Preopening costs are those costs associated with opening new company-owned restaurants and will vary quarterly based on the number of new locations opening and under construction. Loss on asset disposals and impairment expense is related to company-owned restaurants and includes the costs associated with asset impairment charges, closures of locations and normal asset retirements. General and administrative expenses are related to home office and field support provided to both company-owned restaurant and franchising operations.
We operate on a 52 or 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in December. Both of the third quarters of 2014 and 2013 consisted of 13 weeks.
Quarterly Results of Operations
Our operating results for the periods indicated are expressed below as a percentage of total revenue, except for the components of restaurant operating costs, which are expressed as a percentage of restaurant sales. The information for each three-month and nine-month period is unaudited, and we have prepared it on the same basis as the audited financial statements. In the opinion of management, all necessary adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, have been included to present fairly the unaudited quarterly results.
Quarterly and annual operating results may fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of factors, including increases or decreases in same-store sales, changes in commodity prices, the timing and number of new restaurant openings and related

12




expenses, asset impairment charges, store closing charges, general economic conditions, stock-based compensation, and seasonal fluctuations. As a result, our quarterly results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for any future period.
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
September 28,
2014
 
September 29,
2013
 
September 28,
2014
 
September 29,
2013
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restaurant sales
93.9
 %
 
93.6
 
93.8

 
93.6
Franchise royalties and fees
6.1

 
6.4
 
6.2

 
6.4
Total revenue
100.0

 
100.0
 
100.0

 
100.0
Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restaurant operating costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
29.1

 
30.0
 
28.5

 
31.0
Labor
31.9

 
30.3
 
31.3

 
30.6
Operating
14.9

 
15.1
 
14.6

 
14.7
Occupancy
5.6

 
5.8
 
5.6

 
5.8
Depreciation and amortization
6.6

 
6.8
 
6.4

 
6.8
General and administrative
7.4

 
7.8
 
7.8

 
7.5
Preopening
1.0

 
0.9
 
0.8

 
1.0
Loss on asset disposals and impairment
0.4

 
0.3
 
0.3

 
0.2
Total costs and expenses
92.0

 
92.0
 
90.3

 
92.3
Income from operations
8.0

 
8.0
 
9.7

 
7.7
Other income (loss)
(0.1
)
 
0.1
 
0.0

 
0.1
Earnings before income taxes
8.0

 
8.1
 
9.7

 
7.8
Income tax expense
2.1

 
2.5
 
3.1

 
2.3
Net earnings
5.8
 %
 
5.7
 
6.7

 
5.5
The number of company-owned and franchised restaurants open are as follows:
 
As of
 
September 28,
2014
 
September 29,
2013
Buffalo Wild Wings® North America
459

 
415

PizzaRev® North America
2

 

Rusty Taco® North America
2

 

Total Company-owned restaurants
463

 
415

 
 
 
 
Buffalo Wild Wings North America
577

 
534

Buffalo Wild Wings International
4

 

Rusty Taco North America
7

 

Total Franchised restaurants
588

 
534

The restaurant sales for company-owned and franchised restaurants are as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
September 28,
2014
 
September 29,
2013
 
September 28,
2014
 
September 29,
2013
Company-owned restaurant sales
$
350,524

 
295,693

 
1,038,610

 
865,521

Franchised restaurant sales
461,773

 
403,095

 
1,381,380

 
1,190,801


13




Increases in same-store sales are as follows (based on restaurants operating at least fifteen months):
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
September 28,
2014
 
September 29,
2013
 
September 28,
2014
 
September 29,
2013
Company-owned same-store sales
6.0
%
 
4.8
 
6.8

 
3.4

Franchised same-store sales
5.7

 
3.9
 
5.7

 
3.4

The average prices paid per pound for chicken wings for company-owned restaurants are as follows:
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
September 28,
2014
 
September 29,
2013
 
September 28,
2014
 
September 29,
2013
Average price per pound
$
1.50

 
1.71

 
1.44

 
1.80

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013
Restaurant sales increased by $54.8 million, or 18.5%, to $350.5 million in 2014 from $295.7 million in 2013. The increase in restaurant sales was due to a $38.1 million increase associated with 28 company-owned restaurants that opened or were acquired in 2014 and the company-owned restaurants that opened or were acquired before 2014 that did not meet the criteria for same-store sales for all or part of the three-month period, and $16.7 million related to a 6.0% increase in same-store sales.
Franchise royalties and fees increased by $2.8 million, or 14.1%, to $22.9 million in 2014 from $20.1 million in 2013. The increase was primarily due to royalties related to additional sales at 47 more franchised Buffalo Wild Wings® restaurants in operation at the end of the period compared to the same period in 2013. Same-store sales for franchised restaurants increased 5.7% in the third quarter of 2014.
Cost of sales increased by $13.2 million, or 14.9%, to $101.9 million in 2014 from $88.7 million in 2013 due primarily to more restaurants being operated in 2014. Cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant sales decreased to 29.1% in 2014 from 30.0% in 2013, primarily due to lower chicken wing prices. During the third quarter of 2014, the average cost per pound for traditional wings decreased by 12.3% over the same period in 2013.
Labor expenses increased by $22.2 million, or 24.7%, to $111.9 million in 2014 from $89.7 million in 2013 due primarily to more restaurants being operated in 2014. Labor expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales increased to 31.9% in 2014 from 30.3% in 2013. Cost of labor as a percentage of restaurant sales increased due to higher hourly labor costs related to the implementation of our Guest Experience Business Model, minimum wage increases in Minnesota and California, and higher bonus expense.
Operating expenses increased by $7.7 million, or 17.2%, to $52.4 million in 2014 from $44.7 million in 2013 due primarily to more restaurants being operated in 2014. Operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales decreased to 14.9% in 2014 from 15.1% in 2013. The decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales was primarily due to lower special event cable television purchases.
Occupancy expenses increased by $2.5 million, or 14.6%, to $19.8 million in 2014 from $17.3 million in 2013 due primarily to more restaurants being operated in 2014. Occupancy expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales decreased to 5.6% in 2014 from 5.8% in 2013 primarily due to leveraging rent costs with the same-store sales increase.
Depreciation and amortization increased by $3.2 million, or 14.8%, to $24.8 million in 2014 from $21.6 million in 2013. The increase was primarily due to the additional depreciation related to the 48 additional company-owned restaurants compared to the same period in 2013.
General and administrative expenses increased by $3.1 million, or 12.7%, to $27.8 million in 2014 from $24.7 million in 2013 primarily due to additional headcount. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 7.4% in 2014 from 7.8% in 2013 partially due to a decrease in stock-based compensation expense. Exclusive of stock-based compensation expense, our general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 6.7% in 2014 from 6.8% in 2013 primarily due to a decrease in bonus expense.
Preopening costs increased by $0.6 million to $3.6 million in 2014 from $3.0 million in 2013. In 2014, we incurred costs of $2.2 million for ten new company-owned restaurants opened in the third quarter of 2014 and costs of $1.4 million for restaurants that that will open in the fourth quarter of 2014 or later. In 2013, we incurred costs of $1.6 million for 8 new company-owned restaurants opened in the third quarter of 2013 and costs of $1.3 million for restaurants that opened in the

14




fourth quarter of 2013 or later. Preopening costs per new company-owned Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant averaged $314,000 in the third quarter of 2014. Preopening costs per new restaurant averaged $268,000 in the third quarter of 2013.
Loss on asset disposals and impairment increased by $0.5 million to $1.4 million in 2014 from $0.9 million in 2013. The expense in 2014 represented asset impairment, the write-off of miscellaneous equipment, and disposals due to remodels. The expense in 2013 represented disposals due to remodels and the write-off of miscellaneous equipment.
Other income (loss) was $(0.2) million in 2014 compared to $0.4 million in 2013. The loss in 2014 was primarily related to a loss on our minority investment in PizzaRev. The income in 2013 was primarily related to investments held for our deferred compensation plan.
Provision for income taxes increased $0.2 million to $8.0 million in 2014 from $7.8 million in 2013. The effective tax rate as a percentage of income before taxes decreased to 26.9% in 2014 from 30.4% in 2013. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the certification of California Enterprise Zone tax credits during the quarter.
Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013
Restaurant sales increased by $173.1 million, or 20.0%, to $1.0 billion in 2014 from $865.5 million in 2013. The increase in restaurant sales was due to a $120.0 million increase associated with 28 new company-owned restaurants that opened in 2014 and the company-owned restaurants that opened or were acquired before 2014 that did not meet the criteria for same-store sales for all or part of the nine-month period, and $53.1 million related to a 6.8% increase in same-store sales.
Franchise royalties and fees increased by $9.0 million, or 15.2%, to $68.7 million in 2014 from $59.7 million in 2013. The increase was primarily due to royalties related to additional sales at 47 more franchised Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in operation at the end of the period compared to the same period in 2013. Same-store sales for franchised restaurants increased 5.7% in the first nine months of 2014.
Cost of sales increased by $27.8 million, or 10.4%, to $296.2 million in 2014 from $268.4 million in 2013 due primarily to more restaurants being operated in 2014. Cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant sales decreased to 28.5% in 2014 from 31.0% in 2013, primarily due to lower chicken wing prices and our transition to serving wings by portion in July 2013. During the first nine months of 2014, the average cost per pound for traditional wings decreased by 20.0% over the same period in 2013.
Labor expenses increased by $60.2 million, or 22.7%, to $324.7 million in 2014 from $264.5 million in 2013 due primarily to more restaurants being operated in 2014. Labor expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales increased to 31.3% in 2014 from 30.6% in 2013. Cost of labor as a percentage of restaurant sales increased primarily due to higher hourly labor costs.
Operating expenses increased by $24.4 million, or 19.2%, to $151.4 million in 2014 from $127.0 million in 2013 due primarily to more restaurants being operated in 2014. Operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales decreased to 14.6% in 2014 from 14.7% in 2013, due primarily to leveraging expenses with the same-store sales increase.
Occupancy expenses increased by $7.8 million, or 15.5%, to $58.0 million in 2014 from $50.3 million in 2013 due primarily to more restaurants being operated in 2014. Occupancy expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales decreased to 5.6% in 2014 from 5.8% in 2013 due primarily to leveraging rent costs with the same-store sales increase.
Depreciation and amortization increased by $8.5 million, or 13.6%, to $71.4 million in 2014 from $62.8 million in 2013. The increase was primarily due to the additional depreciation related to the 48 additional company-owned restaurants compared to the same period in 2013.
General and administrative expenses increased by $16.6 million, or 23.9%, to $86.2 million in 2014 from $69.6 million in 2013 primarily due to additional headcount. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue increased to 7.8% in 2014 from 7.5% in 2013 due to an increase in stock-based compensation expense. Exclusive of stock-based compensation, our general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue increased to 6.9% in 2014 from 6.7% in 2013 primarily due to increased travel-related expenses.
Preopening costs decreased by $1.3 million to $8.4 million in 2014 from $9.7 million in 2013. In 2014, we incurred costs of $6.8 million for 26 new company-owned restaurants opened in the first nine months of 2014 and costs of $1.5 million for restaurants that will open in the fourth quarter of 2014 or later. In 2013, we incurred costs of $8.3 million for 32 new company-owned restaurants opened in the first nine months of 2013 and costs of $1.3 million for restaurants that opened in the fourth quarter of 2013 or later.
Loss on asset disposals and impairment increased by $1.7 million to $3.4 million in 2014 from $1.7 million in 2013. The expense in 2014 represented asset impairment, the write-off of miscellaneous equipment and disposals due to remodels. The expense in 2013 represented disposals due to remodels and the write-off of miscellaneous equipment.

15




Other income (loss) was $(0.1) million in 2014 compared to $0.6 million in 2013. The loss in 2014 was primarily related to a loss on our minority investment in PizzaRev. The income in 2013 was primarily related to investments held for our deferred compensation plan.
Provision for income taxes increased $12.7 million to $33.8 million in 2014 from $21.2 million in 2013. The effective tax rate as a percentage of income before taxes increased to 31.4% in 2014 from 29.4% in 2013. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the favorable impact of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which was enacted in 2013, on the tax rate in 2013. For 2014, we estimate our effective tax rate will be about 31.5% based on current tax law.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary liquidity and capital requirements have been for constructing, remodeling and maintaining our new and existing company-owned restaurants; working capital; acquisitions; improving technology; and other general business needs. We fund these expenses, except for acquisitions and emerging brands, primarily with cash from operations. Depending on the size of the transaction, acquisitions or investments in emerging brands would generally be funded from cash and marketable securities balances or using our line of credit. The cash and marketable securities balance at September 28, 2014 was $100.3 million. We invest our cash balances in debt securities with the focus on protection of principal, adequate liquidity, and return on investment based on risk. Our marketable securities balance consists of mutual funds held for our deferred compensation plan and debt securities.
For the nine months ended September 28, 2014, net cash provided by operating activities was $143.7 million. Net cash provided by operating activities consisted primarily of net earnings adjusted for non-cash expenses, partially offset by a decrease in deferred income tax liabilities and an increase in prepaid expenses. The decrease in deferred income tax liabilities was primarily due to lower bonus depreciation. The increase in prepaid expenses was due to the timing of rent payments.
For the nine months ended September 29, 2013, net cash provided by operating activities was $122.4 million. Net cash provided by operating activities consisted primarily of net earnings adjusted for non-cash expenses, and an increase in income taxes payable, partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable. Both the increase in income taxes payable and the decrease in accounts payable were primarily due to the timing of payments.
For the nine months ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, net cash used in investing activities was $120.6 million and $103.6 million, respectively. Investing activities included purchases of property and equipment related to the additional company-owned restaurants and restaurants under construction as well as the acquisitions of businesses and investments in affiliates in both periods. During the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, we opened or acquired 31 and 35 restaurants, respectively. In 2014, we expect capital expenditures of approximately $102.3 million for the cost of 45 new or relocated company-owned restaurants, $4.9 million for technology improvements on our restaurant and corporate systems, and $39.1 million for capital expenditures at our existing restaurants. In the first nine months of 2014, we purchased $18.0 million of marketable securities. In the first nine months of 2013, we received proceeds of $3.3 million as our marketable securities matured or were sold.
For the nine months ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, net cash used in financing activities was $5.9 million and $3.2 million, respectively. Net cash used in financing activities for 2014 resulted from tax payments for restricted stock units of $7.5 million, partially offset by proceeds from the issuance of common stock of $1.8 million. Net cash used in financing activities for 2013 resulted primarily from proceeds the issuance of common stock of $1.2 million and the excess tax benefit from stock issuance of $0.4 million, offset by tax payments for restricted stock units of $4.8 million. No additional funding from the issuance of common stock (other than from the exercise of options and purchase of stock under the employee stock purchase plan) is anticipated for the remainder of 2014.
Our liquidity is impacted by minimum cash payment commitments resulting from operating lease obligations for our restaurants and our corporate office. Lease terms are generally 10 to 15 years with renewal options and generally require us to pay a proportionate share of real estate taxes, insurance, common area maintenance, and other operating costs. Some restaurant leases provide for contingent rental payments based on sales thresholds. We own the buildings in which 26% of our restaurants operate and therefore have a limited ability to enter into sale-leaseback transactions as a potential source of cash.
The following table presents a summary of our contractual operating lease obligations and commitments as of September 28, 2014:

16




 
 
 
Payments Due By Period (in thousands)
 
Total
 
Less than
One year
 
1-3 years
 
3-5 years
 
After 5
years
Operating lease obligations
$
570,706

 
63,057

 
121,188

 
104,998

 
281,463

Commitments for restaurants under development
71,177

 
3,422

 
10,339

 
10,446

 
46,970

Total
$
641,883

 
66,479

 
131,527

 
115,444

 
328,433

We believe the cash flows from our operating activities and our balance of cash and marketable securities will be sufficient to fund our operations and building commitments and meet our obligations for the foreseeable future. Depending on the size of the transaction, acquisitions or investments in emerging brands would generally be funded from cash balances or using our line of credit. Our future cash outflows related to income tax uncertainties amounted to $979,000 as of September 28, 2014. These amounts are excluded from the contractual obligations table due to the high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of these liabilities.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of September 28, 2014, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements or transactions.
Risk Factors/Forward-Looking Statements
The foregoing discussion and other statements in this report contain various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“the Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations or beliefs concerning future events. Such statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “could,” “possible,” “plan,” “project,” “will,” “forecast” and similar words or expressions. Our forward-looking statements generally relate to our growth strategy, financial results, sales efforts, franchise expectations, restaurant openings and related expense, and cash requirements. Although we believe there is reasonable basis for the forward-looking statements, our actual results could be materially different. While it is not possible to foresee all of the factors that may cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements, such factors include, among others, the risk factors that follow (some of which are discussed in greater detail in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013). Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement.
Fluctuations in chicken wing prices could impact our operating income.
If we are unable to successfully open new restaurants, our revenue growth rate and profits may be reduced.
We must identify and obtain a sufficient number of suitable new restaurant sites for us to sustain our growth.
Shortages or interruptions in the availability and delivery of food and other supplies may increase costs or reduce revenues.
We may experience higher-than-anticipated costs associated with the opening of new restaurants or with the closing, relocating, and remodeling of existing restaurants, which may adversely affect our results of operations.
A security failure in our information technology systems could expose us to potential liability, significant brand damage, and loss of revenues.
Our restaurants may not achieve market acceptance in the new domestic and international geographic regions we enter.
New restaurants added to our existing markets may take sales from existing restaurants.
Investments in new or emerging brands may not be successful.
Failure of our internal controls over financial reporting could harm our business and financial results.

17




Economic conditions could have a material adverse impact on our landlords or other tenants in retail centers in which we or our franchisees are located, which in turn could negatively affect our financial results.
An impairment in the carrying value of our goodwill or other intangible assets could adversely affect our financial condition and consolidated results of operations.
We are dependent on franchisees and their success.
Franchisees may take actions that could harm our business.
We could face liability from our franchisees.
We may be unable to compete effectively in the restaurant industry.
Our success depends substantially on the value of our brand and our reputation for offering guests an unparalleled guest experience.
Our inability to successfully and sufficiently raise menu prices could result in a decline in profitability.
Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate due to the timing of special events and other factors, including the recognition of impairment losses.
We may not be able to attract and retain qualified Team Members and key executives to operate and manage our business.
We may not be able to obtain and maintain licenses and permits necessary to operate our restaurants.
Unfavorable publicity could harm our business.
The sale of alcoholic beverages at our restaurants subjects us to additional regulations and potential liability.
Changes in employment laws or regulations could harm our performance.
Changes in consumer preferences or discretionary consumer spending could harm our performance.
A regional or global health pandemic could severely affect our business.
The acquisition of existing restaurants from our franchisees or other acquisitions may have unanticipated consequences that could harm our business and our financial condition.
There is volatility in our stock price.
We may be subject to increased labor and insurance costs.
Our current insurance may not provide adequate levels of coverage against claims.
We are dependent on information technology and any material failure of that technology could impair our ability to efficiently operate our business.
If we are unable to maintain our rights to use key technologies of third parties, our business may be harmed.
We may not be able to protect our trademarks, service marks or trade secrets.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to international market risk related to our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. We invest our excess cash in highly liquid short-term investments with maturities of less than one year. These investments are not held for

18




trading or other speculative purposes. We invest with a strategy focused on principal preservation. Changes in interest rates affect the investment income we earn on our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities and the interest expense we pay on our line of credit and, therefore, impact our cash flows and results of operations. We also have trading securities, which are held to generate returns that seek to offset changes in liabilities related to the equity market risk of our deferred compensation arrangements.
Financial Instruments
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of debt securities. We do not believe there is a significant risk of non-performance by the issuers of these securities because of our investment policy restrictions as to acceptable investment vehicles.
Inflation
The primary inflationary factors affecting our operations are food, labor, and restaurant operating costs. Substantial increases in these costs in any country that we operate in could impact operating results to the extent that such increases cannot be passed along through higher menu prices. A large number of our restaurant personnel are paid at rates based on the applicable federal and state minimum wages, and increases in the minimum wage rates and tip-credit wage rates could directly affect our labor costs. Many of our leases require us to pay taxes, maintenance, repairs, insurance, and utilities, all of which are generally subject to inflationary increases.
Commodity Price Risk
Many of the food products purchased by us are affected by weather, production, availability, and other factors outside our control. We believe that almost all of our food and supplies are available from several sources, which helps to control food product and supply risks. We negotiate directly with independent suppliers for our supply of food and other products. Domestically, we have a distribution contract with McLane Company, Inc. that covers food, paper, and non-food products. We completed the transition to McLane during the second quarter of 2013. We have minimum purchase requirements with some of our vendors, but the terms of the contracts and nature of the products are such that our purchase requirements do not create a market risk. One of the primary food products used by company-owned and franchised Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants is chicken wings. We work to counteract the effect of the volatility of chicken wing prices, which can significantly change our cost of sales and cash flow, with the introduction of new menu items, effective marketing promotions, focused efforts on food costs and waste, and menu price increases. We also explore purchasing strategies to lessen the severity of cost increases. Current month chicken wing prices are determined based on the average of the previous month’s wing market plus mark-up for processing and distribution. Chicken wings accounted for approximately 22.8% and 23.7% of our cost of sales in the third quarters of 2014 and 2013, respectively, with a quarterly average price per pound of $1.50 and $1.71, respectively.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the date of such evaluation to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Occasionally, we are a defendant in litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business, including claims arising from personal injuries, contract claims, franchise-related claims, dram shop claims, employment-related claims and claims from guests or employees alleging injury, illness or other food quality, health or operational concerns. To date, none of these types of litigation, most of which are typically covered by insurance, has had a material effect on us. We have insured and continue to insure against most of these types of claims. A judgment on any claim not covered by or in excess of our insurance coverage could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
See Exhibit Index following the signature page of this report.

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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.
Date:
November 6, 2014
BUFFALO WILD WINGS, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Sally J. Smith 
 
 
 
Sally J. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Mary J. Twinem 
 
 
 
Mary J. Twinem, Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer (principal financial and accounting officer)

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EXHIBIT INDEX
BUFFALO WILD WINGS, INC.
FORM 10-Q FOR QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 28, 2014
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
3.1
 
Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 29, 2008).
 
 
 
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed May 27, 2009).
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
 
 
 
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
 
 
 
101
 
The following financial statements from the Company’s 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2014, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheet, (ii) Consolidated Statement of Earnings, (iii) Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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