Attached files

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EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - POPEYES LOUISIANA KITCHEN, INC.exhibit322q22015.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - POPEYES LOUISIANA KITCHEN, INC.exhibit312q22015.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - POPEYES LOUISIANA KITCHEN, INC.exhibit321q22015.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - POPEYES LOUISIANA KITCHEN, INC.exhibit311q22015.htm
EX-10.1 - EXHIBIT 10.1 - POPEYES LOUISIANA KITCHEN, INC.exhibit101q22015.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q 
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended July 12, 2015
OR
¨
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 000-32369 
 

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
 
Minnesota
 
58-2016606
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
400 Perimeter Center Terrace, Suite 1000
Atlanta, Georgia
 
30346
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip code)
(404) 459-4450
(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    ¨
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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    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
x
  
Accelerated filer
 
¨
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
¨
–  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)      
  
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
As of August 7, 2015 there were 22,900,679 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding.



Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
INDEX 
 
 
Page
PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART 2. OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EX-101
 
 
 
 
 


1


Part 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
(In millions, except share data)
 
 
7/12/2015

12/28/2014
Current assets:



Cash and cash equivalents
$
9.5


$
8.4

Accounts and current notes receivable, net
8.6


8.6

Other current assets
7.7


7.4

Advertising cooperative assets, restricted
39.7


32.4

Total current assets
65.5


56.8

Long-term assets:



Property and equipment, net
97.2


95.7

Goodwill
11.1


11.1

Trademarks and other intangible assets, net
94.4


94.7

Other long-term assets, net
1.7


2.0

Total long-term assets
204.4


203.5

Total assets
$
269.9


$
260.3

Current liabilities:



Accounts payable
$
6.2


$
7.4

Other current liabilities
9.3


12.4

Current debt maturities
0.3


0.3

Advertising cooperative liabilities
39.7


32.4

Total current liabilities
55.5


52.5

Long-term liabilities:



Long-term debt
109.4


109.6

Deferred credits and other long-term liabilities
35.7


32.4

Total long-term liabilities
145.1


142.0

Commitments and contingencies





Shareholders’ equity:



Preferred stock ($.01 par value; 2,500,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding)



Common stock ($.01 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 22,987,219 and 23,143,609 shares issued and outstanding at July 12, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively)
0.2


0.2

Capital in excess of par value
26.3


46.4

Accumulated earnings
43.2


19.3

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(0.4
)

(0.1
)
Total shareholders’ equity
69.3


65.8

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
269.9


$
260.3

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


2


Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)
(In millions, except per share data)
 
 
12 Weeks Ended

28 Weeks Ended
 
7/12/2015

7/13/2014

7/12/2015

7/13/2014
Revenues:







Sales by Company-operated restaurants
$
25.1


$
22.3


$
59.8


$
51.7

Franchise royalties and fees
33.0


30.0


76.1


68.8

Rent from franchised restaurants
1.3


1.4


3.0


3.3

Total revenues
59.4


53.7


138.9


123.8

Expenses:







Restaurant food, beverages and packaging
8.1


7.3


19.4


16.9

Restaurant employee, occupancy and other expenses
12.1


10.8


28.0


24.6

General and administrative expenses
19.0


17.4


44.3


41.8

Occupancy expenses - franchise restaurants
0.7


0.7


1.6


1.6

Depreciation and amortization
2.3


2.0


5.2


4.6

Other expenses (income), net
(0.3
)

1.4


(0.2
)

1.5

Total expenses
41.9


39.6


98.3


91.0

Operating profit
17.5


14.1


40.6


32.8

Interest expense, net
0.8


0.7


1.9


1.6

Income before income taxes
16.7


13.4


38.7


31.2

Income tax expense
6.4


5.1


14.8


11.8

Net income
$
10.3


$
8.3


$
23.9


$
19.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share, basic:
$
0.45


$
0.36


$
1.04


$
0.83

Earnings per common share, diluted:
$
0.44


$
0.35


$
1.03


$
0.82

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
22.9


23.3


22.9


23.4

Diluted
23.2


23.7


23.3


23.8

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


3


Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)
(In millions)
 
 
12 Weeks Ended
 
28 Weeks Ended
 
7/12/2015
 
7/13/2014
 
7/12/2015
 
7/13/2014
Net income
$
10.3

 
$
8.3

 
$
23.9

 
$
19.4

Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedge

 

 
(0.5
)
 

Reclassification adjustments for derivative losses included in earnings

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.4

Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes

 
0.1

 
(0.4
)
 
0.4

Income tax on other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 
0.1

 
(0.1
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes

 
0.1

 
(0.3
)
 
0.3

Comprehensive income
$
10.3

 
$
8.4

 
$
23.6

 
$
19.7

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


4


Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (unaudited)
(In millions, except share data)
 
 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
 
 
Number of Shares         
 
Amount
 
Capital in
Excess of Par
 
Accumulated Earnings
 
 
Total    
Balance at December 28, 2014
23,143,609

 
$
0.2

 
$
46.4

 
$
19.3

 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
65.8

Net income

 

 

 
23.9

 

 
23.9

Other comprehensive income, net of
income tax

 

 

 

 
(0.3
)
 
(0.3
)
Repurchases and retirement of shares
(444,054
)
 

 
(26.0
)
 

 

 
(26.0
)
Issuance of common stock under stock
 option plan
165,424

 

 
1.0

 

 

 
1.0

Issuance of restricted stock awards,
net of forfeitures
122,240

 

 
(5.0
)
 

 

 
(5.0
)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based
 compensation

 

 
6.7

 

 

 
6.7

  Stock-based compensation expense

 

 
3.2

 

 

 
3.2

Balance at July 12, 2015
22,987,219

 
$
0.2

 
$
26.3

 
$
43.2

 
$
(0.4
)
 
$
69.3

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


5


Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
(In millions)
 
28 Weeks Ended
 
7/12/2015

7/13/2014
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:



Net income
$
23.9


$
19.4

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:



Depreciation and amortization
5.2


4.6

Net gain (loss) on sale and disposal of assets
(0.2
)

0.1

Deferred income taxes
0.5



Non-cash interest expense, net
0.2


0.6

Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements
(6.7
)

(1.9
)
Stock-based compensation expense
3.2


2.9

Change in operating assets and liabilities:



Accounts receivable
0.2


0.4

Other operating assets
6.5


6.3

Accounts payable and other operating liabilities
(5.3
)

(2.7
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
27.5


29.7

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:



Capital expenditures
(7.9
)

(12.9
)
Purchase of recipes and formulas


(41.8
)
Proceeds from dispositions of property and equipment
0.1



Net cash used in investing activities
(7.8
)

(54.7
)
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:



Borrowings under 2013 credit facility


43.0

Share repurchases
(26.0
)

(20.0
)
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options
1.0


1.3

Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements
6.7


1.9

Other financing activities, net
(0.3
)

(0.3
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(18.6
)

25.9

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
1.1


0.9

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
8.4


9.6

Cash and cash equivalents at end of quarter
$
9.5


$
10.5

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


6


Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 — Description of Business
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. (“PLKI” or the “Company”) develops, operates and franchises quick-service restaurants under the trade names Popeyes ® Louisiana Kitchen and Popeyes ® Chicken & Biscuits (collectively “Popeyes”) in 48 states, the District of Columbia, three territories, and 27 foreign countries.
Note 2 — Significant Accounting Policies
The Company’s significant accounting policies are presented in Note 2 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, which are contained in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K (“The 2014 Form 10-K”). The significant accounting policies that are most critical and aid in fully understanding and evaluating the reported financial results include the following:
Basis of Presentation. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, certain information required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements is not included. The Consolidated Balance Sheet data as of December 28, 2014 that is presented herein was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year then ended. The condensed consolidated financial statements as of July 12, 2015, have not been audited by the Company’s independent registered public accountants, but in the opinion of management, they contain all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations for the interim periods presented. Interim period operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year. The Company suggests that the accompanying financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the 2014 Form 10-K. Except as disclosed herein, there has been no material change in the information disclosed in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in the 2014 Form 10-K.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. These estimates affect the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition — Franchise Operations.  Revenues from franchising activities include development fees associated with a franchisee’s planned development of a specified number of restaurants within a defined geographic territory, franchise fees associated with the opening of new restaurants, renewal fees associated with the renewal of the franchise agreement, transfer fees for the transfer of a restaurant to another entity, and ongoing royalty fees which are generally based on five percent of net restaurant sales. Development fees and franchise fees are recorded as deferred franchise revenue when received and are recognized as revenue when the restaurants covered by the fees are opened or all material services or conditions relating to the fees have been substantially performed or satisfied by the Company. The Company recognizes royalty revenues as earned. Franchise renewal fees are recognized when a renewal agreement becomes effective.
 
12 Weeks Ended
 
28 Weeks Ended
(In millions)
July 12, 2015
 
July 13, 2014
 
July 12, 2015
 
July 13, 2014
Franchise royalties
$
32.2

 
$
28.7

 
$
73.8

 
$
65.9

Franchise fees
0.8

 
1.3

 
2.3

 
2.9

Franchise royalties and fees
$
33.0

 
$
30.0

 
$
76.1

 
$
68.8

Recent Accounting Pronouncements That the Company Has Not Yet Adopted. In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance for recognizing revenue in contracts with customers across all industries. This guidance requires entities to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. In July 2015, the FASB voted to defer the effective date by one year. Under the proposal, the new revenue standard would be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The new standard will not impact our recognition of sales from Company-operated restaurants, ongoing royalty fees which are based on a percentage of franchise sales, or rent from franchised restaurants which are composed of rental income and other fees associated with properties

7


Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




leased or subleased to franchisees. The Company is evaluating the impact that adopting this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. The standard is effective for our fiscal year 2016 and will be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company had $0.8 million and $0.9 million of debt issuance costs at July 12, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively.
We have reviewed other recently issued accounting pronouncements by the FASB and other standards-setting bodies and concluded that they are either not applicable to our business or are not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements upon adoption.
Note 3 — Other Current Assets

(In millions)
7/12/2015
 
12/28/2014
Prepaid income taxes
$
4.2

 
$
2.8

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
3.5

 
4.6

 
$
7.7

 
$
7.4

Note 4 — Other Current Liabilities
 
(In millions)
7/12/2015
 
12/28/2014
Accrued wages, bonuses and severances
$
5.1

 
$
8.5

Other
4.2

 
3.9

 
$
9.3

 
$
12.4



8


Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




Note 5 — Fair Value Measurements
The following table reflects assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of July 12, 2015 and December 28, 2014:
 
(In millions)
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Asset or
Liability
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Carrying
Value
July 12, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents
$
8.2

 
$

 
$

 
$
8.2

Restricted cash (advertising cooperative assets)
4.3

 

 

 
4.3

Total assets at fair value
$
12.5

 
$

 
$

 
$
12.5

Financial Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap agreement
$

 
$
0.5

 
$

 
$
0.5

Long term debt and other borrowings

 
113.6

 

 
109.7

Total liabilities at fair value
$

 
$
114.1

 
$

 
$
110.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 28, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents
$
9.0

 
$

 
$

 
$
9.0

Restricted cash (advertising cooperative assets)
4.3

 

 

 
4.3

Interest rate swap agreement

 

 

 

Total assets at fair value
$
13.3

 
$

 
$

 
$
13.3

Financial Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long term debt and other borrowings
$

 
$
115.7

 
$

 
$
109.9

Total liabilities at fair value
$

 
$
115.7

 
$

 
$
109.9

There were no transfers among levels within the fair value hierarchy during the twenty-eight weeks ended July 12, 2015.
At July 12, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the fair value of the Company’s current assets and current liabilities approximates carrying value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.
The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap at July 12, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively, was based on the sum of all future net present value cash flows. The future cash flows are derived based on the terms of our interest rate swap, as well as considering published discount factors, and projected London Interbank Offered Rates (“LIBOR”). The fair value of each of the Company’s long-term debt instruments is based on the amount of future cash flows associated with each instrument, discounted using the Company’s current borrowing rate for a similar debt instrument of comparable maturity and is considered a Level 2 valuation.
Note 6 — Long-term Debt
 
 
(In millions)
7/12/2015
 
12/28/2014
2013 Credit Facility
$
106.0

 
$
106.0

Capital lease obligations
2.2

 
2.2

Other notes
1.5

 
1.7

 
109.7

 
109.9

Less current portion
(0.3
)
 
(0.3
)
Long-term debt
$
109.4

 
$
109.6


9


Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




2013 Credit Facility. On December 18, 2013, the Company entered into a bank credit facility with a group of lenders consisting of a five year $125.0 million revolving credit facility. During the second quarter 2014, the Company increased its revolving credit capacity by $10.0 million, to $135.0 million.
Under the terms of the 2013 Credit Facility, the Company can request additional revolving loan commitments of up to $115.0 million.
Under the terms of the revolving credit facility, the Company may obtain other short-term borrowings up to $10.0 million and letters of credit up to $20.0 million. Collectively, these other borrowings and letters of credit may not exceed the amount of unused borrowings under the 2013 Credit Facility. As of July 12, 2015, the Company had $0.1 million of outstanding letters of credit. Availability for short-term borrowings and letters of credit under the revolving credit facility was $28.9 million.
As of the end of the second quarter 2015, the Company was in compliance with the financial and other covenants of the 2013 Credit Facility. The Company’s weighted average interest rate for all outstanding indebtedness under the 2013 Credit Facility, including fixed and floating rate debt, was 2.5% as of July 12, 2015.
Interest Rate Swap Agreements. The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to fix the interest rate exposure on a portion of its outstanding revolving debt. On December 16, 2014 and June 15, 2015 the Company entered into interest rate swap contracts effective January 5, 2015 and July 6, 2015, respectively. The Company’s interest rate swap contracts limit the interest rate exposure on $85 million of floating rate debt borrowed under its 2013 Credit Facility to a fixed rate of 2.70%. The swap agreements are scheduled to expire January 5, 2018.
Note 7 — Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities
(In millions)
7/12/2015
 
12/28/2014
Deferred franchise revenues
$
6.4

 
$
3.7

Deferred gains on unit conversions
0.6

 
0.8

Deferred rentals
7.4

 
7.6

Above-market rent obligations
2.4

 
2.5

Deferred income taxes
16.2

 
16.0

Other
2.7

 
1.8

 
$
35.7

 
$
32.4

Note 8 — Other Expenses (Income), Net
 
12 Weeks Ended
 
28 Weeks Ended
(In millions)
7/12/2015

 
7/13/2014

 
7/12/2015

 
7/13/2014

Disposals of property and equipment
$

 
$
0.1

 
$

 
$
0.2

Net gain on sale of assets
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.1
)
Executive transition expenses
0.2

 
1.4

 
0.4

 
1.4

Recoveries under Settlement Program
(0.4
)
 

 
(0.4
)
 

Other expenses (income), net
$
(0.3
)
 
$
1.4

 
$
(0.2
)
 
$
1.5

During the second quarter 2015, the Company received $0.4 million in settlement of its outstanding claims filed pursuant to the Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damages Settlement Program (“Settlement Program”).
Note 9 — Commitments and Contingencies
Formula and Supply Agreements. The 2014 supply agreement provides that the Company agrees to utilize, and to require its franchisees to utilize, Diversified Foods and Seasonings, L.L.C. (“Diversified”) as the exclusive supplier of certain agreed upon core products in the continental United States. The term of the supply agreement continues until March 2034, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

10


Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




Business Process Services. During the second quarter 2015, the Company extended the contract for its accounting and information technology services with a third party provider for three years. The future minimum payments under the extension are approximately $1.4 million annually.
Litigation. The Company is a defendant in various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, including claims resulting from “slip and fall” accidents, employment-related claims, claims from guests or employees alleging illness, injury or other food quality, health or operational concerns and claims related to franchise matters. The Company establishes reserves to provide for the settlement of such matters when payment is probable and reasonably estimable. The Company’s management believes their ultimate resolution will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or its results of operations.
Insurance Programs. The Company carries property, general liability, business interruption, crime, directors and officers liability, privacy and network liability, employment practices liability, environmental and workers’ compensation insurance policies which it believes are customary for businesses of its size and type. Pursuant to the terms of their franchise agreements, the Company’s franchisees are also required to maintain certain types and levels of insurance coverage, including commercial general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, all risk property and automobile insurance.
Note 10 — Interest Expense, Net
 
  
12 Weeks Ended
 
28 Weeks Ended
(In millions)
7/12/2015
 
7/13/2014
 
7/12/2015
 
7/13/2014
Interest on debt
$
0.6

 
$
0.4

 
$
1.4

 
$
0.7

Reclassification adjustment for derivative losses

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.4

Amortization and write-offs of debt issuance costs
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.2

Other debt related charges
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.3

 
0.3

 
$
0.8

 
$
0.7

 
$
1.9

 
$
1.6

The increase in interest expense on debt for the twelve and twenty eight week periods ended July 12, 2015 and July 13, 2014 was primarily due to higher outstanding borrowings under the 2013 Credit Facility and higher net payments under the Company’s interest rate swap agreement.
Note 11 — Income Taxes
The Company’s effective tax rates were 38.3% and 38.1% for the twelve week periods ended July 12, 2015 and July 13, 2014, respectively. The Company's effective tax rates were 38.2% and 37.8% for the twenty-eight week periods ended July 12, 2015 and July 13, 2014, respectively. Higher state income tax obligations and expiration of certain tax credits have resulted in a higher effective tax rate in 2015. The effective tax rates differ from statutory rates due to adjustments to estimated tax reserves, tax credits and permanent differences between reported income and taxable income for tax purposes.
 
As of July 12, 2015, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $1.4 million of which approximately $0.2 million, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate.
The Company files income tax returns in the United States and various state jurisdictions. The U.S. federal tax years 2011 through 2013 are open to audit. In general, the state tax years open to audit range from 2010 through 2013.
Note 12 — Components of Earnings Per Common Share Computation
The Company’s basic earnings per share calculation is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. The diluted earnings per share calculation is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding adjusted by the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding had the potentially dilutive common shares been issued. Potentially dilutive common shares include employee stock options, non-vested restricted stock awards and non-vested restricted share units. Performance based awards are included in the average diluted shares outstanding each period if the performance criteria have been met at the end of the respective periods.


11


Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the diluted earnings per share computation in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect. There were approximately 0.1 million potentially dilutive shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the twelve and twenty-eight week periods ended July 12, 2015 and July 13, 2014, respectively.

  
12 Weeks Ended
 
28 Weeks Ended
(In millions)
7/12/2015
 
7/13/2014
 
7/12/2015
 
7/13/2014
Net Income
$
10.3

 
$
8.3

 
$
23.9

 
$
19.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator for basic earnings per share — weighted average shares
22.9

 
23.3

 
22.9

 
23.4

Dilutive employee stock awards
0.3

 
0.4

 
0.4

 
0.4

Denominator for diluted earnings per share
23.2

 
23.7

 
23.3

 
23.8

 
Note 13 — Segment Information
The Company is engaged in developing, operating and franchising Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen quick-service restaurants. Based on its internal reporting and management structure, the Company has determined that it has two reportable segments: franchise operations and Company-operated restaurants. The Company-operated restaurant segment derives its revenues from the operation of Company owned restaurants. The franchise segment consists of domestic and international franchising activities and derives its revenues principally from (1) ongoing royalty payments that are determined based on a percentage of franchisee sales; (2) franchise fees associated with new restaurant openings; (3) development fees associated with the opening of new franchised restaurants in a given market; and (4) rental income associated with properties leased or subleased to franchisees.

  
12 Weeks Ended
 
28 Weeks Ended
(In millions)
7/12/2015
 
7/13/2014
 
7/12/2015
 
7/13/2014
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Franchise operations
$
34.3

 
$
31.4

 
$
79.1

 
$
72.1

Company-operated restaurants
25.1

 
22.3

 
59.8

 
51.7

 
$
59.4

 
$
53.7

 
$
138.9

 
$
123.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Franchise operations
$
15.8

 
$
14.8

 
$
36.0

 
$
31.4

Company-operated restaurants
3.7

 
2.7

 
9.6

 
7.5

 
19.5

 
17.5

 
45.6

 
38.9

Less unallocated expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
2.3

 
2.0

 
5.2

 
4.6

Other expenses (income), net
(0.3
)
 
1.4

 
(0.2
)
 
1.5

Operating Profit
17.5

 
14.1

 
40.6

 
32.8

Interest expense, net
0.8

 
0.7

 
1.9

 
1.6

Income before income taxes
$
16.7

 
$
13.4

 
$
38.7

 
$
31.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Franchise operations
$
0.3

 
$
1.2

 
$
0.6

 
$
3.9

Company-operated restaurants
1.9

 
5.1

 
7.3

 
9.0

 
$
2.2

 
$
6.3

 
$
7.9

 
$
12.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


12



Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. (“PLKI”, “Popeyes” or the “Company”) should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part 1, Item 1 of this quarterly report and in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 (the “2014 Form 10-K”).
Popeyes Profile
Popeyes was founded in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1972 and is the world’s second largest quick-service chicken concept based on the number of units. Within the Quick Service Restaurant (“QSR”) industry, Popeyes distinguishes itself with a unique “Louisiana” style menu that features spicy chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp and other seafood, red beans and rice and other regional items. Popeyes is a highly differentiated QSR brand with a passion for its Louisiana heritage and flavorful authentic food.
As of July 12, 2015, we operated and franchised 2,443 Popeyes restaurants in 48 states, the District of Columbia, three territories, and 27 foreign countries.
Total Operating Restaurants as of:
7/12/2015
 
12/28/2014
Domestic restaurants:
 
 
 
Company-operated
67

 
65

Franchised
1,842

 
1,805

International restaurants:
 
 
 
Franchised
534

 
509

Total
2,443

 
2,379


Our Business Strategy
The Company’s Strategic Roadmap focuses exclusively on growing the value of our single brand, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, through franchising with the best franchise owners to grow the Popeyes footprint globally and operating a select number of our own restaurants. Franchising is our primary focus and our franchisees are our number one customer. As such, our primary objective is to deliver sales and profits by offering excellent investment opportunities in the Popeyes brand and providing exceptional support systems and services to our franchise owners, who sign long-term franchise agreements.
The Company’s Strategic Roadmap includes five organizing pillars to its strategy, which are used to set priorities and allocate resources. These pillars are:
Develop Servant Leaders
Build a Distinctive Brand
Create Memorable Experiences
Grow Restaurant Profits
Accelerate Quality Restaurants

Our consistent execution against the Strategic Roadmap has delivered strong, sustainable results over the past seven years. We will continue to execute against our core strategies as we evaluate investments in our new, first pillar Develop Servant Leaders strategy and international expansion.
The Develop Servant Leaders pillar will focus on providing top tier support to our system’s restaurants while growing the capabilities of restaurant leaders throughout our global system. Our goal is to create a culture of servant leadership to improve employee engagement and, in turn, provide a guest experience as legendary as our food.
We will also make additional international investments to accelerate our unit growth. Our primary focus will be the traditional franchising model, supported with an investment in brand-building media to create strong Popeyes brand awareness and trial. We will also consider direct capital investments where opportunities exists to jump-start new international markets and to unlock new unit growth.
Additionally, we will continue to make select, strategic investments in domestic Company-operated restaurants to lead the system on matters such as real estate selection, store design and layout, and people practices.

13


Second Quarter 2015 Overview

We accomplished the following results in the second quarter 2015, principally as a result of continued disciplined execution against our business strategies:
Reported net income was $10.3 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, compared to $8.3 million, or $0.35 per diluted share in the second quarter 2014. Adjusted earnings per diluted share were $0.44, compared to $0.39 in 2014, representing an increase of 12.8%. Adjusted earnings per diluted share is a supplemental non-GAAP measure of performance. See the heading entitled “Management’s Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Global same-store sales increased 7.5% in 2015 compared to a 3.6% increase in 2014 for a two-year compounded growth rate of 11.4%. This positive sales growth reflects Popeyes’ continued menu innovation, supported by expanded compelling advertising and strengthened restaurant execution.
Total domestic same-store sales increased 7.9%, compared to a 3.8% increase last year, for a two-year compounded growth rate of 12.0%. Popeyes’ domestic same-store sales have outpaced the chicken-QSR segment for 29 consecutive quarters and overall QSR for 15 consecutive quarters, according to independent data. Popeyes has increased its domestic market share of the chicken-QSR category to 25.4% compared to 23.1% last year.
International same-store sales increased 4.3%, compared to 2.2% last year, for a two-year compounded growth rate of 6.6%.
The Popeyes system opened 37 restaurants, which included 18 domestic and 19 international restaurants, compared to 36 total openings in the same period of last year. Net restaurant openings were 31, compared to 21 net restaurant openings in the same period last year.
As of the end of the second quarter in 2015, the Company operated and franchised 2,443 restaurants, compared to 2,262 at the end of the second quarter in 2014, representing net unit growth of 8.0% over the last twelve months.
Total system-wide sales increased by 13.6% in the second quarter 2015 as a result of same-store sales performance and net unit growth of the system.
Total revenues increased 10.6% to $59.4 million in 2015 from $53.7 million in the prior year. The $5.7 increase in revenues was primarily due to a $2.8 million increase in sales by Company-operated restaurants and a $3.5 million increase in franchise royalties. Sales by Company-operated restaurants and franchise royalties were driven by positive same store sales increases and net unit growth.
Company-operated restaurant operating profit was $4.9 million, or 19.5% of sales, compared to $4.2 million, or 18.8% of sales in 2014. The improvement in Company-operated restaurant operating profit margin was primarily attributable to improved labor controls. Higher poultry and grocery basket costs were offset by targeted price increases and improved management of food, beverages and packaging. Company-operated restaurant operating profit margin is a supplemental non-GAAP measure of performance.  See the heading entitled “Management’s Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Through the first 28 weeks of fiscal 2015, Operating EBITDA was $45.6 million, or 32.8% of total revenue, compared to $38.9 million, or 31.4% of total revenue, last year, a 17% increase. Operating EBITDA is a supplemental non-GAAP measure of performance. See the heading entitled “Management’s Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Through the first 28 weeks of fiscal 2015, free cash flow was $31.3 million, compared to $24.2 million in 2014. Free cash flow is a supplemental non-GAAP measure of performance. See the heading entitled “Management’s Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
The Company repurchased 260,207 shares of its common stock for approximately $15.0 million in the second quarter.





14


A summary of our financial results and key operational metrics is presented below:  
 
12 Weeks Ended

28 Weeks Ended
(Dollars in millions except per share data)
7/12/2015

7/13/2014

7/12/2015

7/13/2014
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales by Company-operated restaurants
$
25.1

 
$
22.3

 
$
59.8

 
$
51.7

Franchise royalties and fees (a)
33.0

 
30.0

 
76.1

 
68.8

Rent from franchised restaurants
1.3

 
1.4

 
3.0

 
3.3

Total revenues
$
59.4

 
$
53.7

 
$
138.9

 
$
123.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit
$
17.5

 
$
14.1

 
$
40.6

 
$
32.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
10.3

 
$
8.3

 
$
23.9

 
$
19.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share, basic
$
0.45

 
$
0.36

 
$
1.04

 
$
0.83

Earnings per common share, diluted
$
0.44

 
$
0.35

 
$
1.03

 
$
0.82

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Global system-wide sales increase
13.6
%
 
9.5
%
 
13.7
%
 
10.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Same-store sales increase (b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company-operated restaurants
2.3
%

1.6
%

1.6
%

4.0
%
Domestic franchised restaurants
8.1
%

3.9
%

7.7
%

4.1
%
Total domestic (Company-operated and franchised restaurants)
7.9
%

3.8
%

7.5
%

4.1
%
International franchised restaurants
4.3
%

2.2
%

5.3
%

4.1
%
Total global system
7.5
%

3.6
%

7.2
%

4.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company-operated restaurants (all domestic)



 
 
 
 
Restaurants at beginning of period
66


53


65


53

New restaurant openings
1


3


2


4

Permanent closings






(1
)
Restaurants at quarter-end
67


56

 
67

 
56

Franchised restaurants (domestic and international)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restaurants at beginning of period
2,354


2,195


2,314


2,172

New restaurant openings
36


33


88


59

Permanent closings
(6
)

(15
)

(24
)

(30
)
Temporary (closings)/re-openings, net
(8
)

(7
)

(2
)

5

Restaurants at quarter-end
2,376

 
2,206

 
2,376

 
2,206

Total system restaurants
2,443

 
2,262

 
2,443

 
2,262


(a)
Franchise revenues are principally comprised of royalty payments from franchisees that are based upon franchisee sales. While franchisee sales are not recorded as revenue by the Company, we believe they are important in understanding the Company’s financial performance and overall financial health, given the Company’s strategic focus on growing its overall business through franchising. For the second quarter of 2015 and 2014, franchisee sales, as reported by our franchisees, were approximately $685.8 million and $603.5 million, respectively. For the twenty-eight weeks ended July 12, 2015 and July 13, 2014, franchisee sales, as reported by our franchisees, were approximately $1,572.3 million and $1,384.3 million, respectively.
(b)
Same-store sales statistics exclude temporarily and permanently closed restaurants and stores that have been open for less than 65 weeks. Unit conversions are included immediately upon conversion. Temporary closings are excluded from same- store sales for the period they are closed.

15



Looking Forward to the Remainder of 2015

Based on performance through the second quarter, the Company is making the following changes to our guidance for full-year fiscal 2015:

Same-store sales growth in the range of 4.5% to 5.5%, an increase from previous guidance at the upper end of the range of 3.5% to 4.5%.
Adjusted earnings per diluted share in the range of $1.85 to $1.90, compared to previous guidance of $1.84 to $1.89.
Share repurchases of approximately $50 to $60 million, compared to previous guidance of $40 to $50 million.

In addition, the Company reiterates the following guidance for full year fiscal 2015:

New restaurant openings of 200 to 225, including approximately 85 to 95 internationally. Net restaurant openings are expected to be in the range of 115 to 150, for a system growth rate of approximately 5%. During 2015, the Company expects to open 3 to 5 new Company-operated restaurants.
General and administrative expenses at approximately 2.9% of system-wide sales.
Capital expenditures for the year of $15 to $20 million, including approximately $12.5 million for Company-operated restaurant development and relocation.
An effective income tax rate of approximately 38%.

Comparisons of the Second Quarter for 2015 and 2014
Sales by Company-operated Restaurants
Sales by Company-operated restaurants were $25.1 million in the second quarter of 2015, a $2.8 million increase from the second quarter of 2014. The increase was primarily due to eleven net openings over the last four consecutive quarters and a same–store sales increase of 2.3% in the second quarter of 2015 partially offset by lower sales at new restaurants rolling over high opening sales volumes.
Franchise Royalties and Fees
Franchise royalties and fees have three basic components: (1) royalties that are based on a percentage (typically 5%) of franchisee sales; (2) franchise and development fees associated with new unit openings; and (3) renewal, transfer and other franchise fees. Royalties are the largest component of franchise revenues, generally constituting more than 95% of franchise revenues.
Franchise royalties and fees were $33.0 million in the second quarter of 2015, a $3.0 million increase from the second quarter of 2014. The increase was primarily due to a $3.5 million increase in royalty revenue from positive same-store sales and new franchised restaurants, partially offset by a $0.2 million decrease in franchise and development fees for new openings and a $0.3 million decrease in renewal, transfer and other franchise revenues.
Company-operated Restaurant Operating Profit
Company-operated restaurant operating profit (“ROP”) was $4.9 million, or 19.5% of sales, compared to $4.2 million, or 18.8% of sales last year. The $0.7 million increase in ROP was primarily due to higher revenues resulting from net restaurant openings and positive same-store sales. The improvement in ROP margin was primarily attributable to improved labor controls. Higher poultry and grocery basket costs were offset by targeted pricing increases and improved management of food, beverages and packaging. Company-operated restaurant operating profit margin is a supplemental non-GAAP measure of performance.  See the heading entitled “Management’s Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses were $19.0 million, or 2.7% of system-wide sales, compared to $17.4 million, or 2.8% of system-wide sales last year.
The $1.6 million increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to a $1.7 million increase in franchise restaurant support services and human capital investments, $0.3 million increase in brand building media investments

16


in international markets, and $0.1 million increase in other general and administrative expenses, net, partially offset by $0.5 million in recipe royalty savings from the 2014 purchase of recipes and formulas from Diversified Foods and Seasonings, L.L.C. (“Diversified”). For further discussion of the recipe and formula purchase from Diversified, see Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements which is included in the Company’s 2014 Form 10-K.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization was $2.3 million compared to $2.0 million last year. The $0.3 million increase in depreciation and amortization was primarily attributable to depreciation associated with ownership of additional Company-operated restaurants.
Other Expenses (Income), Net
Other expense (income), net was income of $0.3 million for the twelve week period ended July 12, 2015 compared to $1.4 million of expense for the same period last year. In 2015, other income included $0.4 million recovered in the settlement of the Company’s claims pursuant to the Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damages Settlement Program and $0.1 million net gain on the sale and disposal of property and equipment, partially offset by $0.2 million of executive transition expenses. In 2014, other expense included $1.4 million of executive transition expenses.
Operating Profit
Operating profit was $17.5 million, a $3.4 million increase compared to 2014. Fluctuations in the components of revenue and expense giving rise to this change are discussed above. The following is an analysis of the fluctuations in operating profit by business segment. Operating profit for each reportable segment includes operating results directly attributable to each segment.
 
  
12 Weeks Ended
 
  
 
  
(Dollars in millions)
7/12/2015
 
7/13/2014
 
Fluctuation
 
As a Percent     
Franchise operations
$
15.8

 
$
14.8

 
$
1.0

 
6.8
 %
Company-operated restaurants
3.7

 
2.7

 
1.0

 
37.0
 %
Operating profit before unallocated expenses
19.5

 
17.5

 
2.0

 
11.4
 %
Less unallocated expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
2.3

 
2.0

 
0.3

 
15.0
 %
Other expenses (income), net
(0.3
)
 
1.4

 
(1.7
)
 
(121.4
)%
Operating profit
$
17.5

 
$
14.1

 
$
3.4

 
24.1
 %
Franchise operations segment operating profit was $15.8 million for the twelve weeks ended July 12, 2015, a $1.0 million or 6.8% increase from 2014. The $1.0 million growth in franchise operations was primarily due to the $3.0 million increase in franchise royalties and fees, partially offset by a $0.1 million decrease in rent from franchised restaurants and $1.9 million increase in general and administrative expenses. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to higher corporate restaurant support center personnel related expenses and brand building international media investments, partially offset by lower royalty expenses under the old royalty and supply agreement with Diversified.

Company-operated restaurants segment operating profit was $3.7 million for the twelve weeks ended July 12, 2015, a $1.0 million or 37.0% increase from 2014. The increase was attributable to the $0.7 million increase in restaurant operating profit and a $0.3 million decrease in Company-operated restaurant management expenses primarily due to lower training and pre-opening expenses.

Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net for the twelve weeks ended July 12, 2015 and July 13, 2014 were $0.8 million and 0.7 million, respectively. The $0.1 million increase in interest expense was primarily due to higher outstanding borrowings under the 2013 Credit Facility and higher net interest rate swap payments under the Company’s interest rate swap agreements, partially offset by lower reclassification adjustments for derivative losses.

17



Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense was $6.4 million at an effective tax rate of 38.3%, compared to an effective tax rate of 38.1% in 2014. Higher state income tax obligations have resulted in a higher effective tax rate in 2015. The effective tax rates differ from statutory rates due to adjustments to estimated tax reserves, tax credits and permanent differences between reported income and taxable income for tax purposes.
Comparisons of the 28 Weeks Ended July 12, 2015 and July 13, 2014
Sales by Company-operated Restaurants
Sales by Company-operated restaurants were $59.8 million in the twenty-eight weeks ended July 12, 2015, a $8.1 million increase from 2014. The increase was primarily due to eleven net openings over the last four consecutive quarters and a same–store sales increase of 1.6% in 2015 partially offset by lower sales at new restaurants rolling over high opening sales volumes.
Franchise Royalties and Fees
Franchise royalties and fees were $76.1 million in the twenty-eight weeks ended July 12, 2015, a $7.3 million increase from 2014. The increase was primarily due to a $7.9 million increase in royalty revenue from positive same-store sales and new franchised restaurants and a $0.2 million increase in franchise and development fees for new openings, partially offset by a $0.8 million decrease in renewal, transfer and other franchise revenues.
Company-operated Restaurant Operating Profit
Company-operated ROP was $12.4 million, or 20.7% of sales, compared to $10.2 million, or 19.7% of sales last year. The $2.2 million increase in ROP was primarily due to higher revenues resulting from net restaurant openings and positive same-store sales. The improvement in ROP margin was primarily attributable to improved labor controls. Higher poultry and grocery basket costs were offset by targeted pricing increases and improved management of food, beverages and packaging. Company-operated restaurant operating profit margin is a supplemental non-GAAP measure of performance.  See the heading entitled “Management’s Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses were $44.3 million, or 2.7% of system-wide sales, compared to $41.8 million, or 2.9% of system-wide sales last year.
The $2.5 million increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to a $3.7 million increase in in franchise restaurant support services and human capital investments and a $0.6 million increase in brand building media investments in international markets, partially offset by $1.4 million in recipe royalty savings from the 2014 purchase of recipes and formulas from Diversified and a $0.4 million decrease in legal and professional fees and other general and administrative expenses, net. For further discussion of the recipe and formula purchase from Diversified, see Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements which is included in the Company’s 2014 Form 10-K.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization was $5.2 million compared to $4.6 million last year. The $0.6 million increase in depreciation and amortization was primarily attributable to depreciation associated with ownership of additional Company-operated restaurants.
Other Expenses (Income), Net
Other expense (income), net was income of $0.2 million for the twenty-eight week period ended July 12, 2015 compared to $1.5 million of expense for the same period last year. In 2015, other income included $0.4 million recovered in the settlement of the Company’s claims pursuant to the Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damages Settlement Program and $0.2 million net gain on the sale and disposal of property and equipment, partially offset by $0.4 million of executive transition expenses. In

18


2014, other expense included $1.4 million of executive transition expenses and $0.1 million net loss on the sale and disposal of property and equipment.
Operating Profit
Operating profit was $40.6 million, a $7.8 million increase compared to 2014. Fluctuations in the components of revenue and expense giving rise to this change are discussed above. The following is an analysis of the fluctuations in operating profit by business segment. Operating profit for each reportable segment includes operating results directly attributable to each segment.
  
28 weeks ended
 
  
 
  
(Dollars in millions)
July 12, 2015

 
July 13, 2014

 
Fluctuation
 
As a Percent     
Franchise operations
$
36.0

 
$
31.4

 
$
4.6

 
14.6
 %
Company-operated restaurants
9.6

 
7.5

 
2.1

 
28.0
 %
Operating profit before unallocated expenses
45.6

 
38.9

 
6.7

 
17.2
 %
Less unallocated expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
5.2

 
4.6

 
0.6

 
13.0
 %
Other expenses (income), net
(0.2
)
 
1.5

 
(1.7
)
 
(113.3
)%
Operating profit
$
40.6

 
$
32.8

 
$
7.8

 
23.8
 %
Franchise operations segment operating profit was $36.0 million for the twenty-eight weeks ended July 12, 2015, a $4.6 million or 14.6% increase from 2014. The $4.6 million growth in franchise operations was primarily due to the $7.3 million increase in franchise royalties and fees, partially offset by $0.3 million decrease in rent from franchised restaurants and a $2.4 million increase in general and administrative expenses. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to higher corporate restaurant support center personnel related expenses and brand building international media investments, partially offset by lower royalty expenses under the old royalty and supply agreement with Diversified and other general and administrative expenses, net.

Company-operated restaurants segment operating profit was $9.6 million for the twenty-eight weeks ended July 12, 2015, a $2.1 million or 28.0% increase from 2014. The increase was attributable to the $2.2 million increase in restaurant operating profit less a $0.1 million increase in Company-operated restaurant management expenses.

Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net for the twenty-eight weeks ended July 12, 2015 and July 13, 2014 were $1.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively. The $0.3 million increase in interest expense was primarily due to higher outstanding borrowings under the 2013 Credit Facility and higher net interest rate swap payments under the Company’s interest rate swap agreements partially offset by lower reclassification adjustments for derivative losses and amortization of deferred loan costs.

Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense was $14.8 million at an effective tax rate of 38.2%, compared to an effective tax rate of 37.8% in 2014. Higher state income tax obligations have resulted in a higher effective tax rate in 2015. The effective tax rates differ from statutory rates due to adjustments to estimated tax reserves, tax credits and permanent differences between reported income and taxable income for tax purposes.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We finance our business activities with cash flows generated from our operating activities and borrowings under our credit facility.
Based primarily upon our generation of cash flow from operations, our existing cash reserves (approximately $9.5 million as of July 12, 2015), available borrowings under our credit facility (approximately $28.9 million available as of July 12, 2015) and the ability to request incremental revolving credit commitments up to an additional $115 million under the credit facility, we believe that we will have adequate cash flow to meet our anticipated future requirements for working capital, including various contractual obligations and expected capital expenditures.

19


Our franchise model provides diverse and reliable cash flows. Net cash provided by operating activities of the Company was $27.5 million and $29.7 million for the twenty-eight weeks ended July 12, 2015 and July 13, 2014, respectively. The $2.2 million decrease in cash flows from operating activities was primarily due to a $4.8 million increase in excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation, a $3.1 million increase in tax payments related to restricted stock award vestings, and a $2.0 million increase in income tax payments partially offset by a $6.7 million increase in Operating EBITDA and $1.0 million in changes to other operating assets and liabilities, net.
The Company uses Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio (“total leverage ratio”) to measure compliance with its covenants and borrowing capacity under its 2013 Credit Facility. The Company also believes that its total leverage ratio is a helpful measure for investors to assess its overall debt leverage, which affects its ability to refinance its long-term debt as it matures, the cost of existing debt, the capacity to incur additional debt to invest in its strategic initiatives, and the ability to repurchase and retire its common shares. The Total Leverage Ratio was 1.3 to 1 and 1.4 to 1 at July 12, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively. Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure. See the heading “Management’s Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Our cash flows from operating activities and available borrowings allow us to reinvest in our core business activities that promote the Company’s strategic initiatives. Our priorities in the use of available cash after investment in growth strategies are the repurchase shares of our common stock and reduction of long-term debt.
Net cash used in investing activities was $7.8 million and $54.7 million for the twenty-eight weeks ended July 12, 2015 and July 13, 2014, respectively. The $46.9 million decrease in net investing activities is primarily due to the $41.8 million recipe and formula purchase from Diversified in 2014 and changes in our capital expenditure investments as summarized below:
 
28 Weeks Ended
(In millions)
7/12/2015
7/13/2014
Construction of new Company-operated restaurants
$
6.9

$
7.7

Conversion of restaurants in Minnesota and California

2.5

Reimaging activities at Company-operated restaurants

0.6

Information technology and corporate office expansion
0.6

1.4

Other capital assets
0.4

0.7

Total capital expenditures
$
7.9

$
12.9

Net cash used in financing activities was $18.6 million for the twenty-eight weeks ended July 12, 2015 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $25.9 million for the twenty-eight weeks ended July 13, 2014. The increase of net cash used in financing activities of $44.5 million was primarily due to $43.0 million borrowings under the credit facility in 2014 and a $6.0 million increase in share repurchases in 2015, partially offset by $4.8 million increase in excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements in 2015.
The Company is in compliance with all debt covenant requirements.
We repurchased 444,054 shares of our common stock for approximately $26.0 million during the twenty-eight weeks ended July 12, 2015. The Company also repurchased 85,501 shares of our common stock for approximately $5.0 million after the end of its second quarter 2015. The remaining value of shares that may be repurchased under the Company’s current share repurchase program is now approximately $69.0 million.
Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to adopt accounting policies related to estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, as well as the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its accounting policies, estimates and judgments, including those related to long-lived assets, goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets, fair value measurement, income taxes, allowances for accounts and notes receivables, contingent liabilities and stock-based compensation. These policies involve estimations of the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may significantly impact our quarterly or annual results of operations or financial condition. Changes in the estimates and judgments could significantly affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows in future years.

20


There have been no material changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, included in the 2014 Form 10-K.
Contractual Obligations
The Company’s material contractual obligations are summarized and included in the 2014 Form 10-K.
Long-Term Debt
For a discussion of our long-term debt, see Note 6 to our condensed consolidated financial statements at Part 1, Item 1 to this quarterly report. That note is hereby incorporated by reference into this Item 2. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements in the 2014 Form 10-K for more information about the Company’s long-term debt.
Impact of Inflation
The impact of inflation on the cost of food, labor, fuel and energy costs, and other commodities has affected our operating expenses. To the extent permitted by the competitive environment in which we operate, increased costs are partially recovered through menu price increases coupled with purchasing price and productivity improvements.
Accounting Pronouncements That We Have Not Yet Adopted
See Note 2 to our condensed consolidated financial statements at Part 1, Item 1 to this quarterly report for impacts of accounting pronouncements which have been issued but not yet adopted on the Company’s financial position and results of operations. That note is hereby incorporated by reference into this Item 2. See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements in the 2014 Form 10-K for more information about recent accounting pronouncements that the Company has not yet adopted.

Management’s Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted earnings per diluted share, operating EBITDA, Company-operated restaurant operating profit, free cash flow and consolidated total leverage ratio are supplemental non-GAAP financial measures. The Company uses adjusted earnings per diluted share, operating EBITDA, Company-operated restaurant operating profit, free cash flow and consolidated total leverage ratio, in addition to net income, operating profit and cash flows from operating activities to assess its performance and believes it is important for investors to be able to evaluate the Company using the same measures used by management. The Company believes these measures are important indicators of its operational strength and the performance of its business. Adjusted earnings per diluted share, operating EBITDA, Company-operated restaurant operating profit, free cash flow and consolidated total leverage ratio as calculated by the Company are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. In addition, adjusted earnings per diluted share, operating EBITDA, Company-operated restaurant operating profit, free cash flow and consolidated total leverage ratio: (a) do not represent net income, cash flows from operations or earnings per share as defined by GAAP; (b) are not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash flow needs; and (c) should not be considered as an alternative to net income, earnings per share, operating profit, cash flows from operating activities or other financial information determined under GAAP.

Adjusted earnings per diluted share: Calculation and Definition

The Company defines adjusted earnings for the periods presented as the Company’s reported net income after adjusting for certain non-operating items consisting of the following:
i.
other expense (income), net, which included $0.1 million net gain of sale of assets for the twelve weeks ended July 12, 2015 and $0.2 million net gain on sales of assets and $0.1 million net loss on disposals of fixed assets for the 28 weeks ended July 12, 2015 and July 13, 2014 respectively,
ii.
$0.2 million and $0.4 million in executive transition expenses in the twelve and twenty-eight weeks ended July 12, 2015, respectively and $1.4 million for the twelve and twenty-eight weeks ended July 13, 2014,
iii.
other income of $0.4 million for recoveries under the Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damages Settlement Program for the twelve and twenty-eight weeks ended July 12, 2015, and
iv.
the tax effect of these adjustments at the effective statutory rates.
Adjusted earnings per diluted share provides the per share effect of adjusted net income on a diluted basis. The following table reconciles on a historical basis for the twelve week and twenty-eight week periods ended July 12, 2015 and July 13, 2014,

21


respectively, the Company’s adjusted earnings per diluted share on a consolidated basis to the line on its condensed consolidated statement of operations entitled net income, which the Company believes is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.


12 Weeks Ended
 
28 Weeks Ended
(In millions, except per share data)
7/12/2015

7/13/2014
 
7/12/2015
 
7/13/2014
Net income
$
10.3


$
8.3

 
$
23.9

 
$
19.4

Other expense (income), net
(0.3
)

1.4

 
(0.2
)
 
1.5

Tax effect
0.2


(0.5
)
 
0.1

 
(0.6
)
Adjusted earnings
$
10.2


$
9.2

 
$
23.8

 
$
20.3

Adjusted earnings per diluted share
$
0.44


$
0.39

 
$
1.02

 
$
0.85

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
23.2


23.7

 
23.3

 
23.8

Operating EBITDA: Calculation and Definition
The Company defines operating EBITDA as earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other expenses (income), net. The following table reconciles on a historical basis for the twenty-eight week periods ended July 12, 2015 and July 13, 2014, respectively, the Company’s operating EBITDA on a consolidated basis to the line on its condensed consolidated statement of operations entitled net income, which the Company believes is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Operating EBITDA margin is defined as operating EBITDA divided by total revenues.  

28 Weeks Ended
(Dollars in millions)
7/12/2015

7/13/2014
Net income
$
23.9


$
19.4

Interest expense, net
1.9


1.6

Income tax expense
14.8


11.8

Depreciation and amortization
5.2


4.6

Other expenses (income), net
(0.2
)

1.5

Operating EBITDA
$
45.6


$
38.9

Total revenues
$
138.9


$
123.8

Operating EBITDA margin
32.8
%

31.4
%

Company-operated restaurant operating profit: Calculation and Definition
The Company defines Company-operated restaurant operating profit as sales by Company-operated restaurants minus restaurant food, beverages and packaging minus restaurant employee, occupancy and other expenses. The following table reconciles on a historical basis for the twelve week and twenty-eight week periods ended July 12, 2015 and July 13, 2014, respectively, Company-operated restaurant operating profit to the line item on its condensed consolidated statement of operations entitled sales by Company-operated restaurants, which the Company believes is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Company-operated restaurant operating profit margin is defined as Company-operated restaurant operating profit divided by sales by Company-operated restaurants.

12 Weeks Ended
 
28 Weeks Ended
(Dollars in millions)
7/12/2015

7/13/2014
 
7/12/2015
 
7/13/2014
Sales by Company-operated restaurants
$
25.1


$
22.3

 
$
59.8

 
$
51.7

Restaurant food, beverages and packaging
8.1


7.3

 
19.4

 
16.9

Restaurant employee, occupancy and other expenses
12.1


10.8

 
28.0

 
24.6

Company-operated restaurant operating profit
$
4.9


$
4.2

 
$
12.4

 
$
10.2

Company-operated restaurant operating profit margin
19.5
%

18.8
%
 
20.7
%
 
19.7
%

22


Free cash flow: Calculation and Definition
The Company defines free cash flow as net income plus depreciation and amortization plus stock-based compensation expense, minus maintenance capital expenditures which includes: for the twenty-eight weeks ended July 12, 2015, $0.6 million of information technology and other corporate assets, and $0.4 million in other capital assets to maintain, replace and extend the lives of Company-operated restaurant facilities and equipment; and for the twenty-eight weeks ended July 13, 2014, $0.6 million in Company-operated restaurant reimaging, $1.4 million of information technology and other corporate assets, and $0.7 million in other capital assets to maintain, replace and extend the lives of Company-operated restaurant facilities.
 
The following table reconciles on a historical basis for the twenty-eight week periods ended July 12, 2015 and July 13, 2014, respectively, the Company’s free cash flow on a consolidated basis to the line on its consolidated statements of operations entitled net income, which the Company believes is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.


28 Weeks Ended
(Dollars in millions)
7/12/2015

7/13/2014
Net income
$
23.9

 
$
19.4

Depreciation and amortization
5.2

 
4.6

Stock-based compensation expense
3.2

 
2.9

Maintenance capital expenditures
(1.0
)

(2.7
)
Free cash flow
$
31.3


$
24.2



Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio: Calculation and Definition
The Company calculates Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio, in accordance with its 2013 Credit Facility, as the ratio of Consolidated Total Indebtedness divided by Consolidated EBITDA. Consolidated Total Indebtedness is generally defined under the 2013 Credit Facility as total indebtedness reflected on our balance sheet plus outstanding letters of credit. Consolidated EBITDA is defined in the 2013 Credit Facility as earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization, other expenses (income), net, and stock-based compensation expense for the four immediately preceding fiscal quarters.
Set forth below is the calculation of Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio as of July 12, 2015 and December 28, 2014 and the reconciliations of Consolidated Total Indebtedness and Consolidated EBITDA to their most comparable GAAP measures: current debt maturities and long-term debt, for Consolidated Indebtedness, and net income, for Consolidated EBITDA.

 
52 weeks ended
(Dollars in millions)
7/12/2015

 
12/28/2014

Current debt maturities
$
0.3

 
$
0.3

Long-term debt
109.4

 
109.6

Total indebtedness
109.7

 
109.9

Outstanding letters of credit
0.1

 
0.1

Consolidated Total Indebtedness
$
109.8

 
$
110.0

 
 
 
 
Net income
$
42.5

 
$
38.0

Interest expense, net
3.3

 
3.0

Income tax expense
26.8

 
23.8

Depreciation and amortization
9.3

 
8.7

Other expenses (income), net
(0.5
)
 
1.2

Stock-based compensation expense
5.6

 
5.3

Consolidated EBITDA
$
87.0

 
$
80.0

 
 
 
 
Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio
1.3
 
1.4


23


Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Statements regarding future events and developments and our future performance, as well as management’s current expectations, beliefs, plans, estimates or projections relating to the future, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of these laws. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Examples of such statements in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q include discussions regarding the Company’s planned implementation of its strategic plan, planned share repurchases, projections and expectations regarding same-store sales for fiscal 2015 and beyond, expectations regarding future growth and commodity costs, expectations regarding restaurant reimaging, guidance for new restaurant openings and closures, effective income tax rate, and the Company’s anticipated 2015 and long-term performance, including projections regarding general and administrative expenses, capital expenditures, and adjusted earnings per diluted share, and similar statements of belief or expectation regarding future events. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are: competition from other restaurant concepts and food retailers, continued disruptions in the financial markets, the loss of franchisees and other business partners, labor shortages or increased labor costs, increased costs of our principal food products, changes in consumer preferences and demographic trends, as well as concerns about health or food quality, our ability to protect our information systems against cyber attacks or information security breaches, our ability to protect individually identifiable data of our customers, franchisees and employees, instances of avian flu or other food-borne illnesses, general economic conditions, the loss of senior management and the inability to attract and retain additional qualified management personnel, limitations on our business under our 2013 Credit Facility, our ability to comply with the repayment requirements, covenants, tests and restrictions contained in our 2013 Credit Facility, failure of our franchisees, a decline in the number of franchised units, a decline in our ability to franchise new units, slowed expansion into new markets, unexpected and adverse fluctuations in quarterly results, increased government regulation, effects of volatile gasoline prices, supply and delivery shortages or interruptions, currency, economic and political factors that affect our international operations, inadequate protection of our intellectual property and liabilities for environmental contamination and the other risk factors detailed in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which details are incorporated herein by reference. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.



24


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Commodity Market Risk. We are exposed to market risk from changes in poultry and other commodity prices. Chicken is the principal raw material for our Popeyes operations, constituting approximately 40% of our combined “Restaurant food, beverages and packaging” costs. Food costs are significantly affected by increases in the cost of chicken, which can result from a number of factors, including increases in the cost of corn and soy, disease, declining market supply of fast-food sized chickens and other factors that affect availability. Restaurant food, beverages and packaging costs are further affected by increases in the cost of other commodities including shortening, wheat and gasoline and utility price fluctuations. Our ability to recover increased costs through higher pricing is limited by the competitive environment in which we operate.
In order to ensure favorable pricing for fresh chicken purchases and to maintain an adequate supply of fresh chicken for the Popeyes system, Supply Management Services, Inc. (a not-for-profit purchasing cooperative of which we are a member) has entered into chicken pricing contracts with chicken suppliers. The contracts, which pertain to a vast majority of our system-wide purchases for Popeyes, are “cost-plus” contracts that utilize prices based upon the cost of feed grains plus certain agreed upon non-feed and processing costs. In order to stabilize pricing for the Popeyes system, Supply Management Services, Inc. has entered into commodity pricing agreements for 2015 for certain commodities including corn and soy, which impact the price of poultry and other food cost.
Instances of food-borne illness or avian flu could adversely affect the price and availability of poultry. In addition to losses associated with higher prices and a lower supply of our food ingredients, instances of food-borne illnesses could result in negative publicity for us and could result in a decline in our sales.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk. We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with our international franchise operations. Foreign currency exchange rate changes directly impact our revenues and cash flows from these operations. For the twenty-eight weeks ended July 12, 2015 and July 13, 2014, foreign currency revenues represented approximately 4.0% and 3.9%, respectively, of our total revenues. All other things being equal, for the twenty-eight weeks ended July 12, 2015, operating profit would have decreased by approximately $0.5 million if all foreign currencies uniformly weakened 10% relative to the U.S. dollar.
As of July 12, 2015, approximately $1.1 million of our accounts receivable were denominated in foreign currencies. Our international franchised operations are in 27 foreign countries with approximately 50% of our revenues from international royalties originating from restaurants in South Korea, Canada and Turkey compared to approximately 47% last year.
Interest Rate Risk With Respect to our 2013 Credit Facility. We have a market risk exposure to changes in interest rates. Borrowings made pursuant to the 2013 Credit Facility include interest rates that are benchmarked to U.S. and European short-term floating-rate interest rates. As of July 12, 2015, we had outstanding borrowings under our 2013 Credit Facility of $106.0 million.
As of July 12, 2015, the Company’s weighted average interest rate for all outstanding indebtedness under the 2013 Credit Facility was approximately 2.5%. The impact on our annual results of operations of a hypothetical one-point interest rate change on the outstanding borrowings under the 2013 Credit Facility would be approximately $0.2 million.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures of a registrant designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) are properly recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include processes to accumulate and evaluate relevant information and communicate such information to a registrant’s management, including its principal executive and financial officers, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
(b) CEO and CFO Certifications
Attached as Exhibit 31.1 and 31.2 to this quarterly report are certifications by our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”). These certifications are required in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This portion of our quarterly report describes the results of our controls evaluation referred to in those certifications.

25



(c) Our Evaluation of Popeyes’s Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of Popeyes’s disclosure controls and procedures, as required by Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO. Based on the evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
(d) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting during the twenty-eight week period ended July 12, 2015 covered by this report.
(e) Inherent Limitations of Any Control System
We do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. However, the control system has been designed to provide reasonable assurance of the control objectives are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.

26


PART 2. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
For a discussion of our legal matters, see Note 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements at Part 1, Item 1 to this quarterly report. That note is hereby incorporated by reference into this Part 2, Item 1.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the risk factors presently disclosed in our 2014 Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
During the second quarter of 2015, we repurchased 260,207 shares of our common stock as scheduled below:
Period
Number of
Shares
  Repurchased  
 
Average
Price
Paid
Per
Share
 
Total
Number of
Shares
Repurchased
as Part of a
Publicly
Announced
Plan
 
Maximum
Value of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Repurchased
Under the
Plan
Period 5 (04/20/15 — 05/17/15)

 
$

 

 
$
89,010,650

Period 6 (05/18/15 — 06/14/15)
143,014

 
$
55.96

 
143,014

 
$
81,007,908

Period 7 (06/15/15 — 07/12/15)
117,193

 
$
59.68

 
117,193

 
$
74,013,334

Total
260,207

 
$
57.64

 
260,207

 
$
74,013,334

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




27


Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits
 
Exhibit 3.1
  
Articles of Incorporation of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. (the “Company”) (f/k/a AFC Enterprises, Inc.), as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 14, 2002).
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 3.2
 
Articles of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation of the Company dated January 17, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 21, 2014).
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 3.3
  
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 16, 2008).
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 3.4
 
Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, dated January 17, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 21, 2014).
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.1#
 
Employment Agreement, dated March 13, 2015, between the Company and John K. Merkin.
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 11.1*
  
Statement Regarding Composition of Per Share Earnings.
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.1
  
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a — 14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.2
  
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a — 14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 32.1
  
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 32.2
  
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 101
  
The following financial information for the Company, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
#
Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit.
*
Data required by FASB authoritative guidance for Earnings per Share, is provided in Note 12 to our condensed consolidated financial statements in Part 1, Item 1 to this quarterly report.

28


SIGNATURE
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.
 
 
 
 
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: August 19, 2015
 
 
By:
 
/s/ William Matt
 
 
 
 
 
William Matt
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)




29