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EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) CERTIFICATIONS SECTION 302 OF - NOBLE ROMANS INCnrom_ex311.htm
EX-32.2 - CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 18 U.S.C. PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANE - NOBLE ROMANS INCnrom_ex322.htm
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 18 U.S.C. PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANE - NOBLE ROMANS INCnrom_ex321.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) CERTIFICATIONS SECTION 302 OF - NOBLE ROMANS INCnrom_ex312.htm
EX-10.5 - DEVELOPMENT LINE NOTE DATED SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 TO FIRST FINANCIAL BANK, FILED HE - NOBLE ROMANS INCnrom_ex10-5.htm
EX-10.4 - TERM NOTE DATED SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 TO FIRST FINANCIAL BANK, FILED HEREWITH - NOBLE ROMANS INCnrom_ex10-4.htm
 

United States
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 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 30, 2017
 
Commission file number: 0-11104
 
NOBLE ROMANS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Indiana
35-1281154
(State or other jurisdiction of organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
One Virginia Avenue, Suite 300
Indianapolis, Indiana
46204
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(317) 634-3377
(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 (§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 ___
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large Accelerated Filer __
Accelerated Filer __
Non-Accelerated Filer __ (do not check if smaller reporting company)
Smaller Reporting Company X
Emerging Growth Company __
 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ____
 
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 November 10, 2017, there were 20,783,032 shares of Common Stock, no par value, outstanding.
 

 
 
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
 
Condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 (unaudited)
 Page 3
 
 
 
Condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 (unaudited)
 
Page 4
 
 
 
Condensed consolidated statements of changes in stockholders' equity for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 (unaudited)
 
Page 5
 
 
 
Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 (unaudited)
 
Page 6
   
 
 
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)
 
Page 7
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2
 
 
Noble Roman's, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
 
                                                         Assets
 
December 31,
 2016
 
 
 September 30,
 2017
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Cash
 $477,928 
 $381,814 
   Accounts receivable - net
  1,828,534 
  2,376,922 
   Inventories
  754,418 
  726,883 
   Prepaid expenses
  568,386 
  810,575 
   Deferred tax asset - current portion
  925,000 
  - 
           Total current assets
  4,554,266 
  4,296,194 
 
    
    
Property and equipment:
    
    
   Equipment
  1,963,957 
  2,239,267 
   Leasehold improvements
  88,718 
  271,697 
   Construction and equipment in progress
  351,533 
  131,032 
 
  2,404,208 
  2,641,996 
   Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
  1,194,888 
  1,323,934 
          Net property and equipment
  1,209,320 
  1,318,062 
Deferred tax asset (net of current portion)
  8,696,870 
  9,481,008 
Goodwill
  278,466 
  278,466 
Other assets including long-term portion of receivables - net
  5,159,937 
  5,717,465 
                      Total assets
 $19,898,859 
 $21,091,195 
 
    
    
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
    
    
Current liabilities:
    
    
   Current portion of term loan payable to bank
 $655,725 
 $642,857 
    Current portion of loan payable to Super G
  1,130,765 
  - 
   Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  339,125 
  422 251 
                Total current liabilities
  2,125,615 
  1, 065, 108 
 
    
    
Long-term obligations:
    
    
   Term loan payable to bank (net of current portion)
  710,729 
  3,471,932 
   Loan payable to Super G (net of current portion)
  718,175 
  - 
   Notes payable to officers
  310,000 
  - 
   Notes payable to Kingsway America
  600,000 
  - 
   Convertible notes payable
  769,835 
  1,037,050 
   Derivative warrant liability
  210,404 
  685,154 
   Derivative conversion liability
  435,671 
  1,202,058 
               Total long-term liabilities
  3,754,814 
  6,396,194 
 
    
    
Stockholders' equity:
    
    
   Common stock – no par value (40,000,000 shares authorized, 20,783,032 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and September 30,
       2017)
  24,308,297 
  24,322,885 
   Accumulated deficit
  (10,289,867)
  (10,692,992)
                Total stockholders' equity
  14,018,430 
  13,629,893 
                      Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 $19,898,859 
 $21,091,195 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
 
 
3
 
 
Noble Roman's, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 Three-Months Ended
 September 30,
 
 
 Nine-Months Ended
 September 30,
 
 
 
 2016
 
 
 2017
 
 
 2016
 
 
 2017
 
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Royalties and fees
 $1,953,843 
 $1,733,956 
 $5,544,389 
 $5,062,549 
    Administrative fees and other
  12,459 
  10,992 
  34,168 
  34,933 
    Restaurant revenue - Craft Pizza & Pub
  - 
  457,133 
  - 
  1,223,351 
    Restaurant revenue - non-traditional
  55,691 
  310,840 
  162,737 
  871,192 
               Total revenue
  2,021,993 
  2,512,921 
  5,741,294 
  7,192,025 
Operating expenses:
    
    
    
    
     Salaries and wages
  275,694 
  216,432 
  759,603 
  698,326 
     Trade show expense
  124,209 
  126,361 
  383,086 
  371,472 
     Travel expense
  57,010 
  37,589 
  152,684 
  146,017 
     Other operating expenses
  210,787 
  222,045 
  607,893 
  649,778 
     Restaurant expenses - Craft Pizza & Pub
  - 
  347,342 
  - 
  902,459 
     Restaurant expenses - non-traditional
  51,270 
  307,583 
  141,175 
  855,980 
Depreciation and amortization
  31,675 
  60,127 
  92,763 
  171,890 
General and administrative
  415,487 
  434,532 
  1,205,961 
  1,246,620 
              Total expenses
  1,166,133 
  1,757,011 
  3,343,164 
  5,042,542 
              Operating income
  855,860 
  760,910 
  2,398,130 
  2,149,483 
Interest
  153,882 
  601,192 
  291,822 
  1,220,945 
Loss on restaurant discontinued
  - 
  - 
  36,776 
  - 
Adjust valuation of receivables
  - 
  350,000 
  750,659 
  350,000 
Change in fair value of derivatives
  - 
  929,810 
  - 
  632,537 
            Income (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations
  701,978 
  (1,120,092)
  1,318,873 
  (53,999)
Income tax expense (benefit)
  268,208 
  (72,388)
  503,907 
  220,089 
            Net income (loss) from continuing operations Loss from discontinued operations net of
  433,770 
  (1,047,704)
  814,966 
  (274,088)
     tax benefits of $881,902 for 2016 and $79,228 for 2017
  (1,426,289)
  (129,037)
  (1,426,289)
  (129,037)
              Net loss
 $(992,519)
 $(1,176,741)
 $(611,323)
 $(403,125)
 
    
    
    
    
Earnings per share - basic
    
    
    
    
    Net income (loss) from continuing operations
 $.02 
 $(.05)
 $.04 
 $(.01)
    Net loss from discontinued operations net of tax benefit
  (.07)
  (.01)
  (.07)
  (.01)
    Net loss
  (.05)
  (.06)
  (.03)
  (.02)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
  20,783,032 
  20,783,032 
  20,781,501 
  20,783,032 
 
    
    
    
    
Diluted earnings per share:
    
    
    
    
    Net income (loss) from continuing operations
 $.02 
 $(.04)
 $.04 
 $(.01)
    Net loss from discontinued operations net of tax benefit
  (.07)
  (.01)
  (.07)
  (.01)
    Net loss
  (.05)
  (.05)
  (.03)
  (.02)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
  20,924,077 
  25,792,995 
  20,922,546 
  25,657,464 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
 
 
4
 
 
Noble Roman's, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in
Stockholders' Equity
 (Unaudited)
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
 
Amount
 
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2016
  20,783,032 
 $24,308,297 
 $(10,289,867)
 $14,018,430 
 
    
    
    
    
Net loss for nine months ended September 30, 2017
  - 
  - 
  (403,125)
  (403,125)
 
    
    
    
    
Amortization of value of employee stock options
  - 
  14,588 
  - 
  14,588 
 
    
    
    
    
Balance at September 30, 2017
  20,783,032 
 $24,322,885 
 $(10,692,992)
 $13,629,893 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
 
 
5
 
 
Noble Roman's, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
2016 
 
 
2017 
 
     Net loss
 $(611,323)
 $(403,125)
     Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
    
    
              Depreciation and amortization
  75,982 
  444,410 
              Non-cash expense for the valuation of receivable
  750,659 
  350,000 
              Deferred income taxes
  (377,995)
  140,862 
              Non-cash expense
  - 
  24,526 
              Change in fair value of derivatives
  - 
  632,537 
              Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
    
    
                 (Increase) decrease in:
    
    
                      Accounts receivable
  (315,551)
  (548,387)
                      Inventories
  (250,800)
  27,535 
                      Prepaid expenses
  (235,837)
  (18,222)
                      Other assets including long-term portion of receivables
  239,816 
  (907,527)
                 Increase (decrease) in:
    
    
                     Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  (446,851)
  276,392 
               NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  (1,171,900)
  19,001 
 
    
    
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    
    
     Purchase of property and equipment
  (9,699)
  (341,023)
              NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  (9,699)
  (341,023)
 
    
    
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    
    
     Payment of principal - BMO term loans
  (437,150)
  (1,366,454)
     Payment of principal - Super G Funding, LLC loan
  (89,000)
  (2,066,282)
     Payment of principal - Kingsway America loan
  - 
  (600,000)
     Net payment of officers loans
  - 
  (310,000)
     Net proceeds from First Financial term loan
    
  4,114,790 
     Net proceeds from Super G Funding, LLC
  1,915,417 
  - 
     Proceeds from officers loan
  135,000 
  - 
     Net proceeds from convertible notes payable
  - 
  647,119 
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  1,524,267 
  419,173 
 
    
    
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
    
    
     Payment of obligations from discontinued operations
  (361,454)
  (193,265)
 
    
    
Decrease in cash
  (18,786)
  (96,114)
Cash at beginning of period
  194,021 
  477,928 
Cash at end of period
 $175,233 
 $381,814 
 
    
    
Supplemental schedule of investing and financing activities
    
    
 
    
    
Cash paid for interest
 $266,412 
 $911,488 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
 
 
6
 
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
Note 1 - The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements, included herein, have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These condensed consolidated statements have been prepared in accordance with the Company’s accounting policies described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in that report. Unless the context indicates otherwise, references to the “Company” mean Noble Roman’s, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
 
In the opinion of the management of the Company, the information contained herein reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented and the financial condition as of the dates indicated, which adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2017.
 
Note 2 – Royalties and fees include initial franchise fees of $76,000 and $204,000 for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016, and $42,000 and $164,000 for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Royalties and fees include equipment commissions of $7,000 and $17,000 for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016, and $16,000 and $34,000 for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Royalties and fees including interest per franchise agreements, less initial franchise fees and equipment commissions, were $1.9 million and $5.3 million for the respective three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016, and $1.7 million and $4.9 million for the respective three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017. Most of the cost for the services required to be performed by the Company are incurred prior to the franchise fee income being recorded, which is based on a contractual liability of the franchisee.
 
There were 2,768 franchises/licenses in operation on December 31, 2016 and 2,831 franchises/licenses in operation on September 30, 2017. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, there were 85 new outlets opened and 22 outlets closed. In the ordinary course, grocery stores from time to time add our licensed products, remove them and may subsequently re-offer them. Therefore, it is unknown how many licensed grocery store units included in the count above have left the system.
 
Note 3 - On September 13, 2017, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Agreement”) with First Financial Bank (the “Bank”). The Agreement provides for a senior credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) to be provided by the Bank consisting of: (i) a term loan in the amount of $4.5 million (the “Term Loan”); and (ii) a development line of credit of up to $1.6 million (the “Development Line of Credit”). Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a variable annual rate equal to the London Interbank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 4.25%. All outstanding amounts owed under the Agreement mature on September 13, 2022.
 
 
7
 
 
Proceeds of the Term Loan were used to repay the Company’s existing indebtedness to BMO Harris Bank, Super G Capital, LLC and certain officers of the Company, to pay certain expenses related to the Credit Facility and the remainder used for general corporate purposes.
 
The Company may draw on the Development Line of Credit in three tranches of up to $550,000 each for eligible costs incurred by it to build-out three new locations of Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub. Repayment of advances under each tranche of the Development Line of Credit will begin four months following the draw of each tranche based on a seven-year amortization schedule. Interest will be paid monthly as accrued.
 
The Agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants, including, among other things, covenants requiring the Company to maintain certain financial ratios. The Company’s obligations under the Agreement are secured by first priority liens on all of the Company’s and certain of its subsidiaries’ assets and a pledge of all of the Company’s equity interest in such subsidiaries. In addition, Paul W. Mobley, the Company’s Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, executed a limited guarantee only on borrowings under the Development Line of Credit which is to be released upon achieving certain financial ratios by the Company's Craft Pizza & Pub locations.
 
Note 4 - The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
 
 
Income
(Numerator)
 
 
Shares
(Denominator)
 
 
Per-Share
Amount
 
Net loss
 $(992,519)
  20,783,032 
 $(.05)
 Effect of dilutive securities
    
    
    
     Options
  - 
  141,045 
    
 Diluted earnings per share
    
    
    
Net loss
 $(992,519)
  20,924,077 
 $(.05)
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
 
 
Income
(Numerator)
 
 
Shares
(Denominator)
 
 
Per-Share
Amount
 
Net loss
 $(611,323)
  20,781,501 
 $(.03)
 Effect of dilutive securities
    
    
    
     Options
  - 
  141,045 
    
 Diluted earnings per share
    
    
    
Net loss
 $(611,323)
  20,922,546 
 $(.03)
 
 
8
 
 
The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 Income
 (Numerator)
 
 
Shares
 (Denominator)
 
 
Per-Share
Amount
 
Net loss
 $(1,176,741)
  20,783,032 
 $(.06)
Effect of dilutive securities
    
    
    
   Options and warrants
    
  209,963 
    
   Convertible notes
  60,000 
  4,800,000 
    
Dilutive earnings per share
    
    
    
   Net loss
 $(1,116,741)
  25,792,995 
 $(.04)
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
Income
(Numerator)
 
 
Shares
(Denominator)
 
 
Per-Share
Amount
 
Net loss
 $(403,125)
  20,783,032 
 $(.02)
Effect of dilutive securities
    
    
    
   Options and warrants
    
  209,963 
    
   Convertible notes
  131,303 
  4,664,469 
    
Dilutive earnings per share
    
    
    
   Net loss
 $(271,822)
  25,657,464 
 $(.01)
 
Note 5 - The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) recently issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-17 as part of its Simplification Initiative. The amendments eliminate the guidance in Topic 740, Income Taxes, that required an entity to separate deferred tax liabilities and assets between current and non-current amounts in a classified balance sheet. Rather, deferred taxes are now presented as non-current under the new standard. In the balance sheet as of December 31, 2016, under the previous guidance, $925,000 of the deferred tax asset was recorded in current assets and with the current guidance, the deferred tax asset is all presented as non-current.
 
Note 6 - The accounting treatment of derivative financial instruments requires that the Company record these instruments at their fair values as of the inception date of the agreement and at fair value as of each subsequent balance sheet date. Any change in fair value is recorded as non-operating, non-cash income or expense for each reporting period at each balance sheet date. The Company reassesses the classification of its derivative instruments at each balance sheet date. If the classification changes as a result of events during the period, the contract is reclassified as of the date of the event that caused the reclassification.
 
As described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, in 2016 and the first quarter of 2017, the Company conducted a private placement (the “Offering”) of Units with each Unit consisting of a convertible promissory note (collectively, the “Notes”) and a warrant to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock (collectively, the “Warrants”) for which Divine Capital Markets, LLC served as the placement agent (the “Placement Agent”). The Company issued in the Offering a total of $2.4 million principal amount of Notes and Warrants to purchase up to 2.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock.
 
The fair value of the derivative instruments, along with the cash Placement Agent fees, are deducted from the carrying value of the Notes, as original issue discount (“OID”). The OID is amortized over the term of the Notes using the effective interest rate method.
 
 
9
 
 
Activity related to the Units during the first quarter of 2017 is as follows:
 
Gross Proceeds from additional convertible notes
 $800,000 
Placement Agent Fees
  104,000 
Fair Value of Warrants
  106,363 
Fair Value of Conversion Features
  447,586 
Fair Value of Placement Agent Warrants
  54,650 
Net Amount Allocable to Notes
  87,401 
 
At September 30, 2017, the balance of the Notes is comprised of:
 
Face Value
 $2,400,000 
Unamortized OID
  1,362,950 
Carrying Value
  1,037,050 
 
To measure the fair value of derivative instruments, the Company utilizes Monte Carlo models that value a warrant issued to Kingsway America, Inc. (the “Kingsway Warrant”), the embedded conversion feature in the Notes (the “Conversion Feature”), the Warrants and the warrants issued to the Placement Agent (the “Placement Agent Warrants”). The Monte Carlo models are based on future projections of the various potential outcomes of each instrument, giving consideration to the terms of each instrument. A discounted average cash flow over the various scenarios is completed to determine the value of the instrument.
 
The table below provides a summary of the changes in fair value, of all financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the quarter ended September 30, 2017:
 
 
 
Kingsway Warrant
 
 
Conversion Feature
 
 
Warrants
 
 
Placement Agent Warrants
 
 
Total
 
Balance December 31, 2016
 $68,335 
 $435,672 
 $93,387 
 $48,684 
 $646,078 
Issuance During First Quarter
  - 
  447,586 
  106,363 
  54,650 
  608,599 
Change in Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities
  185,573 
  318,799 
  89,069 
  39,096 
  632,537 
Balance - September 30, 2017
 $253,908 
 $1,202,057 
 $288,819 
 $142,430 
 $1,887,214 
 
Note 7 - The Company evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued and filed with SEC. There were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure beyond what is disclosed in this report.
 
 
10
 
 
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
General Information
 
Noble Roman’s, Inc., an Indiana corporation incorporated in 1972 with three wholly-owned subsidiaries, Pizzaco, Inc., N.R. Realty, Inc. and RH Roanoke, Inc., sells and services franchises and licenses for non-traditional foodservice operations and stand-alone locations under the trade names “Noble Roman’s Pizza,” “Noble Roman’s Take-N-Bake,” "Noble Roman's Craft Pizza & Pub" and “Tuscano’s Italian Style Subs.” The concepts’ hallmarks include high quality pizza and sub sandwiches, along with other related menu items, simple operating systems, fast service times, labor-minimizing operations, attractive food costs and overall affordability. Since 1997, the Company has concentrated its efforts and resources primarily on franchising and licensing for non-traditional locations and now has awarded franchise and/or license agreements in 50 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Italy, the Dominican Republic and Canada. During 2016, the Company created a new stand-alone concept called “Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub” with the first location opening on January 31, 2017. The Company, during the second quarter of 2017, signed leases for two new locations and anticipates opening the second Craft Pizza & Pub location on November 17, 2017. The Company has focused its sales efforts on (1) franchises/licenses for non-traditional locations primarily in convenience stores and entertainment facilities and (2) license agreements for grocery stores to sell the Noble Roman’s Take-N-Bake Pizza. In 2017, the Company plans to franchise the Noble Roman's Craft Pizza & Pub concept while maintaining its efforts on franchising and licensing non-traditional locations. Pizzaco, Inc. currently owns and operates two non-traditional locations, RH Roanoke, Inc. owns and operates a non-traditional location and Noble Roman’s, Inc. owns and operates a Craft Pizza & Pub location. The Company intends to add three additional Craft Pizza & Pub locations and to use those as a base to support the franchising of that concept. References in this report to the “Company” are to Noble Roman’s, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.
 
Noble Roman’s Pizza
 
The hallmark of Noble Roman’s Pizza is “Superior quality that our customers can taste.” Every ingredient and process has been designed with a view to produce superior results.
 
A fully-prepared pizza crust that captures the made-from-scratch pizzeria flavor which gets delivered to non-traditional locations in a shelf-stable condition so that dough handling is no longer an impediment to a consistent product in non-traditional locations.
In-store fresh made crust with only specially milled flour with above average protein and yeast for use in its Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub locations, the first of which opened in January 2017.
Fresh packed, uncondensed and never cooked sauce made with secret spices, parmesan cheese and vine-ripened tomatoes in all venues.
100% real cheese blended from mozzarella and Muenster, with no soy additives or extenders.
100% real meat toppings, with no additives or extenders, a distinction compared to many pizza concepts.
Vegetable and mushroom toppings that are sliced and delivered fresh, never canned in non-traditional locations and vegetables sliced fresh on premises in the Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub locations.
 
 
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An extended product line that includes breadsticks and cheesy stix with dip, pasta, baked sandwiches, salads, wings and a line of breakfast products for the non-traditional locations.
 
Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub
 
In January 2017, the Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub opened in Westfield, Indiana, a prosperous and growing community on the northwest side of Indianapolis and plans to open its second Craft Pizza & Pub in Whitestown, Indiana on November 17, 2017. Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub is designed to harken back to the Company’s early history when it was known simply as “Pizza Pub.” Like then, and like the new full-service pizza concepts today, ordering takes place at the counter and food runners deliver orders to the dining room for dine-in guests. The Company believes that Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub features many enhancements over the current competitive landscape. The restaurant features two styles of hand-crafted, made-from-scratch pizzas with a selection of 40 different toppings, cheeses and sauces from which to choose. Beer and wine also are featured, with 29 different beers on tap including both national and local craft selections. Wines include 16 high quality, affordably priced options by the bottle or glass in a range of varietals. Beer and wine service is provided at the bar and throughout the dining room.
 
The pizza offerings feature Noble Roman’s traditional hand-crafted thinner crust as well as its signature deep-dish Sicilian crust. New technology and extensive research and development enable fast cook times, with oven speeds running only 2.5 minutes for traditional pies and 5.75 minutes for Sicilian pies. Traditional pizza favorites such as pepperoni are options on the menu, but also offered is a selection of original creations such as “Pig in the Apple Tree,” a pizza featuring bacon, diced apples, candied walnuts and gorgonzola cheese. The menu also features a selection of contemporary and fresh, made-to-order salads such as “Avocado Chicken Caesar,” and fresh-cooked pasta like “Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.” The menu includes baked subs, hand-sauced wings and a selection of desserts, as well as Noble Roman’s famous Breadsticks with Spicy Cheese Sauce.
 
Additional enhancements include a glass enclosed “Dough Room” where Noble Roman’s Dough Masters hand make all pizza and breadstick dough from scratch in customer view. Also in the dining room is a “Dusting & Drizzle Station” where guests can customize their pizzas after they are baked with a variety of toppings and drizzles, such as rosemary infused olive oil, honey and Italian spices. Kids enjoy Noble Roman’s root beer tap, which is part of a special menu for customers 12 and younger. Throughout the dining room and the bar area are 13 large and giant screen television monitors for sports and the nostalgic black and white shorts featured in Noble Roman’s earlier days.
 
Business Strategy
 
The Company’s business strategy includes the following principal elements:
 
1. Focus on revenue expansion through franchising/licensing traditional and non-traditional locations:
 
Sales of Non-Traditional Franchises and Licenses. The Company believes it has an opportunity for increasing unit and revenue growth within its non-traditional venue. The Company’s franchises/licenses in non-traditional locations are foodservice providers within a host business and requires a substantially lower investment compared to stand-alone traditional locations.
 
 
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Sale of Traditional Franchises.  The Company has developed the next generation stand-alone prototype for its Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub format. The Company has opened one location as a Company-owned store and plans to open three additional locations with one of those three scheduled to open November 17, 2017, followed by an aggressive plan to promote franchising from those locations. The Company has engaged a search firm to assist in recruiting an experienced Vice President of Development to lead that effort and to recruit another experienced sales person to add to the sales capacity of the Company's non-traditional franchises.
 
2. Leverage the results of research and development advances.
 
The Company has invested significant time and effort to create what it considers to be competitive advantages in its products and systems for both its non-traditional and traditional locations. The Company will continue to make these advantages the focal point in its marketing process. The Company believes that the quality and freshness of its products, their cost-effectiveness, relatively simple production and service systems, and its diverse, modularized menu offerings will contribute to the Company’s strategic attributes and growth potential. The menu items for the non-traditional locations were developed to be delivered in a ready-to-use format requiring only on-site assembly and baking except for take-n-bake pizza, which is sold to bake at home. The Company believes this process results in products that are great tasting, quality consistent, easy to assemble, relatively low in food cost, and require minimal labor, which allows for a significant competitive advantage in the non-traditional locations due to the speed and simplicity at which the products can be prepared, baked and served to customers.
 
3. Aggressively communicate the Company’s competitive advantages to its target market of potential franchisees and licensees.
 
The Company utilizes the following methods of reaching potential franchisees and licensees and to communicate its product and system advantages: (1) calling from both acquired and in-house prospect lists; (2) frequent direct mail campaigns to targeted prospects; (3) web-based lead capturing; and (4) live demonstrations at trade and food shows. In particular, the Company has found that conducting live demonstrations of its systems and products at selected trade and food shows across the country allows it to demonstrate advantages that can otherwise be difficult for a potential prospect to visualize. There is no substitute for actually tasting the difference in a product’s quality to demonstrate the advantages of the Company’s products. The Company carefully selects the national and regional trade and food shows where it either has an existing relationship or considerable previous experience to expect that such shows offer opportunities for fruitful lead generation.
 
Business Operations
 
Distribution
 
The Company’s proprietary ingredients are manufactured pursuant to the Company’s recipes and formulas by third-party manufacturers under contracts between the Company and its various manufacturers. These contracts require the manufacturers to produce ingredients meeting the Company’s specifications and to sell them to Company-approved distributors at prices negotiated between the Company and the manufacturer.
 
 
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At present, the Company has primary distributors strategically located throughout the United States. The distributor agreements require the primary distributors to maintain adequate inventories of all ingredients necessary to meet the needs of the Company’s franchisees and licensees in their distribution areas for weekly deliveries to the franchisee/licensee locations and to its grocery store distributors in their respective territories. Each of the primary distributors purchases the ingredients from the manufacturer at prices negotiated between the Company and the manufacturers, but under payment terms agreed upon by the manufacturer and the distributor, and distributes the ingredients to the franchisee/licensee at a price determined by the distributor agreement. Payment terms to the distributor are agreed upon between each franchisee/licensee and the respective distributor. In addition, the Company has agreements with numerous grocery store distributors located in various parts of the country which agree to buy the Company’s ingredients from one of the Company’s primary distributors and to distribute those ingredients only to their grocery store customers who have signed license agreements with the Company.
 
Franchising
 
The Company sells franchises for both non-traditional and traditional locations.
 
The initial franchise fees are as follows:
 
 
Franchise Format
 
Non-Traditional, Except Hospitals
 
 
Hospitals
 
 
Walmart
 
 
Craft Pizza
 & Pub
 
Noble Roman’s Pizza
 $7,500 
 $10,000 
 $12,500 
 $30,000(1)
 
(1) With the sale of multiple traditional stand-alone franchises to a single franchisee, the franchise fee for the first unit is $30,000, the franchise fee for the second unit is $25,000 and the franchise fee for the third unit and any additional unit is $20,000. The Company has not yet begun selling any franchises for the Craft Pizza & Pub format, however the Company has engaged a search frim to assist in recuiting an experienced Vice President of Development to lead that effort and to recruit another experienced sales person to add to the sales capacity of the Company's non-traditional franchises.
 
The franchise fees are paid upon signing the franchise agreement and, when paid, are deemed fully earned and non-refundable in consideration of the administration and other expenses incurred by the Company in granting the franchises and for the lost and/or deferred opportunities to grant such franchises to any other party.
 
Licensing
 
Noble Roman’s Take-n-Bake Pizza licenses for grocery stores are governed by a supply agreement. The supply agreement generally requires the licensee to: (1) purchase proprietary ingredients only from a Noble Roman’s-approved distributor; (2) assemble the products using only Noble Roman’s approved ingredients and recipes; and (3) display products in a manner approved by Noble Roman’s using Noble Roman’s point-of-sale marketing materials. Pursuant to the distributor agreements, the primary distributors place an additional mark-up, as determined by the Company, above their normal selling price on the key ingredients as a fee for the Company in lieu of royalty. The distributors agree to segregate this additional mark-up upon invoicing the licensee, to hold the fees in trust for the Company and to remit them to the Company within ten days after the end of each month.
 
 
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Financial Summary
 
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates. The Company periodically evaluates the carrying values of its assets, including property, equipment and related costs, accounts receivable and deferred tax assets, to assess whether any impairment indications are present due to (among other factors) recurring operating losses, significant adverse legal developments, competition, changes in demand for the Company’s products or changes in the business climate which affect the recovery of recorded value. If any impairment of an individual asset is evident, a charge will be provided to reduce the carrying value to its estimated fair value.
 
The following table sets forth the percentage relationship to total revenue of the listed items included in Noble Roman’s consolidated statements of operations for the three-month periods ended
September 30, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Royalties and fees
  96.6%
  69.0%
  96.6%
  70.4%
Administrative fees and other
  .6 
  .4 
  .6 
  .5 
Restaurant revenue – traditional
  - 
  18.2 
  - 
  17.0 
Restaurant revenue – non-traditional
  2.8 
  12.4 
  2.8 
  12.1 
     Total revenue
  100.0%
  100.0%
  100.0%
  100.0%
Operating expenses:
    
    
    
    
     Salaries and wages
  13.6 
  8.6 
  13.2 
  9.7 
     Trade show expense
  6.1 
  5.0 
  6.7 
  5.2 
     Travel expense
  2.8 
  1.5 
  2.7 
  2.0 
     Other operating expense
  10.4 
  8.8 
  10.5 
  9.0 
     Restaurant expenses – traditional
  - 
  13.8 
  - 
  12.5 
     Restaurant expenses – non-traditional
  2.6 
  12.3 
  2.5 
  11.9 
Depreciation and amortization
  1.6 
  2.4 
  1.6 
  2.4 
General and administrative
  20.5 
  17.4 
  21.0 
  17.3 
     Total expenses
  57.6 
  69.8 
  58.2 
  70.0 
     Operating income
  42.4 
  30.2 
  41.8 
  30.0 
Interest
  7.6 
  23.9 
  5.1 
  17.0 
Loss on restaurant discontinued
  - 
  - 
  .6 
  - 
     Adjust valuation of receivables
  - 
  13.9 
  13.1 
  4.9 
     Change in fair value of derivatives
  - 
  37.0 
  - 
  8.8 
     Income (loss) before income taxes
  34.8 
  (44.6)
  23.0 
  (.7)
Income tax
  13.3 
  (2.9)
  8.8 
  3.1 
     Net income (loss)
  21.5%
  (41.7)%
  14.2%
  (3.8)%
 
 
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Results of Operations
 
Total revenue increased from $2.0 million and $5.7 million to $2.5 million and $7.2 million during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the corresponding periods in 2016. Franchise fees and equipment commissions (“upfront fees”) decreased from $83,000 to $58,000 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017 and from $222,000 to $198,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016. Royalties and fees including interest per franchise agreements, less upfront fees, decreased from $1.9 million and $5.3 million to $1.7 million and $4.9 million for the respective three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016. The breakdown of royalties and fees less upfront fees, for the respective three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were: royalties and fees from non-traditional franchises other than grocery stores, including interest on receivables, were $1.2 million and $3.3 million in both quarterly and nine-month periods; royalties and fees from the grocery store take-n-bake were $425,000 and $1.3 million compared to $530,000 and $1.5 million; royalties and fees from stand-alone take-n-bake franchises were $2,000 and $34,000 compared to $65,000 and $276,000; and royalties and fees from traditional locations were $52,000 and $170,000 compared to $60,000 and $180,000. Royalties and fees from traditional locations were negatively impacted in the third quarter of 2017 by a fire in the Company's highest volume franchise unit which required it to be closed for most of July and August. The franchisee repaired the damage and reopened for business on August 30, 2017.
 
Since 2014, the Company has audited the reporting of sales for computing royalties by each non-traditional franchise and plans to continue to do so on an ongoing basis, the effect of which is unknown. The Company estimates franchise sales based on product purchases as reflected on distributor reports and, where under-reporting is identified, the Company has invoiced franchisees on the unreported amounts.
 
Restaurant revenue – Craft Pizza & Pub, which opened January 31, 2017, was $457,000 and $1.22 million for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017. This location was open for eight months during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017.
 
Restaurant revenue – non-traditional increased from $56,000 to $311,000 and from $163,000 to $871,000 for the respective three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016. The reason for the increase was the Company’s acquisition of two non-traditional locations from franchisees in the fourth quarter of 2016. The Company currently operates three non-traditional locations.
 
Salaries and wages decreased from 13.6% to 8.6% of total revenue and from 13.2% to 9.7% of total revenue for the respective three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016. Salaries and wages decreased from $276,000 to $216,000 and from $760,000 to $698,000 for the respective three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016.
 
Trade show expenses decreased from 6.1% to 5.0% of total revenue and from 6.7% to 5.2% of total revenue for the respective three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016. Trade show expense increased from $124,000 to $126,000 and decreased from $383,000 to $371,000, respectively for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016.
 
 
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Travel expenses decreased from 2.8% to 1.5% of total revenue and from 2.7% to 2.0% of total revenue for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the respective corresponding periods in 2016. Travel expense decreased from $57,000 to $38,000 and from $153,000 to $146,000, respectively, for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016.
 
Other operating expenses decreased from 10.4% to 8.8% of total revenue and from 10.5% to 9.0% of total revenue for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016. Operating expenses increased from $211,000 to $222,000 and from $608,000 to $650,000, respectively, for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016.
 
Restaurant expenses – Craft Pizza & Pub were $347,000 and $902,000 for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively. These expenses were from the new Craft Pizza & Pub location which opened on January 31, 2017.
 
Restaurant expenses – non-traditional increased from 2.6% to 12.3% and from 2.5% to 11.9% of total revenue for the respective three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016. The reason for the increase was the Company’s acquisition of two non-traditional locations from franchisees in the fourth quarter 2016. The Company currently operates three non-traditional locations.
 
Depreciation and amortization increased from 1.6% to 2.4% of total revenue for both the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to corresponding periods in 2016. The primary reason for the increase was the new Craft Pizza & Pub location that opened January 31, 2017 and the two non-traditional locations required by the Company in the fourth quarter of 2016.
 
General and administrative expenses decreased from 20.5% to 17.4% and from 21.0% to 17.3% of total revenue for the respective three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016. General and administrative expenses increased from $415,000 to $435,000 and from $1.21 million to $1.25 million, respectively, for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the comparable periods in 2016.
 
Total expenses increased from 57.6% to 69.8% and from 58.2% to 70.0% of total revenue for the respective three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016. Total expenses increased from $1.2 million to $1.8 million and from $3.3 million to $5.0 million, respectively, for the three-month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016. These increases in expenses were the result of adding the new Craft Pizza & Pub location on January 31, 2017 and acquiring two non-traditional locations from franchisees in the fourth quarter of 2016.
 
Operating income decreased from 42.4% to 30.2% and from 41.8% to 30.0% of total revenue for the respective three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016. The operating income decreased as a result of the decrease in revenue of $242,000 from stand-alone take-n-bake and a decrease in take-n-bake revenue of $221,000 from grocery stores which was largely offset by operating income of $321,000 from the new Craft Pizza & Pub location which opened on January 31, 2017.
 
 
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Interest expense increased from 7.6% to 23.9% and from 5.1% to 17.0% total revenue for the respective three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016. Interest expense increased from $154,000 to $601,000 and from $292,000 to $1.2 million, respectively, for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the corresponding periods in 2016. Interest expense during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 consisted of cash interest on the convertible notes of $167,598 and non-cash amortization of $23,103, cash interest on BMO Harris bank loan of $75,373 and non-cash amortization of $13,077, cash interest on the Super G loan of $608,841 and non-cash amortization of $61,727, cash interest on the Kingsway loan of $25,000, cash interest on loans from officers of $49,756, cash interest on the new First Financial Bank term loan of $11,506 and non-cash interest from amortizing the value of derivatives of $211,549. Total cash interest was $938,074 and non-cash interest expense was $309,456 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017. The refinancing just completed will substantially lower the Company's debt service requirement and cash interest expense. As currently structured, including interest on the subordinated debt, anticipated drawdown on the development loan and, based on today's interest rates, the cash interest expense will be lowered to $539,000 for the next 12 months.
 
Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $1.2 million compared to the $1.0 million for the comparable period in 2016. The primary reason for the loss for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was the non-cash and non-operating increase in the fair value of derivatives of $950,000 plus increased interest cost of approximately $450,000 and adjustment for valuation of receivables of $350,000. The primary reason for the loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was the non-cash and non-operating increase in the fair value of derivatives of $633,000 plus increased interest costs of approximately $930,000 and valuation of receivables of $350,000.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
The Company’s strategy in recent years has been to grow its business by concentrating on franchising/licensing non-traditional locations including grocery store delis to sell take-n-bake pizzas. This strategy was intended to not require significant increase in expenses. The focus on franchising/licensing non-traditional locations will continue to be a primary element of the Company’s strategy but, in addition, over the past two years the Company developed a major business initiative by re-designing and re-positioning its stand-alone franchise for the next generation stand-alone prototype called “Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub.” As a result, the Company opened its first Craft Pizza & Pub on January 31, 2017, plans to open and operate at least three more locations, with the second location planned to open November 17, 2017, and plans to launch a major franchising effort for the Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub concept. The Company has engaged a search firm to assist in recruiting an experienced Vice President of Development to lead that effort and to recruit another experienced sales person to add to the sales capacity of the Company's non-traditional franchises. The Company currently operates three non-traditional locations in addition to the new Craft Pizza &Pub location. Two of the three non-traditional locations were previously operated by franchisees but acquired by the Company in the fourth quarter of 2016. The Company does not intend to acquire any additional non-traditional locations from franchisees and desires to re-franchise one or both of the two recently acquired non-traditional locations.
 
 
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The Company’s current ratio was 4.0-to-1 as of September 30, 2017 compared to 2.1-to-1 as of December 31, 2016. The primary reason for the change was refinancing all of the Company's debt except the subordinated convertible notes on a seven-year amortization with a five-year due date. That improvement was partially offset by reclassifying the current portion of deferred tax asset to long-term in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) recently issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-17 as part of its Simplification Initiative.
 
In October 2016, the Company began a private placement (the “Offering”) of convertible notes (“Notes”) and warrants (“Warrants”) and engaged Divine Capital Markets, LLC to serve as placement agent for the Offering (the “Placement Agent”). As of December 31, 2016, the Company had issued Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $1.6 million and Warrants to purchase up to 1.6 million shares of the Company’s common stock. In January 2017, the Company completed the Offering and issued an additional $800,000 in Notes and Warrants to purchase up to an additional 800,000 shares, for a total of $2.4 million principal amount of Notes and Warrants to purchase up to 2.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock. These Notes and Warrants are described in greater detail in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. The Company used the net proceeds of the Notes to fund the opening of a Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub restaurant and for general corporate purposes.
 
On September 13, 2017, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Agreement”) with First Financial Bank (the “Bank”). The Agreement provides for a senior credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) to be provided by the Bank consisting of: (i) a term loan in the amount of $4.5 million (the “Term Loan”); and (ii) a development line of credit of up to $1.6 million (the “Development Line of Credit”). Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a variable annual rate equal to the London Interbank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 4.25%. All outstanding amounts owed under the Agreement mature on September 13, 2022.
 
Proceeds of the Term Loan were used to repay the Company’s existing indebtedness to BMO Harris Bank, Super G Capital, LLC, certain officers of the Company, to pay certain expenses related to the Credit Facility and the remainder used for general corporate purposes.
 
The Company may draw on the Development Line of Credit in three tranches of up to $550,000 each for eligible costs incurred by it to build-out three new locations of Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub. Repayment of advances under each tranche of the Development Line of Credit will begin four months following the draw of each tranche based on a seven-year principal amortization schedule plus interest at the rate of LIBOR plus 4.25%.
 
The Agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants, including, among other things, covenants requiring the Company to maintain certain financial ratios. The Company’s obligations under the Agreement are secured by first priority liens on all of the Company’s and certain of its subsidiaries’ assets and a pledge of all of the Company’s equity interest in such subsidiaries. In addition, Paul W. Mobley, the Company’s Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, executed a limited guarantee only on borrowings under the Development Line of Credit which is to be released upon achieving certain financial ratios by the Company's Craft Pizza & Pub locations.
 
The refinancing just completed, as described above, will substantially lower the Company's debt service requirement and cash interest expense. As currently structured, including interest on the subordinated debt, anticipated drawdown on the development loan and, based on today's interest rates, the cash interest expense will be lowered to $539,000 for the next 12 months. The Company will need to refinance the subordinated debt at their maturity in 2019 if they are still outstanding.
 
 
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As a result of the financial arrangements described above and the Company’s cash flow projections, the Company believes it will have sufficient cash flow to meet its obligations and to carry out its current business plan. The Company’s cash flow projections for the next two years are primarily based on the Company’s strategy of growing the non-traditional franchising/licensing venues including growth in the number of grocery store locations licensed to sell the take-n-bake pizza and to open and operate three additional Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub locations, as described above, plus launching an aggressive franchising program for Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub restaurants.
 
The Company does not anticipate that any of the recently issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards will have a material impact on its Consolidated Statement of Operations or its Consolidated Balance Sheet except:
 
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, its leasing standard for both lessees and lessors. Under its core principle, a lessee will recognize lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for all arrangements with terms longer than 12 months. The new standard takes effect in 2019 for public business entities.
 
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, regarding revenue on contracts with customers. These new standards become effective in January 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of this Accounting Standards Update.
 
The Company does not believe these accounting pronouncements will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
The statements contained above in Management’s Discussion and Analysis concerning the Company’s future revenues, profitability, financial resources, market demand and product development are forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) relating to the Company that are based on the beliefs of the management of the Company, as well as assumptions and estimates made by and information currently available to the Company’s management. The Company’s actual results in the future may differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties that exist in the Company’s operations and business environment, including, but not limited to, competitive factors and pricing pressures, non-renewal of franchise agreements, shifts in market demand, the success of new franchise programs, including the new Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub format, the Company’s ability to successfully operate an increased number of Company-owned restaurants, general economic conditions, changes in demand for the Company’s products or franchises, the impact of franchise regulation, the success or failure of individual franchisees, changes in prices or supplies of food ingredients and labor and the ability to refinance the convertible notes in 2019 if still outstanding, as well as the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected or intended.
 
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
The Company’s exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to its variable-rate debt. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had outstanding variable interest-bearing debt in the aggregate principal amount of $4.5 million and anticipates advances on its development line of credit of $1.6 million over the next six months. The Company’s variable interest bearing debt are at a variable rate tied to LIBOR plus 4.25% per annum adjusted on a monthly basis. Based on its current debt structure and its anticipated advances under the development line of credit, for each 1% increase in LIBOR the Company would anticipate incurring increased interest expense of approximately $50,000 over the succeeding 12-month period.
 
 
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ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
 
Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, A. Scott Mobley, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and Paul W. Mobley, the Company’s Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) are effective. There have been no changes in internal controls over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings.
 
The Company is not involved in material litigation against it.
 
ITEM 6. Exhibits.
 
(a) Exhibits: See the accompanying Exhibit Index.
 
 
 
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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.
 
 
NOBLE ROMAN'S, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
Date: November 14, 2017
By:  
/s/ Paul W. Mobley
 
 
 
Paul W. Mobley, Executive Chairman,
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting
 
 
 
Officer (Authorized Officer and Principal Financial
 
 
 
Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Index to Exhibits
 
Exhibit Number
 
Description
3.1
 
Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Amendment No. 1 to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed July 1, 1985 (SEC File No.2-84150), is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant, as currently in effect, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed December 23, 2009, is incorporated herein by reference.
3.3
 
Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant effective February 18, 1992 filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (SEC File No. 33-66850), ordered effective on October 26, 1993, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant effective May 11, 2000, filed as Annex A and Annex B to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 28, 2000, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant effective April 16, 2001 filed as Exhibit 3.4 to Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant effective August 23, 2005, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 29, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant effective February 7, 2017, filed as Exhibit 3.7 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 33-217442) filed April 25, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference.
4.1
 
Specimen Common Stock Certificates filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-18 filed October 22, 1982 and ordered effective on December 14, 1982 (SEC File No. 2-79963C), is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Warrant to purchase common stock, dated July 1, 2015, filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
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Employment Agreement with Paul W. Mobley dated January 2, 1999 filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Employment Agreement with A. Scott Mobley dated January 2, 1999 filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Loan Agreement dated as of September 13, 2017, by and between Noble Roman’s, Inc. and First Financial filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed September 19, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Term note dated September 13, 2017 to First Financial Bank, filed herewith.
 
Development line note dated September 13, 2017 to First Financial Bank, filed herewith.
 
Agreement dated April 8, 2015, by and among the Registrant and the shareholder parties, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on April 8, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Form of 10% Convertible Subordinated Unsecured Note, filed as Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on March 27, 2017 is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
Form of Redeemable Common Stock Purchase Class A Warrant, filed as Exhibit 10.21 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 33-217442) on April 25, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
Registration Rights Agreement dated October 13, 2016, by and between the Registrant and the investors signatory thereto, filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 33-217442) on April 25, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
First Amendment to the Registration Rights Agreement dated February 13, 2017, by and among Registrant and the investors signatory thereto, filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 33-217442) on April 25, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference.
21.1
 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant filed in the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (SEC File No. 33-66850) ordered effective on October 26, 1993, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
C.E.O. Certification under Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
 
C.F.O. Certification under Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
 
C.E.O. Certification under 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
C.F.O. Certification under 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
101
 
Interactive Financial Data
 
*Management contract or compensation plan.
 
 
 
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