SEC Form 10-Q filed by Potbelly Corporation

11/7/24 4:29:17 PM ET

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Table of Contents

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 September 29, 2024


o			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: 001-36104

______________________________________________

Potbelly Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

______________________________________________


Delaware						36-4466837
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)						(IRS Employer Identification Number)
111 N. Canal Street, Suite 325 Chicago, Illinois						60606
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)						(Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (312) 951-0600

______________________________________________

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value

PBPB

The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

(Nasdaq Global Select Market)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions 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

Smaller reporting company

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. o

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 October 27, 2024, the registrant had 29,937,090 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.

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Potbelly Corporation and Subsidiaries

Table of Contents


		Page
PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited)	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)	6
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	7
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	20
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	34
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	34
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION	35
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	35
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	35
Item 2.	Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	35
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	35
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	35
Item 5.	Other Information	35
Item 6.	Exhibits	36
	Signature	37

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Potbelly Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(amounts in thousands, except par value data, unaudited)


	September 29, 2024		December 31, 2023
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	11,200	$	33,788
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $33 and $26 as of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively	10,045		7,960
Inventories	3,511		3,516
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,081		7,828
Total current assets	31,837		53,092

Property and equipment, net	48,490		45,087
Right-of-use assets for operating leases	135,007		144,390
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	3,404		3,404
Goodwill	2,053		2,056
Restricted cash	749		749
Deferred tax assets	31,201		—
Deferred expenses, net and other assets	5,908		3,681
Total assets	$	258,649	$	252,460

Liabilities and equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	8,255	$	9,927
Accrued expenses	33,664		35,377
Short-term operating lease liabilities	23,494		24,525
Current portion of long-term debt	—		1,250
Total current liabilities	65,413		71,078

Long-term debt, net of current portion	3,000		19,168
Long-term operating lease liabilities	130,441		142,050
Other long-term liabilities	7,269		6,070
Total liabilities	206,123		238,367

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

Equity
Common stock, $0.01 par value—authorized 200,000 shares; outstanding 29,935 and 29,364 shares as of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively	398		389
Warrants	1,745		2,219
Additional paid-in-capital	468,685		462,583
Treasury stock, held at cost, 10,392 and 10,077 shares as of September 29, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively	(119,839)		(116,701)
Accumulated deficit	(298,117)		(333,797)
Total stockholders’ equity	52,872		14,693
Non-controlling interest	(346)		(600)
Total equity	52,526		14,093

Total liabilities and equity	$	258,649	$	252,460

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Potbelly Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(amounts in thousands, except per share data, unaudited)


	For the Quarter Ended				For the Year to Date Ended
	September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023		September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023
Revenues
Sandwich shop sales, net	$	110,769	$	118,340	$	333,882	$	359,995
Franchise royalties, fees and rent income	4,351		2,428		12,088		5,665
Total revenues	115,120		120,768		345,970		365,660

Expenses
Sandwich shop operating expenses, excluding depreciation
Food, beverage and packaging costs	29,469		32,901		90,045		100,424
Labor and related expenses	32,274		34,188		96,840		108,556
Occupancy expenses	11,803		12,653		36,060		39,046
Other operating expenses	20,255		21,277		61,348		62,686
Franchise support, rent and marketing expenses	2,795		1,553		8,333		3,359
General and administrative expenses	10,597		11,894		34,010		33,558
Depreciation expense	3,236		3,044		9,263		8,902
Pre-opening costs	55		59		151		114
Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative activities	—		110		161		1,073
Impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment and shop closures	384		458		1,270		2,161
Total operating expenses	110,868		118,137		337,481		359,879
Income from operations	4,252		2,631		8,489		5,781

Interest expense, net	162		853		707		2,531
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—		—		2,376		239
Income before income taxes	4,090		1,778		5,406		3,011
Income tax expense (benefit)	11		129		(30,920)		186
Net income	4,079		1,649		36,326		2,825
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	344		154		646		442
Net income attributable to Potbelly Corporation	$	3,735	$	1,495	$	35,680	$	2,383

Net income per common share attributable to common stockholders:
Basic	$	0.12	$	0.05	$	1.20	$	0.08
Diluted	$	0.12	$	0.05	$	1.16	$	0.08
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	29,939		29,324		29,805		29,143
Diluted	30,380		30,028		30,654		29,915

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Potbelly Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity

(amounts and shares in thousands, unaudited)


	Common Stock			Treasury Stock		Warrants		Additional Paid-In- Capital		Accumulated Deficit		Non- Controlling Interest		Total Equity
	Shares	Amount
Balance at December 25, 2022	28,819	$	384	$	(115,388)	$	2,566	$	455,831	$	(338,916)	$	(204)	$	4,273
Net income (loss)	—	—		—		—		—		(1,327)		123		(1,204)
Shares issued under equity compensation plan	70	1		(337)		—		(1)		—		—		(337)
Proceeds from exercise of warrants	159	1		—		(313)		1,177		—		—		865
Distributions to non-controlling interest	—	—		—		—		—		—		(152)		(152)
Stock-based compensation expense	—	—		—		—		911		—		—		911
Balance at March 26, 2023	29,048	$	386	$	(115,725)	$	2,253	$	457,918	$	(340,243)	$	(233)	$	4,356
Net income	—	—		—		—		—		2,216		165		2,381
Shares issued under equity compensation plan	243	3		(772)		—		(2)		—		—		(771)
Proceeds from exercise of warrants	18	—		—		(34)		130		—		—		96
Distributions to non-controlling interest	—	—		—		—		—		—		(166)		(166)
Stock-based compensation expense	—	—		—		—		1,305		—		—		1,305
Balance at June 25, 2023	29,309	$	389	$	(116,497)	$	2,219	$	459,351	$	(338,027)	$	(234)	$	7,201
Net income	—	—		—		—		—		1,495		154		1,649
Shares issued under equity compensation plan	41	—		(141)		—		—		—		—		(141)
Distributions to non-controlling interest	—	—		—		—		—		—		(242)		(242)
Stock-based compensation expense	—	—		—		—		1,192		—		—		1,192
Balance at September 24, 2023	29,350	$	389	$	(116,638)	$	2,219	$	460,543	$	(336,532)	$	(322)	$	9,659

Balance at December 31, 2023	29,364	$	389	$	(116,701)	$	2,219	$	462,583	$	(333,797)	$	(600)	$	14,093
Net income (loss)	—	—		—		—		—		(2,767)		94		(2,673)
Shares issued under equity compensation plan	81	3		(665)		—		(3)		—		—		(665)
Proceeds from exercise of warrants	240	2		—		(474)		1,781		—		—		1,309
Distributions to non-controlling interest	—	—		—		—		—		—		(179)		(179)
Stock-based compensation expense	—	—		—		—		1,771		—		—		1,771
Balance at March 31, 2024	29,685	$	394	$	(117,366)	$	1,745	$	466,132	$	(336,564)	$	(685)	$	13,656
Net income	—	—		—		—		—		34,712		208		34,920
Shares issued under equity compensation plan	345	3		(1,469)		—		(3)		—		—		(1,469)

Distributions to non-controlling interest	—	—		—		—		—		—		(123)		(123)
Stock-based compensation expense	—	—		—		—		1,421		—		—		1,421
Repurchases of common stock	(86)	—		(703)		—		—		—		—		(703)
Balance at June 30, 2024	29,944	$	397	$	(119,538)	$	1,745	$	467,550	$	(301,852)	$	(600)	$	47,702
Net income	—	—		—		—		—		3,735		344		4,079
Shares issued under equity compensation plan	20	1		(67)		—		(1)		—		—		(67)

Distributions to non-controlling interest	—	—		—		—		—		—		(393)		(393)
Contributions from non-controlling interest	—	—		—		—		—		—		303		303
Stock-based compensation expense	—	—		—		—		1,136		—		—		1,136
Repurchases of common stock	(29)	—		(234)		—		—		—		—		(234)
Balance at September 29, 2024	29,935	$	398	$	(119,839)	$	1,745	$	468,685	$	(298,117)	$	(346)	$	52,526

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Potbelly Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(amounts in thousands, unaudited)


	For the Year to Date Ended
	September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	36,326	$	2,825
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation expense	9,263		8,902
Noncash lease expense	18,632		18,890
Deferred income tax	(31,476)		(82)
Stock-based compensation expense	4,327		3,408
Asset impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment and shop closures	759		824
Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative activities	161		1,030
Loss on extinguishment of debt	2,376		224
Other operating activities	182		331
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(2,107)		(1,499)
Inventories	12		227
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(753)		(934)
Accounts payable	(2,312)		(2,019)
Operating lease liabilities	(21,234)		(20,473)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(1,096)		2,847
Net cash provided by operating activities:	13,060		14,501

Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(13,017)		(12,252)
Proceeds from sale of refranchised shops and other assets	227		1,362
Other investing activities	(210)		—
Net cash used in investing activities:	(13,000)		(10,890)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under Revolving Facility	9,000		—
Borrowings under Term Loan	—		25,000
Borrowings under Former Credit Facility	—		14,600
Repayments under Revolving Facility	(6,000)		—
Repayments under Term Loan	(22,827)		—
Repayments under Former Credit Facility	—		(23,150)
Payment of debt issuance costs	(623)		(2,204)
Proceeds from exercise of warrants	1,309		961
Employee taxes on certain stock-based payment arrangements	(2,178)		(1,251)
Contributions from non-controlling interest	303		—
Distributions to non-controlling interest	(695)		(560)
Principal payments made for Term Loan	—		(938)
Treasury Stock repurchase	(937)		—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities:	(22,648)		12,458

Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	(22,588)		16,069
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	34,537		15,619
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$	11,949	$	31,688

Supplemental cash flow information:
Income taxes paid	$	727	$	428
Interest paid	$	569	$	2,349

Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities:
Unpaid liability for purchases of property and equipment	$	1,632	$	859
Unpaid liability for employee taxes on certain stock-based payment arrangements	$	40	$	38

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

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Potbelly Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts or where noted)

(1) Organization and Other Matters

Business

Potbelly Corporation, a Delaware corporation, together with its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Company," "Potbelly," "we," "us" or "our"), owns and operates 345 company-operated shops in the United States as of September 29, 2024. Additionally, Potbelly franchisees operate 90 shops domestically.

Basis of Presentation

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes herein should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of Potbelly and its subsidiaries and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by us without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") regarding interim financial reporting. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods reported within. The condensed consolidated statements of operations for the interim periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

We do not have any components of other comprehensive income recorded within our consolidated financial statements and therefore, do not separately present a statement of comprehensive income in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Principles of Consolidation

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Potbelly; its wholly-owned subsidiary, Potbelly Illinois, Inc. (“PII”); PII’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Potbelly Franchising, LLC and Potbelly Sandwich Works, LLC (“PSW”); seven of PSW’s wholly-owned subsidiaries and PSW’s six joint ventures, collectively, the “Company.” All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. For our six consolidated joint ventures, "non-controlling interest" represents the non-controlling partner’s share of the assets, liabilities and operations related to the joint venture investments. Potbelly has ownership interests ranging from 51-80% in these consolidated joint ventures.

Fiscal Year

We use a 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on the last Sunday of the calendar period. Approximately every five or six years a 53rd week is added. Fiscal year 2024 consists of 52 weeks and fiscal year 2023 consisted of 53 weeks. The year to date periods ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023 each consisted of 39 weeks.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Significant estimates include amounts for long-lived assets and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standard Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2023-07 "Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures". ASU 2023-07 expands annual and interim disclosure requirements for reportable segments, primarily through additional disclosures on segment expenses. We will adopt ASU 2023-07 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 29, 2024. We do not anticipate the updated standard will have a material impact on our financial statement disclosures.

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In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures". ASU 2023-09 enhances transparency of income tax disclosures by requiring additional disclosures on income tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid, among other things. We will adopt ASU 2023-09 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 28, 2025. We are currently evaluating the impact that the updated standard will have on our financial statement disclosures.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03 "Disaggregation of Incomes Statement Expenses". ASU 2024-03 serves to improve the disclosures about a public business entity's expenses by requiring more detailed information about the types of expenses in commonly presented expense captions We will adopt ASU 2024-03 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 26, 2027. We are currently evaluating the impact that the updated standard will have on our financial statement disclosures .

(2) Restricted Cash

As of September 29, 2024, we had restricted cash related to funds held in a money market account as collateral for letters of credit to certain lease agreements.

The reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets to the total amount shown in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows is as follows:


	September 29, 2024		December 31, 2023

Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	11,200	$	33,788
Restricted cash, noncurrent	749		749
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown on statement of cash flows	$	11,949	$	34,537

(3) Revenue

We primarily earn revenue at a point in time for sandwich shop sales, which can occur in person at a shop, through our online or app platform, or through a third-party platform. Sales taxes collected from customers are excluded from revenues and the obligation is included in accrued liabilities until the taxes are remitted to the appropriate taxing authorities. We have other revenue generating activities where revenue is generally recognized over time, as outlined below.

For the quarter and year to date ended September 29, 2024, revenue recognized from all revenue sources on point in time sales was $114.1 million and $343.8 million, respectively, and revenue recognized from sales over time was $1.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively. For the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023, revenue recognized from all revenue sources on point in time sales was $119.7 million and $363.4 million, respectively, and revenue recognized from sales over time was $1.0 million and $2.2 million, respectively.

Franchise Royalties and Fees

We earn an initial franchise fee, a franchise development agreement fee and ongoing royalty fees and support fees under our franchise agreements. Initial franchise fees are considered highly dependent upon and interrelated with the franchise right granted in the franchise agreement. As such, these franchise fees are recognized over the contractual term of the franchise agreement. We record a contract liability for the unearned portion of the initial franchise fees. Franchise development agreement fees represent the exclusivity rights for a geographical area paid by a third party to develop Potbelly shops for a certain period of time. Franchise development agreement fee payments received by us are recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as accrued expenses or other long-term liabilities, and amortized over the term of the franchise agreement once the shops are opened. These franchise fees are considered highly dependent upon and interrelated with the franchise right granted in the franchise agreement. Royalty fees and Brand Fund contributions are based on a percentage of sales and are recorded as revenue as they are earned and become receivable from the franchisee. Other support fees, which primarily include fees for software and technology, are recorded as revenue as the fees are earned and the service is provided to the franchise. Revenue from support fees are recognized gross of the related expenses since we are the principal in the arrangement to provide those services.

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Gift Card Redemptions / Breakage Revenue

Potbelly sells gift cards to customers, records the sale as a contract liability and recognizes the associated revenue as the gift card is redeemed. A portion of these gift cards are not redeemed by the customer ("breakage"), which is recognized as revenue as a percentage of customers gift card redemptions. The expected breakage amount recognized is determined by a historical data analysis on gift card redemption patterns. We recognize gift card breakage income within sandwich shop sales, net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

We recognized gift card breakage income of $0.3 million and $0.8 million for the quarter and year to date ended September 29, 2024, respectively. For the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023, we recognized gift card breakage income of $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

Loyalty Program

We offer a customer loyalty program for customers using the Potbelly Perks application at the point of sale. In January 2024, we enhanced our Potbelly Perks program to provide more reward options and flexibility for members. Under the original program, the customer would earn 10 points for every dollar spent, and the customer would earn a free entrée after earning 1,000 points. The free entrée reward expires after 30 days. Under the enhanced program, Potbelly Perks members will earn 10 or more coins, the equivalent of points under the legacy program, for every dollar they spend. The number of coins earned per dollar is dependent on each member's annual spend with Potbelly. Coins can be redeemed for a variety of items across the Potbelly menu. The coins expire one year after they are earned. The change in program did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

We defer revenue associated with the estimated selling price of points and coins earned by Potbelly Perks members towards free entrées and other menu items as they are earned, and a corresponding deferred revenue liability is established in accrued expenses. The deferral is based on the estimated value of the unredeemed points and rewards. The estimated value and the estimated redemption rates are based on a historical data analysis of loyalty reward redemptions. Estimated breakage is recognized in net shop sandwich sales in the consolidated statement of operations. When points and coins are redeemed, we recognize revenue for the redeemed product and reduce accrued expenses.

Contract Liabilities

We record current and noncurrent contract liabilities in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, respectively, for initial franchise fees, gift cards, and the loyalty programs. We have no other contract liabilities or contract assets recorded.

The opening and closing balances of our current and noncurrent contract liabilities from contracts with customers were as follows:


	Current Contract Liability		Noncurrent Contract Liability
Beginning balance as of December 31, 2023	$	8,028	$	4,397
Ending balance as of September 29, 2024	8,800		6,280
Increase in contract liability	$	772	$	1,883

The aggregate value of remaining performance obligations on outstanding contracts was $15.1 million as of September 29, 2024. We expect to recognize revenue related to contract liabilities as follows, which may vary based upon franchise activity as well as gift card and loyalty program redemption patterns:


Years Ending	Amount
2024	$	4,888
2025	3,752
2026	765
2027	733
2028	626
Thereafter	4,315
Total revenue recognized	$	15,079

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For the quarter and year to date ended September 29, 2024, the amount of revenue recognized related to the December 31, 2023 liability ending balance was $1.2 million and $5.5 million, respectively. For the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023, the amount of revenue recognized related to the December 25, 2022 liability ending balance was $0.4 million and $2.5 million, respectively. This revenue is related to the recognition of gift card redemptions and upfront franchise fees. For the quarters ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, we did not recognize any revenue from obligations satisfied (or partially satisfied) in prior periods.

Contract Costs

Deferred contract costs, which include sales commissions and market planning costs, totaled $1.2 million and $0.9 million as of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. For the quarter and year to date ended September 29, 2024, amortization expense for deferred costs was $38 thousand and $106 thousand, respectively. For the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023, amortization expense for deferred costs was $16 thousand and $52 thousand, respectively. There was no impairment loss in relation to the costs capitalized for the periods presented.

(4) Fair Value Measurement

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and all other current liabilities approximate fair values due to the short maturities of these balances.

We apply fair value accounting for all financial assets and liabilities and nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities that are required to be recorded at fair value, we assume the highest and best use of the asset by market participants in which we would transact and the market-based risk measurements or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and credit risk.

We apply the following fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels, and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:

•Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

•Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

•Level 3 — Inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement reflect an entity’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The following table presents information about our financial assets that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicates the level of the fair value hierarchy used to determine such fair values:


	September 29, 2024		December 31, 2023

Assets - Level 1
Money market funds	$	—	$	6,398
Financial assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	$	—	$	6,398

The book value of the long-term and short-term debt under the Credit Agreement, which is further discussed in Note 8, was considered to approximate its fair value as of September 29, 2024, as the interest rates are considered in line with current market rates.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Assets recognized or disclosed at fair value on the condensed consolidated financial statements on a nonrecurring basis include items such as leasehold improvements, property and equipment, operating lease assets, goodwill, and other intangible assets. These assets are measured at fair value if determined to be impaired.

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We assess potential impairments to our long-lived assets, which includes property and equipment and lease right-of-use assets, on a quarterly basis or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Shop-level assets and right-of-use assets are grouped at the individual shop-level for the purpose of the impairment assessment. Recoverability of an asset group is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset group. The fair value of the shop assets is determined using the discounted future cash flow method of anticipated cash flows through the shop’s lease-end date using fair value measurement inputs classified as Level 3. The fair value of right-of-use assets is estimated using market comparative information for similar properties. Level 3 inputs are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. After performing a periodic review of our shops during the quarter and year to date ended September 29, 2024, it was determined that indicators of impairment were present for certain shops as a result of continued underperformance. We performed an impairment analysis related to these shops and recorded impairment charges of $0.1 million and $0.7 million for the quarter and year to date ended September 29, 2024, respectively. For the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023, we recorded impairment charges of $0.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

(5) Earnings Per Share

Basic and diluted income per common share attributable to common stockholders are calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted income per common share attributable to common stockholders is computed by dividing the income allocated to common stockholders by the weighted average number of fully diluted common shares outstanding. In periods of a net loss, no potential common shares are included in diluted shares outstanding as the effect is anti-dilutive.

The following table summarizes the earnings per share calculation:


	For the Quarter Ended				For the Year to Date Ended
	September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023		September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023
Net income attributable to Potbelly Corporation	$	3,735	$	1,495	$	35,680	$	2,383
Weighted average common stock outstanding-basic	29,939		29,324		29,805		29,143
Plus: Effect of potentially dilutive stock-based compensation awards	189		295		458		392
Plus: Effect of potential warrant exercise	252		409		391		380
Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted	30,380		30,028		30,654		29,915
Income per share available to common stockholders-basic	$	0.12	$	0.05	$	1.20	$	0.08
Income per share available to common stockholders-diluted	$	0.12	$	0.05	$	1.16	$	0.08
Potentially dilutive shares that are considered anti-dilutive:
Shares	459		437		262		367

(6) Income Taxes

The interim tax provision is determined using an estimated annual effective tax rate and is adjusted for discrete taxable events that occur during the quarter. We regularly assess the need for a valuation allowance related to our deferred tax assets, which includes consideration of both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of such deferred tax assets to determine, based on the weight of the available evidence, whether it is more likely than not that some or all of our deferred tax assets will not be realized. In our assessment, we consider recent financial operating results, projected future taxable income, the reversal of existing taxable differences, and tax planning strategies. We recorded a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets during the first quarter of 2019, and until the quarter ended June 30, 2024, we continued to maintain a full valuation allowance because it had been deemed more likely than not that the deferred tax assets would not be realized.

As of the quarter ended June 30, 2024, based on all available positive and negative evidence, including taxable income generated in recent periods and forecasts of taxable income in future periods, we concluded that it was more likely than not that we will be able to utilize our U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets, except for a portion related to certain states where the allowable carryforward period is expected to limit our ability to fully utilize them. As a result of this, we released the valuation allowance for all of our U.S. federal deferred tax assets and a portion of our state deferred tax assets

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during the year to date ended September 29, 2024, resulting in an income tax benefit of $31.6 million. In determining the amount of deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized, we evaluated the potential to realize the assets through future taxable income and the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences. Based on this analysis, we retained a valuation allowance of $0.1 million as of September 29, 2024.

(7) Leases

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception of the arrangement. We lease retail shops, warehouse and office space under operating leases. Our leases generally have terms of ten years and most include options to extend the leases for additional five-year periods. For leases with renewal periods at our option, we determine the expected lease period based on whether the renewal of any options are reasonably assured at the inception of the lease. In addition, we lease certain properties from third parties that we sublease to franchisees. We remain primarily liable to the landlord for the performance of all obligations in the event that the sublessee does not perform its obligations under the lease. All of our subleases are classified as operating leases with fixed and variable income.

Lessee Disclosures

The gains and losses recognized upon lease terminations are recorded in impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment and shop closures in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. The right-of use assets, liabilities and gains/losses recognized upon termination of lease contracts were as follows (in thousands, except for number of leases terminated):


	For the Year to Date Ended
	September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023
Leases terminated	1		—
Lease termination fees	$	200	—
Right-of-use assets derecognized upon lease termination	$	416	—
Lease liabilities derecognized upon lease termination	$	506	—
Loss recognized upon lease termination	$	(110)	$	—

The weighted average operating lease term and discount rate were as follows:


	September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)	6.19		6.27
Weighted average discount rate	10.01	%	8.74	%

Certain of our operating lease agreements include variable payments that are passed through by the landlord, such as common area maintenance and real estate taxes, as well as variable payments based on percentage rent for certain of our shops. Pass-through charges and payments based on percentage rent are included within variable lease cost.

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The components of lease cost were as follows, which are included in occupancy, general and administrative and franchise support, rent and marketing expense:


	For the Quarter Ended				For the Year to Date Ended
	September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023		September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023
Operating lease cost	$	9,536	$	10,231	$	29,009	30,406
Variable lease cost	3,881		3,825		$	11,451	11,188
Short-term lease cost	65		77		$	237	234
Total lease cost	$	13,482	$	14,133	$	40,697	41,828

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information related to leases were as follows:


	For the Quarter Ended				For the Year to Date Ended
	September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023		September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023
Operating cash flows rent paid for operating lease liabilities	$	10,414	$	10,479	$	32,248	$	31,685
Operating right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$	3,770	$	4,745	$	13,130	$	8,997
Reduction in operating right-of-use assets due to lease modifications	$	4	$	1,392	$	3,011	$	2,251

Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows as of September 29, 2024:


	Operating Leases
Remainder of 2024	$	7,110
2025	41,095
2026	37,591
2027	32,184
2028	25,395
2029	19,764
Thereafter	48,926
Total lease payments	212,065
Less: imputed interest	(58,130)
Present value of lease liabilities	$	153,935

As of September 29, 2024, the Company had additional operating lease payments related to shops not yet open of $2.7 million. These operating leases will commence during the next fiscal year with an average lease term of 10 years.

Lessor Disclosures

The components of lease income were as follows (amount in thousands, except number of subleases):


	For the Quarter Ended				For the Year to Date Ended
	September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023		September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023
Number of subleases	34		20		34		20

Operating lease income	$	1,061	$	559	$	3,021	$	1,159
Variable lease income	451		266		1,265		304
Franchise rent income (a)	$	1,512	$	825	$	4,286	$	1,463

______________________________

(a)Amounts included in franchise royalties, fees and rent income in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

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We incurred $1.3 million and $4.1 million in expenses during the quarter and year to date ended September 29, 2024, respectively, associated with these leases, which are included in franchise support, rent and marketing expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of operations from the inception of the related sublease agreements. We incurred $0.9 million and $1.6 million in expenses during the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023, respectively, associated with these leases.

Future expected fixed sublease payments from franchisees to Potbelly were as follows at September 29, 2024:


	Operating Leases
Remainder of 2024	$	915
2025	4,048
2026	3,231
2027	2,223
2028	1,834
Thereafter	4,103
Total sublease payments	$	16,354

(8) Debt and Credit Facilities

The components of long-term debt were as follows:


	September 29, 2024		December 31, 2023
Revolving Facility	$	3,000	$	—
Term Loan	—		22,162
Unamortized debt issuance costs	—		(1,744)
Less: current portion of long-term debt	—		(1,250)
Total long-term debt	$	3,000	$	19,168

Revolving Facility

On February 7, 2024, Potbelly Sandwich Works, LLC entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Wintrust Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (the “Agent”), the other loan parties party thereto and the lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving loan facility with an aggregate commitment of $30 million (the “Revolving Facility”, the commitments thereunder, the “Revolving Commitments”). Concurrently with entry into the Credit Agreement, we repaid in full and terminated the obligations and commitments of the lenders under a term loan facility described in more detail below. Proceeds from the Revolving Facility will be used for general corporate and working capital purposes. The Revolving Commitments expire on February 7, 2027.

Loans under the Credit Agreement will initially bear interest, at our option, at either one-month term secured overnight financing rate ("SOFR") or the base rate plus, in each case, an applicable rate per annum, based upon the Consolidated Adjusted Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). The applicable rate may vary between 3.75% and 2.75% with respect to borrowings which are based upon the one-month term SOFR and between 2.25% and 1.25% with respect to borrowings which are based upon the base rate. The applicable rate with respect to one-month term SOFR borrowings is 3.25% and the applicable rate with respect to base rate borrowings is 1.75%, based upon ratios calculated in the most recent compliance certificate for the fiscal quarter ending on June 30, 2024.

We may prepay the Revolving Commitments at any time and from time to time in whole or in part without premium or penalty, subject to prior notice in accordance with the Credit Agreement.

Subject to certain customary exceptions, obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Company and all of the Company’s current and future wholly-owned material domestic subsidiaries and are secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiary guarantors.

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sale and leaseback transactions, enter into certain swap transactions, make certain restricted payments (including certain payment of dividends, repurchases of stock and payments on certain indebtedness), engage in certain transactions with affiliates, enter into certain types of restricted agreements, make certain changes to its organizational documents and indebtedness, and use the proceeds of the Revolving Commitments for certain non-permitted uses. In addition, the Credit Agreement requires that we maintain compliance with certain minimum fixed charge coverage ratios and maximum consolidated leverage ratios as set forth in the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default. If an event of default occurs, the Agent and lenders are entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the Credit Agreement, termination of commitments thereunder and all other actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor.

Since the execution of the Credit Agreement, we have been in compliance with all terms and covenants.

Term Loan

On February 7, 2023 (the “Closing Date”), we entered into a credit and guaranty agreement (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”) with Sagard Holdings Manager LP as administrative agent. The Term Loan Credit Agreement provides for a term loan facility with an aggregate commitment of $25 million (the “Term Loan”). Concurrent with entry into the Term Loan Credit Agreement, we repaid in full and terminated the obligations and commitments under our former senior secured credit facility (the “Former Credit Facility”). In connection with entering into the Term Loan Credit Agreement, we paid $2.2 million in debt issuance costs, all of which were capitalized. The remaining proceeds from the Term Loan were used to pay related transaction fees and expenses, and for general corporate purposes.

The Term Loan Credit Agreement was scheduled to mature on February 7, 2028. We were required to make principal payments equal to 1.25% of the initial principal of the Term Loan on the last business day of each fiscal quarter. If not previously paid, any remaining principal balance would be due on the maturity date.

Loans under the Term Loan Credit Agreement bore interest, at the Company’s option, at either the term SOFR plus 9.25% per annum or base rate plus 8.25% per annum.

The Term Loan could be prepaid in agreed-upon minimum principal amounts, subject to prepayment fees equal to (a) if the prepayment occurred on or prior to the one (1) year anniversary of the Closing Date, a customary make-whole amount plus 3.00% of the outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan, (b) if the prepayment occurred after such one (1) year anniversary and prior to the two (2) year anniversary of the Closing Date, 3.00% of the outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan, (c) if the prepayment occurred after such second anniversary of the Closing Date and prior to the three (3) year anniversary of the Closing Date 1.00% of the outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan and (d) thereafter, no prepayment fee.

On February 7, 2024, we repaid in full and terminated the obligations and commitments under the Term Loan Credit Agreement. As a result of repaying and terminating the Term Loan, we recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $2.4 million for the year to date ended September 29, 2024.

Former Credit Facility

On August 7, 2019, we entered into a second amended and restated revolving credit facility agreement (the "Former Credit Agreement") with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”). The Former Credit Agreement amends and restates that certain amended and restated revolving credit facility agreement, dated as of December 9, 2015, and amended on May 3, 2019 (collectively, the "Prior Credit Agreement") with JPMorgan. The Former Credit Agreement provided, among other things, for a revolving credit facility in a maximum principal amount $40 million, with possible future increases of up to $20 million under an expansion feature. Borrowings under the credit facility generally bore interest at our option at either (i) a eurocurrency rate determined by reference to the applicable LIBOR rate plus a specified margin or (ii) a prime rate as announced by JP Morgan plus a specified margin. The applicable margin was determined based upon our consolidated total leverage ratio. On the last day of each calendar quarter, we were required to pay a commitment fee of 0.20% per annum in respect of any unused commitments under the credit facility.

As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2022, we subsequently amended the Former Credit Agreement during fiscal years 2020, 2021 and 2022. The Former Credit Agreement provided for a revolving credit facility in a maximum principal amount of $25 million following these amendments.

On February 7, 2023, we repaid in full and terminated the obligations and commitments under the Former Credit Agreement. Upon termination of the Former Credit Facility, we recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $0.2 million for the year to date ended September 24, 2023.

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(9) Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative

The following is a summary of the refranchising activities recorded as a result of the Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative during the quarter and year to date ended September 29, 2024 and quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023 (amounts in thousands, except number of shops):


	For the Quarter Ended				For the Year to Date Ended
	September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023		September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023
Number of shops sold to franchisees	—		12		1		20

Proceeds from sale of company-operated shops	$	—	$	1,269	$	167	$	1,369
Net assets sold	—		(1,283)		(188)		(1,796)
Goodwill related to the company-operated shops sold to franchisee	—		(79)		(3)		(100)
Loss on sale of company-operated shops, net	—		(93)		(24)		(527)

Adjustment to recognize held-for-sale assets at fair value	—		—		(30)		(503)
Other expenses (a)	—		(17)		(107)		(43)
Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative activities	$	—	$	(110)	(161)		$	(1,073)

______________________________

(a)These costs primarily include professional service fees, repairs and maintenance and travel expenses incurred to execute the refranchise transaction.

All gains and losses recognized on sales of shops and other expenses incurred to execute a refranchising transaction are included in Loss on Franchising Growth Acceleration Initiative activities in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Development agreement fees received are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as accrued expenses or other long-term liabilities, and amortized over the term of the franchise agreement once the shops are opened.

(10) Capital Stock

On May 8, 2018, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for up to $65.0 million of our outstanding common stock ("2018 Repurchase Program"). For the year to date ended September 29, 2024, we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock under the 2018 Repurchase Program. The 2018 Repurchase Program was terminated on May 7, 2024.

On May 7, 2024, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for up to $20.0 million of our outstanding common stock at any time during the next three years ("2024 Repurchase Program"). This program replaces the 2018 Repurchase Program, which was terminated upon execution of the 2024 Repurchase Program. The program permits us, from time to time, to purchase shares in the open market (including in pre-arranged stock trading plans in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") or in privately negotiated transactions). The number of common shares actually repurchased, and the timing and price of repurchases, will depend upon market conditions, SEC requirements and other factors. Repurchases may be started or stopped at any time without prior notice depending on market conditions and other factors. For the quarter and year to date ended September 29, 2024, we repurchased 29,113 and 115,558 shares of our common stock under the 2024 Repurchase Program for an aggregate of $0.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively, including cost and commission, in open market transactions. Repurchased shares are included as treasury stock in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of equity.

On February 9, 2021, we closed on a Securities Purchase Agreement (the "SPA") for the sale by us of 3,249,668 shares of our common stock at a par value of $0.01 per share and the issuance of warrants to purchase 1,299,861 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.45 per warrant for gross proceeds of $16.0 million, before deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses of $1.0 million. The warrants are currently exercisable until August 12, 2026. The proceeds received from the SPA were allocated between shares and warrants based on their relative fair values at closing. The warrants were valued utilizing the Black-Scholes method. During the quarter and year to date ended September 29, 2024, no warrants and 240,187 warrants were exercised at the exercise price of $5.45 per warrant, respectively. During the

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quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023, no warrants and 176,272 warrants were exercised at the exercise price of $5.45 per warrant, respectively. As of September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, we had 883,402 and 1,123,589 warrants outstanding, respectively, that are exercisable through August 12, 2026.

On November 3, 2021, we entered into a certain Equity Sales Agreement (the "Sales Agreement") with William Blair & Company, L.L.C., as agent ("William Blair") pursuant to which we may sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $40.0 million from time to time, in our sole discretion, through an "at the market" equity offering program under which William Blair will act as sales agent. As of September 29, 2024, we have not sold any shares of our common stock under the Sales Agreement.

(11) Stock-Based Compensation

Stock options

We have awarded stock options to certain employees including our senior leadership team. The number of options and exercise price of each option is determined by an independent committee designated by our Board of Directors. The options granted are generally exercisable over a 10-year period from the date of the grant. Outstanding options expire on various dates through the year 2028. The range of exercise prices for the outstanding options as of September 29, 2024 is $12.90 and $13.73 per option, and the options generally vest in one-fourth and one-fifth increments over four and five-year periods, respectively.

A summary of stock option activity for the year to date ended September 29, 2024 is as follows:


Options	Shares	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted Average Remaining Term (Years)
Outstanding—December 31, 2023	122	$	13.71	$	—	1.44
Granted	—	—
Exercised	—	—
Canceled	(64)	14.21
Outstanding—September 29, 2024	58	$	13.16	$	—	2.11
Exercisable—September 29, 2024	58	$	13.16	$	—	2.11

Stock-based compensation related to stock options is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the requisite employee service period, which is generally the vesting period of the grant with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. We did not recognize stock-based compensation expense related to stock options for the quarter and year to date ended September 29, 2024 or the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023. As of September 29, 2024, we had no unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options. We record stock-based compensation expense within general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Restricted stock units

We award restricted stock units ("RSUs") to certain employees and certain non-employee members of our Board of Directors. Grants of RSUs to our Board of Directors fully vest on the first anniversary of the grant date, or upon termination from the Board of Directors for any reason other than for cause, a pro rata portion of the shares vest on the termination date. The employee grants generally vest in one-third increments over a three-year period.

A summary of RSU activity for the quarter ended September 29, 2024 is as follows:

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RSUs	Number of RSUs	Weighted Average Fair Value per Share
Non-vested as of December 31, 2023	801	$	7.18
Granted	409	10.09
Vested	(406)	7.42
Canceled	(38)	8.40
Non-vested as of September 29, 2024	766	$	8.56

For the quarter and year to date ended September 29, 2024, we recognized stock-based compensation expense related to RSUs of $0.8 million and $2.7 million, respectively. For the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023, we recognized stock-based compensation expense related to RSUs of $0.8 million and $2.4 million, respectively. As of September 29, 2024, unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for RSUs was $5.2 million, which will be recognized through the second quarter of 2027.

Performance stock units

We award performance stock units ("PSUs") to certain of our employees. We have PSUs that have certain vesting conditions based upon our stock price and relative stock performance.

Because these PSUs are subject to service and market vesting conditions, we determine the fair market value of each grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Participants are entitled to receive a specified number of shares of our common stock contingent on achievement of a stock return on our common stock. For the quarter and year to date ended September 29, 2024, we recognized stock-based compensation expense for PSUs with market vesting conditions of $0.3 million and $1.6 million, respectively. For the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023, we recognized stock-based compensation expense for PSUs with market vesting conditions of $0.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively. As of September 29, 2024, unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for PSUs was $3.9 million, which will be recognized through the second quarter of 2027.

A summary of activity for PSUs with market vesting conditions for the year to date ended September 29, 2024 is as follows:


PSUs	Number of PSUs	Weighted Average Fair Value per Share
Non-vested as of December 31, 2023	513	$	9.59
Granted	212	12.08
Vested	(232)	7.11
Canceled	—	—
Non-vested as of September 29, 2024	493	$	11.83

(12) Commitments and Contingencies

We are subject to legal proceedings, claims and liabilities, such as employment-related claims and slip and fall cases, which arise in the ordinary course of business and are generally covered by insurance. We accrue for such liabilities when it is probable that future costs will be incurred and such costs can be reasonably estimated. Such accruals are based on developments to date, our estimates of the outcomes of these matters and our experience in contesting, litigating and settling other similar matters. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to those actions should not have a material adverse impact on our financial position or results of operations and cash flows.

Many of the food products we purchase are subject to changes in the price and availability of food commodities, including, among other things, beef, poultry, grains, dairy and produce. We work with our suppliers and use a mix of forward pricing protocols for certain items including agreements with our supplier on fixed prices for deliveries at a time in the future and agreements on a fixed price with our suppliers for the duration of those protocols. We also utilize formula pricing protocols under which the prices we pay are based on a specified formula related to the prices of the goods, such as spot prices. Our use of any forward pricing arrangements varies substantially from time to time and these arrangements

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tend to cover relatively short periods (i.e., typically twelve months or less). Such contracts are used in normal purchases of our food products and not for speculative purposes, and as such are not required to be evaluated as derivative instruments.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2024, we executed a settlement agreement with a third-party software provider. The settlement resulted in a gain of approximately $1.1 million in our consolidated statement of operations which is included in both Labor and Related Expenses and Other Operating Expenses since the settlement related to costs that had previously been reported in those categories.

In June 2024, a putative class action lawsuit was filed in Washington state against us relating to the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act. We cannot currently estimate the potential loss or range of loss that may result from this action.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and with our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. This discussion contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and involves numerous risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements relating to our future financial position and results of operations, our ability to grow our brand in new and existing markets, our expectations regarding the number of franchise-operated shop openings, the sufficiency of our liquidity, the impact of potential litigation on our financial position and the implementation and results of strategic initiatives, including our "Traffic-Driven Profitability" Five-Pillar strategic plan. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and generally contain words such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "intends," "plans," "strives," "goal," "estimates," "forecasts," "projects" or "anticipates" and the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Our forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied by the forward-looking statement, due to reasons including, but not limited to, compliance with covenants in our credit facility; competition; general economic conditions including any impact from inflation; our ability to successfully implement our business strategy; the success of our initiatives to increase sales and traffic, including the success of our franchising initiatives; changes in commodity, energy, labor and other costs; our ability to attract and retain management and employees and adequately staff our restaurants; consumer reaction to industry-related public health issues and perceptions of food safety; our ability to manage our growth; reputational and brand issues; price and availability of commodities; consumer confidence and spending patterns; and weather conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and currently available data and are neither predictions nor guarantees of future events or performance. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. See "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, for a discussion of factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

Business

Potbelly is a neighborhood sandwich concept that has been feeding customers’ smiles with warm, toasty sandwiches, signature salads, hand-dipped shakes and other fresh menu items, customized just the way customers want them, for more than 40 years. Potbelly promises Fresh, Fast & Friendly service in a welcoming environment that reflects the local neighborhood. Our employees are trained to engage with our customers in a genuine way to provide a personalized experience. We believe the combination of our great food, people and atmosphere creates a devoted base of Potbelly customers.

We strive to be proactive and deliberate in our efforts to drive profitable growth in our existing business. Our "Traffic-Driven Profitability" Five-Pillar strategic plan includes a prioritized set of low-cost strategic investments that we believe will deliver strong returns. The five pillars are:

•Craveable-Quality Food at a Great Value

•People Creating Good Vibes

•Customer Experiences that Drive Traffic Growth

•Digitally-Driven Awareness, Connection and Traffic

•Franchise-Focused Development

Our shop model is designed to generate, and has generated, strong cash flow, attractive shop-level financial results and high returns on investment. We operate our shops successfully in a wide range of geographic markets, population densities and real estate settings. We aim to generate average shop-level profit margins, a non-GAAP measure, which range from the mid to high teens. Our ability to achieve such margins and returns depends on a number of factors, including consumer behaviors, the economy, and labor and commodity costs. For example, if we were to face increasing labor and commodity costs, we have the ability to partially offset such impacts by increasing menu prices. Although there is no

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guarantee that we will be able to maintain these returns, we believe our attractive shop economics support our ability to profitably grow our brand in new and existing markets.

On March 2, 2022, we announced our Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative, which included a plan to grow our franchise units domestically through multi-unit shop development area agreements, which may include refranchising certain company-operated shops. Deals for refranchised shops typically include cash consideration for the sale of the current shops as well as development agreement fees for commitments to develop new shops to fully penetrate existing markets. On an ongoing basis, we collect additional cash consideration for royalties and lease payments.

The table below sets forth a roll-forward of company-operated and franchise operated activities:


	Company- Operated	Franchise- Operated	Total Company
Shops as of December 25, 2022	384	45	429
Shops opened	1	4	5
Shops closed	(4)	—	(4)
Shops refranchised	(20)	20	—
Shops as of September 24, 2023	361	69	430

Shops as of December 31, 2023	345	79	424
Shops opened	3	12	15
Shops closed	(2)	(2)	(4)
Shops refranchised	(1)	1	—
Shops as of September 29, 2024	345	90	435

Key Performance Indicators

In assessing the performance of our business, we consider a variety of performance and financial measures. The key measures for determining how the business is performing are comparable store sales, number of company-operated shop openings, shop-level profit margins, and Adjusted EBITDA.

Company-Operated Comparable Store Sales

Comparable store sales reflect the change in year-over-year sales for the comparable company-operated store base. We define the comparable company-operated store base to include those shops open for 15 months or longer. During the quarters ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, there was an average of 341 and 360 shops, respectively, in our comparable company-operated store base. Comparable store sales growth can be generated by an increase in traffic and/or by increases in the average check amount resulting from a shift in menu mix and/or increase in price. This measure highlights performance of existing shops as the impact of new shop openings is excluded. For purposes of the comparable store sales calculation, traffic is defined as the sum of entrée's purchased, which includes sandwiches, salads, and bowls of soup or mac and cheese. In fiscal years that include a 53rd week, the last week of the fourth quarter and fiscal year is excluded from the year-over-year comparisons so that the time periods are consistent. In a fiscal year that follows a 53-week year, the current period sales continue to be compared to the sales from the prior 52 weeks rather than the weeks of the same fiscal period from the prior year. The trailing 52-week method provides better alignment to sales drivers when comparing sales performance.

Number of Company-Operated Shop Openings

The number of company-operated shop openings reflects the number of shops opened during a particular reporting period. Before we open new shops, we incur pre-opening costs. Often, new shops open with an initial start-up period of higher-than-normal sales volumes, which subsequently decrease to stabilized levels. While sales volumes are generally higher during the initial opening period, new shops typically experience normal inefficiencies in the form of higher cost of sales, labor and other direct operating expenses and as a result, shop-level profit margins are generally lower during the start-up period of operation. The average start-up period is 10 to 13 weeks. With our focus on franchise shop development, we expect company shop development to be limited for the foreseeable future.

Number of Franchise-Operated Shop Openings

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The number of franchise-operated shop openings during a particular reporting period may have an impact on our franchise revenue during that period and subsequent periods. For each franchise-operated shop, we collect an initial franchise fee that is recognized as revenue over the term of the franchise agreement, beginning with the shop opening date. We also collect royalties and other fees from the franchisee after their shop opens and they begin generating sales. We enter into development agreements with some franchisees to open a certain number of shops over a specified development schedule, and we expect the number of franchise-operated shop openings to increase as franchisees make progress on their development commitments.

Shop-Level Profit Margin

Shop-level profit margin is defined as net company-operated sandwich shop sales less company-operated sandwich shop operating expenses, excluding depreciation, which consists of food, beverage and packaging costs, labor and related expenses, occupancy expenses, and other operating expenses, as a percentage of net company-operated sandwich shop sales. Other operating expenses include all other shop-level operating costs, excluding depreciation, the major components of which are credit card fees, fees to third-party marketplace partners, marketing and advertising, shop technology and software, supply chain costs, operating supplies, utilities, and repair and maintenance costs. Shop-level profit margin is not required by, or presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We believe shop-level profit margin is important in evaluating shop-level productivity, efficiency and performance.

Adjusted EBITDA

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income attributable to Potbelly before depreciation and amortization, interest expense and the provision for income taxes, adjusted for the impact of the following items that we do not consider representative of ongoing operating performance: stock-based compensation expense, impairment and shop closure expenses, gain or loss on disposal of property and equipment, and gain or loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative activities, as well as other one-time, non-recurring charges. Adjusted EBITDA is not required by or presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of operating performance, as it provides a picture of operating results by eliminating expenses that management does not believe are reflective of underlying business performance.

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Quarter Ended September 29, 2024 Compared to Quarter Ended September 24, 2023

The following table presents information comparing the components of net income for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):


	For the Quarter Ended										Increase (Decrease)		Percent Change
	September 29, 2024		% of Revenues			September 24, 2023		% of Revenues
Revenues
Sandwich shop sales, net	$	110,769	96.2		%	$	118,340	98.0		%	$	(7,571)	(6.4)	%
Franchise royalties, fees and rent income	4,351		3.8			2,428		2.0			1,923		79.2	%
Total revenues	115,120		100.0			120,768		100.0			(5,648)		(4.7)	%

Expenses
(Percentages stated as a percent of sandwich shop sales, net)
Sandwich shop operating expenses, excluding depreciation
Food, beverage and packaging costs	29,469		26.6			32,901		27.8			(3,432)		(10.4)	%
Labor and related expenses	32,274		29.1			34,188		28.9			(1,914)		(5.6)	%
Occupancy expenses	11,803		10.7			12,653		10.7			(850)		(6.7)	%
Other operating expenses	20,255		18.3			21,277		18.0			(1,022)		(4.8)	%

(Percentages stated as a percent of total revenues)
Franchise support, rent and marketing expenses	2,795		2.4			1,553		1.3			1,242		80.0	%
General and administrative expenses	10,597		9.2			11,894		9.8			(1,297)		(10.9)	%
Depreciation expense	3,236		2.8			3,044		2.5			192		6.3	%
Pre-opening costs	55		NM			59		NM			(4)		(6.1)	%
Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative activities	—		NM			110		NM			(110)		(100.0)	%
Impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment and shop closures	384		0.3			458		0.4			(74)		(16.2)	%
Total operating expenses	110,868		96.3			118,137		97.8			(7,269)		(6.2)	%
Income from operations	4,252		3.7			2,631		2.2			1,621		61.6	%

Interest expense, net	162		0.1			853		0.7			(691)		(81.1)	%

Income before income taxes	4,090		3.6			1,778		1.5			2,312		130.0	%
Income tax expense (benefit)	11		NM			129		0.1			(118)		(91.6)	%
Net income	4,079		3.5			1,649		1.4			2,430		147.4	%
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	344		0.3			154		0.1			190		123.4	%
Net income attributable to Potbelly Corporation	$	3,735	3.2			$	1,495	1.2			$	2,240	149.8	%

	For the Quarter Ended
Other Key Performance Indicators	September 29, 2024					September 24, 2023					Increase (Decrease)
Comparable store sales	(1.8)			%		8.0			%		(9.8)			%
Shop-level profit margin(1)	15.3			%		14.6			%		0.7			%
Adjusted EBITDA(1)	$	8,664				$	7,281				$	1,383

_____________________________________

(1) - Reconciliation below for Non-GAAP measures

"NM" - Amount is not meaningful

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Sandwich shop sales, net

Sandwich shop sales, net decreased by $7.6 million, or 6.4%, to $110.8 million during the quarter ended September 29, 2024, from $118.3 million during the quarter ended September 24, 2023, primarily driven by our refranchising of 26 company-operated shops since Q2 2023 and a decrease in sales at Company-operated shops. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in sales from four newly opened Company-operated shops.

Franchise royalties, fees and rental income

Revenue from franchise royalties, fees and rental income increased by $1.9 million, or 79.2%, to $4.4 million during the quarter ended September 29, 2024, from $2.4 million during the quarter ended September 24, 2023, primarily driven by an increase in the number of franchised shops due to refranchise transactions, including rental income from new subleases on certain refranchised shops and to a lesser extent new franchise operated shop openings.

Food, Beverage, and Packaging Costs

Food, beverage, and packaging costs decreased by $3.4 million, or 10.4%, to $29.5 million during the quarter ended September 29, 2024, from $32.9 million during the quarter ended September 24, 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by lower costs from refranchised shops. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, food, beverage, and packaging costs decreased to 26.6% during the quarter ended September 29, 2024, from 27.8% during the quarter ended September 24, 2023, primarily driven by a decrease in costs, lower inflation and, to a lesser extent, increased menu prices.

Labor and Related Expenses

Labor and related expenses decreased by $1.9 million, or 5.6%, to $32.3 million during the quarter ended September 29, 2024, from $34.2 million for the quarter ended September 24, 2023, primarily driven by shops that were refranchised since the beginning of 2023 and the continued optimization of our hours-based labor guide and other labor-saving initiatives. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, labor and related expenses increased to 29.1% during the quarter ended September 29, 2024, from 28.9% for the quarter ended September 24, 2023, primarily driven by sales leverage in certain labor related costs not directly variable with sales.

Occupancy Expenses

Occupancy expenses decreased by $0.9 million, or 6.7%, to $11.8 million during the quarter ended September 29, 2024, from $12.7 million during the quarter ended September 24, 2023, primarily due to a decrease in lease expenses as a result of our refranchising efforts. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, occupancy expenses was 10.7% for the quarter ended September 29, 2024, which is consistent with the quarter ended September 24, 2023.

Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses decreased by $1.0 million, or 4.8%, to $20.3 million during the quarter ended September 29, 2024, from $21.3 million during the quarter ended September 24, 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by lower costs from refranchised shops. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, other operating expenses increased to 18.3% for the quarter ended September 29, 2024, from 18.0% for the quarter ended September 24, 2023, primarily driven by an increase in marketing and advertising spend, partially offset by decreases in utility costs and controllable expenses, such as food equipment and restaurant supplies.

Franchise Support, Rent and Marketing Expenses

Franchise support, rent and marketing expenses increased by $1.2 million, or 80.0%, to $2.8 million during the quarter ended September 29, 2024 compared to $1.6 million during the quarter ended September 24, 2023, driven by an increase in franchise support expense and rent expense as a result of the refranchising efforts of company-operated shops, as well as increased marketing and advertising expenses.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses decreased by $1.3 million, or 10.9%, to $10.6 million during the quarter ended September 29, 2024, from $11.9 million during the quarter ended September 24, 2023, primarily driven by a decrease in incentive compensation.

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Depreciation Expense

Depreciation expense increased by $0.2 million , or 6.3%, to $3.2 million for the quarter ended September 29, 2024 from $3.0 million the quarter ended September 24, 2023.

Pre-Opening costs

Pre-opening costs did not materially change for the quarter ended September 29, 2024 from the quarter ended September 24, 2023.

Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration and Initiative activities

Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration and Initiative activities did not materially change for the quarter ended September 29, 2024 from the quarter ended September 24, 2023.

Impairment, Loss on Disposal of Property and Equipment and Shop Closures

Impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment and shop closures did not materially change for the quarter ended September 29, 2024 from the quarter ended September 24, 2023.

Interest Expense, Net

Net interest expense was $0.2 million during the quarter ended September 29, 2024 compared to $0.9 million during the quarter ended September 24, 2023. The decrease was due to lower interest rates on the Revolving Facility as compared with the Term Loan and lower average borrowings outstanding on the Revolving Facility.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense did not materially change for the quarter ended September 29, 2024 from the quarter ended September 24, 2023.

Non-Controlling Interests

The portion of income attributable to non-controlling interests increased by $0.2 million for the quarter ended September 29, 2024 compared with the quarter ended September 24, 2023, primarily due to the increase in net income at shops owned through various joint ventures.

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Year to Date Ended September 29, 2024 Compared to Year to Date Ended September 24, 2023

The following table presents information comparing the components of net loss for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):


	For the Year to Date Ended										Increase (Decrease)		Percent Change
	September 29, 2024		% of Revenues			September 24, 2023		% of Revenues
Revenues
Sandwich shop sales, net	$	333,882	96.5		%	$	359,995	98.5		%	$	(26,113)	(7.3)	%
Franchise royalties, fees and rent income	12,088		3.5			5,665		1.5			6,423		113.4	%
Total revenues	345,970		100.0			365,660		100.0			(19,690)		(5.4)	%

Expenses
(Percentages stated as a percent of sandwich shop sales, net)
Sandwich shop operating expenses, excluding depreciation
Food, beverage and packaging costs	90,045		27.0			100,424		27.9			(10,379)		(10.3)	%
Labor and related expenses	96,840		29.0			108,556		30.2			(11,716)		(10.8)	%
Occupancy expenses	36,060		10.8			39,046		10.8			(2,986)		(7.6)	%
Other operating expenses	61,348		18.4			62,686		17.4			(1,338)		(2.1)	%

(Percentages stated as a percent of total revenues)
Franchise support, rent and marketing expenses	8,333		2.4			3,359		0.9			4,974		148.1	%
General and administrative expenses	34,010		9.8			33,558		9.2			452		1.3	%
Depreciation expense	9,263		2.7			8,902		2.4			361		4.1	%
Pre-opening costs	151		NM			114		NM			37		32.0	%
Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative activities	161		NM			1,073		0.3			(912)		(85.0)	%
Impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment and shop closures	1,270		0.4			2,161		0.6			(891)		(41.2)	%
Total expenses	337,481		97.5			359,879		98.4			(22,398)		(6.2)	%
Income from operations	8,489		2.5			5,781		1.6			2,708		46.8	%

Interest expense, net	707		0.2			2,531		0.7			(1,824)		(72.1)	%
Loss on extinguishment of debt	2,376		NM			239		0.1			2,137		894.2	%
Income before income taxes	5,406		1.6			3,011		0.8			2,395		79.6	%
Income tax (benefit) expense	(30,920)		(8.9)			186		NM			(31,106)		NM
Net income	36,326		10.5			2,825		0.8			33,501		1185.9	%
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	646		0.2			442		0.1			204		46.1	%
Net income attributable to Potbelly Corporation	$	35,680	10.3		%	$	2,383	0.7		%	$	33,297	1397.3	%

	For the Year to Date Ended
Other Key Performance Indicators	September 29, 2024					September 24, 2023					Increase (Decrease)
Comparable store sales	(0.6)			%		14.0			%		(14.6)			%
Shop-level profit margin(1)	14.9			%		13.7			%		1.2			%
Adjusted EBITDA(1)	$	22,865				$	20,882				$	1,983

_____________________________________

(1) - Reconciliation below for Non-GAAP measures

"NM" - Amount is not meaningful

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Sandwich shop sales, net

Sandwich shop sales, net decreased by $26.1 million, or 7.3%, to $333.9 million during the year to date ended September 29, 2024, from $360.0 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023, driven by refranchising of 34 company-operated shops since the beginning of 2023.

Franchise royalties, fees and rental income

Revenue from franchise royalties, fees and rental income increased by $6.4 million, or 113.4%, to $12.1 million during the year to date ended September 29, 2024, from $5.7 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023, primarily driven by an increase in the number of franchised shops due to refranchise transactions, including rental income from new subleases on certain refranchised shops and to a lesser extent new franchise openings.

Food, Beverage, and Packaging Costs

Food, beverage, and packaging costs decreased by $10.4 million, or 10.3%, to $90.0 million during the year to date ended September 29, 2024, from $100.4 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by lower costs from refranchised shops since the beginning of 2023, partially offset by an increase in certain food costs. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, food, beverage, and packaging costs decreased to 27.0% during the year to date ended September 29, 2024, from 27.9% during the year to date ended September 24, 2023, primarily driven by a decrease in costs, lower inflation and, to a lesser extent, increased menu prices.

Labor and Related Expenses

Labor and related expenses decreased by $11.7 million, or 10.8%, to $96.8 million during the year to date ended September 29, 2024, from $108.6 million for the year to date ended September 24, 2023, primarily driven by shops that were refranchised since the beginning of 2023, a decrease in incentive compensation and the continued optimization of our hours-based labor guide and other labor-saving initiatives. Labor and related expenses also benefited from a settlement payment received from a third-party software provider whose issues related to a service disruption impacted the efficiency of our shop operations in prior quarters. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, labor and related expenses decreased to 29.0% during the year to date ended September 29, 2024, from 30.2% for the year to date ended September 24, 2023, primarily driven by the previously noted items.

Occupancy Expenses

Occupancy expenses decreased by $3.0 million, or 7.6%, to $36.1 million during the year to date ended September 29, 2024, from $39.0 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023, primarily due to our refranchising efforts. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, occupancy expenses were 10.8% for the year to date ended September 29, 2024, which is consistent with the year to date ended September 24, 2023.

Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses decreased by $1.3 million, or 2.1%, to $61.3 million during the year to date ended September 29, 2024, from $62.7 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023. The decrease was primarily driven by lower costs from refranchised shops and a benefit from a settlement payment received from a third-party software provider whose issues related to a service disruption impacted the efficiency of our shop operations in prior quarters. This decrease was partially offset by increases in marketing and advertising spend. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, other operating expenses increased to 18.4% for the year to date ended September 29, 2024, from 17.4% for the year to date ended September 24, 2023, primarily driven by an increase in marketing and advertising spend.

Franchise Support, Rent and Marketing Expenses

Franchise support, rent and marketing expenses increased by $5.0 million, or 148.1%, to $8.3 million during the year to date ended September 29, 2024 compared to $3.4 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023, driven by an increase in franchise rent expense and support expense as a result of the refranchising efforts of company-owned shops.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased by $0.5 million, or 1.3%, to $34.0 million during the year to date ended September 29, 2024, from $33.6 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023. This increase was

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primarily driven by an increase in payroll costs and stock compensation expense. The increase is partially offset by a decrease in incentive compensation.

Depreciation Expense

Depreciation expense increased by $0.4 million, or 4.1%, to $9.3 million during year to date ended September 29, 2024, from $8.9 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023.

Pre-Opening costs

Pre-opening costs did not materially change for the year to date ended September 29, 2024 from the year to date ended September 24, 2023.

Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration and Initiative activities

Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration and Initiative activities decreased by $0.9 million, or 85.0%, to $0.2 million for the year to date ended September 29, 2024, from $1.1 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023. The decrease was primarily related to the difference in book value compared to purchase price of the refranchised assets during the year to date ended September 29, 2024 compared to year to date ended September 24, 2023.

Impairment, Loss on Disposal of Property and Equipment and Shop Closures

Impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment and shop closures decreased by $0.9 million, or 41.2%, to $1.3 million during the year to date ended September 29, 2024, from $2.2 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023. The decrease was primarily related to higher impairment charges and loss on disposals of assets that occurred during the year to date ended September 29, 2024 compared to year to date ended September 24, 2023.

Interest Expense, Net

Net interest expense was $0.7 million during the year to date ended September 29, 2024 compared to $2.5 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023, as a result of lower interest rates on the Revolving Facility as compared with the Term Loan and lower average borrowings outstanding on the Revolving Facility.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt

Loss on extinguishment of debt was $2.4 million during the year to date ended September 29, 2024, compared to $0.2 million during the year to date ended September 24, 2023. The increase was due to the extinguishment of the Term Loan in the first quarter of 2024, which was subject to a prepayment penalty and required the company to write-off of debt issuance costs originally capitalized when the Term Loan was executed.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense

We recognized an income tax benefit of $30.9 million for the year to date ended September 29, 2024, compared to expense of $0.2 million for the year to date ended September 24, 2023. This change was primarily due to a $31.6 million valuation allowance release as we concluded that it was more likely than not that we will be able to utilize our U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets.

Non-Controlling Interests

The portion of income attributable to non-controlling interests did not materially change for the year to date ended September 29, 2024 from the year to date ended September 24, 2023

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Shop-Level Profit Margin

Shop-level profit margin was 15.3% and 14.9% for the quarter and year to date ended September 29, 2024, respectively, compared to 14.6% and 13.7% for the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023, respectively. Shop-level profit margin is not required by, or presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We believe shop-level profit margin is important in evaluating shop-level productivity, efficiency and performance.


	For the Quarter Ended						For the Year to Date Ended
	September 29, 2024			September 24, 2023			September 29, 2024			September 24, 2023
	($ in thousands)						($ in thousands)
Income from operations [A]	$	4,252		$	2,631		$	8,489		$	5,781
Income from operations margin [A÷B]	3.7		%	2.2		%	2.5		%	1.6		%
Less: Franchise royalties, fees and rental income	4,351			2,428			12,088			5,665
Franchise support, rent and marketing expenses	2,795			1,553			8,333			3,359
General and administrative expenses	10,597			11,894			34,010			33,558
Depreciation expense	3,236			3,044			9,263			8,902
Pre-opening costs	55			59			151			114
Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative activities	—			110			161			1,073
Impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment and shop closures	384			458			1,270			2,161
Shop-level profit [C]	$	16,968		$	17,321		$	49,589		$	49,283
Total revenues [B]	$	115,120		$	120,768		$	345,970		$	365,660
Less: Franchise royalties, fees and rental income	4,351			2,428			12,088			5,665
Sandwich shop sales, net [D]	$	110,769		$	118,340		$	333,882		$	359,995
Shop-level profit margin [C÷D]	15.3		%	14.6		%	14.9		%	13.7		%

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Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA was $8.7 million and $22.9 million for the quarter and year to date ended September 29, 2024, respectively, compared to $7.3 million and $20.9 million for the quarter and year to date ended September 24, 2023, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA is not required by, or presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of operating performance, as it provides a picture of operating results by eliminating expenses that management does not believe are reflective of underlying business performance.


	For the Quarter Ended				For the Year to Date Ended
	September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023		September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023
	($ in thousands)				($ in thousands)
Net income attributable to Potbelly Corporation	$	3,735	$	1,495	$	35,680	$	2,383
Depreciation expense	3,236		3,044		9,263		8,902
Interest expense	162		853		707		2,531
Income tax expense (benefit)	11		129		(30,920)		186
EBITDA	$	7,144	$	5,521	$	14,730	$	14,002
Impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment, and shop closures (a)	384		458		1,270		2,161
Stock-based compensation	1,136		1,192		4,328		3,407
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—		—		2,376		239
Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative activities (b)	—		110		161		1,073
Adjusted EBITDA	$	8,664	$	7,281	$	22,865	$	20,882

______________________________

(a)This adjustment includes costs related to impairment of long-lived assets, loss on disposal of property and equipment and shop closure expenses.

(b)This adjustment includes costs related to our plan to grow our franchise units domestically through multi-unit shop development area agreements, which may include refranchising certain company-operated shops.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

Our ongoing primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash provided from operating activities, existing cash and cash equivalents, and our Revolving Facility. In the short term, our primary requirements for liquidity and capital are existing shop capital investments, maintenance, lease obligations, working capital and general corporate needs. Our requirement for working capital is not significant since our customers pay for their food and beverage purchases in cash or payment cards (credit or debit) at the time of sale. Thus, we are able to sell certain inventory items before we need to pay our suppliers for such items. Company-operated shops do not require significant inventories or receivables.

We ended the quarter ended September 29, 2024 with a cash balance of $11.9 million and total liquidity (cash less restricted cash, plus available cash on Revolving Facility) of $38.2 million, compared to a cash balance of $31.7 million and total liquidity (cash less restricted cash) of $30.9 million at the end of quarter September 24, 2023. We believe that cash from our operations and the cash available to us under the Revolving Facility provide us sufficient liquidity for at least the next twelve months.

Cash Flows

The following table presents summary cash flow information for the periods indicated:


	For the Year to Date Ended
	September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023

Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	13,060	14,501
Investing activities	(13,000)		(10,890)
Financing activities	(22,648)		12,458
Net change in cash	$	(22,588)	$	16,069

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased to $13.1 million for the year to date ended September 29, 2024, from cash provided in operating activities of $14.5 million for the year to date ended September 24, 2023. The $1.4 million change in operating cash was primarily driven by higher incentive payments made in 2024 compared to the prior year and working capital changes, primarily within accrued expenses.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities increased to $13.0 million for the year to date ended September 29, 2024, from $10.9 million for the year to date ended September 24, 2023. The $2.1 million increase in cash outflow was driven by additional capital expenditures which related to ongoing investment in our company-owned shops and digital platforms as well as a reduction in cash received for refranchised shops.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities decreased to $22.6 million for the year to date ended September 29, 2024 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $12.5 million for the year to date ended September 24, 2023. The $35.1 million decrease in financing cash was primarily driven by repayment of the Term Loan compared with the prior year when the company had proceeds from the Term Loan.

Revolving Facility

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facility described in more detail below. Proceeds from the Revolving Facility will be used for general corporate and working capital purposes. The Revolving Commitments expire on February 7, 2027.

We may prepay the Revolving Commitments at any time and from time to time in whole or in part without premium or penalty, subject to prior notice in accordance with the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and affirmative and negative covenants. Among other things, these covenants restrict our ability to incur certain indebtedness and liens, undergo certain mergers, consolidations and certain other fundamental changes, make certain investments, make certain dispositions and acquisitions, enter into sale and leaseback transactions, enter into certain swap transactions, make certain restricted payments (including certain payment of dividends, repurchases of stock and payments on certain indebtedness), engage in certain transactions with affiliates, enter into certain types of restricted agreements, make certain changes to its organizational documents and indebtedness, and use the proceeds of the Revolving Commitments for certain non-permitted uses. In addition, the Credit Agreement requires that we maintain compliance with certain minimum fixed charge coverage ratios and maximum consolidated leverage ratios as set forth in the Credit Agreement.

Since the execution of the Credit Agreement, we have been in compliance with all terms and covenants.

Term Loan

Loans under the Term Loan Credit Agreement bore interest, at the Company’s option, at either the term SOFR plus 9.25% per annum or base rate plus 8.25% per annum.

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Stock Repurchase Program

On May 8, 2018, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for up to $65.0 million of our outstanding common stock ("2018 Repurchase Program"). For the quarter and year to date ended September 29, 2024, we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock under the 2018 Repurchase Program. The 2018 Repurchase Program was terminated on May 7, 2024.

On May 7, 2024, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for up to $20.0 million of our outstanding common stock at any time during the next three years ("2024 Repurchase Program"). This program replaces the 2018 Repurchase Program, which was terminated upon execution of the 2024 Repurchase Program. The program permits us, from time to time, to purchase shares in the open market (including in pre-arranged stock trading plans in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act) or in privately negotiated transactions. The number of common shares actually repurchased, and the timing and price of repurchases, will depend upon market conditions, SEC requirements and other factors. Repurchases may be started or stopped at any time without prior notice depending on market conditions and other factors. For the quarter and year to date ended September 29, 2024, we repurchased 29,113 and 115,558 shares of our common stock under the 2024 Repurchase Program for an aggregate of $0.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively, including cost and commission, in open market transactions. Repurchased shares are included as treasury stock in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of equity.

Securities Purchase Agreement

On February 9, 2021, we closed on a Securities Purchase Agreement (the "SPA") for the sale by us of 3,249,668 shares of our common stock at a par value of $0.01 per share and the issuance of warrants to purchase 1,299,861 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.45 per warrant for gross proceeds of $16.0 million, before deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses of approximately $1.0 million. The warrants are currently exercisable until August 12, 2026. The proceeds received from the SPA were allocated between shares and warrants based on their relative fair values at closing. The warrants were valued utilizing the Black-Scholes method. During the quarter and year to date ended September 29, 2024, no warrants and 240,187 warrants were exercised at the exercise price of $5.45 per warrant, respectively. As of September 29, 2024, we had 883,402 warrants outstanding that are exercisable through August 12, 2026.

Equity Offering Program

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Critical accounting estimates are those that management believes are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and operating results, and require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. We base our estimates on historical experience and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of those policies may result in materially different amounts being reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. We have made no significant changes in our critical accounting estimates since the last annual report. Our critical accounting estimates are identified and described in our annual consolidated financial statements and related notes.

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New and Revised Financial Accounting Standards

See Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of recently issued Financial Accounting Standards.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk, see Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk," of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. Our exposures to market risks have not changed materially since December 31, 2023.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of September 29, 2024. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of September 29, 2024, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended September 29, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Information pertaining to legal proceedings is provided in Note 12 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and is incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

A description of the risk factors associated with our business is contained in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. There have been no material changes to our Risk Factors as previously reported.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table contains information regarding purchases of our common stock made by or on behalf of Potbelly Corporation during the quarter to date ended September 29, 2024 (in thousands, except per share data):


Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program (2)	Maximum Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Program (2)
July 1, 2024 - July 28, 2024	1	$	7.36	—	$	19,304
July 29, 2024 - August 25, 2024	5	$	7.81	29	$	19,073
August 26, 2024 - September 29, 2024	3	$	8.10	—	$	19,073
Total number of shares purchased:	9			29

(1)Represents shares of our common stock (i) surrendered by employees to satisfy withholding obligations resulting from the vesting of equity awards and (ii) repurchased pursuant to the 2024 Repurchase Program.

(2)On May 7, 2024, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for up to $20.0 million of our outstanding common stock. This program replaced the outstanding stock repurchase program from May 8, 2018. The program permits us, from time to time, to purchase shares in the open market (including in pre-arranged stock trading plans in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act) or in privately negotiated transactions. No time limit has been set for the completion of the repurchase program and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. See Note 10 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding our stock repurchase program.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

During the quarter ended September 29, 2024, no director or officer of Potbelly adopted or terminated a "Rule 10b5-1 trading agreement" or "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading agreement," as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are either provided with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or are incorporated herein by reference.


Exhibit No.						Description
31.1						Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2						Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1						Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS						Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

101.SCH						Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL						Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF						Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB						Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE						Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104						Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

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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.


		POTBELLY CORPORATION

Date: November 7, 2024	By:	/s/ Steven W. Cirulis
		Steven W. Cirulis
		Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer)

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Date	Price Target	Rating	Analyst
1/12/2024	$15.00	Hold → Buy	The Benchmark Company
10/24/2023	$11.00	Buy	Lake Street
10/17/2023	$15.00	Buy	Craig Hallum
10/3/2023		Hold	The Benchmark Company

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