UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
______________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
______________________________________________
| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 30, 2025
OR
| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the Transition Period from ____to ____
Commission File Number: 001-36104
______________________________________________
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
______________________________________________
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) | (IRS Employer Identification Number) | |||||||
| (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 | ||||||||||||
| (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 | o | x | ||||||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | o | 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 April 27, 2025, the registrant had 30,172,219 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.
Potbelly Corporation and Subsidiaries
Table of Contents
| Page | ||||||||
2
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)
| March 30, 2025 | December 29, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Current assets | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $ 2024, respectively | |||||||||||
| Inventories | |||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | |||||||||||
| Assets classified as held-for-sale | |||||||||||
| Total current assets | |||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | |||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets for operating leases | |||||||||||
| Indefinite-lived intangible assets | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | |||||||||||
| Restricted cash | |||||||||||
| Deferred tax assets | |||||||||||
| Deferred expenses, net and other assets | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Liabilities and equity | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Accrued expenses | |||||||||||
| Short-term operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt, net of current portion | |||||||||||
| Long-term operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 12) | |||||||||||
| Equity | |||||||||||
Common stock, $ | |||||||||||
| Warrants | |||||||||||
| Additional paid-in-capital | |||||||||||
Treasury stock, held at cost, | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | |||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total equity | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
Potbelly Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(amounts in thousands, except per share data, unaudited)
| For the Quarter Ended | |||||||||||
| March 30, 2025 | March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||
| Sandwich shop sales, net | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Franchise royalties, fees and rent income | |||||||||||
| Total revenues | |||||||||||
| Expenses | |||||||||||
| Sandwich shop operating expenses, excluding depreciation | |||||||||||
| Food, beverage and packaging costs | |||||||||||
| Labor and related expenses | |||||||||||
| Occupancy expenses | |||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | |||||||||||
| Franchise support, rent and marketing expenses | |||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | |||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | |||||||||||
| Pre-opening costs | |||||||||||
| Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative activities | |||||||||||
| Impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment and shop closures | |||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | |||||||||||
| Income from operations | |||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | |||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | |||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | ( | ||||||||||
| Income tax (benefit) expense | ( | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | ( | ||||||||||
| Net income attributable to non-controlling interest | |||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Potbelly Corporation | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
Net loss per common share attributable to common stockholders: | |||||||||||
| Basic | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
| Diluted | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding: | |||||||||||
| Basic | |||||||||||
| Diluted | |||||||||||
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
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 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued under equity compensation plan | ( | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of warrants | — | ( | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to non-controlling interest | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 29, 2024 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued under equity compensation plan | ( | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of warrants | — | — | ( | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to non-controlling interest | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | ( | — | ( | — | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 30, 2025 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
Potbelly Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(amounts in thousands, unaudited)
| For the Quarter to Date Ended | |||||||||||
| March 30, 2025 | March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | |||||||||||
| Noncash lease expense | |||||||||||
| Deferred income tax | |||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | |||||||||||
| Asset impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment and shop closures | |||||||||||
| Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative activities | |||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | |||||||||||
| Other operating activities | |||||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Inventories | ( | ||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | ( | ||||||||||
| Accounts payable | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities | ( | ||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of refranchised shops and other assets | |||||||||||
| Other investing activities | |||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities: | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||
| Borrowings under Revolving Facility | |||||||||||
| Repayments under Revolving Facility | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Repayments under Term Loan | ( | ||||||||||
| Payment of debt issuance costs | ( | ||||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of warrants | |||||||||||
| Employee taxes on certain stock-based payment arrangements | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Distributions to non-controlling interest | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Treasury Stock repurchase | ( | ||||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities: | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash | ( | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Supplemental cash flow information: | |||||||||||
| Income taxes paid | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Interest paid | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities: | |||||||||||
| Unpaid liability for purchases of property and equipment | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Unpaid liability for employee taxes on certain stock-based payment arrangements | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
6
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
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 29, 2024. 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 ("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.
Reporting Period
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. These estimates are based on management's best knowledge of current events and actions the Company may undertake in the future. Significant estimates are used in accounting for, among other items, long-lived assets and income taxes. Actual results may ultimately differ from estimates, although management does not generally believe such differences would materially affect the financial statements in any individual reporting period.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
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. The adoption of ASU 2023-09 will not have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations but will change certain disclosures in our financial statements related to income taxes.
7
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.
We reviewed all other recently issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they were either not applicable or not expected to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.
(2) Restricted Cash
As of March 30, 2025, 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:
| March 30, 2025 | December 29, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash: | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Restricted cash, noncurrent | ||||||||||||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown on statement of cash flows | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
(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 to date ended March 30, 2025, revenue recognized from all revenue sources on point in time sales was $111.6 million and revenue recognized from sales over time was $2.1 million. For the quarter to date ended March 31, 2024, revenue recognized from all revenue sources on point in time sales was $110.6 million and revenue recognized from sales over time was $0.6 million.
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. For the quarter ended March 30, 2025 and the quarter ended March 31, 2024 we recognized $2.8 million and $1.8 million, respectively, related to revenue that had been deferred as of the end of the prior year. The following table includes a breakout of contract liability balances:
| March 30, 2025 | December 29, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise fee liabilities | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Unredeemed gift card liabilities | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Customer loyalty program obligations | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total contract liabilities | $ | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||
8
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 | |||||||
| 2025 | $ | |||||||
| 2026 | ||||||||
| 2027 | ||||||||
| 2028 | ||||||||
| 2029 | ||||||||
| Thereafter | ||||||||
| Total revenue recognized | $ | |||||||
(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 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 March 30, 2025, 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.
We assess potential impairments to our long-lived assets, which includes property and equipment and lease right-of-use assets, 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
9
(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 | |||||||||||
| March 30, 2025 | March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Potbelly Corporation | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
| Weighted average common stock outstanding-basic | |||||||||||
| Plus: Effect of potentially dilutive stock-based compensation awards | |||||||||||
| Plus: Effect of potential warrant exercise | |||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted | |||||||||||
| Loss per share available to common stockholders-basic | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
| Loss per share available to common stockholders-diluted | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
| Potentially dilutive shares that are considered anti-dilutive: | |||||||||||
| Shares | |||||||||||
| Warrants | |||||||||||
(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.
10
(7) Leases
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 Quarter Ended | |||||||||||
| March 30, 2025 | March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
Leases terminated | |||||||||||
Lease termination (income) costs | ( | ||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets derecognized upon lease termination | |||||||||||
| Lease liabilities derecognized upon lease termination | |||||||||||
(Gain) loss recognized upon lease termination | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information related to leases were as follows:
| For the Quarter Ended | |||||||||||
| March 30, 2025 | March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Operating cash flows rent paid for operating lease liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Operating right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Reduction in operating right-of-use assets due to lease modifications | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||
As of March 30, 2025, the Company had additional operating lease payments related to two shops not yet open of $2.3 million. These operating leases will commence during the next fiscal year with an average lease term of 15 years, inclusive of a five year renewal option.
Lessor Disclosures
The components of lease income were as follows (amount in thousands, except number of subleases):
For the Quarter Ended | |||||||||||
| March 30, 2025 | March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Operating lease income | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Variable lease income | |||||||||||
Franchise rent income (a) | $ | $ | |||||||||
(a)Amounts included in franchise royalties, fees and rent income in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.
(8) Debt and Credit Facilities
The components of long-term debt were as follows:
| March 30, 2025 | December 29, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Revolving Facility | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Total long-term debt | $ | $ | |||||||||
11
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 was 1.75 % from February 6, 2024 through March 31, 2024, based upon ratios calculated in prior compliance certificates, and 1.50 % from September 30, 2024 through March 30, 2025, based upon ratios calculated in prior compliance certificates, including the most recent compliance certificate, for the fiscal quarter ending December 29, 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.
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.
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. 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
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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 fiscal year 2024.
(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 ended March 30, 2025 and March 31, 2024 (amounts in thousands, except number of shops):
For the Quarter Ended | |||||||||||
| March 30, 2025 | March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Number of shops sold to franchisees | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of company-operated shops | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Net assets sold | ( | ||||||||||
| Goodwill related to the company-operated shops sold to franchisee | ( | ||||||||||
| Loss on sale of company-operated shops, net | ( | ||||||||||
| Adjustment to recognize held-for-sale assets at fair value | ( | ||||||||||
Other expenses (a) | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative activities | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
______________________________
(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 statements 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 quarter ended March 31, 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 replaced 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 ended March 30, 2025, we repurchased 117,476 shares of our common stock under the 2024 Repurchase Program for an aggregate of $1.1 million, 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
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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 ended March 30, 2025, 65,950 warrants were exercised at the exercise price of $5.45 per warrant. During the quarter ended March 31, 2024, 240,187 warrants were exercised at the exercise price of $5.45 per warrant. As of March 30, 2025, we had 817,452 warrants outstanding 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 March 30, 2025, 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, with the most recent options granted in December 2018. 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 March 30, 2025 is $12.90 and $13.73 per option, and the options generally vest in one-fourth and one-fifth increments over and five-year periods, respectively.
A summary of stock option activity for the quarter to date ended March 30, 2025 is as follows:
| Options | Shares | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | Weighted Average Remaining Term (Years) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding—December 29, 2024 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canceled | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding—March 30, 2025 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercisable—March 30, 2025 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 no unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options.
Restricted stock units
We award restricted stock units ("RSUs") to certain employees, including our senior leadership, 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 March 30, 2025 is as follows:
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| RSUs | Number of RSUs | Weighted Average Fair Value per Share | ||||||||||||
Non-vested as of December 29, 2024 | $ | |||||||||||||
| Granted | ||||||||||||||
| Vested | ( | |||||||||||||
| Canceled | ||||||||||||||
Non-vested as of March 30, 2025 | $ | |||||||||||||
For the quarters ended March 30, 2025 and March 31, 2024, we recognized stock-based compensation expense related to RSUs of $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively. We record expense related to RSUs within general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of March 30, 2025, unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for RSUs was $4.0 million, which will be recognized through the first quarter of 2028.
Performance stock units
We award performance stock units ("PSUs") to certain of our employees, including our executive officers. 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 quarters ended March 30, 2025 and March 31, 2024, we recognized stock-based compensation expense for PSUs with market vesting conditions of $0.7 million and $0.9 million, respectively. We record expense related to PSUs within general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of March 30, 2025, unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for PSUs was $3.1 million, which will be recognized through the second quarter of 2027.
A summary of activity for PSUs with market vesting conditions for the quarter to date ended March 30, 2025 is as follows:
| PSUs | Number of PSUs | Weighted Average Fair Value per Share | ||||||||||||
Non-vested as of December 29, 2024 | $ | |||||||||||||
| Granted | ||||||||||||||
| Vested | ( | |||||||||||||
| Canceled | ||||||||||||||
Non-vested as of March 30, 2025 | $ | |||||||||||||
(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.
In June 2024, a putative class action lawsuit was filed in Washington state against us relating to the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act. As of December 29, 2024, we deemed it probable that a material loss exposure exists in relation to this matter. As such, we recorded a loss contingency of $1.8 million in 2024 based on our then current estimate of the potential outcome, which was reflected in general and administrative expenses in the prior year consolidated statements of operations. On January 22, 2025, we entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Plaintiff relating to the settlement of the claims. On March 27, 2025, we executed a Class Action Settlement Agreement reflective of the
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terms and conditions of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Plaintiff, subject to court approval, confirming the original estimate of $1.8 million.
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 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 do not need to be accounted for as derivative instruments.
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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 29, 2024. 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, the development of company-operated shops, the sufficiency of our liquidity, the impact of accounting pronouncements, 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, competition; the effectiveness of our marketing strategies; general economic conditions including any impact from inflation; our ability to successfully implement our business strategy; the success of our franchisees; 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; compliance with covenants in our credit facility; 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 29, 2024, 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 nearly 50 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
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commodity costs, we have the ability to partially offset such impacts by increasing menu prices. Although there is no 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 31, 2023 | 345 | 79 | 424 | ||||||||||||||
| Shops opened | — | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||||
| Shops closed | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Shops refranchised | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Shops as of March 31, 2024 | 345 | 82 | 427 | ||||||||||||||
| Shops as of December 29, 2024 | 346 | 96 | 442 | ||||||||||||||
| Shops opened | 1 | 3 | 4 | ||||||||||||||
| Shops closed | (2) | — | (2) | ||||||||||||||
| Shops refranchised | (4) | 4 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Shops as of March 30, 2025 | 341 | 103 | 444 | ||||||||||||||
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 same store sales, number of shop openings, shop-level profit margins, system-wide sales, average unit volume and adjusted EBITDA.
Company-Operated Same Store Sales
Same 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 March 30, 2025 and March 31, 2024, there was an average of 337 and 342 shops, respectively, in our comparable company-operated store base. Same 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 same 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 Shop Openings
The number of company-operated shop openings during a particular reporting period may have an impact on our results for that period and other subsequent periods. Before we open new company-operated 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 our company shop development will be limited for the foreseeable future.
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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 GAAP. We believe shop-level profit margin is important in evaluating shop-level productivity, efficiency and performance.
System-Wide Sales
System-wide sales is defined as the sum of sales generated by company-operated shops and sales generated by franchised shops, net of all promotional allowances, discounts, and employee meals. Net sales from franchised shops are not included in total revenues. Rather, revenues are limited to the royalties, fees and other income collected from franchisees. System-wide sales is not required by, or presented in accordance with GAAP. We believe that system-wide sales is a useful measure of operating performance, as it helps management evaluate brand scale and market penetration.
Average Unit Volume
Average unit volume is measured both on a weekly (average weekly sales) and annual basis. Average weekly sales consist of company-operated shop sales over a seven-day period from Monday to Sunday. Average unit volume represents the average annual sales of all company-operated shops, calculated based off of total net sales for all company-operated shops for the fiscal year divided by the total number of shop operating weeks during the same period. That amount is then annualized by multiplying by 52. We believe average unit volume allows management to assess changes in consumer spending patterns and the overall performance of our shops.
Adjusted EBITDA
We define adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) attributable to Potbelly before depreciation and amortization, interest expense and 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, such as gain on extinguishment of debt. Adjusted EBITDA is not required by, or presented in accordance with 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 March 30, 2025 Compared to Quarter Ended March 31, 2024
The following table presents information comparing the components of net loss for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands, except average unit volume, weekly):
| For the Quarter Ended | Increase (Decrease) | Percent Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 30, 2025 | % of Revenues | March 31, 2024 | % of Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sandwich shop sales, net | $ | 109,002 | 95.9 | % | $ | 107,577 | 96.8 | % | $ | 1,425 | 1.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise royalties, fees and rent income | 4,679 | 4.1 | 3,576 | 3.2 | 1,103 | 30.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 113,681 | 100.0 | 111,153 | 100.0 | 2,528 | 2.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Percentages stated as a percent of sandwich shop sales, net) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sandwich shop operating expenses, excluding depreciation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Food, beverage and packaging costs | 28,451 | 26.1 | 29,270 | 27.2 | (819) | (2.8) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Labor and related expenses | 33,097 | 30.4 | 32,253 | 30.0 | 844 | 2.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupancy expenses | 12,027 | 11.0 | 11,714 | 10.9 | 313 | 2.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 20,491 | 18.8 | 19,829 | 18.4 | 662 | 3.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Percentages stated as a percent of total revenues) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise support, rent and marketing expenses | 3,098 | 2.7 | 2,537 | 2.3 | 561 | 22.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 12,372 | 10.9 | 11,547 | 10.4 | 825 | 7.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | 3,721 | 3.3 | 3,011 | 2.7 | 710 | 23.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pre-opening costs | 112 | NM | — | NM | 112 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative activities | 35 | NM | 133 | 0.1 | (98) | (73.7) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment and shop closures | 27 | NM | 741 | 0.7 | (714) | (96.3) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 113,431 | 99.8 | 111,035 | 99.9 | 2,396 | 2.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from operations | 250 | 0.2 | 118 | 0.1 | 132 | 111.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 167 | 0.1 | 364 | 0.3 | (197) | (54.1) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | NM | 2,376 | 2.1 | (2,376) | (100.0) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | 83 | NM | (2,622) | (2.4) | 2,705 | (103.2) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax (benefit) expense | (2) | NM | 51 | NM | (53) | (103.9) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 85 | NM | (2,673) | (2.4) | 2,758 | (103.2) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to non-controlling interest | 147 | 0.1 | 94 | NM | 53 | 56.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Potbelly Corporation | $ | (62) | NM | $ | (2,767) | (2.5) | $ | 2,705 | (97.8) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the Quarter Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Key Performance Indicators | March 30, 2025 | March 31, 2024 | Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Same store sales | 0.9 | % | (0.2) | % | 1.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shop-level profit margin(1) | 13.7 | % | 13.5 | % | 0.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| System-wide sales | $ | 140,661 | $ | 134,188 | $ | 6,473 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average unit volume, weekly | $ | 24,550 | $ | 24,250 | $ | 300 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | $ | 5,522 | $ | 5,680 | $ | (158) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) - Reconciliation below for Non-GAAP measures
"NM" - Amount is not meaningful
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Sandwich shop sales, net
Sandwich shop sales, net increased by $1.4 million, or 1.3%, to $109.0 million during the quarter ended March 30, 2025, from $107.6 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2024, primarily driven by an increase in sales from existing Company-operated shops as well as six shops that opened after March 31, 2024. The increase is partially offset by the refranchising of five company-operated shops and the closure of five company-operated shops since the beginning of 2024.
Franchise royalties, fees and rental income
Revenue from franchise royalties, fees and rental income increased by $1.1 million, or 30.8%, to $4.7 million during the quarter ended March 30, 2025, from $3.6 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2024, primarily driven by an increase in franchise royalties and franchise fees from new franchise-operated shop openings.
Food, Beverage, and Packaging Costs
Food, beverage, and packaging costs decreased by $0.8 million, or 2.8%, to $28.5 million during the quarter ended March 30, 2025, from $29.3 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2024. This decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in protein costs and food rebate costs. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in beverage costs. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, food, beverage, and packaging costs decreased to 26.1% during the quarter ended March 30, 2025, from 27.2% during the quarter ended March 31, 2024, primarily driven by a decrease in costs and lower inflation.
Labor and Related Expenses
Labor and related expenses increased by $0.8 million, or 2.6%, to $33.1 million during the quarter ended March 30, 2025, from $32.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to a benefit that occurred in the quarter ended March 31, 2024 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 and an increase in incentive compensation. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, labor and related expenses increased to 30.4% during the quarter ended March 30, 2025, from 30.0% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, primarily driven by the previously noted items, partially offset by sales leverage.
Occupancy Expenses
Occupancy expenses increased by $0.3 million, or 2.7%, to $12.0 million during the quarter ended March 30, 2025, from $11.7 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to increases in variable rent, as many shops with those types of lease arrangements, like airports, continue to outperform comparative periods, as well as increases in common area maintenance expense. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, occupancy expenses did not materially change for the quarter ended March 30, 2025, compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses increased by $0.7 million, or 3.3%, to $20.5 million during the quarter ended March 30, 2025, from $19.8 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2024. This increase was primarily driven by a benefit that occurred in the quarter ended March 31, 2024 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. As a percentage of sandwich shop sales, other operating expenses increased to 18.8% for the quarter ended March 30, 2025, from 18.4% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
Franchise Support, Rent and Marketing Expenses
Franchise support, rent and marketing expenses increased by $0.6 million, or 22.1%, to $3.1 million during the quarter ended March 30, 2025 compared to $2.5 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2024, primarily driven by an increase in franchise support and marketing expense from new franchise-operated shop openings
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased by $0.8 million, or 7.1%, to $12.4 million during the quarter ended March 30, 2025, from $11.5 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2024, primarily driven by increases in payroll and payroll related costs, consulting and audit costs and technology costs. The increase is partially offset by a decrease in stock based compensation.
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Depreciation Expense
Depreciation expense increased by $0.7 million , or 23.6%, to $3.7 million for the quarter ended March 30, 2025 from $3.0 million the quarter ended March 31, 2024, primarily driven from additional leasehold improvements added since the beginning of 2024.
Pre-Opening costs
Pre-opening costs did not materially change for the quarter ended March 30, 2025 from the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration and Initiative activities
Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration and Initiative activities did not materially change for the quarter ended March 30, 2025 from the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
Impairment, Loss on Disposal of Property and Equipment and Shop Closures
Impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment and shop closures decreased by $0.7 million to $26.5 thousand for the quarter ended March 30, 2025 from $0.7 million the quarter ended March 31, 2024, primarily driven by lease termination income in 2025, compared to lease termination expenses in 2024.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
There was no loss on extinguishment of debt for the quarter ended March 30, 2025 compared to $2.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The decrease 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.
Interest Expense, Net
Net interest expense was $0.2 million during the quarter ended March 30, 2025 compared to $0.4 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The decrease was due to our debt refinancing in February 2024 which resulted in lower average borrowings outstanding and lower interest rates on the Revolving Facility as compared with the Term Loan.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense did not materially change for the quarter ended March 30, 2025 from the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
Non-Controlling Interests
The portion of income attributable to non-controlling interests did not materially change for the quarter ended March 30, 2025 compared with the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
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Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Shop-Level Profit Margin
Shop-level profit margin was 13.7% for the quarter ended March 30, 2025, compared to 13.5% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Shop-level profit margin is not required by, or presented in accordance with GAAP. We believe shop-level profit margin is important in evaluating shop-level productivity, efficiency and performance.
| For the Quarter Ended | |||||||||||
| March 30, 2025 | March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Income from operations [A] | $ | 250 | $ | 118 | |||||||
| Income from operations margin [A÷B] | 0.2 | % | 0.1 | % | |||||||
| Less: Franchise royalties, fees and rental income | 4,679 | 3,576 | |||||||||
| Franchise support, rent and marketing expenses | 3,098 | 2,537 | |||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 12,372 | 11,547 | |||||||||
| Depreciation expense | 3,721 | 3,011 | |||||||||
| Pre-opening costs | 112 | — | |||||||||
| Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative activities | 35 | 133 | |||||||||
| Impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment and shop closures | 27 | 741 | |||||||||
| Shop-level profit [C] | $ | 14,936 | $ | 14,511 | |||||||
| Total revenues [B] | $ | 113,681 | $ | 111,153 | |||||||
| Less: Franchise royalties, fees and rental income | 4,679 | 3,576 | |||||||||
| Sandwich shop sales, net [D] | $ | 109,002 | $ | 107,577 | |||||||
| Shop-level profit margin [C÷D] | 13.7 | % | 13.5 | % | |||||||
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Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA was $5.5 million for the quarter ended March 30, 2025, compared to $5.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Adjusted EBITDA is not required by, or presented in accordance with GAAP. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of operating performance, as it provides a picture of operating results by eliminating expenses that management does not believe are reflective of underlying business performance.
| For the Quarter Ended | |||||||||||
| March 30, 2025 | March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Potbelly Corporation | $ | (62) | $ | (2,767) | |||||||
| Depreciation expense | 3,721 | 3,011 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 167 | 364 | |||||||||
| Income tax (benefit) expense | (2) | 51 | |||||||||
| EBITDA | $ | 3,824 | $ | 659 | |||||||
Impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment, and shop closures (a) | 27 | 741 | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation (b) | 1,548 | 1,771 | |||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | 2,376 | |||||||||
Loss on Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative activities (c) | 35 | 133 | |||||||||
Legal settlements (d) | 88 | — | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 5,522 | $ | 5,680 | |||||||
______________________________
(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 stock-based compensation issued under the 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
(c)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.
(d)This adjustment relates to legal fees for a loss contingency recorded in 2024 for a pay disclosure claim in the state of Washington. Refer to Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies in item 1 for further details.
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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 March 30, 2025 with a cash balance of $15.6 million and total liquidity (cash less restricted cash, plus available cash under the Revolving Facility) of $40.3 million, compared to a cash balance of $13.5 million and total liquidity (cash less restricted cash, plus available cash under the Revolving Facility) of $37.7 million at the end of quarter March 31, 2024. 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 Quarter Ended | |||||||||||
| March 30, 2025 | March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in): | |||||||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 8,629 | 693 | ||||||||
| Investing activities | (4,925) | (3,736) | |||||||||
| Financing activities | (611) | (18,022) | |||||||||
| Net change in cash | $ | 3,093 | $ | (21,065) | |||||||
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities increased to $8.6 million for the quarter to date ended March 30, 2025, from $0.7 million for the quarter to date ended March 31, 2024. The $7.9 million change in operating cash was primarily driven by higher incentive payments made in 2024 compared to the current year and working capital changes, primarily within accrued expenses.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities increased to $4.9 million for the quarter to date ended March 30, 2025, from $3.7 million for the quarter to date ended March 31, 2024. The $1.2 million change in investing cash was primarily driven by additional capital expenditures which related to ongoing investment in our company-operated shops and digital platforms.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities decreased to $0.6 million for the quarter to date ended March 30, 2025 from $18.0 million for the quarter to date ended March 31, 2024. The $17.4 million change in financing cash was primarily driven by repayment of the Term Loan in 2024, partially offset by lower borrowings under the Revolving Facility in 2025.
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
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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.
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 was 1.75% from February 6, 2024 through March 31, 2024, based upon ratios calculated in prior compliance certificates and 1.50% from September 30, 2024 through March 30, 2025, based upon ratios calculated in prior compliance certificates, including the most recent, for the fiscal quarter ending December 29, 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.
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.
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. 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.
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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 quarter to date ended March 31, 2024.
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 ended March 30, 2025, 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 ended March 30, 2025, we repurchased 117,476 shares of our common stock under the 2024 Repurchase Program for an aggregate of $1.1 million, 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 ended March 30, 2025, 65,950 warrants were exercised at the exercise price of $5.45 per warrant. As of March 30, 2025, we had 817,452 warrants outstanding that are exercisable through August 12, 2026.
Equity Offering Program
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 May 7, 2025, we have not sold any shares of our common stock under the Sales Agreement.
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 GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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 29, 2024. Our exposures to market risks have not changed materially since December 29, 2024.
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 March 30, 2025. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of March 30, 2025, 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 March 30, 2025 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 29, 2024. 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 March 30, 2025 (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) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 30, 2025 - January 26, 2025 | 16 | $ | 10.86 | 52 | $ | 18,139 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| January 27, 2025 - February 23, 2025 | 2 | $ | 12.44 | 12 | $ | 18,025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| February 24, 2025 - March 30, 2025 | 2 | $ | 12.40 | 54 | $ | 17,504 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total number of shares purchased: | 20 | 118 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(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 2018 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. 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 March 30, 2025, no director or officer of Potbelly adopted terminated
Item 1.02 Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement.
As previously reported, on March 26, 2021, Potbelly Corporation (the “Company”) entered into a Cooperation Agreement (the “Cooperation Agreement”) with Intrinsic Investment Holdings, LLC (“Intrinsic”), the Vann A. Avedisian Trust U/A 8/29/85 (the “Avedisian Trust”) and Vann A. Avedisian (“Mr. Avedisian” or the “Investor Designee”) (each an
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“Investor” and collectively, with each of their respective affiliates, the “Investors”), pursuant to which, among other things, the Investor Designee was appointed to the Board of Directors and to the Audit Committee.
Pursuant to the terms of the Cooperation Agreement, on March 1, 2025, the Company sent notice to the Investors terminating the Cooperation Agreement effective as of March 6, 2025. The Company incurred no penalties or fees as a result of the termination.
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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 | ||||||||
| 31.2 | ||||||||
| 32.1 | ||||||||
| 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: May 7, 2025 | By: | /s/ Steven W. Cirulis | |||||||||
| Steven W. Cirulis | |||||||||||
| Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer | |||||||||||
| (Principal Financial Officer) | |||||||||||
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