Item 1.BUSINESS
GENERAL
The Company develops and services a system of more than 5,400 DAIRY QUEEN stores in the United States, Canada and other foreign countries featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, various dairy desserts and beverages; more than 480 ORANGE JULIUS stores in the United States, Canada and other foreign countries featuring blended drinks made from orange juice, fruits and fruit flavors, along with various snack items; and more than 90 KARMELKORN stores featuring popcorn and other treat items.
To support and promote the businesses of its franchisees, the Company undertakes product development and market testing, creates and coordinates advertising programs, provides training and advisory services for store operators and enforces quality control standards.
A major portion of the Company's operating income is derived from franchise fees paid by franchised stores and stores licensed by territorial operators. The Company does not itself operate stores except for one DAIRY QUEEN store which is used for market and product testing.
The Company also sells equipment to stores and sells other products used in store operations to a system of independently owned warehouses, which also purchase approved products from other suppliers. These warehouses in turn sell products to retail stores in their geographical areas.
Except for providing financing for the sale of specialized equipment to its franchisees, offering limited financing services for the remodeling of existing franchised stores and for providing certain leasing services for stores located in shopping malls, the Company has not generally provided financial assistance or guarantees for the construction or operation of franchised stores.
The following table sets forth certain information as to the number of stores in the DAIRY QUEEN, ORANGE JULIUS, KARMELKORN and GOLDEN SKILLET systems.
FRANCHISING SYSTEM
DAIRY QUEEN. Stores are located in all states, except Rhode Island, as well as Canada, Japan and several other countries. Most stores are located in smaller towns and suburbs of larger cities. Some franchised stores offer only soft serve dairy products, while others also offer some or all of the food items in the BRAZIER line. The Company endeavors to have its DAIRY QUEEN franchisees offer a more complete line of authorized products.
The first DAIRY QUEEN store was opened in Illinois in 1940. In 1945, two predecessor companies began to develop the DAIRY QUEEN system on a national basis by granting territorial franchise rights for specific geographical areas. In 1962, certain territorial operators formed International Dairy Queen, Inc., by contributing their territorial franchise rights and acquiring ownership of the DAIRY QUEEN trademarks and other franchise rights.
DAIRY QUEEN/BRAZIER stores offer a menu of fast food items, including hamburgers, various dairy desserts (including soft serve and frozen yogurt) and beverages which are marketed under the DAIRY QUEEN and BRAZIER trademarks. Retail prices are determined by the store operators.
The DAIRY QUEEN dairy dessert product line which includes cones of various sizes, BLIZZARD Flavor Treats, as well as shakes, malts and sundaes, hardpacked products for home consumption and specialty frozen confections. These products are prepared in the store from the Company's specially formulated mixes by means of distinctive freezing and dispensing units.
The BRAZIER product line, adopted nationally in 1968, consists of a food menu featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue, fish and chicken sandwiches, french fried potatoes and onion rings.
The Company franchises DAIRY QUEEN stores either directly through agreements with individual retail store operators or indirectly through agreements with territorial operators who are authorized to grant franchise rights to store operators within a specified territory.
The terms of direct store franchise agreements used by the Company have been modified from time to time as experience and changing circumstances have required. The present DAIRY QUEEN franchise agreement provides that the store franchisee shall pay to the Company an initial service and set-up fee of $30,000, and a continuing franchise service fee of 4% of gross retail sales. The Company may permit certain qualified existing franchisees to open additional stores by paying a reduced service and set-up fee. Other forms of store agreements currently in force, most of which were entered into prior to 1968, provide for varying levels of service fees computed on different bases, such as the amount of total DAIRY QUEEN mix or products dispensed. All direct franchisees pay some fees to the Company, and at November 30, 1993, 2,447 of the 3,614 stores franchised by the Company in the United States and Canada were paying a continuing franchise service fee of 4% or more.
At November 30, 1993, there were 144 Dairy Queen territorial operators in the United States who are licensed by the Company to grant franchise rights in specific geographic areas. Most of the existing territorial operator agreements were granted prior to 1950 during the early stages of development of the predecessor companies. Since 1973, the Company has acquired the rights of a number of territorial operators and has sought to convert subfranchisees to a direct franchise basis. The Company expects to continue to acquire the rights of territorial operators when it has the opportunity to do so on terms acceptable to the Company.
While the business terms of individual territorial operator agreements may differ in certain respects, they generally provide for substantial uniformity in terms of operation and product quality. The territory covered by territorial operator agreements vary, although most are for limited geographical areas as is evidenced by the fact that most have five or fewer stores. Many of the Company's territorial franchises provide for continuing payments to the Company generally computed on the basis of a percentage of the franchise service fees collected by the territorial operator. However, at November 30, 1993, 144 stores were subfranchised or operated by territorial operators who do not have any obligation to pay the Company any franchise service fees. As to most of these stores, the Company's right to control and supervise quality standards and methods of operation is limited to that activity normally required of the holder of a trademark or service mark under the laws related to trademark protection to control the nature and quality of goods sold under its trademark or service mark.
TREAT CENTER. With the acquisition of KARMELKORN in 1986 and ORANGE JULIUS in 1987, the TREAT CENTER concept has emerged. This franchising concept combines DAIRY QUEEN treat items together with either or both ORANGE JULIUS and KARMELKORN menu items under one storefront within a shopping mall. By combining the products of these franchising systems, the Company seeks to substantially increase store sales volumes in order to support the signing of leases that would be too expensive for a one product-line store. The present TREAT CENTER franchise agreement provides that the store franchisee shall pay to the Company an initial service and set-up fee of $15,000, and a continuing franchise service fee of 6% of gross retail sales. The Company permits certain existing franchisees to open additional stores without paying an initial service and set-up fee. At November 30, 1993, there were 111 TREAT CENTER units, of which 93 were in the United States and 18 in Canada, all of which were franchised by the Company.
ORANGE JULIUS. In August 1987, the Company acquired Orange Julius of America and Orange Julius Canada Limited, franchisors of retail stores which feature blended drinks made from orange juice, fruits and fruit flavors. Most of the stores are located in shopping malls. At November 30, 1993, there were 480 ORANGE JULIUS stores, of
which 352 were in the United States, 104 were in Canada, and 24 in other foreign countries, all of which were franchised by the Company.
The present ORANGE JULIUS franchise agreement provides that the store franchisee shall pay to the Company an initial service and set-up fee of $15,000 ($5,000 for certain existing franchises), a continuing franchise service fee of 6% of gross retail sales.
KARMELKORN. In March 1986, the Company acquired Karmelkorn Shoppes, Inc., a franchisor of retail stores which sell popcorn, candy and other treat items. Most of the stores are located in shopping malls. At November 30, 1993, there were 95 Karmelkorn stores, of which 89 were in the United States and 6 were in foreign countries, all of which were franchised by the Company.
GOLDEN SKILLET. In December 1981, the Company acquired the United States and international (exclusive of Canada) franchise rights and other selected assets of the GOLDEN SKILLET system. GOLDEN SKILLET stores feature fried chicken and side dishes. In October 1992, the Company assigned the franchises, trademarks and related assets for GOLDEN SKILLET in the contiguous 48 United States and the District of Columbia to a non-affiliated company. The Company continues to hold the GOLDEN SKILLET franchises and rights for the rest of the world. At November 30, 1993, there were 17 GOLDEN SKILLET stores in foreign countries, all of which were franchised by the Company.
FIRSTAFF. In March 1989, the Company acquired 60% ownership of Firstaff, Inc., specialists in the placement of permanent and temporary office support personnel. Firstaff operates three placement offices in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and two franchised offices, one in Atlanta and one in Seattle.
NEW STORES
The Company is continuously seeking to open new stores. The ability of the Company to open new stores is most dependent upon recruiting qualified operators with suitable sites. New stores franchised by the Company are constructed in accordance with the Company's specifications and standards. Substantially all stores have a standardized appearance as well as uniform product lines and operating methods.
The Company also has a program whereby existing franchisees in good standing with the Company may be awarded an additional store franchise at reduced cost.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS
Foreign operations, excluding Canada, did not have a significant effect on consolidated operations for the year ended November 30, 1993. The Company's operations in Canada are substantially similar to its U.S. operations. Of the 762 foreign stores, at November 30, 1993, 542 were located in Canada, 108 in Japan and 112 in 21 other foreign countries.
COMPANY SERVICES
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND TEST MARKETING. The Company continually attempts to develop new products. New product concepts are obtained from vendors, franchisees and company personnel who work with the Company's Research and Development personnel to develop a product concept into a finished product suitable for the system.
ADVERTISING AND SALES PROMOTION. The Company develops and conducts national and area sales promotion and advertising programs principally through television, radio and newspapers. For each of the four food systems the Company is assisted by an advisory council, the majority of whose members are elected by members of the system. Substantially all amounts expended for advertising and promotion are provided by franchisees who contribute to advertising funds. The present franchise agreements provide that franchisees shall pay an amount equal to 3% to 6% of gross sales to the advertising and sales promotion funds administered by the Company. Funds administered by the Company for advertising and sales promotion during 1993, 1992 and 1991 aggregated approximately $47,800,000, $44,200,000 and $44,900,000, respectively. In addition to the funds administered by the Company, many stores expend funds for local and regional advertising. Unexpended advertising funds were $2,092,851 and $1,603,745 at November 30, 1993 and 1992, respectively.
MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION. The Company is one of over 9O approved manufacturers of DAIRY QUEEN mix. In addition to DAIRY QUEEN mix and concentrates, the Company sells equipment which is manufactured by independent manufacturers. The Company also purchases approved perishable and nonperishable supplies and resells them to independently-owned authorized warehouses described below. Substantially all of the Company's sales of products consist of products purchased for resale from manufacturers and suppliers unrelated to the Company. Neither the retail stores nor the authorized warehouses are required to purchase any products from the Company.
In order to provide stores with a convenient source of approved merchandise, the Company has arranged for a system of over 90 authorized warehouses which purchase, inventory and sell approved food and miscellaneous supplies to stores. In addition to the authorized warehouses, there are a number of warehouses which are not under contract with the Company which purchase products directly from approved manufacturers for resale to stores.
TRAINING AND ADVISORY SERVICES. The Company provides a wide range of training and advisory services to its franchisees. New store operators franchised by the Company are to attend a two-week course of intensive training at the Company's training center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The attendees are given classroom and practical instruction in procedures for product preparation, business and financial management, marketing and promotion and related operational matters. Periodic refresher training and instruction are available to all franchisees at the Company's training center and at state, regional and national conferences and seminars. The Company also makes available training aids and materials for the franchisees' use in instructing store employees.
QUALITY CONTROL. The Company conducts a periodic evaluation program designed to insure a high standard of operation, quality and product uniformity. Through 106 field consultants and 14 regional managers, the Company furnishes franchisees with information, advice and recommendations relating to facility image, menu/product preparation, financial management, personnel management and marketing. In order to maintain quality control, stores are generally required to use approved products. The Company maintains a system of approved manufacturers which are authorized to manufacture and sell products such as mix, meat, containers, paper goods, equipment and sales promotion materials.
REGULATION OF FRANCHISE BUSINESS
The Company and its franchisees are subject to various federal, state and local laws affecting their businesses. The Company and its franchisees are subject to a variety of regulatory provisions relating to wholesomeness of food, sanitation, health and safety. The Company is also subject to a substantial number of state laws regulating the offer and sale of franchises. Such laws impose registration and disclosure requirements on franchisors in the offer and sale of franchises and may also regulate termination, renewal fees and other substantive aspects of the relationship between franchisor and franchisee. The Company is also subject to Federal Trade Commission regulations governing disclosure requirements in the sale of franchises. The Company believes it is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing its operations.
COMPETITION
All areas of the fast food service business are highly competitive, and the Company has many competitors, some of whom are large companies selling a more diversified line of products and having greater financial resources than the Company. The DAIRY QUEEN/BRAZIER, ORANGE JULIUS, KARMELKORN and GOLDEN SKILLET stores compete with a large number of national chains as well as locally-owned restaurants, drive-ins, take-home outlets and similar establishments, offering food at low and medium prices. Extensive and active competition also exists in the acquisition of commercial locations suitable for stores.
A key competitive factor is the reputation and image of the system. The Company believes that public recognition of DAIRY QUEEN/BRAZIER, ORANGE JULIUS, and KARMELKORN names contributes significantly to sales by stores. The Company owns the DAIRY QUEEN and BRAZIER trademarks registered in the United States Patent Office and in each of the fifty states and in the Canadian Trademarks Office. The Company also owns a number of United States and foreign registrations of other trademarks, including ORANGE JULIUS, KARMELKORN and GOLDEN SKILLET, and service marks used in the conduct of its business. The Company believes that the success of its business depends to a large extent on its trademark and service mark protection and, where and when necessary, intends to continue to protect its trademarks by appropriate legal action.
EMPLOYEES
At November 30, 1993, the Company employed 538 persons (including 55 persons employed by Firstaff, Inc.) primarily in sales, supervisory, clerical and managerial activities. The Company maintains a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan which is available to all full-time employees with one year or more of service. The Company also maintains a Section 125 Plan which is available to full-time employees after 30 days of service. The Company has never experienced a work stoppage due to labor difficulty and considers its employee relations to be satisfactory.
Item 2.
Item 2.PROPERTIES
On December 1, 1992, the Company purchased a 14-year-old office building aggregating 110,000 square feet, of which 73,400 square feet is utilized by the Company for its principal administrative offices and training center. The remaining 36,600 square feet is leased to a third party under a lease expiring November 30, 1995.
The Company also owns a mix manufacturing plant in Decatur, Georgia, a Canadian office building/warehouse and the store facilities described below. Warehouse space aggregating 35,023 square feet is under lease expiring in 2001 and twelve regional offices comprising 15,251 square feet are under leases expiring from 1994 to 1998. Firstaff, Inc. has four offices in Minnesota, aggregating 15,807 square feet, which are under leases expiring from 1994 to 1997. The aggregate rental charges for the Company's administrative, Firstaff and operating facilities, excluding stores, were approximately $910,000 and $1,500,000 for fiscal 1993 and fiscal 1992, respectively.
At November 30, 1993, the Company owned real property relating to nine stores with an aggregate net book value of approximately $2,010,000, all of which were leased to franchisees. See Notes 4 and 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Company's properties.
Item 3.
Item 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time-to-time, and at present, the Company is subject to various claims and lawsuits in the ordinary course of business, some of which include allegations by franchisees and subfranchisees that the Company has violated antitrust and other laws. Such claims sometimes arise in connection with actions by the Company to collect amounts owed by franchisees or to enforce or terminate franchise agreements. The Company does not believe that any existing claim or lawsuit will have a material adverse effect on the business or financial condition of the Company.
Item 4.
Item 4.SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
Item 5.
Item 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
(a) Since 1972, the Company's common stock has been traded in the over-the-counter market. Both Class A common stock and Class B common stock are listed on NASDAQ National Market System and trade under the symbols INDQA and INDQB, respectively.
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low closing prices for the Class A common stock and Class B common stock as reported by NASDAQ. The prices shown below do not include retail markups, markdowns or commissions.
(b) As of January 21, 1994, the approximate number of record holders of the Company's Class A common stock was 1,120 and the approximate number of record holders of the Company's Class B common stock was 487.
(c) The Company has not paid cash dividends on its common stock. Future dividends will be determined by the Company's Board of Directors whose decision will be made in light of the earnings, financial position and cash requirements of the Company and other relevant factors existing at the time. The Company's credit agreements contain provisions limiting the payment of dividends. See Notes 3 and 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 6.
Item 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The information set forth under the caption "Selected Financial Data" on page 1 of the Registrant's 1993 Annual Report to Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 7.
Item 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, items from the Company's statement of income expressed as percentages of revenues, and the percentage changes in the dollar amounts of such items from the prior period.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL. The Company's revenues are derived primarily from service and franchise fees received from franchisees and the sale of perishable and nonperishable supplies and equipment for use by franchised stores. Although the Company does not allocate interest or selling, general and administrative expenses by products sold or services rendered, it believes that a major portion of its operating income results from service fees.
1993 COMPARED TO 1992. The increase of $13,560,626 (5.9%) in net sales resulted primarily from an increase of $6,441,716 in sales of perishable and non-perishable supplies (frozen and non-frozen foods, paper and plastic items, etc.) to authorized warehouses (who in turn sell to franchisees), an increase of $1,917,839 in equipment sales to franchisees and an increase of $3,326,480 in permanent and temporary placement fees by Firstaff, Inc.
The increase of $2,043,326 (5.8%) in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily from an increase in personnel and legal support costs. The increase in net interest income of $1,742,104 is the result of reduced borrowings, lower interest rates due to interest rate swap arrangements to effectively convert fixed rate senior notes to lower variable rate debt, and the accrual of $548,501 (U.S. dollars) in interest income due from Revenue Canada, resulting from agreed adjustments to the Canadian subsidiaries' taxable income for the years ended November 30, 1986 to November 30, 1992.
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, which was signed into law on August 10, 1993, increased corporate income tax rates from 34 to 35 percent retroactive to January 1, 1993. This retroactive increase required an increase in the Company's effective tax rate from 38.5% to 39.5% for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1993 and resulted in an additional tax charge for the year in the amount of $500,000 (2 cents per share).
The 7 cents per share increase in net income per share, when comparing 1993 with 1992, was due to an increase in the Company's net income and to a 3.6% decrease in the average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding.
1992 COMPARED TO 1991. Net income increased by $1,173,393 (4.2%) above the previous year results. This improvement reflects the continued increases in service fees from increased store sales and the conversion of 111 Druther's units to DAIRY QUEEN units. This increase in service fees was partially offset by reduced gross margin dollars on net sales and an increase in net interest expense.
The increase of $6,325,465 (2.9%) in net sales resulted from increased sales of perishable and nonperishable products to authorized warehouses, increases in permanent and temporary placement fees by Firstaff, Inc., and increases in sales of promotional items.
These increases were partially offset by a reduction in equipment sales to franchisees, which was primarily the result of higher-than-normal equipment sales in 1991, as a result of the conversion of Druther's units to DAIRY QUEEN stores during that period.
Of the $3,693,238 (7.9%) increase in service fees, 52% was due to increased sales levels of the stores and the balance due to receiving the full service fee rate in 1992 on the 111 Druther's restaurant sites previously converted to DAIRY QUEEN stores.
The increase in net interest expense in fiscal 1992 is the result of increased borrowings and reduced interest rates on short-term investments.
The increase of 7 cents per share in net income per share when comparing 1992 with 1991 was due to increases in the Company's net income and to a decrease in the average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding.
SEASONALITY OF BUSINESS
The Company's business is highly seasonal. DAIRY QUEEN sales generally have been higher during the spring and summer months, while ORANGE JULIUS and KARMELKORN sales tend to be higher during the September to December back to school and holiday shopping periods. Historically, the Company has earned a substantial portion of its operating profit during the second and third quarters (spring and summer months). The following table shows the Company's net income by quarter for each of the past five fiscal years:
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Funds for working capital, acquisitions of territorial rights, acquisitions of the Company's common stock and capital expenditures during the last three years have been provided by internally-generated funds (net income plus amortization and depreciation) and debt financing. Available liquid resources at November 30, 1993, included $21,188,062 in cash and cash equivalents, and $9,989,490 in marketable securities. The Company does not have any material commitments for capital expenditures during fiscal year 1994 and believes that its existing credit arrangements, along with working capital generated by operations, will be sufficient to meet existing and presently anticipated needs.
IMPACT OF INFLATION
The Company does not believe its business is affected by inflation to a greater extent than the general economy. Generally, the Company has been able to offset the inflationary impact of costs and wages through a combination of productivity gains and price increases.
INCOME TAXES
The Company is required to adopt FASB Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," in the first quarter of fiscal year 1994, which will result in an estimated increase in deferred tax liabilities of approximately $10 million. Since the Company has elected to restate prior year financial statements, the effect of adopting the new rules will be reflected as an adjustment to retained earnings as of November 30, 1991.
Item 8.
Item 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
An index to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules is found on page 10 of this report.
Item 9.
Item 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
Item 10.
Item 10.DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Information with respect to Directors, appearing under "Election of Directors" in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 9, 1994, is incorporated herein by reference. The names, ages, and positions of all of the officers of the Company are listed below along with their business experience during the past five years. Officers are normally elected annually by the Board of Directors at its annual meeting. Charles W. Mooty is the son of John W. Mooty. There are no other family relationships among these officers, nor any arrangement between any officer and any person pursuant to which the officer was selected.
Item 11.
Item 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information with respect to directors and officers, appearing under "Information Concerning Directors and Officers" in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 9, 1994, is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12.
Item 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Information with respect to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management, appearing under "Outstanding Stock" in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 9, 1994, is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13.
Item 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Information with respect to certain relationships and related transactions, appearing under "Information Concerning Directors and Officers" in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 9, 1994, is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14.
Item 14.EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
INTERNATIONAL DAIRY QUEEN, INC. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES SCHEDULE VIII -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Secturities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
INTERNATIONAL DAIRY QUEEN, INC.
By /s/ MICHAEL P. SULLIVAN
----------------------------------- Michael P. Sullivan PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
DATE: February 18, 1994
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated: