nrom_10k.htm


U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark one)
þ  Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
          for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
 o  Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
          for the transition period from ____ to____.

 
Commission file number 0-11104

NOBLE ROMAN'S, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 Indiana  35-1281154
 (State or other jurisdiction  (I.R.S. Employer
  of incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
 

One Virginia Avenue, Suite 300
Indianapolis, Indiana  46204
(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (317) 634-3377
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  Common Stock

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.Yes oNo þ

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.Yes oNo þ

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 þ       No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes þ       No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.(Check one):
 
Large Accelerated Filer   o      Accelerated Filer o     Non-Accelerated Filer o (do not check if a smaller reporting company)   Smaller Reporting Company þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).Yes oNo þ
 
The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2014, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, based on the closing price of the registrant’s common shares on such date was $16.3 million.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:  20,095,087 shares of common stock as of March 9, 2015.

Documents Incorporated by Reference:

Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the registrant’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III.
 


 
 
 

 

NOBLE ROMAN'S, INC.
FORM 10-K
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Table of Contents

 
                          

Item   Page 
  PART I  
     
1.
Business
4
1A.
Risk Factors
11
1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
13
2.
Properties
13
3.
Legal Proceedings
14
4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
14
     
 
PART II
 
5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
14
6.
Selected Financial Data
15
7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
16
7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
24
8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
25
9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
39
9A.
Controls and Procedures
39
9B.
Other Information
40
     
 
PART III
 
10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
40
11.
Executive Compensation
41
12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
41
13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
41
14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
41
 
 
PART IV
 
15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
41


 
3

 


PART 1
 
ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

General Information

Noble Roman’s, Inc., an Indiana corporation incorporated in 1972 with two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Pizzaco, Inc. and N.R. Realty, Inc., sells and services franchises and licenses for non-traditional foodservice operations and stand-alone take-n-bake locations under the trade names “Noble Roman’s Pizza”, “Noble Roman’s Take-N-Bake” and  “Tuscano’s Italian Style Subs”.  The concepts’ hallmarks include high quality pizza and sub sandwiches, along with other related menu items, simple operating systems, fast service times, labor-minimizing operations, attractive food costs and overall affordability.  Since 1997, the Company has concentrated its efforts and resources primarily on franchising and licensing for non-traditional locations and now has awarded franchise and/or license agreements in 50 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Italy, the Dominican Republic and Canada.  The Company currently focuses all of its sales efforts on (1) franchises/licenses for non-traditional locations primarily in convenience stores and entertainment facilities, (2) franchises for stand-alone Noble Roman’s Take-N-Bake Pizza retail outlets and (3) license agreements for grocery stores to sell the Noble Roman’s Take-N-Bake Pizza.  Pizzaco, Inc. owns and operates two Company locations used for testing and demonstration purposes. The Company has no plans to operate any other locations. References in this report to the “Company” are to Noble Roman’s, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.

Products & Systems

The Company’s non-traditional franchises provide high-quality products, simple operating systems, labor minimizing operations and attractive food costs.

Noble Roman’s Pizza

The hallmark of Noble Roman’s Pizza is “Superior quality that our customers can taste.”  Every ingredient and process has been designed with a view to produce superior results.
 
 
Crust made with only specially milled flour (except for its gluten-free crust) with above average protein and yeast.
Fresh packed, uncondensed and never cooked sauce made with secret spices, parmesan cheese and vine-ripened tomatoes.
100% real cheese blended from mozzarella and Muenster, with no soy additives or extenders.
100% real meat toppings, with no additives or extenders – a distinction compared to many pizza concepts.
Vegetable and mushroom toppings that are sliced and delivered fresh, never canned.
An extended product line that includes breadsticks and cheesy stix with dip, pasta, baked sandwiches, salads, wings and a line of breakfast products.
A fully-prepared pizza crust that captures the made-from-scratch pizzeria flavor which gets delivered to the franchise location shelf-stable so that dough handling is no longer an impediment to a consistent product.
 
 
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Noble Roman’s Take-N-Bake

The Company developed a take-n-bake version of its pizza as an addition to its menu offerings.  The take-n-bake pizza is designed as an add-on component for new and existing convenience stores, as a stand-alone offering for grocery stores and as the centerpiece of the Company’s stand-alone take-n-bake retail outlet concept.  The Company offers the take-n-bake program in grocery stores under  a license agreement rather than a franchise agreement.  The stand-alone take-n-bake pizza  is offered under a franchise agreement.  In convenience stores, take-n-bake is an available menu offering under the existing franchise/license agreement.  The Company uses the same high quality pizza ingredients for its take-n-bake pizza as with its standard pizza, with slight modifications to portioning for enhanced home baking performance.

Tuscano’s Italian Style Subs

Tuscano’s Italian Style Subs is a separate non-traditional location concept that focuses on sub sandwich menu items.  Tuscano’s was designed to be comfortably familiar from a customer’s perspective but with many distinctive features that include an Italian-themed menu.  The franchise fee and ongoing royalty for a Tuscano’s franchise is identical to that charged for a Noble Roman’s Pizza franchise.  The Company awards Tuscano’s franchises in the same facilities as Noble Roman’s Pizza franchises.    Noble Roman’s has developed a grab-n-go service system for a selected portion of the Tuscano’s menu. The grab-n-go system is designed to add sales opportunities at existing non-traditional Noble Roman’s Pizza locations.

Business Strategy

The Company’s business strategy includes the following principal elements:

1.  Focus on revenue expansion through three primary growth vehicles:

Sales of Non-Traditional Franchises and Licenses. The Company believes it has an opportunity for increasing unit growth and revenue within its non-traditional venues, particularly with convenience stores, travel plazas and entertainment facilities. The Company’s franchises/licenses in non-traditional locations are foodservice providers within a host business, and usually require a substantially lower investment compared to a stand-alone traditional location.  Non-traditional franchises/licenses are most often sold into pre-existing facilities as a service and/or revenue enhancer for the underlying business.

Licensing and Franchising the Company’s Take-N-Bake Program.  The take-n-bake pizza is designed as a unique product offering for grocery stores, an add-on component for new or existing convenience store franchisees/licensees and stand-alone franchise locations.  The Company is currently in discussions with several grocery store operators for numerous locations for additional take-n-bake license agreements.  In addition, the Company recently signed agreements with four grocery store distributors servicing numerous locations.  In early 2014, the Company completed a re-design of its packaging for take-n-bake pizza in grocery stores, which is a treated bottom aluminum baking pan with a clear plastic top, added new mega-topped larger pizzas (designed as value appeal to the customers) and added a new gluten-free crust.  The Company’s strategy with these new products is to secure more shelf space in existing locations, to add appeal of the program in order to attract new locations, and to generally increase sales of the Company’s products to new and existing customers.
 
 
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Franchising the Company’s Take-N-Bake Program for Stand-Alone Locations.  In 2012, the Company developed a stand-alone take-n-bake pizza prototype.  The first stand-alone take-n-bake pizza location opened  in October 2012 and, as of March 1, 2015, there are 23 locations open.  The Company’s stand-alone take-n-bake program features the chain’s popular traditional Hand-Tossed Style pizza, Deep-Dish Sicilian pizza, SuperThin pizza, the new gluten-free pizza and Noble Roman’s famous breadsticks with spicy cheese sauce, all in a convenient cook-at-home format.  Additional menu items include fresh salads, cookie dough, cinnamon rounds, bake-able pasta and more.  The Company is currently advertising for additional franchisees through various web-based franchise referral systems and, in selected markets, newspaper and on-line advertising.  The Company conutinues to develop and test several possible enhancments to the stand-alone take-n-bake concept, with a view to adding revenue to each location and reducing costs.

As a result of the Company’s major focus on non-traditional franchising/licensing, franchising stand-alone take-n-bake retail outlets and licensing take-n-bake pizzas for grocery stores, its requirements for overhead and operating costs are significantly less than if it were focusing on traditional franchising.  In addition, the Company does not operate restaurants except for two restaurants it uses for product testing, demonstration and training purposes.  This allows for a more complete focus on selling and servicing franchises and licenses to pursue increased unit growth.

2.  Leverage the results of research and development advances.

The Company has invested significant time and effort to create what it considers to be competitive advantages in its products and systems for non-traditional and take-n-bake locations.  The Company will continue to make these investments the focal point in its marketing process.  The Company believes that the quality of its products, their cost-effectiveness, relatively simple production and service systems, and its diverse, modularized menu offerings all contribute to the Company’s strategic attributes and growth potential.  Every ingredient and process was designed with a view to producing superior results.  The menu items were developed to be delivered in a ready-to-use format requiring only on-site assembly and baking except for take-n-bake pizza, which is sold to bake at home, and certain other menu items which require no assembly.  The Company believes this process results in products that are great tasting, quality consistent, easy to assemble, relatively low in food cost, and require minimal labor, which allows for a significant competitive advantage due to the speed at which the products can be prepared, baked and served to customers.

The Company believes it maintains a competitive advantage in product cost by using carefully selected, independent third-party manufacturers and independent third-party distributors.  This allows the Company  to contract for production of proprietary products and services with efficient suppliers that have the potential of keeping costs low compared to many competing systems whereby the franchisor owns and operates production and distribution systems much less efficiently.
 
3.  Aggressively communicate the Company’s competitive advantages to its target market of potential franchisees and licensees.

The Company utilizes the following methods of reaching potential franchisees and licensees and to communicate its product and system advantages:  (1) calling from both acquired and in-house prospect lists; (2) frequent direct mail campaigns to targeted prospects; (3) web-based lead capturing; (4) live demonstrations at trade and food shows; and (5) in the case of prospects for the stand-alone take-n-bake outlets, requiring visits to the Company headquarters to meet management and to sample the products.  In particular, the Company has found that conducting live demonstrations of its systems and products at selected trade and food shows across the country allows it to demonstrate advantages that can otherwise be difficult for a potential prospect to visualize.  There is no substitute for actually tasting the difference in a product’s quality to demonstrate the advantages of the Company’s products.  The Company carefully selects the national and regional trade and food shows where it either has an existing relationship or considerable previous experience to expect that such shows offer opportunities for fruitful lead generation.
 
 
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Business Operations

Distribution

Primarily all of the Company’s products are manufactured pursuant to the Company’s recipes and formulas by third-party manufacturers under contracts between the Company and its various manufacturers.  These contracts require the manufacturers to produce products meeting the Company’s specifications and to sell them to Company-approved distributors at a price negotiated between the Company and the manufacturer.

At present, the Company has distribution agreements with nine primary distributors strategically located throughout the United States.  The distribution agreements require the primary distributors to maintain adequate inventories of all products necessary to meet the needs of the Company’s franchisees and licensees in their distribution area for weekly deliveries to the franchisee/licensee locations and to its grocery store distributors in their respective territories.  Each of the primary distributors purchases the products from the manufacturer at a price negotiated between the Company and the manufacturers, but under payment terms agreed upon by the manufacturer and the distributor, and distributes the products to the franchisee/licensee at a price fixed by the distribution agreement, which is landed cost plus a contracted mark-up for distribution.  Payment terms to the distributor are agreed upon between each franchisee/licensee and the respective distributor.  In addition, the Company has agreements with several grocery store distributors located in various parts of the country which agree to buy the Company’s products from one of its primary distributors and to distribute take-n-bake products to their grocery store customers who have signed license agreements with the Company.

Franchising

The Company sells franchises into various non-traditional and traditional venues.

The initial franchise fees are as follows:

 
Franchise
 
Non-Traditional, except Hospitals
   
 
Hospitals
   
Traditional
Stand-Alone
 
Noble Roman’s Pizza
  $ 6,000     $ 10,000     $ 15,000  
Tuscano’s Subs
  $ 6,000     $ 10,000     $ 15,000  
Noble Roman’s & Tuscano’s
  $ 10,000     $ 18,000     $ 18,000  
Noble Roman’s Stand-Alone Take-N-Bake
    -       -     $ 15,000  

The franchise fees are paid upon signing the franchise agreement and, when paid, are deemed fully earned and non-refundable in consideration of the administration and other expenses incurred by the Company in granting the franchises and for the lost and/or deferred opportunities to grant such franchises to any other party.
 
 
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Licensing

Noble Roman’s Take-n-Bake Pizza licenses for grocery stores are governed by a supply agreement.  The supply agreement generally requires the licensee to:  (1) purchase proprietary ingredients from a Noble Roman’s-approved distributor; (2) assemble the products using only Noble Roman’s approved ingredients and recipes; and (3) display products in a manner approved by Noble Roman’s using Noble Roman’s point-of-sale marketing materials.  Pursuant to the distribution agreements, the distributors place an additional mark-up, as determined by the Company, above their normal selling price on the key ingredients as a fee to the Company in lieu of a  royalty.  The distributors agree to segregate this additional mark-up upon invoicing the licensee, to hold the amount in trust for the Company and to remit such fees to the Company within ten days after the end of each month.

 Competition

The restaurant industry and the retail food industry in general are very competitive with respect to convenience, price, product quality and service.  In addition, the Company competes for franchise and license sales on the basis of product engineering and quality, investment cost, cost of sales, distribution, simplicity of operation and labor requirements.  Actions by one or more of the Company’s competitors could have an adverse effect on the Company’s ability to sell additional franchises or licenses, maintain and renew existing franchises or licenses, or sell its products.  Many of the Company’s competitors are very large, internationally established companies.

Within the competitive environment of the non-traditional franchise and license segment of the restaurant industry, management has identified what it believes to be certain competitive advantages for the Company.  First, some of the Company’s competitors in the non-traditional venue are also large chains operating thousands of franchised, traditional restaurants.  Because of the contractual relationships with many of their franchisees, some competitors may be unable to offer wide-scale site availability for potential non-traditional franchisees.  The Company is not faced with any significant geographic restrictions in this regard.
 
Many of the Company’s competitors in the non-traditional venue were established with little or no organizational history in owning and operating traditional foodservice locations.  This lack of operating experience may limit their ability to attract and maintain non-traditional franchisees or licensees who, by the nature of the venue, often have little exposure to foodservice operations themselves.  The Company’s background in traditional restaurant operations has provided it experience in structuring, planning, marketing, and controlling costs of franchise or license unit operations which may be of material benefit to franchisees or licensees.

Seasonality of Sales

Direct sales of non-traditional franchises or licenses may be affected by seasonalities and holiday periods.  Sales to certain non-traditional venues may be slower around major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, and during the first quarter of the year.  The Company’s sales of take-n-bake pizza in grocery stores are typically slower during the summer months, especially when the weather is hot.  Additionally, extreme winter weather conditions, compared to the norm for the various regions of the country, adversely affect franchisee’s/licensee’s sales, which in turn affects Company royalties.
 
 
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Employees

As of March 9, 2015, the Company employed approximately 25 persons full-time and 11 persons on a part-time, hourly basis, of which 23 of the full-time employees are employed in sales and service of the franchise/license units and two of the full-time employees and the 11 employed on a part-time basis manage and work at the two Company locations.  No employees are covered under collective bargaining agreements. The Company believes that relations with its employees are good.

Trademarks and Service Marks

The Company owns and protects several trademarks and service marks.  Many of these, including NOBLE ROMAN’S ®, Noble Roman's Pizza®, THE BETTER PIZZA PEOPLE ® and Tuscano’s Italian Style Subs®, are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as well as with the corresponding agencies of certain other foreign governments.  The Company believes that its trademarks and service marks have significant value and are important to its sales and marketing efforts.

Government Regulation

The Company and its franchisees and licensees are subject to various federal, state and local laws affecting the operation of our respective businesses. Each location is subject to licensing and regulation by a number of governmental authorities, which include health, safety, sanitation, building and other agencies and ordinances in the state or municipality in which the facility is located. The process of obtaining and maintaining required licenses or approvals can delay or prevent the opening of a location. Vendors, such as our third-party production and distribution services, are also licensed and subject to regulation by state and local health and fire codes, and U. S. Department of Transportation regulations. The Company, its franchisees, licensees and vendors are also subject to federal and state environmental regulations, as well as laws and regulations relating to minimum wage and other employment-related matters.  In certain circumstances, the Company is, or soon may be, subject to various local, state and/or federal laws requiring disclosure of nutritional and/or ingredient information concerning the Company’s products, its packaging, menu boards and/or other literature. Changes in the laws and rules applicable to the Company or its franchisees or licensees, or their interpretation, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

The Company is subject to regulation by the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and various state agencies pursuant to federal and state laws regulating the offer and sale of franchises. Several states also regulate aspects of the franchisor-franchisee relationship. The FTC requires us to furnish to prospective franchisees a disclosure document containing certain specified information. Several states also regulate the sale of franchises and require registration of a franchise disclosure document with state authorities. Substantive state laws that regulate the franchisor-franchisee relationship presently exist in a substantial number of states and bills have been introduced in Congress from time to time that would provide for additional federal regulation of the franchisor-franchisee relationship in certain respects.  State laws often limit, among other things, the duration and scope of non-competition provisions and the ability of a franchisor to terminate or refuse to renew a franchise. Some foreign countries also have disclosure requirements and other laws regulating franchising and the franchisor-franchisee relationship, and the Company would be subject to applicable laws in each jurisdiction where it seeks to market additional franchised units.
 
 
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Executive Officers of the Company

Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial Officer - Paul W. Mobley* was Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer from December 1991 until October 2014 when he became Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer.  Mr. Mobley has been a Director and an Officer since 1974.  From 1975 to 1987, Mr. Mobley was a significant shareholder and president of a company which owned and operated 17 Arby’s franchise restaurants.  He is the father of A. Scott Mobley.  Mr. Mobley has a B.S. in Business Administration from Indiana University and is a CPA.

President, Chief Exeutive Officer, Secretary and a Director - A. Scott Mobley* has been President since 1997, a Director since January 1992, Secretary since February 1993 and Chief Executive Officer since October 2014.  Mr. Mobley was Vice President from November 1988 to October 1997 and from August 1987 until November 1988 served as Director of Marketing for the Company.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Mobley was a strategic planning analyst with a division of Lithonia Lighting Company.  Mr. Mobley has a B.S. in Business Administration magna cum laude from Georgetown University and an MBA from Indiana University.  He is the son of Paul W. Mobley.

Executive Vice President of Franchising - Troy Branson* has been Executive Vice President for the Company since November 1997 and from 1992 to 1997, he was Director of Business Development.  Before joining the Company, Mr. Branson was an owner of Branson-Yoder Marketing Group from 1987 to 1992, after graduating from Indiana University where he received a B.S. in Business.

Vice President of Franchise Services - Mitch Grunat has been Vice President of Franchise Services for the Company since August 2002.  Before joining the Company, Mr. Grunat was Chief Operating Officer of Lanter Eye Care from 2001 to 2002, Business Development Officer for Midwest Bankers from 2001 to 2002 and Chief Operating Officer for Tavel Optical Group from 1987 to 2000.  Mr. Grunat has a B.A. degree in English and Philosophy from Muskingum College.

Vice President of Development - James D. Bales has been Vice President of Operations/Development since March 2008.  Before becoming Vice President of Operations/Development, Mr. Bales held various positions with the Company beginning in March 2004.  Before joining the Company, Mr. Bales had 15 years of management experience in operations and marketing where he held various positions with TCBY starting in 1989.  Mr. Bales attended Northern Kentucky University for Graphic Design, Inver Hills Community College for Business Management and obtained his B.S. in Business from the University of Phoenix.

*Each of Messieurs Paul W. Mobley, A. Scott Mobley and Troy Branson are “executive officers” of the Company for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Available Information

We make available, free of charge through our Internet website (http://www.nobleromans.com), our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file these reports with, or furnish them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The information on our website is not incorporated into this annual report.
 
 
10

 

ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS
 
All phases of the Company’s operations are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks and other influences, many of which are outside of its control, and any one or a combination of which could materially affect its results of operations. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations are discussed below. Prospective investors should carefully consider these factors before investing in our securities as well as the information set forth under “Forward-Looking Statements” in Item 7 of this report. These risks and uncertainties include:

Competition from larger companies.
 
The Company competes for franchise and license sales with large national companies and numerous regional and local companies.  Many of its competitors have greater financial and other resources than the Company.  The restaurant industry in general is intensely competitive with respect to convenience, price, product quality and service.  In addition, the Company competes for franchise and license sales on the basis of several factors, including product engineering and quality, investment cost, cost of sales, distribution, simplicity of operation and labor requirements.  Activities of the Company’s competitors could have an adverse effect on the Company’s ability to sell additional franchises or licenses or maintain and renew existing franchises and licenses or operating results of the Company’s system.  Unlike the other non-traditional agreements, most of the take-n-bake license agreements with grocery stores are not for any specified period of time and, therefore, grocery stores could discontinue offering the take-n-bake pizza or other retail items at any time.  As a result of these factors, the Company may have difficulty competing effectively from time to time or in certain markets.

Dependence on growth strategy.
 
The Company’s primary growth strategy includes selling new franchises or licenses for non-traditional locations, including grocery stores and stand-alone take-n-bake pizza retail outlets.  The opening and success of new locations will depend upon various factors, which include:  (1) the traffic generated by and viability of the underlying activity or business in non-traditional locations;  (2) the ability of the franchisees and licensees to operate their locations effectively; (3) their ability to comply with applicable regulatory requirements;  and (4) the effect of competition and general economic and business conditions including food and labor costs.  Many of the foregoing factors are not within the Company’s control.  There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to achieve its plans with respect to the opening or operation of new non-traditional franchises/licenses or stand-alone take-n-bake locations.

Dependence on success of franchisees and  licensees.
 
Most of the Company’s earnings comes from royalties and other fees generated by its franchisees and licensees which are independent operators, and their employees are not the Company’s employees.  The Company is dependent on the franchisees to accurately report their weekly sales and, consequently, the calculation of royalties.  If the franchisees do not accurately report their sales, the Company’s revenue could decline. The Company provides training and support to franchisees and licensees but the quality of the store operations and collectability of the receivables may be diminished by any number of factors beyond the Company’s control. Consequently, franchisees and licensees may not successfully operate locations in a manner consistent with the Company’s standards and requirements, or may not hire and train qualified managers and other store personnel. If they do not, the Company’s image and reputation may suffer, and its revenues and stock price could decline. While the Company attempts to ensure that its franchisees and licensees maintain the quality of its brand and branded products, franchisees and licensees may take actions that adversely affect the value of the Company’s intellectual property or reputation.  Current initiatives to increase the Federal minimum wage could have an adverse financial affect on our franchisees or licensees by increasing their labor cost.
 
 
11

 

Dependence on consumer preferences and perceptions.
 
The restaurant industry and the retail food industry is often affected by changes in consumer tastes, national, regional and local economic conditions, demographic trends, traffic patterns and the type, number and location of competing restaurants.  The Company can be substantially adversely affected by publicity resulting from food quality, illness, injury, other health concerns or operating issues stemming from one restaurant or retail outlet or a limited number of restaurants and retail outlets.

Interruptions in supply or delivery of food products.
 
Dependence on frequent deliveries of product from unrelated third-party manufacturers through unrelated third-party distributors also subjects the Company to the risk that shortages or interruptions in supply caused by contractual interruptions, market conditions, inclement weather or other conditions could adversely affect the availability, quality and cost of ingredients.  In addition, factors such as inflation, market conditions for cheese, wheat, meats, paper and labor may also adversely affect the franchisees and licensees and, as a result, can adversely affect the Company’s ability to add new franchised or licensed locations.

Dependence on key executives.
 
The Company’s business has been and will continue to be dependent upon the efforts and abilities of its executive staff generally, and particularly Paul Mobley, our Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, and A. Scott Mobley, our President and Chief Executive Officer.  The loss of either of their services could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Federal, state and local laws with regard to the operation of the businesses.

The Company is subject to regulation by the FTC and various state agencies pursuant to federal and state laws regulating the offer and sale of franchises. Several states also regulate aspects of the franchisor-franchisee relationship. The FTC requires the Company to furnish to prospective franchisees a disclosure document containing certain specified information. Several states also regulate the sale of franchises and require registration of a franchise disclosure document with state authorities. Substantive state laws that regulate the franchisor-franchisee relationship presently exist in a substantial number of states, and bills have been introduced in Congress from time to time that would provide for federal regulation of the franchisor-franchisee relationship in certain respects. The state laws often limit, among other things, the duration and scope of non-competition provisions and the ability of a franchisor to terminate or refuse to renew a franchise. Some foreign countries also have disclosure requirements and other laws regulating franchising and the franchisor-franchisee relationship, and the Company would be subject to applicable laws in each jurisdiction where it seeks to market additional franchise units.
 
Each franchise location is subject to licensing and regulation by a number of governmental authorities, which include health, safety, sanitation, building and other agencies and ordinances in the state or municipality in which the facility is located. The process of obtaining and maintaining required licenses or approvals can delay or prevent the opening of a franchise location. Vendors, such as the Company’s third-party production and distribution services, are also licensed and subject to regulation by state and local health and fire codes, and U. S. Department of Transportation regulations. The Company, its franchisees and its vendors are also subject to federal and state environmental regulations.
 
 
12

 

Indiana law with regard to purchases of our stock.
 
Certain provisions of Indiana law applicable to the Company could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire, control of the Company.  Such provisions could also limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of its common stock.  These provisions include prohibitions against certain business combinations with persons or groups of persons that become “interested shareholders” (persons or groups of persons who are beneficial owners of shares with voting power equal to 10% or more) unless the board of directors approves either the business combination or the acquisition of stock before the person becomes an “interested shareholder.”

Inapplicability of corporate governance standards that apply to companies listed on a national exchange.

Our stock is quoted on the OTCQB, a Nasdaq-sponsored and operated inter-dealer automated quotation system for equity securities not included on the Nasdaq Stock Market. We are not subject to the same corporate governance requirements that apply to exchange-listed companies.  These requirements include:  (1) a majority of independent directors; (2) an audit committee of independent directors; and (3) shareholder approval of certain equity compensation plans.  As a result, quotation of our stock on the OTCQB limits the liquidity and price of our stock more than if our stock was quoted or listed on a national exchange. There is no assurance that the Company’s stock will continue to be authorized for quotation by the OTCQB or any other market in the future.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES

The Company's headquarters are located in 7,600 square feet of leased office space in Indianapolis, Indiana.  The lease for this property expires on March 31, 2015. The Company plans to extend its current lease for another three year term.

The Company also leases space for a Company-owned, dual-branded, restaurant in Indianapolis, Indiana which is used as a demonstration and test restaurant.  The lease for this property expires December 31, 2015.  The Company has the option to extend the term of this lease for one additional five-year period.

The Company leases space for operating an additional dual-branded restaurant in Indianapolis, Indiana.  The lease for this property expires in April 2016.  The Company has the option to extend the term of this lease for one additional five-year period.  This lease also provides for the Company to assign the lease to a franchisee if and when it is franchised.
 
 
13

 

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company, from time to time, is or may become involved in various litigation or regulatory proceedings arising out of its normal business operations.

Currently, there are no such pending proceedings which the Company considers to be material.

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED
       STOCKHOLDER  MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY
       SECURITIES

 Market Information

The Company's common stock is included on the Nasdaq OTCQB and trades under the symbol “NROM”.

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated, the high and low bid prices per share of common stock as reported by Nasdaq.  The quotations reflect inter-dealer prices without retail mark-up, mark-down or commissions and may not represent actual transactions.
 
     2013    2014  
Quarter Ended:
 
High
   
Low
   
High
   
Low
 
March 31
  $ 1.07     $ .72     $ 2.24     $ 1.39  
June 30
  $ 1.17     $ .78     $ 1.65     $ 1.18  
September 30
  $ 1.71     $ 1.22     $ 1.76     $ 1.50  
December 31
  $ 1.99     $ 1.40     $ 2.22     $ 1.58  

Holders of Record

As of March 9, 2015, there were approximately 268 holders of record of the Company’s common stock.  This excludes persons whose shares are held of record by a bank, brokerage house or clearing agency.

Dividends

The Company has never declared or paid dividends on its common stock.  The Company’s current loan agreement, as described in Note 3 of the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report, prohibits the payment of dividends on common stock.

Sale of Unregistered Securities

None.

Repurchases of Equity Securities

None.
 
 
14

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2014 with respect to the shares of our common stock that may be issued under our existing equity compensation plan.
 
                Plan Category              
 
Number of Securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(a)
   
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(b)
   
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders
    -     $ -       -  
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders
    3,435,000     $ 1.06       (1 )
Total
    3,435,000     $ 1.06       (1 )

(1)  The Company may grant additional options under the employee stock option plan.  There is no maximum number of shares available
       for issuance under the employee stock option plan.

The Company maintains an employee stock option plan for its employees, officers and directors.  Any employee, officer and director of the Company is eligible to be awarded options under the plan.  The employee stock option plan provides that any options issued pursuant to the plan will generally have a three-year vesting period and will expire ten years after the date of grant.  Awards under the plan are periodically made at the recommendation of the Executive Chairman and the  President and Chief Executive Officer and authorized by the Board of Directors. The employee stock option plan does not limit the number of shares that may be issued under the plan.

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (In thousands except per share data)
 
    Year Ended December 31,   
Statement of Operations Data:
 
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
 
Royalties and fees
  $ 6,726     $ 6,814     $ 6,824     $ 7,083     $ 7,479  
Administrative fees and other
    40       44       20       24       73  
Restaurant revenue
    505       518       456       421       363  
      Total revenue
    7,271       7,376       7,300       7,528       7,915  
Operating expenses
    2,150       2,202       2,348       2,527       2,716  
Restaurant operating expenses
    502       508       427       391       402  
Depreciation and amortization
    66       124       116       114       112  
General and administrative
    1,610       1,620       1,594       1,647       1,646  
      Operating income
    2,943       2,922       2,815       2,849       3,039  
Interest and other
    441       390       413       201       190  
Adjust valuation of receivables - Heyser case
    -       -       500       1,208       -  
Income before income taxes from continuing
      operations
    2,502       2,532       1,902       1,440       2,849  
Income taxes
    991       1,003       753       569       1,105  
      Net income from continuing operations
    1,511       1,529       1,149       871       1,744  
 
Loss from discontinued operations
    (1,201 )     (710 )     (525 )     (780 )     (154 )
      Net income
  $ 310     $ 819     $ 624     $ 91     $ 1,590  
      Cumulative preferred dividends
    91       99       99       99       -  
      Net income (loss) available to common
          stockholders
  $ 219     $ 720     $ 525     $  (8 )   $ 1,590  
 
Weighted average number of common shares
    19,415       19,458       19,498       19,533       19,871  
          Net income per share from continuing
              operations
  $ .08     $ .08     $ .06     $ .05     $ .09  
          Net income per share
    .02       .04       .03       .01       .08  
          Net income per share available to
              common stockholders
  $ .01     $ .04     $ .03     $ -     $ .08  
                                         
   
December 31,
 
Balance Sheet Data:
    2010       2011       2012       2013       2014  
Working capital (deficit)
  $ 927     $ (852 )   $ 1,964     $ 1,451     $ 2,267  
Total assets
    16,895       17,224       17,161       16,374       17,758  
Long-term obligations, net of current portion
    3,481       1,256       3,021       2,635       1,847  
Stockholders' equity
  $ 10,885     $ 11,728     $ 12,379     $ 11,703     $ 13,766  
 
 
15

 

ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                  CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Introduction

The Company sells and services franchises and licenses for non-traditional foodservice operations and stand-alone take-n-bake locations under the trade names “Noble Roman’s Pizza”, “Noble Roman’s Take-N-Bake” and  “Tuscano’s Italian Style Subs”.  The concepts’ hallmarks include high quality pizza and sub sandwiches, along with other related menu items, simple operating systems, fast service times, labor-minimizing operations, attractive food costs and overall affordability.  Since 1997, the Company has concetrated its efforts and resources primarily on franchising and licensing for non-traditional locations and now has awarded franchise and/or license agreements in 50 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Italy, Dominican Republic and Canada.

There were 2,029 franchised or licensed outlets in operation on December 31, 2013 and 2,215 on December 31, 2014.  During that 12-month period ended December 31, 2014, 242 new franchised or licensed outlets opened and 56 franchised outlets left the system.  Grocery stores are accustomed to adding products for a period of time, removing them for a period of time and possibly re-offering them.  Therefore, it is unknown how many grocery store licenses have left the system.

As discussed in Note 1 of the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the Company uses significant estimates in evaluating such items as notes and accounts receivable to reflect the actual amount expected to be collected for total receivables.  At December 31, 2013 and 2014, the Company reported net accounts receivable of $1.69 million and $3.57 million, respectively, each of which were net of allowances.  The allowance at December 31, 2014 was $2.25 million to reflect the amount the Company expects to realize for the receivables.  The Company has reviewed each of its accounts and notes receivable and only included receivables in the amount expected to be collected.  The Company, at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014, had a deferred tax asset on its balance sheet totaling $10.582 million and $9.574 million, respectively.  After reviewing expected results from the Company’s current business plan, the Company believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be utilized prior to their expiration, which expire between 2018 and 2033.

Financial Summary

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results may differ from those estimates.  The Company evaluates the carrying values of its assets, including property, equipment and related costs, accounts receivable and deferred tax asset, periodically to assess whether any impairment indications are present due to (among other factors) recurring operating losses, significant adverse legal developments, competition, changes in demand for the Company’s products or changes in the business climate that affect the recovery of recorded values.  If any impairment of an individual asset is evident, a charge will be provided to reduce the carrying value to its estimated fair value.
 
 
16

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations Data
Noble Roman's, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                                                     
    Years Ended December 31,  
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
 
Royalties and fees
  $ 6,823,811       93.5 %   $ 7,082,548       94.1 %   $ 7,479,334       94.5 %
Administrative fees and other
    19,872       .3       24,138       .3       72,541       .9  
Restaurant revenue
    456,449       6.2       420,753       5.6       363,340       4.6  
     Total revenue
    7,300,132       100.0       7,527,439       100.0       7,915,215       100.0  
                                                 
Franchise-related operating
  expenses:
                                               
     Salaries and wages
    979,447       13.4       1,056,790       14.0       1,063,076       13.4  
     Trade show expense
    498,951       6.8       514,570       6.8       541,385       6.8  
     Travel expense
    183,316       2.5       207,572       2.8       235,127       3.0  
     Other operating expense
    685,836       9.4       747,914       9.9       876,162       11.1  
Restaurant expenses
    427,127       5.9       390,507       5.2       402,281       5.1  
Depreciation
    116,287       1.6       113,607       1.5       111,750       1.4  
General and administrative
    1,593,646       21.8       1,646,993       21.9       1,646,502       20.8  
     Total Expenses
    4,484,610       61.3       4,677,953       62.1       4,876,283       61.6  
     Operating income
    2,815,522       38.6       2,849,486       37.9       3,038,932       38.4  
 
                                               
Interest and other expense
    413,334       5.7       201,381       2.7       190,382       2.4  
Adjust valuation of receivables –
     Heyser Case
     500,000       6.8       1,208,162       16.0        -        -  
                                                 
     Income before income taxes
    1,902,188       26.1       1,439,943       19.2       2,848,550       36.0  
Income taxes
    753,457       10.3       568,406       7.6       1,104,809       14.0  
     Net income from continuing
          operations
  $ 1,148,731       15.8 %   $ 871,537       11.6 %   $ 1,743,741       22.0 %


 
     Quarters Ended December 31,  
   
2013
   
2014
 
Royalties and fees
  $ 1,624,114       94.6 %   $ 1,708,334       94.5 %
Administrative fees and other
    9,870       .6       15,359       .9  
Restaurant revenue
    82,533       4.8       83,629       4.6  
     Total revenue
    1,716,517       100.0       1,807,322       100.0  
                                 
Franchise-related operating
  expenses:
                               
     Salaries and wages
    276,229       16.1       273,547       15.1  
     Trade show expense
    124,413       7.2       140,540       7.8  
     Travel expense
    53,987       3.1       64,326       3.6  
     Other operating expense
    188,164       11.0       232,224       12.8  
Restaurant expenses
    86,324       5.0       100,628       5.6  
Depreciation
    28,572       1.7       28,286       1.6  
General and administrative
    411,806       24.0       417,578       23.1  
     Total Expenses
    1,169,495       68.1       1,257,129       69.6  
     Operating income
    547,022       31.9       550,193       30.4  
 
                               
Interest and other expense
    50,771       3.0       49,517       2.7  
Adjust valuation of receivables –
     Heyser Case
    1,208,162       70.4        -        -  
                                 
     Income before income taxes
    (711,911 )     (41.5 )     500,676       27.7  
Income taxes
    (282,378 )     (16.5 )     198,061       10.9  
     Net income from continuing
          operations
  $ (429,533 )     (25.0 )%   $ 302,615       16.8 %
 
 
17

 

2014 Compared to 2013

Total revenue for year 2014 increased to $7.9 million from $7.5 million in 2013.  For the three months ended December 31, 2014, total revenue increased to $1.8 million from $1.7 million for the comparable period in 2013.  For the year 2014, franchise fees and equipment commissions (“Upfront Fees”) decreased to $392,000 from $883,000 for 2013.  For the three-month period ended December 31, 2014, Upfront Fees decreased to $74,000 from $147,000 for the comparable period in 2013.  Royalties and fees, less Upfront Fees, increased to $7.1 million for 2014 from $6.2 million in 2013, or a 14% increase.  For the three-month period  ended December 31, 2014, royalties and fees less Upfront Fees increased to $1.6 million from $1.5 million for the comparable period in 2013, or a 7% increase.  The breakdown of royalties and fees less Upfront Fees for year 2014 and for the three months ended December 31, 2014 compared to the comparable periods in 2013, respectively, were: royalties and fees from non-traditional franchises other than grocery stores were $4.5 million and $993,000 and $4.3 million and $1.0 million; royalties and fees from the grocery store take-n-bake were $1.5 million and $340,000 and $1.3 million and $257,000; royalties and fees from stand-alone take-n-bake franchises were $849,000 and $234,000 and $310,000 and $146,000; royalties and fees from traditional locations were $283,000 and $67,000 and $313,000 and $74,000. The decline in Upfront Fees was the result of selling less franchises for the Company’s stand alone take-n- bake franchise. The growth in the royalties and fees from grocery store take-n-bake were the result of adding new packaging and new products.

During 2014, the Company began auditing sales used to compute royalties reported by non-traditional franchisees and plans to continue to do so on an ongoing basis, the effect of which is unknown.  The Company estimates franchise sales based on product purchases as reflected on distributor reports. Where under-reporting is identified, the Company invoiced the franchisees for royalties on the unreported amount.  
 
 
18

 

Restaurant revenue for 2014 decreased to $363,000 from $421,000 in 2013.  For the three-month period ended December 31, 2014, restaurant revenue increased to $84,000 from $83,000 for the comparable period in 2013.  The Company only operates two locations used primarily for testing and demonstration purposes.

As a percentage of total revenue, salaries and wages for 2014 decreased to 13.4% from 14.0% in 2013.  For the three-month period ended December 31, 2014, salaries and wages decreased to 15.1% from 16.1% for the comparable period in 2013.  Salaries and wages remained approximately the same at $1.1 million for both 2014 and 2013.  For the three-month period ended December 31, 2014, salaries and wages decreased to $274,000 from $276,000 for the comparable period in 2013.

As a percentage of total revenue, trade show expenses for 2014 remained the same as 2013 at 6.8%.  For the three-month period ended December 31, 2014, trade show expenses increased to 7.8%  from 7.2%  for the comparable period in 2013.  Trade show expenses were $541,000 and $141,000,respectively, for the year and three-month period ended December 31, 2014 compared to $515,000 and $124,000, respectively, for the comparable periods in 2013.

As a percentage of total revenue, travel expenses for 2014 increased to 3.0% from 2.8% in 2013.  For the three month period ended December 31, 2014 travel expense increased to 3.6% from 3.1% for the comparable period in 2013.  Travel expense were $235,000 and $64,000, respectively, for the year and three-month period ended December 31, 2014 and $208,000 and $54,000, respectively, for the comparable periods in 2013.

As a percentage of total revenue, other operating expenses for 2014 increased to 11.1% compared to 9.9% in 2013.  For the three-month period ended December 31, 2014, other operating expenses increased to 12.8% from 11.0% for the comparable period in 2013.  The primary reasons for the increased other operating expenses were an increase in group insurance, general insurance and advertising costs while all other operating expenses decreased.

As a percentage of total revenue, restaurant expenses in 2014 decreased to 5.1% from 5.2% in 2013.  For the three-month period ended December 31, 2014, restaurant expenses increased to 5.6% from 5.0% for the comparable period in 2013.  The Company only operates two restaurants which it uses for demonstration, training and testing purposes.

As a percentage of total revenue, general and administrative expenses for 2014 decreased to 20.8% from 21.9% in 2013.  For the three-month period ended December 31, 2014, general and administation expenses decreased to 23.1% from 24.0% for the comparable period in 2013.   The decrease in general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of total revenue, was the result of revenue increases.

As a percentage of total revenue, total expenses for 2014 decreased to 61.6% from 62.1% in 2013. For the three-month period ended December 31, 2014, total expenses increased to 69.6% from 68.1% for the comparable period in 2013.  The decrease for the year was the result of increased revenue partially offset by an increase in the amount of  expenses.

As a percentage of total revenue, operating income for 2014 increased to 38.4% from 37.9% in 2013.
 
 
19

 
 
For the three-month period ended December 31, 2014, operating income decreased to 30.4% from 31.9% for the comparable period in 2013.  The increase for the year was a result of the success of the  Company’s strategies to increase revenue while maintaining relatively stable operating expenses.

Interest expense, as a percentage of total revenue, for 2014 decreased to 2.4% from 2.7%  in 2013.  For the three-month period ended December 31, 2014, interest expense decreased to 2.7% from 3.0% for the comparable period in 2013.  Actual interest expense decreased to $190,000 and $50,000, respectively, for the year and three month period ended December 31, 2014 compared to $201,000 and $51,000, respectively, for the comparable periods in 2013.  The primary reason for the decrease in interest expense was the continued amortization of the principal balance of notes payable.

Net income before income taxes from continuing operations for 2014 increased to $2.8 million from $1.4 million in 2013;  however, 2013 included a valuation allowance related to the Heyser case of $1.2 million.   For the three-month period ended December 31, 2014,  net income before income taxes from continuing operations was $501,000 compared to  a loss of $712,000 for the comparable period in 2013.  Although income tax expense is reflected on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations, the Company will not pay any income tax on approximately the next $22.6 million in net income before income taxes due to its net operating loss carry-forwards.

Loss on discontinued operations decreased to $153,000 in 2014 compared to $780,000 in 2013. This decrease is the result of the issues, related to the discontinued operations in 1999 and 2008, having been mostly resolved.

Net income for 2014 increased to $1.6 million from $91,000 in 2013.   The increase in net income was a result of the Company’s strategies to increase revenue while maintaining total expenses relatively stable. In addition, the Company’s net income in 2013 was reduced by the recording of a valulation allowance related to the Heyser case with an aftertax effect of $730,000.

2013 Compared to 2012

Total revenue increased from $7.3 million to $7.5 million in 2013 compared to 2012, and remained approximately the same at $1.7 million in for the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to the corresponding period in 2012.  However, revenues in 2012 included an adjustment of $400,000 to increase the estimated net realizable value of receivables in the Heyser case for locations no longer operating.  Without the adjustment, revenue would have increased from $6.9 million to $7.5 million in 2013 compared to 2012, representing an increase of 9.1%.  Upfront Fees increased from $374,000 to $883,000 and from $63,000 to $147,000, respectively, for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2013 compared to the corresponding periods in 2012.  The reason for the increases was primarily from the sale of stand-alone take-n-bake franchises.  Royalties and fees, less Upfront Fees, increased from $6.0 million to $6.2 million and decreased from $1.6 million to $1.5 million, respectively, for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2013 compared to the corresponding periods in 2012 without the adjustment to receivables in the Heyser case referenced above.  The breakdown of royalties and fees less Upfront Fees were:  royalties and fees from non-traditional franchises other than grocery stores were $4.3 million and $4.4 million for the year 2013 compared to 2012; royalties and fees from the grocery store take-n-bake were approximately $1.3 million for both years; royalties and fees from stand-alone take-n-bake franchises were  $310,000 in 2013 and $10,000 in 2012; and royalties and fees from traditional locations were $313,000 in 2013 compared to $307,000 in 2012, without the adjustment related to the Heyser case receivables.  The breakdown of royalties and fees less Upfront Fees were $1.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to $1.6 million for the corresponding period in 2012; royalties and fees from grocery store take-n-bake were $257,000 in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to $313,000 for the corresponding period in 2012; royalties and fees from the stand-alone take-n-bake franchises were $146,000 in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to $10,000 for the corresponding period in 2012; and royalties and fees from traditional locations were $74,000 for the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to $67,000 for the corresponding period in 2012.  Included in revenue is $217,000 from non-traditional units no longer operating.
 
 
20

 

Restaurant revenue was $421,000 compared to $456,000 and $83,000 compared to $98,000, respectively, for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2013 compared to the corresponding periods in 2012. The decreases were the result of same store sales decreases.  The Company only operates two locations which were used primarily for testing and demonstration purposes.

As a percentage of total revenue, salaries and wages increased from 13.4% to 14.0% and from 13.5% to 16.1%, respectively, for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2013 compared to the corresonding periods in 2012.   Salaries and wages increased from $979,000 to $1.1 million and from $232,000 to $276,000, respectively, for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2013 compared to the corresponding periods in 2012.

Trade show expenses remained approximately the same as a percentage of total revenue at 6.8% for 2013 compared to 2012, and decreased from 7.3% to 7.2% for the quarter ended December 31, 2013 compared to the corresponding period in 2012.  Trade show expenses increased to $515,000 for 2013 compared to $499,000 in 2012, and decreased to $124,000 for the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to $126,000 for the corresponding period in 2012.

As a percentage of total revenue, travel expenses increased from 2.5% to 2.8% and from 2.5% to 3.1%, respectively, for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2013 compared to corresponding periods in 2012.  Travel expense increased from $183,000 to $208,000 and from $43,000 to $54,000, respectively, for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2013 compared to the corresponding periods in 2012.

As a percentage of total revenue, other operating expenses increased from 9.4% to 9.9% and from 9.6% to 11.0% , respectively, for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2013 compared to corresponding periods in 2012.  Operating expenses increased from $686,000 to $748,000 and from $165,000 to $188,000, respectively, for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2013 compared to the corresponding periods in 2012.

As a percentage of total revenue, restaurant expenses decreased from 5.9% to 5.2% and from 5.5% to 5.0%, respectively, for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2013 compared to the corresponding periods in 2012.  These percentage decreases were partially the result of a decrease in restaurant revenue as a percentage of total revenue and partially the result of more tightly controlling restaurant expenses.  The Company only operates two restaurants which it uses for demonstration, training and testing purposes.

As a percentage of total revenue, general and administrative expenses increased from 21.8% to 21.9% and from 23.8% to 24.0%, respectively, for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2013 compared to the corresponding periods in 2012.  The slight increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily the result of engaging an investor relations advisor in 2013 whereas the Company did not have one in 2012, plus an increase in group insurance cost.
 
 
21

 

As a percentage of total revenue, total expenses increased from 61.3% to 62.1% and from 63.9% to 68.1%, respectively, for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2013 compared to the corresponding periods in 2012.

As a percentage of total revenue, operating income decreased from 38.6% to 37.9% and from 36.1% to 31.9%, respectively, for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2013 compared to the corresponding periods in 2012.

Interest expense as a percentage of total revenue decreased from 5.7% to 2.7% and from 3.3% to 3.0%, respectively, for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2013 compared to the corresponding periods in 2012.  Interest expense decreased from $413,000 to $201,000 and from $58,000 to $51,000, respectively, for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2013 compared to the corresponding periods in 2012.  The primary reasons for the decreases in interest expense were the refinancing of the Company’s borrowings with a new bank loan in May 2012 and the continued amortization of the principal balance of loans outstanding.

The reduction of estimated net realizable value of the Company’s counterclaims in the Heyser case was $500,000 in 2012 and $1.1 million in 2013.  This reduced the carrying value of those counterclaims to the amount of the judgment received in February 2014.

Net income before taxes from continuing operations was $1.4 million in 2013 compared to $1.9 million in 2012.  The decrease in net income before taxes from continuing operations was primarily the result of the reduction in net realizable value of the Company’s counterclaims in the Heyser case and a small increase in total expenses which was partially offset by a decrease in interest expense, and an increase in total revenue.  Without the reduction of net realizable value of the Company’s counterclaims in the Heyser case in both 2012 and 2013, net income before taxes from continuing operations would have increased to $2.5 million in 2013 from $2.4 million in 2012.

The Company reported a net loss on discontinued operations of $780,000 in 2013.  This consisted of $178,000 in legal and settlement costs through the expiration of the lease relating to a restaurant closed in conjunction with the business activity discontinued in 1999, as discussed in the footnotes to the financial statements included in Item 8 of this report.  In addition, the Company incurred $147,000 for legal and other costs of its lawsuit related to the operations discontinued in 2008, and wrote off $257,000 in receivables and $199,000 in outdated marketing materials and other costs, all related to the operations discontinued in 2008.

The Company paid dividends on its outstanding Series B Preferred Stock of approximately $99,000 in both 2013 and 2012.  The Company  redeemed all outstanding Series B Preferred Stock  in October 2013, which eliminated the dividend requirements going forward.

Impact of Inflation

The primary inflation factors affecting the Company's operations are food and labor costs to the franchisee.  Cheese makes up the single largest cost of a pizza. Cheese prices increased in 2013. They reached an all-time record high in April 2014 and maintained at historically high prices until mid-September 2014. They have since decreased until they are approximately 10% below the ten-year average price. The Company’s business was affected by the increased cost of meats during 2014.  Labor cost has remained relatively constant in the past two years. We believe any labor cost increase in the future for our franchisees will be mitigated by the relatively low labor requirements of the Company’s franchise concepts.
 
 
22

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s current strategy is to grow its business by concentrating on franchising/licensing new non-traditional locations, licensing grocery stores to sell take-n-bake pizza and other retail products, and franchising stand-alone take-n-bake locations.  This strategy is intended to not require any significant increase in expenses.  The Company does not operate, and does not intend to operate in the future, any restaurants except for two locations for testing and demonstration purposes.  This strategy requires limited overhead and operating expense and does not require significant capital investment.

The Company’s current ratio was 2.1-to-1 as of December 31, 2014 compared to 1.7-to-1 as of December 31, 2013.

In May, 2012, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement with BMO Harris Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”) for a term loan in the amount of $5.0 million which was repayable in 48 equal monthly principal installments of  approximately $104,000 plus interest with a final payment due in May, 2016.  Interest on the unpaid principal balance is payable at a rate per annum of the London Interbank  Offered Rate (“ LIBOR”) plus 4%.  The proceeds from the term loan, net of certain fees and expenses associated with obtaining the term loan, were used to repay then-existing bank indebtedness and borrowing from an officer of the Company.  In October, 2013, the Company entered into a First Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the“First Amendment”) with the bank.  The First Amendment maintains the terms of the term loan, as described above, except for reducing the monthly principal payments from $104,000 to approximately $80,700 and extending the loan’s maturity to February, 2017.  All other terms and conditions of the term loan remain the same including interest on the unpaid principal at a rate per annum of LIBOR plus 4%.  The First Amendment also provided for a new term loan in the original amount of $825,000 requiring  monthly principal payments of approximately $20,600 per month commencing in November, 2013 and continuing thereafter until the final payment in February, 2017.  The term loan provides for interest on the unpaid principal balance  to be paid monthly at a rate per annum of LIBOR plus 6.08%.  Proceeds from the term loan were used to redeem the Series B Preferred Stock.

In October, 2014, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to its Credit Agreement (the “Second Amendment”) with the Bank.  Pursuant to the Second Amendment, the Company borrowed $700,000 in the form of a term loan repayable in 36 equal monthly installments of principal in the amount of $19,444 plus interest on the unpaid balance of LIBOR plus 6% per annum.  The terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement were otherwise unchanged.  The Company used the proceeds from the loan for additional working capital, as a result of the recent growth in the grocery store take-n-bake venue resulting in increased receivable balance.

As a result of the financial arrangements described above and the Company’s cash flow projections, the Company believes it will have sufficient cash flow to meet its obligations and to carry out its current business plan for the foreseeable future.  The Company’s cash flow projections are based on the Company’s strategy of focusing on growth in non-traditional venues, growth in the number of grocery store locations licensed to sell the take-n-bake pizza and the anticipated growth from franchising stand-alone take-n-bake locations.

The Company does not anticipate that any of the recently issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards will have a material impact on its Statement of Operations or its Balance Sheet.
 
 
23

 

Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth the contractual obligations of the Company as of December 31, 2014:

 
   
Total
   
Less than
1 Year
   
1-3 Years
   
3-5 Years
 
Long-term debt
  $ 3,315,764     $ 1,469,028     $ 1,846,736     $ -  
Operating leases
     202,785        143,770       59,014       -  
     Total
  $ 3,518,549     $ 1,612,798     $ 1,905,750     $ -  

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements contained above in Management’s Discussion and Analysis concerning the Company’s future revenues, profitability, financial resources, market demand and product development are forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) relating to the Company that are based on the beliefs of the management of the Company, as well as assumptions and estimates made by and information currently available to the Company’s management.  The Company’s actual results in the future may differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties that exist in the Company’s operations and business environment, including, but not limited to competitive factors and pricing pressures, non-renewal of franchise agreements, shifts in market demand, the success of new franchise programs, including stand-alone take-n-bake locations, general economic conditions, changes in demand for the Company’s products or franchises, the impact of franchise regulation, the success or failure of individual franchisees and changes in prices or supplies of food ingredients and labor as well as the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” above in this annual report.  Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected or intended.

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company’s exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to its variable-rate debt. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding variable interest-bearing debt in the aggregate principal amount of $3.3 million.  The Company’s current borrowings are at a variable rate tied to LIBOR plus 4% per annum on $2.1 million, LIBOR plus 6.08% on $536,000, and LIBOR plus 6% on $681,000, adjusted on a monthly basis. Based on its current debt structure, for each 1% increase in LIBOR the Company would incur increased interest expense of approximately $24,000 over the succeeding 12-month period.
 
 
24

 
 
ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Consolidated Balance Sheets
Noble Roman’s, Inc. and Subsidiaries

    December 31,  
                                                         Assets
 
2013
   
2014
 
Current assets:
           
   Cash
  $ 157,787     $ 200,349  
   Accounts receivable - net
    1,268,788       1,687,954  
   Inventories
    337,822       381,400  
   Prepaid expenses
    472,065       467,721  
   Deferred tax asset - current portion
    1,250,000       1,675,000  
           Total current assets
    3,486,462       4,412,424  
                 
Property and equipment:
               
   Equipment
    1,361,205       1,383,380  
   Leasehold improvements
    88,718       88,718  
      1,449,923       1,472,098  
   Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    962,502       1,041,951  
          Net property and equipment
    487,421       430,147  
Deferred tax asset (net of current portion)
    9,332,024       7,899,497  
Other assets including long-term portion of accounts receivable - net
    3,067,754       5,015,931  
                      Total assets
  $ 16,373,661     $ 17,757,999  
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
   Current portion of long-term notes payable to bank
  $ 1,216,250     $ 1,469,028  
   Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    818,803       676,386  
                Total current liabilities
    2,035,053       2,145,414  
                 
Long-term obligations:
               
   Notes payable to bank (net of current portion)
    2,635,208       1,846,736  
                Total long-term liabilities
    2,635,208       1,846,736  
                 
Stockholders’ equity:
               
   Common stock – no par value (25,000,000 shares authorized, 19,585,089 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 20,095,087 as of December 31, 2014)
      23,498,401         23,970,654  
   Accumulated deficit
    (11,795,001 )     (10,204,805 )
                Total stockholders’ equity
    11,703,400       13,765,849  
                      Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 16,373,661     $ 17,757,999  


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
25

 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Noble Roman’s, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
    Year Ended December 31,  
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
 
Royalties and fees
  $ 6,823,811     $ 7,082,548     $ 7,479,334  
Administrative fees and other
    19,872       24,138       72,541  
Restaurant revenue
    456,449       420,753       363,340  
                Total revenue
    7,300,132       7,527,439       7,915,215  
                         
Operating expenses:
                       
     Salaries and wages
    979,447       1,056,790       1,063,076  
     Trade show expense
    498,951       514,570       541,385  
     Travel expense
    183,316       207,572       235,127  
     Other operating expenses
    685,836       747,914       876,162  
     Restaurant expenses
    427,127       390,507       402,281  
Depreciation and amortization
    116,287       113,607       111,750  
General and administrative
    1,593,646       1,646,993       1,646,502  
              Total expenses
    4,484,610       4,677,953       4,876,283  
              Operating income
    2,815,522       2,849,486       3,038,932  
                         
Interest and other expense
    413,334       201,381       190,382  
Adjust valuation of receivables – Heyser case
    500,000       1,208,162       -  
         Income before income taxes from continuing operations
    1,902,188       1,439,943       2,848,550  
Income tax expense
    753,457       568,406       1,104,809  
         Net income from continuing operations
    1,148,731       871,537       1,743,741  
                         
Loss from discontinued operations net of tax benefit of $344,079 for 2012, $511,893 for 2013 and $97,284 for 2014
    (524,588 )     (780,440 )     (153,545 )
          Net income
    624,143       91,097       1,590,196  
Cumulative preferred dividends
    99,271       99,000       -  
          Net  income (loss) available to common stockholders
  $ 524,872     $ (7,903 )   $ 1,590,196  
Earnings per share - basic:
                       
    Net income from continuing operations
  $ .06     $ .05     $ .09  
    Net loss from discontinued operations net of tax benefit
  $ (.03 )   $ (.04 )   $ (.01 )
    Net income
  $ .03     $ .01     $ .08  
    Net income available to common stockholders
  $ .03     $ -     $ .08  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    19,497,638       19,533,201       19,870,904  
                         
Diluted earnings per share:
                       
    Net income from continuing operations
  $ .06     $ .05     $ .08  
    Net loss from discontinued operations net of tax benefit
  $ (.03 )   $ (.04 )   $ (.01 )
    Net income
  $ .03     $ .01     $ .07  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    20,077,910       20,472,908       21,204,439  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
26

 
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in
Stockholders’ Equity
Noble Roman’s, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
      Preferred       Common Stock      Accumulated        
 
 
Stock
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Deficit
   
Total
 
                               
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 800,250       19,469,317     $ 23,239,976     $ (12,311,970 )   $ 11,728,256  
                                         
2012 net income
                            624,143       624,143  
                                         
Cumulative preferred dividends
                            (99,271 )     (99,271 )
                                         
Amortization of value of stock options
                    107,882               107,882  
                                         
Exercise of employee stock options
 
 
      47,272       18,200    
 
      18,200  
                                     
Balance at December 31, 2012
  $ 800,250       19,516,589     $ 23,366,058     $ (11,787,098 )   $ 12,379,210  
                                         
2013 net income
                            91,097       91,097  
                                         
Cumulative preferred dividends
                            (99,000 )     (99,000 )
                                         
Amortization of value of stock options
                    117,118               117,118  
                                         
Redeemed preferred stock
    (800,250 )                             (800,250 )
                                         
Issurance cost of preferred stock
                    (24,750 )             (24,750 )
                                         
Exercise of employee stock options
          68,500       39,975    
 
      39,975  
                                     
Balance at December 31, 2013
  $ -       19,585,089     $ 23,498,401     $ (11,795,001 )   $ 11,703,400  
                                         
2014 net income
                            1,590,196       1,590,196  
                                         
Cashless exercise of employee stock option
            214,998                          
                                         
Amortization of value of stock options
                    48,815               48,815  
                                         
Stock issued in exchange for payables
            180,000       318,208               318,208  
                                         
 Exercise of employee stock options             115,000       105,230               105,230  
                                         
Balance at December 31, 2014
  $ -       20,095,087     $ 23,970,654     $ (10,204,805 )   $ 13,765,849  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
27

 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Noble Roman’s, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
    Year ended December 31,  
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
2012
   
2013
   
2014
 
     Net income
  $ 624,143     $ 91,097     $ 1,590,196  
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
          Depreciation and amortization
    192,012       174,241       128,265  
          Non-cash expense from reducing valuation of receivables
    -       1,208,162       -  
          Deferred income taxes
    753,457       568,406       1,007,526  
          Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
             (Increase) decrease in:
                       
                  Accounts receivable
    (195,553 )     (288,425 )     (419,166 )
                  Inventories
    (122,392 )     123,018       (43,578 )
                  Prepaid expenses
    (100,950 )     (92,397 )     4,344  
                  Other assets including long-term portion of accounts receivable
    147,902       (370,133 )     (1,861,460 )
             Increase in:
                       
                 Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    205,946       308,093       263,622  
                 NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    1,504,565       1,722,062       669,749  
                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
     Purchase of property and equipment
    (18,994 )     (11,958 )     (22,176 )
     Assets held for resale
    (7,027 )     -       -  
             NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    (26,021 )     (11,958 )     (22,176 )
                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
     Payment of cumulative preferred dividends
    (99,271 )     (99,000 )     -  
     Payment of principal outstanding under prior bank loan
    (3,575,000 )     -       -  
     Payment of principal officer loan
    (1,255,821 )     -       -  
     Payment of principal outstanding on bank loan
    (729,167 )     (1,244,375 )     (1,235,694 )
     Redemption of all preferred stock outstanding
    -       (825,000 )     -  
     Payment of alternative minimum tax
    (34,515 )     -       -  
     Proceeds from new bank loan net of closing costs
    4,812,457       821,454       697,704  
     Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
    18,200       39,975       105,230  
                         
              NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    (863,117 )     (1,306,946 )     (432,760 )
                         
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
                       
     Payment of obligations from discontinued operations
    (704,369 )     (389,725 )     (172,251 )
                         
Increase (decrease) in cash
    (88,942 )     13,433       42,562  
Cash at beginning of year
    233,296       144,354       157,787  
Cash at end of year
  $ 144,354     $ 157,787     $ 200,349  

Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:

In 2012, an option to purchase 20,000 shares at $.55 was exercised pursuant to the cashless exercise provision of the option and the holder received 7,272 shares of common stock.

In 2014, options to purchase 215,000 shares at $.36, 20,000 shares at $.83 and 40,000 shares at $.95 were exercised pursuant to the cashless exercise provision of the options and the holders received a total of 214,998 shares of common stock.

In 2014, the Company issued 180,000 shares of common stock in exchange for $318,000 in payables.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
28

 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Noble Roman’s, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Note l:  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization:  The Company sells and services franchises and/or licenses for non-traditional foodservice operations and stand-alone retail outlets under the trade names “Noble Roman’s Pizza,” “Tuscano’s Italian Style Subs and” “Noble Roman’s Take-N-Pizza”.  Unless the context otherwise indicates, reference to the “Company” are to Noble Roman’s, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Principles of Consolidation:  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Noble Roman’s, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Pizzaco, Inc. and N.R. Realty, Inc.  Inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Inventories:  Inventories consist of food, beverage, restaurant supplies, restaurant equipment and marketing materials and are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.

Property and Equipment:  Equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost.  Depreciation and amortization are computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives ranging from five years to 12 years.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of estimated useful life or the term of the lease.

Cash and Cash Equivalents:  Includes actual cash balance.  The cash is not pledged nor are there any withdrawal restrictions.

Advertising Costs:  The Company records advertising costs consistent with the  Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Other Expense topic and Advertising Costs subtopic.  This statement requires the Company to expense advertising production costs the first time the production material is used.

Use of Estimates:  The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  The Company records a valuation allowance in a sufficient amount to adjust the accounts receivables value, in its best judgment, to reflect the amount that the Company estimates will be collected from its total receivables.  As any accounts are determined to be permanently impaired (bankruptcy, lack of contact, age of account balance, etc.), they are charged off against the valuation allowance.  The Company evaluates its property and equipment and related costs periodically to assess whether any impairment indications are present, including recurring operating losses and significant adverse changes in legal factors or business climate that affect the recovery of recorded value.  If any impairment of an individual asset is evident, a loss would be provided to reduce the carrying value to its estimated fair value.

Intangible Assets:  Debt issue costs are amortized to interest expense ratably over the term of the applicable debt.  The debt issue cost being amortized is $162,833 with accumulated amortization at December 31, 2014 of $93,707.

Royalties, Administrative and Franchise Fees:  Royalties are generally recognized as income monthly based on a percentage of monthly sales of franchised or licensed restaurants and from audits and other inspections as they come due and payable by the franchisee.  Fees from the retail products in grocery stores are recognized monthly based on the distributors’ sale of those retail products to the grocery stores or grocery store distributors.  Administrative fees are recognized as income monthly as earned.  Initial franchise fees are recognized as income when the services for the franchised restaurant are substantially completed.
 
 
29

 

Exit or Disposal Activities Related to Discontinued Operations:  The Company records exit or disposal activity for discontinued operations when management commits to an exit or disposal plan and includes those charges under results of discontinued operations, as required by the ASC “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations” topic.

Income Taxes:  The Company provides for current and deferred income tax liabilities and assets utilizing an asset and liability approach along with a valuation allowance as appropriate.  The Company concluded that no valuation allowance was necessary because it is more likely than not that the Company will earn sufficient income before the expiration of its net operating loss carry-forwards to fully realize the value of the recorded deferred tax asset.  As of December 31, 2014, the net operating loss carry-forward was approximately $22.6 million which expires between the years 2018 and 2033.  Management made the determination that no valuation allowance was necessary after reviewing the Company’s business plans, relevant known facts to date, recent trends, current performance and analysis of the backlog of franchises sold but not yet open.

U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require the Company to examine its tax positions for uncertain positions.  Management is not aware of any tax positions that are more likely than not to change in the next 12 months, or that would not sustain an examination by applicable taxing authorities.  The Company’s policy is to recognize penalties and interest as incurred in its Consolidated Statements of Operations. None were included for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014.  The Company’s federal and various state income tax returns for 2011 through 2014 are subject to examination by the applicable tax authorities, generally for three years after the later of the original or extended due date.

Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share:  Net income per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the respective year.  When dilutive, stock options and warrants are included as share equivalents using the treasury stock method.

The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2012:
 
 
 
Income
(Numerator)
   
Shares
(Denominator)
   
Per Share
Amount
 
Net income
  $ 624,143                  
Less preferred stock dividends
    (99,271 )                
                         
Earnings per share – basic     524,872       19,497,638     $ .03  
Income available to common stockholders                        
                         
Effect of dilutive securities                        
Options     -       213,606          
Convertible preferred stock     99,271       366,666          
                         
Diluted earnings per share                        
Income available to common stockholders and assumed conversions   $ 624,143       20,077,910     $ .03  
 
 
 
30

 


The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
Income
(Numerator)
   
Shares
(Denominator)
   
Per Share
Amount
 
Net income
  $ 91,097                  
Less preferred stock dividends
    (99,000 )                
                         
Earnings per share – basic     (7,903 )     19,533,201     $ -  
Loss available to common stockholders                        
                         
Effect of dilutive securities                        
Options     -       939,707          
Convertible preferred stock     99,000       -          
                         
Diluted earnings per share                        
Income available to common stockholders and assumed conversions   $ 91,097       20,472,908     $ .01  
 
The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
Income
(Numerator)
   
Shares
(Denominator)
   
Per Share
Amount
 
Earnings per share – basic                        
Net income     1,590,196       19,870,904     $ .08  
                         
Effect of dilutive securities                        
Options     -       1,333,535          
                         
Diluted earnings per share                        
Net income   $ 1,590,196       21,204,439     $ .07  
 
Subsequent Events:  The Company evaluated subsequent events through the date the consolidated statements were issued and filed with Form 10-K.  No subsequent event  required recognition or disclosure.

Note 2:  Accounts Receivable

At December 31, 2013 and 2014, the carrying value of the Company’s accounts receivable has been reduced to anticipated realizable value.  As a result of this reduction of carrying value, the Company anticipates that substantially all of its net receivables reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2014 will be collected.  The allowance to reduce the receivables to anticipated net realizable value at December 31, 2014 was $2.25 million.

In 2012, the Company dismissed its counterclaims against certain plaintiffs in the lawsuit related to the operations discontinued in 2008 and reduced the net realizable value by $500,000 related to the Company’s counterclaims against the plaintiffs in the lawsuit referenced above.  In 2013, based on a judgment that was entered on February 13, 2014 in the lawsuit, the Company reduced the carrying value of the receivables subject to the counterlaims by $1.1 million.  Since the right to receive passive income in the form of royalties is not a part of the discontinued operations, the adjustments to reflect these two charges were made to continuing operations.
 
 
31

 

Note 3:  Notes Payable

In May 15, 2012, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement with BMO Harris Bank, N.A. (the”Bank”) for a term loan in the amount of $5.0 million which was repayable in 48 equal monthly principal installments of  approximately $104,000 plus interest with a final payment due in May, 2016.  Interest on the unpaid principal balance is payable at a rate per annum of LIBOR plus 4%.  The proceeds from the term loan, net of certain fees and expenses associated with obtaining the term loan, were used to repay then-existing bank indebtedness and borrowing from an officer of the Company.  In October, 2013, the Company entered into a First Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “FirstAmendment”) with the Bank.   The First Amendment maintains the terms of the term loan, as described above, except for reducing the monthly principal payments from $104,000 to approximately $80,700 and extending the maturity to February, 2017.  All other terms and conditions of the term loan remain the same including interest on the unpaid principal at a rate per annum of LIBOR plus 4%.  The First Amendment also provided for a new term loan in the original amount of $825,000 requiring  monthly principal payments of approximately $20,600 per month commencing in November, 2013 and continuing thereafter until the final payment in February, 2017.  The term loan provides for interest on the unpaid principal balance  to be paid monthly at a rate per annum of LIBOR plus 6.08%.  Proceeds from term loan were used to redeem the Series B Preferred Stock. In October, 2014, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to its Credit Agreement (the “Second Amendment”) with the Bank.  Pursuant to the Second Amendment, the Company borrowed $700,000 in the form of a term loan repayable in 36 equal monthly installments of principal in the amount of $19,444 plus interest on the unpaid balance of LIBOR plus 6% per annum.  The terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement were otherwise unchanged.  The Company used the proceeds from the loan for additional working capital, as a result of the recent growth in the grocery store take-n-bake venue.  Interest paid on the term loans in 2014 was $156,468.  The Company’s obligations under the term loans  are secured by the grant of a security interest in essentially all assets of the Company and a personal guaranty of an officer of up to $2.78 million of the loans and certain restrictions apply to the Company such as a prohibition on the payment of dividends on common stock, as set forth in the Credit Agreement.

Note 4:  Royalties and Fees

Approximately $294,000, $788,000 and $313,000 are included in the  2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, royalties and fees in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for initial franchise fees.  Also included in royalties and fees were approximately $81,000, $95,000 and $80,000 in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, for equipment commissions.  Most of the cost for the services required to be performed by the Company are incurred prior to the franchise fee income being recorded which is based on contractual liability for the franchisee.  For the most part, the Company’s ongoing royalty income is paid electronically by the Company initiating a draft on the franchisee’s account by electronic withdrawal.

In conjunction with the development of Noble Roman’s Pizza and Tuscano’s Italian Style Subs, the Company has devised its own recipes for many of the ingredients that go into the making of its products (“Proprietary Products”).  The Company contracts with various manufacturers to manufacture its Proprietary Products in accordance with the Company’s recipes and formulas and to sell those products to authorized distributors at a contract price which includes an allowance for use of the Company’s recipes.  The manufacturing contracts also require the manufacturers to remit those allowances to the Company on a periodic basis, usually monthly.  The Company recognizes those allowances in revenue as earned based on sales reports from the distributors.
 
 
32

 

There were 2,029 franchised or licensed outlets in operation on December 31, 2013 and 2,215 on December 31, 2014.  During the 12-month period ended December 31, 2014, there were 242 new franchised or licensed outlets opened and 56 franchised or licensed outlets left the system.  Grocery stores are accustomed to adding products for a period of time, removing them for a period of time and possibly reoffering them.  Therefore, it is unknown of the 1,409 included in the December 31, 2014 count, how many grocery store licenses were actually operating.

Note 5:  Contingent Liabilities for Leased Facilities

The Company leased its former restaurant facilities under non-cancelable lease agreements which generally had initial terms ranging from five to 20 years with extended renewal terms.  These leases have been terminated or assigned to franchisees who operate them pursuant to a Noble Roman’s, Inc. Franchise Agreement.  The assignment passes all liability for future lease payments to the assignees, however, the Company remains contingently liable on two of the leases to the landlords in the event of default by the assignees.  The leases generally required the Company or its assignees to pay all real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs.  At December 31, 2014, contingent obligations under non-cancelable operating leases for 2015, 2016 and 2017, were approximately $71,343, $24,675 and none, respectively.

The Company has future obligations of $202,785 under current operating leases as follows: due in less than one year $143,770 and due in one to three years $59,014.

Note 6:  Income Taxes

The Company had a deferred tax asset, as a result of prior operating losses, of  $10.58 million at December 31, 2013 and $9.57 million at December 31, 2014, which expires between the years 2018 and 2033.  In 2012, 2013 and 2014, the Company used deferred benefits to offset its tax expense of $753,000, $568,000 and $1.1 million, respectively, and tax benefits from loss on discontinued operations of  $344,000 in 2012, $512,000 in 2013 and $97,000 in 2014.  As a result of the tax credits, the Company did not pay any income taxes in 2012, 2013 and 2014.  There are no material differences between reported income tax expense or benefit and the income tax expense or benefit that would result from applying the Federal and state statutory tax rates.

Note 7:  Common Stock

On January 13, 2014, employees exercised options for a total of 215,000 shares of common stock at a price $.36, 20,000  shares of common stock at a price of $.83 and 40,000 shares of common stock at a price of $.95 in a cashless exercises and were issued a total of 214,998 shares of common stock.  On February 27, 2014, an employee exercised an option for 1,000 shares of common stock at a price of $.83 per share.  On September 11, 2014, an employee exercised an option for 50,000 shares of common stock at a price of $.95 per share  and an option for 30,000 shares of common stock at a price of $.90 per share.  On October 20, 2014, an employee exercised an option for 4,000 shares of common stock at a price of $.90 per share.  On October 29, 2014, an employee exercised an option for 10,000 shares of common stock at a price of $.83 per share.  On December 1, 2014, an employee exercised an option for 20,000 shares of common stock at a price of $.90 per share.  On four different dates in 2014, the Company issued a total of 180,000 shares of common stock as payment of certain payables at an average issuance price of $1.77 per share.
 
 
33

 

The Company has an incentive stock option plan for key employees, officers and directors.  The options are generally exercisable three years after the date of grant and expire ten years after the date of grant.  The option prices are the fair market value of the stock at the date of grant. At December 31, 2014, the Company had the following employee stock options outstanding:

# Common Shares
Represented
   
Exercise Price
 
  57,500     $ 2.30  
  120,000       .36  
  325,000       .95  
  1,800,000       1.05  
  101,000       .90  
  351,000       .58  
  40,000       .68  
  270,500       1.30  
  330,000       1.55  
  40,000       1.65  

As of December 31, 2014, options for 2,403,500 shares were exercisable.

The Company adopted the modified prospective method to account for stock option grants, which does not require restatement of prior periods. Under the modified prospective method, the Company is required to record compensation expense for all awards granted after the date of adoption and for the unvested portion of previously granted awards that remain outstanding at the date of adoption, net of an estimate of expected forfeitures. Compensation expense is based on the estimated fair values of stock options determined on the date of grant and is recognized over the related vesting period, net of an estimate of expected forfeitures.

The Company estimates the fair value of its option awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The risk-free interest rate is based on external data while all other assumptions are determined based on the Company’s historical experience with stock options.  The following assumptions were used for grants in 2012, 2013 and 2014:
 
 
Expected volatility 30%
Expected dividend yield None
Expected term (in years) 5
Risk-free interest rate 1.62% to 2.64%
 
The following table sets forth the number of options outstanding as of December 31, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 and the number of options granted, exercised or forfeited during the years ended December 31, 2012, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014:

Balance of employee stock options outstanding as of 12/31/11
    3,000,500  
            Stock options granted during the year ended 12/31/12
    401,000  
            Stock options exercised during the year ended 12/31/12
    (60,000 )
            Stock options forfeited during the year ended 12/31/12
    (75,000 )
Balance of employee stock options outstanding as of 12/31/12
    3,266,500  
            Stock options granted during the year ended 12/31/13
    273,000  
            Stock options exercised during the year ended 12/31/13
    68,500  
            Stock options forfeited during the year ended 12/31/13
    13,500  
Balance of employee stock options outstanding as of 12/31/13
    3,457,500  
            Stock options granted during the year ended 12/31/14
    370,000  
            Stock options exercised during the year ended 12/31/14
    (390,000 )
            Stock options forfeited during the year ended 12/31/14
    (2,500 )
Balance of employee stock options outstanding as of 12/31/14
    3,435,000  
 
 
34

 

The following table sets forth the number of non-vested options outstanding as of December 31, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, and the number of stock options granted, vested and forfeited during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Balance of employee non-vested stock options outstanding as of 12/31/11
    2,461,000  
            Stock options granted during the year ended 12/31/12
    401,000  
            Stock options vested during the year ended 12/31/12
    (600,000 )
            Stock options forfeited during the year ended 12/31/12
    (75,000 )
Balance of employee non-vested stock options outstanding as of 12/31/12
    2,187,000  
            Stock options granted during the year ended 12/31/13
    273,000  
            Stock options vested during the year ended 12/31/13
    (1,031,000 )
            Stock options forfeited during the year ended 12/31/13
    (12,500 )
Balance of employee non-vested stock options outstanding as of 12/31/13
    1,416,500  
            Stock options granted during the year ended 12/31/14
    370,000  
            Stock options vested during the year ended 12/31/14
    (755,000 )
            Stock options forfeited during the year ended 12/31/14
    -  
Balance of employee non-vested stock options outstanding as of 12/31/14
    1,031,500  

During 2014, employee stock options were granted for 370,000 shares, options for 390,000 shares were exercised and options for 2,500 shares were forfeited.  At December 31, 2014, the weighted average grant date fair value of non-vested options was $1.12 per share and the weighted average grant date fair value of vested options was $1.03 per share.  The weighted average grant date fair value of employee stock options granted during 2012 was $.59, during 2013 was $1.30 and during 2014 was $1.56.  Total compensation cost recognized for share-based payment arrangements was $107,882 with a tax benefit of $42,732 in 2012, $117,118 with a tax benefit of $46,390 in 2013, and $48,815 with a tax benefit of $18,935 in 2014.  As of December 31, 2014, total compensation cost related to non-vested options was $122,000, which will be recognized as compensation cost over the next six to 30 months.  No cash was used to settle equity instruments under share-based payment arrangements.

Note 8:  Statements of Financial Accounting Standards

The Company does not believe that the recently issued Statements of Financial Accounting Standards will have any material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations or its Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Note 9:  Loss from Discontinued Operations

The Company made the decision in 1999 to discontinue operations of its full-service restaurants and made the decision in late 2008 to discontinue the business of operating traditional quick service restaurants, which had been acquired from struggling franchisees and later sold to new franchisees.  As a result, the Company charged off or dramatically lowered the carrying value of all receivables related to the traditional restaurants and accrued future estimated expenses related to the estimated cost to prosecute a lawsuit related to those discontinued operations.  The ongoing right to receive passive income in the form of royalties is not a part of the discontinued segment.
 
 
35

 

A full-service restaurant that was closed in conjunction with the business activity discontinued in 1999 was sublet to an unrelated party.  In late 2008, the Company lost that sub-tenant and the building was severely damaged by a tornado.  As a result, the Company incurred additional cost related to the 1999 discontiniued operations as well as the ones that were discontinued in 2008.

The Company reported a net loss from discontinued operations of $525,000 in 2012.  This consisted of $110,000 in legal and other costs relating to the restaurant that was closed in conjunction with the business activity discontinued in 1999 discussed above. The primary reason for this additional loss was the insurance company’s denial of all except a small portion of the Company’s claim for damages from the tornado.  In addition, the Company accrued an additional loss of $415,000 for legal and other costs of a lawsuit related to the operations discontinued in 2008.

The Company reported a net loss on discontinued operations of $780,000 in 2013.  This consisted of $178,000 in legal and settlement costs through the expiration of the lease relating to the restaurant that was closed in conjunction with the business activity discontinued in 1999 discussed above.  In addition, the Company incurred $147,000 for legal and other costs of its lawsuit related to the operations discontinued in 2008, and wrote off $257,000 in receivables of which $123,000 were from various distributors and $199,000 in obsolete support materials and other costs, all related to the operations discontinued in 2008.

The Company reported a net loss on discontinued operations of $154,000 in 2014.  This consisted of $9,600 in legal and settlement costs through the expiration of the lease relating to the restaurant that was closed in conjunction with the business activity discontinued in 1999 discussed above.  In addition, the Company incurred $139,600 for legal and other costs related to the operations discontinued in 2008, and wrote off $4,300 in receivables related to the operations discontinued in 2008.

Note 10:  Contingencies

The Company, from time to time, is or may become involved in various litigation or regulatory proceedings arising out of its normal business operations.

Currently, there are no such pending proceedings which the  Company considers to be  material.

Note 11:  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The following is a summary of transactions to which the Company and certain officers and directors of the Company are a party or have a financial interest.  The Board of Directors of the Company has adopted a policy that all transactions between the Company and its officers, directors, principal shareholders and other affiliates must be approved by a majority of the Company's disinterested directors, and be conducted on terms no less favorable to the Company than could be obtained from unaffiliated third parties.

Jeffrey R. Gaither, a Director, is Managing Partner of  Bose McKinney & Evans, LLP, a law firm that performs legal services for the Company.  The Company paid Bose McKinney for services rendered in the approximate amount of  $382,000, $200,000 and $320,000 in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
 
 
36

 


Note 12: Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information

      Quarter Ended   
 2014     December 31       September 30        June 30        March 31   
      (in thousands, except per share data)  
Total revenue
  $ 1,807     $ 2,107     $ 2,089     $ 1,912  
Operating income
    550       857       855       777  
Net income before income taxes from continuing operations
    501       813       808       727  
Net income from continuing operations
    303       499       503       439  
Loss from discontinued operations
    154       -       -       -  
Net income
    149       499       503       439  
Net income from continuing operations per common share
                               
        Basic
    .02       .03       .03       .02  
        Diluted
    .01       .02       .02       .02  
Net income per common share
                               
        Basic
    .01       .03       .03       .02  
        Diluted
    .01       .02       .02       .02  
 
 
      Quarter Ended   
 2013     December 31       September 30        June 30       March 31  
      (in thousands, except per share data)  
Total revenue
  $ 1,717     $ 1,933     $ 1,987     $ 1,891  
Operating income
    547       752       805       746  
Net income (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations
    (712 )     705       754       693  
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
    (430 )     427       456       418  
Loss from discontinued operations
    780       -       -       -  
Net income (loss)
    (1,210 )     427       456       418  
Net income (loss) from continuing operations per common share
                               
        Basic
    (.02 )     .02       .02       .02  
        Diluted
    (.02 )     .02       .02       .02  
Net income (loss) per common share
                               
        Basic
    (.06 )     .02       .02       .02  
        Diluted
    (.06 )     .02       .02       .02  
 
 
37

 

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm



To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
NOBLE ROMAN’S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Indianapolis, Indiana

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of NOBLE ROMAN’S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014.  These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of NOBLE ROMAN’S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/  Somerset CPA’s, P.C.

Indianapolis, Indiana
March 12, 2015
 
 
38

 

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).
 
Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the Company's Board of Directors, management, and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and includes those policies and procedures that:
 
(1) Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
 
(2) Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and
 
(3) Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of applicable limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s Auditing Standard No. 5 defines a material weakness as a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.  A deficiency in internal control over reporting exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis.

Our management, including Paul W. Mobley, the Company’s Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial Officer and A. Scott Mobley, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internral control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014.  Our management has concluded that the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting are effective.
 
 
39

 

There have been no changes in internal controls over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
In May 2013, the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO") released an updated version of its Internal Control - Integrated Framework ("2013 Framework"), Initially issued in 1992, the original framework ("1992 Framework") provided guidance to organizations to design, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of internal control concepts and simplify their use and application. The 2013 Framework is intended to improve upon systems of internal control over external financial reporting by formalizing the principles embedded in the 1992 Framework, incorporating business and operating environment changes and increasing the framework ease of use and application. The 1992 Framework remained available until December 15, 2014, after which it was superseded by the 2013 Framework. As of December 31, 2014, the Company transitioned to the 2013 Framework. The Company did not experience significant changes to its internal control over financial reporting as a result from the transition to the 2013 Framework.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Based on their evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this report, Paul W. Mobley, the Company’s Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial Officer and A.Scott Mobley,the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are effective.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information concerning this item is included under captions “Election of Directors”, “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” and “Corporate Governance” in our Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2015 Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information concerning this item is included under the captions “Executive Compensation”, “Director Compensation” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in the 2015 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information concerning this item is included in Item 5 of this report under the caption “Equity Compensation Plan Information” and under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the 2015 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
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ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information concerning this item is included under the caption “Corporate Governance” in the 2015 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

Information concerning this item is included under the caption “Independent Auditors’ Fees” in the 2015 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
 
The following consolidated financial statements of Noble Roman's, Inc. and Subsidiaries are included in Item 8:  Page
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2013 and 2014  25
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations - years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014
 26
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014
 27
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014
 28
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  29
   
Report of Independent Registered Accounting Firm. – Somerset CPAs, P.C.  38
 
 
 
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Exhibits

Exhibit Number
 
 
Description
  3.1  
Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Amendment No. 1 to the Post Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed July 1, 1985 (SEC File No.2-84150), is incorporated herein by reference.
  3.2  
Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant, as currently in effect, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed December 23, 2009, is
incorporated herein by reference.
  3.3  
Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant effective February 18, 1992 filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (SEC File No. 33-66850), ordered effective on October 26, 1993, is incorporated herein by reference.
  3.4  
Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant effective May 11, 2000, filed as Annex A and Annex B to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 28, 2000, is incorporated herein by reference.
  3.5  
Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant effective April 16, 2001 filed as Exhibit 3.4 to Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference.
  3.6  
Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant effective August 23, 2005, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed August 29, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference.
  4.1  
Specimen Common Stock Certificates filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-18 filed October 22, 1982 and ordered effective on December 14, 1982 (SEC File No. 2-79963C), is incorporated herein by reference.
       
  10.1  
Employment Agreement with Paul W. Mobley dated January 2, 1999 filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10.2  
Employment Agreement with A. Scott Mobley dated January 2, 1999 filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10.3  
Credit Agreement with BMO Harris Bank, N.A., dated May 25, 2012, filed as Exhibit 10.17 to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on
August 13, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10.4  
First Amendment to Credit Agreement with BMO Harris Bank, N.A. dated October 31, 2013, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s annual report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10.5  
Promissory Note (Term Loan) with BMO Harris Bank, N.A. dated October 31, 2013, filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference.
  10.6  
Promissory Note (Term Loan II) with BMO Harris Bank, N.A. dated October 31, 2013, filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s annual report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference.
       
  10.7  
Second Amendment to Credit Agreement with BMO Harris Bank, N.A. dated October 15, 2014, filed herewith.
  10.8  
Promissory Note with BMO Harris Bank, N.A. dated October 15, 2014, filed herewith.
       
  21.1  
Subsidiaries of the Registrant filed in the Registrant’s Registration Statement on  Form SB-2 (SEC File No. 33-66850) ordered effective on October
26, 1993, is incorporated herein by reference.
  31.1  
C.E.O. Certification under Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
  31.2   C.F.O. Certification under Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
  32.1   C.E.O. Certification under Section 1350
  32.2   C.F.O. Certification under Section 1350
  101  
Interactive Financial Data
 
 
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SIGNATURES

In accordance with of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
  NOBLE ROMAN'S, INC.  
       
March 12, 2015
By:
/s/ A. Scott Mobley  
    A. Scott Mobley  
    President and Chief Executive Officer  
       

March 12, 2015
By:
/s/ Paul W. Mobley  
    Paul W. Mobley  
    Executive Chairman, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer  
       
 
In accordance with 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.
 
March 12, 2015
 
/s/ Paul W. Mobley  
    Paul W. Mobley  
     Executive Chairman of the Board, Chief Financial Officer and Director  
       
 
March 12, 2015
 
/s/ A. Scott Mobley  
    A. Scott Mobley  
    President, Chief Executive Officer and Director  
       
 
March 12, 2015
 
/s/ Douglas H. Coape-Arnold  
    Douglas H. Coape-Arnold  
    Director  
       
March 12, 2015
 
/s/ Jeffrey R. Gaither  
    Jeffrey R. Gaither  
    Director  
       

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