UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended November 5, 2012
 
    
OR

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 1-11313 and 333-169977


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
33-0602639
(State or other jurisdiction
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
of incorporation or organization)
 
 
 
 
 
6307 Carpinteria Avenue, Ste. A,
Carpinteria, California
 
93013
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (805) 745-7500

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 o No þ Explanatory Note: While the registrant is not subject to the filing requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, it has filed all reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months.

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

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.

Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer þ
Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ

The number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock was 100 shares as of December 7, 2012.




CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX

 
Page No.
Part I. Financial Information
 
 
Part II. Other Information


2



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except shares and par values)
(Unaudited)

 
November 5, 2012
 
January 31, 2012
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
139,723

 
$
64,555

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $62 as of November 5, 2012 and $38 as of January 31, 2012
21,836

 
24,099

Related party trade receivables
389

 
252

Inventories
14,217

 
16,144

Prepaid expenses
14,922

 
15,897

Advertising fund assets, restricted
23,214

 
18,407

Deferred income tax assets, net
24,023

 
25,140

Other current assets
3,922

 
3,695

Total current assets
242,246

 
168,189

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $173,459 as of November 5, 2012 and $117,010 as of January 31, 2012
623,962

 
645,552

Goodwill
208,923

 
208,885

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $30,327 as of November 5, 2012 and $21,245 as of January 31, 2012
421,684

 
433,139

Other assets, net
26,487

 
24,373

Total assets
$
1,523,302

 
$
1,480,138

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Current portion of long-term debt
$
4

 
$
3

Current portion of capital lease obligations
8,034

 
7,988

Accounts payable
33,040

 
40,790

Advertising fund liabilities
23,214

 
18,407

Other current liabilities
122,043

 
85,169

Total current liabilities
186,335

 
152,357

Long-term debt, less current portion
465,297

 
523,638

Capital lease obligations, less current portion
30,535

 
34,981

Deferred income tax liabilities, net
138,360

 
156,656

Other long-term liabilities
282,798

 
197,767

Total liabilities
1,103,325

 
1,065,399

 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 4, 5, 7 and 13)


 


 
 
 
 
Stockholder’s equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of November 5, 2012 and January 31, 2012

 

Additional paid-in capital
460,797

 
457,252

Investment in CKE Inc. Toggle Notes
(8,362
)
 
(8,362
)
Accumulated deficit
(32,458
)
 
(34,151
)
Total stockholder’s equity
419,977

 
414,739

Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity
$
1,523,302

 
$
1,480,138


See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

3



CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company-operated restaurants
$
268,588

 
$
256,976

 
$
900,788

 
$
871,571

Franchised restaurants and other
42,211

 
35,643

 
130,969

 
121,360

Total revenue
310,799

 
292,619

 
1,031,757

 
992,931

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restaurant operating costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Food and packaging
80,310

 
78,763

 
268,925

 
267,896

Payroll and other employee benefits
75,659

 
72,485

 
254,657

 
249,458

Occupancy and other
61,324

 
62,926

 
204,801

 
209,002

Total restaurant operating costs
217,293

 
214,174

 
728,383

 
726,356

Franchised restaurants and other
21,564

 
17,907

 
66,047

 
62,225

Advertising
15,582

 
15,698

 
52,450

 
51,158

General and administrative
30,800

 
30,570

 
102,288

 
100,876

Facility action charges, net
102

 
262

 
2,532

 
703

Other operating expenses

 

 

 
545

Total operating costs and expenses
285,341

 
278,611

 
951,700

 
941,863

Operating income
25,458

 
14,008

 
80,057

 
51,068

Interest expense
(17,381
)
 
(17,415
)
 
(59,014
)
 
(59,626
)
Other income (expense), net
430

 
(252
)
 
(1,600
)
 
(1,668
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
8,507

 
(3,659
)
 
19,443

 
(10,226
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
3,691

 
(2,142
)
 
3,350

 
(3,877
)
Net income (loss)
$
4,816

 
$
(1,517
)
 
$
16,093

 
$
(6,349
)

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

4



CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
16,093

 
$
(6,349
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
60,954

 
62,873

Amortization of deferred financing costs and discount on notes
3,215

 
3,065

Loss on early extinguishment of senior secured second lien notes
3,695

 
2,927

Share-based compensation expense
3,545

 
3,531

Provision for losses on accounts and notes receivable
29

 
114

Loss on disposal of property and equipment
713

 
863

Deferred income taxes
(17,179
)
 
(151
)
Other non-cash charges
2,122

 
729

Net changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Receivables, inventories, prepaid expenses and other current and non-current assets
3,882

 
(3,739
)
Estimated liability for closed restaurants and estimated liability for self-insurance
396

 
(909
)
Accounts payable and other current and long-term liabilities
36,676

 
28,043

Net cash provided by operating activities
114,141

 
90,997

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Purchases of property and equipment
(39,357
)
 
(44,440
)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
1,925

 
1,749

Collections of non-trade notes receivable
841

 
703

Acquisition of restaurants, net of cash received
(75
)
 

Other investing activities
177

 
146

Net cash used in investing activities
(36,489
)
 
(41,842
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Net change in bank overdraft
(5,802
)
 
(6,767
)
Proceeds from financing method sale-leaseback transactions
91,063

 
43,159

Payment of deferred financing costs
(5,219
)
 
(2,506
)
Payment for early extinguishment of senior secured second lien notes
(61,811
)
 
(49,370
)
Repayments of other long-term debt
(3
)
 
(614
)
Repayments of capital lease obligations
(6,312
)
 
(6,206
)
Purchase of Toggle Notes

 
(8,362
)
Dividends paid on common stock
(14,400
)
 

Net cash used in financing activities
(2,484
)
 
(30,666
)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
75,168

 
18,489

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
64,555

 
42,586

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
139,723

 
$
61,075


See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


5



CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Description of Business

CKE Restaurants, Inc. (“CKE Restaurants”), through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, owns, operates and franchises the Carl’s Jr.®, Hardee’s®, Green Burrito® and Red Burrito® concepts. References to CKE Restaurants and its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”) throughout these Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are made using the first person notations of “we,” “us” and “our.”

Domestic Carl’s Jr. restaurants are predominately located in the Western United States, primarily in California, with a growing presence in Texas. International Carl’s Jr. restaurants are located primarily in Mexico, with a growing presence in the rest of Latin America, Russia and Asia. Hardee’s restaurants are primarily located throughout the Southeastern and Midwestern United States, with a growing international presence in the Middle East and Central Asia. Green Burrito restaurants are primarily located in dual-branded Carl’s Jr. restaurants. The Red Burrito concept is located in dual-branded Hardee’s restaurants. As of November 5, 2012, our system-wide restaurant portfolio consisted of:

 
Carl’s Jr.
 
Hardee’s
 
Other
 
Total
Company-operated
423

 
470

 

 
893

Domestic franchised
700

 
1,230

 
7

 
1,937

International franchised
226

 
236

 

 
462

Total
1,349

 
1,936

 
7

 
3,292


As of November 5, 2012, 264 of our 423 company-operated Carl’s Jr. restaurants were dual-branded with Green Burrito and 265 of our 470 company-operated Hardee’s restaurants were dual-branded with Red Burrito.

Basis of Presentation and Fiscal Year

Our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of CKE Restaurants, its consolidated subsidiaries and its consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”). These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. CKE Restaurants does not have any non-controlling interests in other entities. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements presented in our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2012. In our opinion, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results of operations for this interim period have been included. The results of operations for such interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or for any future period.

We operate on a retail accounting calendar. Our fiscal year ends on the last Monday in January and typically has 13 four-week accounting periods. For clarity of presentation, we generally label all fiscal year ends as if the fiscal year ended January 31. Accordingly, the fiscal year ended January 30, 2012 is referred to herein as the fiscal year ended January 31, 2012 or fiscal 2012, and the fiscal year ending January 28, 2013 is referred to herein as the fiscal year ending January 31, 2013 or fiscal 2013. The first quarter of our fiscal year has four periods, or 16 weeks. All other quarters generally have three periods, or 12 weeks.

Our restaurant sales, and therefore our profitability, are subject to seasonal fluctuations and are traditionally higher during the spring and summer months because of factors such as increased travel during school vacations and improved weather conditions, which affect the public’s dining habits.

Certain prior year amounts in these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.


6


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

Variable Interest Entities

We consolidate one national and approximately 80 local co-operative advertising funds (the “Hardee’s Funds”) as we have concluded that they are VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary. We have included $23,214 and $18,407 of advertising fund assets, restricted, and advertising fund liabilities in our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 5, 2012 and January 31, 2012, respectively. Consolidation of the Hardee’s Funds had no impact on our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Cash Flows. We have no rights to the assets, nor do we have any obligation with respect to the liabilities, of the Hardee’s Funds, and none of our assets serve as collateral for the creditors of these VIEs.

NOTE 2 —ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED AND ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In September 2011, the FASB updated its guidance on the annual testing of goodwill for impairment to allow companies to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. If an entity determines, based on qualitative factors, that it is not more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, then it is not required to perform the quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test. This guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The provisions of this guidance became applicable to CKE Restaurants during the first quarter of fiscal 2013. The adoption of this guidance has not had, and is not expected to have, a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In July 2012, the FASB updated its guidance on impairment testing for indefinite-lived intangible assets by allowing an entity to first perform a qualitative impairment assessment before proceeding to a quantitative impairment test. If an entity determines, based on qualitative factors, that it is not more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then it is not required to perform a quantitative impairment test. This guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
  
NOTE 3 — PURCHASE OF ASSETS

During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, we purchased one Hardee’s restaurant from a franchisee for aggregate purchase price consideration of $75, and recorded property and equipment (including capital lease assets) of $54 and capital lease obligations of $17, resulting in $38 of additional goodwill in our Hardee's operating segment.

During the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, we purchased three Hardee’s restaurants from a franchisee for aggregate purchase price consideration of $1,500, which was reduced by the settlement of certain pre-existing liabilities, resulting in net purchase price consideration of $1,207. As a result of this transaction, we recorded property and equipment (including capital lease assets) of $109, identifiable intangible assets of $85 and capital lease obligations of $55, resulting in $1,068 of additional goodwill in our Hardee’s operating segment.

NOTE 4 — INDEBTEDNESS AND INTEREST EXPENSE

Our senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) provides for senior secured revolving facility loans, swingline loans and letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $100,000. As of November 5, 2012, we had no outstanding loan borrowings, $30,603 of outstanding letters of credit and remaining availability of $69,397 on our Credit Facility. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to, at our option, either: (1) the higher of Morgan Stanley’s “prime rate” plus 2.75% or the federal funds rate, as defined in our Credit Facility, plus 3.25%, or (2) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 3.75%.

The terms of our Credit Facility include financial performance covenants, which include a maximum secured leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. As of November 5, 2012, our financial performance covenants did not limit our ability to draw on the remaining availability of $69,397 under our Credit Facility.


7


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

On July 16, 2012, we redeemed $60,000 of the principal amount of our senior secured second lien notes (the "Senior Secured Notes") at a redemption price of 103% of the principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes. During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, we recognized a loss of $3,695 on the early extinguishment of the Senior Secured Notes. Subsequent to the redemption, and as of November 5, 2012, the remaining aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes was $472,122. As of November 5, 2012, the carrying value of the Senior Secured Notes was $464,914, which is presented net of the remaining unamortized portion of the original issue discount of $7,208 in our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Senior Secured Notes bear interest at a rate of 11.375% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15.

On July 15, 2011, we redeemed $40,000 of the principal amount of our Senior Secured Notes at a price equal to 103% of the principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes. Additionally, on October 4, 2011, we purchased $8,170 of the principal amount of our Senior Secured Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes in an open market transaction. As a result of these transactions, during the twelve and forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, we recognized losses of $286 and $2,927, respectively, on the early extinguishment of our Senior Secured Notes.

In accordance with the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes, we may be required to make offers to repurchase our Senior Secured Notes with a portion of the net proceeds received from sale-leaseback transactions. Pursuant to these requirements, on July 18, 2012, we commenced a tender offer to purchase up to $29,875 of the principal amount of our Senior Secured Notes (the “Tender Offer”) at a redemption price of 103%. The Tender Offer expired on August 16, 2012 with no Senior Secured Notes tendered.

Each of our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantees indebtedness under the Credit Facility also guarantees the performance and punctual payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of all our obligations under the Senior Secured Notes. Separate financial statements and other disclosures of each of the guarantors are not presented because: (i) CKE Restaurants, Inc. is a holding company with no material independent assets or operations; (ii) the guarantor subsidiaries are, directly or indirectly, wholly-owned subsidiaries of CKE Restaurants, Inc.; (iii) such guarantees are full, unconditional and joint and several; (iv) the aggregate assets, liabilities, earnings and equity of the guarantor subsidiaries are substantially equivalent to the assets, liabilities, earnings and equity of CKE Restaurants, Inc. on a consolidated basis; (v) our non-guarantor subsidiaries are minor; and (vi) there are no significant restrictions on the ability of CKE Restaurants, Inc. or any of the guarantors to obtain funds from its respective subsidiaries by dividend or loan.

Interest Expense

Interest expense consisted of the following:

 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Senior secured revolving credit facility
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Senior secured second lien notes
12,259

 
14,462

 
44,280

 
50,936

Amortization of deferred financing costs and discount on notes
937

 
896

 
3,215

 
3,065

Capital lease obligations
956

 
1,084

 
3,179

 
3,663

Financing method sale-leaseback transactions(1)
2,899

 
642

 
7,230

 
743

Letter of credit fees and other
330

 
331

 
1,110

 
1,219

 
$
17,381

 
$
17,415

 
$
59,014

 
$
59,626

___________
(1)
See Note 5.


8


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

As of November 5, 2012 and January 31, 2012, accrued interest was $16,669 and $2,650, respectively, which is included in other current liabilities in our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

CKE Inc. Senior Unsecured PIK Toggle Notes

During fiscal 2012, CKE Inc. (formerly known as CKE Holdings, Inc.), our parent, issued $200,000 aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured PIK toggle notes (the “Toggle Notes”). We have not guaranteed the Toggle Notes, nor have we pledged any of our assets or stock as collateral for the Toggle Notes. As a result, we have not reflected the Toggle Notes in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

The interest on the Toggle Notes, which is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, can be paid (1) entirely in cash, at a rate of 10.50% (“Cash Interest”), (2) entirely by increasing the principal amount of the note or by issuing new notes for the entire amount of the interest payment, at a rate per annum equal to the cash interest rate of 10.50% plus 0.75% (“PIK Interest”) or (3) with a 25%/75%, 50%/50% or 75%/25% combination of Cash Interest and PIK Interest. CKE Inc. paid the March 15, 2012 and September 15, 2012 interest payments entirely in PIK Interest and has elected to pay the March 15, 2013 interest payment entirely in Cash Interest. A portion of the cash dividend paid by CKE Restaurants, Inc. to CKE Inc. during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 is expected to be used by CKE Inc. to make the Cash Interest payment on the Toggle Notes when due on March 15, 2013 (see Note 8).

As of November 5, 2012, the principal amount of CKE Inc.’s total long-term debt on a stand-alone basis was $235,754, which includes PIK Interest payments that have been added to the principal amount of the Toggle Notes. The principal amount of CKE Inc.’s long-term debt on a stand-alone basis has not been reduced by the $11,099 principal amount of Toggle Notes held by CKE Restaurants as of November 5, 2012 (the “Purchased Toggle Notes”) since the Purchased Toggle Notes remain outstanding. As of November 5, 2012, the carrying value of CKE Inc.’s total long-term debt on a stand-alone basis, including the current portion and the Purchased Toggle Notes, was $232,791, which is presented net of the unamortized portion of the original issue discount of $2,963.

NOTE 5 — SALE-LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS

During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, we entered into agreements with independent third parties under which we sold and leased back 2 Carl’s Jr. and 60 Hardee’s restaurant properties. The initial minimum lease terms are 20 years, and the leases include renewal options and right of first offer provisions that, for accounting purposes, constitute continuing involvement with the associated restaurant properties. Due to this continuing involvement, these sale-leaseback transactions are accounted for under the financing method, rather than as completed sales. Under the financing method, we include the sales proceeds received in other long-term liabilities until our continuing involvement with the properties is terminated, report the associated property as owned assets, continue to depreciate the assets over their remaining useful lives, and record the rental payments as interest expense. Closing costs and other fees related to these sale-leaseback transactions are recorded as deferred financing costs and amortized to interest expense over the initial minimum lease term. When and if our continuing involvement with a property terminates and the sale of that property is recognized for accounting purposes, we expect to record a gain equal to the excess of the proceeds received over the remaining net book value of the associated restaurant property and any unamortized deferred financing costs.

During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, we received proceeds of $91,063 and capitalized deferred financing costs of $5,210 in connection with 62 financing method sale-leaseback transactions. During the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, we received proceeds of $43,159 and capitalized deferred financing costs of $2,457 in connection with 29 financing method sale-leaseback transactions.


9


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

The cumulative proceeds received in connection with financing method sale-leaseback transactions of $158,517 and $67,454 are included in other long-term liabilities in our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 5, 2012 and January 31, 2012, respectively. The net book value of the associated assets, which is included in property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization in our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $112,714 and $48,722 as of November 5, 2012 and January 31, 2012, respectively. With respect to the financing method sale-leaseback transactions, our future minimum cash obligations as of November 5, 2012 are $2,893, $11,571, $11,571, $11,571, $11,744, $12,469 and $198,865 for the period from November 6, 2012 through January 31, 2013, for fiscal 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and thereafter, respectively.

NOTE 6 — FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following table presents information on our financial instruments as of:

 
November 5, 2012
 
January 31, 2012
 
Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
139,723

 
$
139,723

 
$
64,555

 
$
64,555

Notes receivable

 
118

 
1,696

 
2,050

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank indebtedness and other long-term debt, including current portion
465,301

 
548,049

 
523,641

 
599,027


The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates its carrying amount due to its short maturity. The estimated fair value of notes receivable was determined by discounting future cash flows using current rates at which similar loans might be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings. The estimated fair value of the Senior Secured Notes was determined by using estimated market prices of our outstanding Senior Secured Notes. For all other long-term debt, the estimated fair value was determined by discounting future cash flows using rates currently available to us for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Our non-financial assets, which include long-lived assets, including goodwill, intangible assets and property and equipment, are reported at carrying value and are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. However, on a periodic basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable, we assess our long-lived assets for impairment. When impairment has occurred, such long‑lived assets are written down to fair value.

During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, we determined that the assets at two underperforming company-operated Carl's Jr. restaurants were impaired. As a result, property and equipment with a carrying value of $1,265 was written down to fair value, resulting in impairment charges of $1,195. Additionally, during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, we determined that a property leased to a Hardee's franchisee was impaired due to a highway project that will eliminate direct access to the property, rendering it unfit for retail purposes. As a result, property and equipment with a carrying value of $1,250 was written down to fair value, resulting in an impairment charge of $1,204. We impaired each of the assets down to their respective fair values using measurements with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). These fair value estimates are based on the assumption of the highest and best use of the asset group, or individual asset, and generally include estimates of future cash flows, assumptions of future same-store sales, projected operating expenses, and/or broker estimates of value, when readily available or determinable. These impairment charges were recorded to facility action charges, net in our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (see Note 10).


10


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

NOTE 7 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Lease Commitments

Under various refranchising programs, we have sold restaurants to franchisees, some of which were on leased sites. We entered into sublease agreements with these franchisees but remained principally liable for the lease obligations. We account for the sublease payments received as franchising rental income in franchised restaurants and other revenue, and the payments on the leases as rental expense in franchised restaurants and other expense, in our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of November 5, 2012, the present value of the lease obligations under the remaining master leases’ primary terms is $121,810. Franchisees may, from time to time, experience financial hardship and may cease payment on their sublease obligations to us. The present value of the exposure to us from franchisees characterized as under financial hardship is $1,370.

Letters of Credit

Pursuant to our Credit Facility, we may borrow up to $100,000 for senior secured revolving facility loans, swingline loans and letters of credit (see Note 4). We have several standby letters of credit outstanding under our Credit Facility, which primarily secure our potential workers’ compensation, general and auto liability obligations. We are required to provide letters of credit each year, or set aside a comparable amount of cash or investment securities in a trust account, based on our existing claims experience. As of November 5, 2012, we had outstanding letters of credit of $30,603, expiring at various dates through August 2013.

Unconditional Purchase Obligations

As of November 5, 2012, we had unconditional purchase obligations in the amount of $77,177, which consisted primarily of contracts for goods and services related to restaurant operations and contractual commitments for marketing and sponsorship arrangements.

Employment Agreements

We have entered into employment agreements with certain key executives (the “Employment Agreements”). Pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreements, each executive is entitled to receive certain retention bonus payments that will be paid out in October 2013, in accordance with such executive’s Employment Agreement. In addition, each executive will be entitled to payments that may be triggered by the termination of employment under certain circumstances, as set forth in each Employment Agreement. If certain provisions are triggered, our Chief Executive Officer shall be entitled to receive an amount equal to his minimum base salary multiplied by six and our President and Chief Legal Officer and our Chief Financial Officer shall each be entitled to receive an amount equal to his respective minimum base salary multiplied by three plus a pro-rata portion of his then-current year bonus. The affected executive may also be entitled to receive his unpaid retention bonus. If all payment provisions of the Employment Agreements had been triggered as of November 5, 2012, we would have been required to make cash payments of approximately $13,378.

Litigation

We are currently involved in legal disputes related to employment claims, real estate claims and other business disputes. With respect to employment matters, our most significant legal disputes relate to employee meal and rest break disputes, and wage and hour disputes. Several potential class action lawsuits have been filed in the State of California, regarding such employment matters, each of which is seeking injunctive relief and monetary compensation on behalf of current and former employees. The Company intends to vigorously defend against all claims in these lawsuits; however, we are presently unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these actions.


11


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

As of November 5, 2012, our accrued liability for litigation contingencies with a probable likelihood of loss was $2,514, with an expected range of losses from $2,514 to $5,564. As of November 5, 2012, we estimated the contingent liability of those losses related to litigation claims that are not accrued, but that we believe are reasonably possible to result in an adverse outcome and for which a range of loss can be reasonably estimated, to be in the range of $2,085 to $10,860. In addition, we are involved in legal matters where the likelihood of loss has been judged to be reasonably possible, but for which a range of the potential loss cannot be reasonably estimated based on current facts and circumstances.

NOTE 8 — STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, we declared and paid a cash dividend of $14,400 to CKE Inc. No dividends were declared or paid during the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011.

NOTE 9 — SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Total share-based compensation expense was as follows:

 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Share-based compensation expense related to Units that contain performance conditions
$

 
$
555

 
$
1,295

 
$
1,802

Share-based compensation expense related to all other Units
1,064

 
508

 
2,250

 
1,729

Total share-based compensation expense
$
1,064

 
$
1,063

 
$
3,545

 
$
3,531


Funds managed by Apollo Management VII, L.P., certain members of our senior management team and our board of directors formed Apollo CKE Holdings, L.P., a limited partnership (the “Partnership”) to fund the equity contribution to CKE Restaurants, Inc. The Partnership granted profit sharing interests (“Units”) in the Partnership to certain of our senior management team and directors in the form of time vesting and performance vesting Units. There are no income tax benefits associated with the Units. On August 13, 2012, the financial targets for the performance vesting Units were met causing all performance vesting Units to be converted into time vesting Units that will vest in two equal installments on August 13, 2013 and August 13, 2014. The maximum unrecognized compensation cost for unvested Units was $6,619 as of November 5, 2012.

NOTE 10 — FACILITY ACTION CHARGES, NET

The components of facility action charges, net are as follows:

 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Estimated liability for new restaurant closures
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
133

Adjustments to estimated liability for closed restaurants
20

 
(103
)
 
(237
)
 
420

Impairment of assets to be held and used

 
342

 
2,525

 
592

Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment
45

 
(9
)
 
88

 
(476
)
Other gains
(33
)
 
(87
)
 
(124
)
 
(337
)
Amortization of discount related to estimated liability for closed restaurants
70

 
119

 
280

 
371

 
$
102

 
$
262

 
$
2,532

 
$
703


12


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

We evaluate our restaurant-level long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of assets may be impaired. We determine whether the assets are recoverable by comparing the undiscounted future cash flows that we expect to generate from their use and disposal to their carrying value. Restaurant-level assets that are not deemed to be recoverable are written down to their estimated fair value, which is determined by assessing the highest and best use of the assets and the amounts that would be received for such assets in an orderly transaction between market participants. The determination of fair value is dependent upon level 3 significant unobservable inputs.

Impairment charges recognized in facility action charges, net were recorded against the following asset category:

 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Property and equipment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
$

 
$

 
$
1,195

 
$

Hardee’s

 
342

 
1,330

 
592

 
$

 
$
342

 
$
2,525

 
$
592


NOTE 11 — INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following:

 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Federal and state income taxes
$
3,259

 
$
(2,483
)
 
$
1,781

 
$
(5,155
)
Foreign income taxes
432

 
341

 
1,569

 
1,278

Income tax expense (benefit)
$
3,691

 
$
(2,142
)
 
$
3,350

 
$
(3,877
)

Our effective income tax rate for the twelve and forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 differs from the federal statutory rate primarily as a result of non-deductible share-based compensation expense, state income taxes and federal income tax credits. Our effective tax rate for the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 also differs from the federal statutory rate as a result of the release of $6,370 of valuation allowance on state income tax credit and net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards. After considering all available evidence, both positive and negative, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and estimated future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences on a jurisdictional basis and statutory expiration dates of NOL carryforwards, we concluded that we will more likely than not realize future tax benefits related to certain of our state income tax credit and NOL carryforwards, for which an income tax benefit has not previously been recognized. As of November 5, 2012, we maintained a valuation allowance of $2,935 for a portion of our state NOL and income tax credit carryforwards. Realization of the tax benefit of such deferred income tax assets may remain uncertain for the foreseeable future, even if we generate consolidated taxable income, since they are subject to various limitations and may only be used to offset income of certain entities or in certain jurisdictions.

Our effective income tax rate for the twelve and forty weeks ended November 7, 2011 differs from the federal statutory rate primarily as a result of non-deductible share-based compensation expense, state income taxes, federal income tax credits and the release of $237 of unrecognized tax benefits due to statute closures.


13


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

We had $2,977 of unrecognized tax benefits as of January 31, 2012 that, if recognized, would affect our effective income tax rate. There were no material changes in the unrecognized tax benefits during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012. We believe that it is reasonably possible that decreases in unrecognized tax benefits of up to $1,642 may be necessary within twelve months as a result of statutes closing on such items. In addition, we believe that it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits may increase as a result of tax positions that may be taken during the next twelve months.

We are included in the consolidated federal income tax returns and combined state income tax returns of CKE Inc. For the purpose of determining the income taxes attributed to CKE Restaurants, Inc. and its subsidiaries, we prepare our income tax provision as if we were a separate taxpayer. As a result of this treatment, we make income tax payments to CKE Inc. based upon our separate return taxable income.

NOTE 12 — SEGMENT INFORMATION

We are principally engaged in developing, operating, franchising and licensing our Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s quick-service restaurant concepts, each of which is considered an operating segment that is managed and evaluated separately. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in our summary of significant accounting policies (see Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2012).
 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
$
158,042

 
$
149,966

 
$
527,875

 
$
508,414

Hardee’s
152,644

 
142,529

 
503,515

 
483,979

Other
113

 
124

 
367

 
538

Total
$
310,799

 
$
292,619

 
$
1,031,757

 
$
992,931

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
$
24,712

 
$
18,707

 
$
82,992

 
$
66,810

Hardee’s
31,535

 
26,016

 
101,524

 
86,023

Other
113

 
117

 
361

 
359

Total
56,360

 
44,840

 
184,877

 
153,192

Less: General and administrative expense
(30,800
)
 
(30,570
)
 
(102,288
)
 
(100,876
)
Less: Facility action charges, net
(102
)
 
(262
)
 
(2,532
)
 
(703
)
Less: Other operating expenses

 

 

 
(545
)
Operating income
25,458

 
14,008

 
80,057

 
51,068

Interest expense
(17,381
)
 
(17,415
)
 
(59,014
)
 
(59,626
)
Other income (expense), net
430

 
(252
)
 
(1,600
)
 
(1,668
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
$
8,507

 
$
(3,659
)
 
$
19,443

 
$
(10,226
)

14


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Capital expenditures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
$
9,813

 
$
8,642

 
$
22,648

 
$
18,608

Hardee’s
3,545

 
7,275

 
15,575

 
25,034

Other
523

 
410

 
1,171

 
798

Total
$
13,881

 
$
16,327

 
$
39,394

 
$
44,440

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization included in segment income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
$
7,837

 
$
8,548

 
$
27,767

 
$
29,127

Hardee’s
8,550

 
9,712

 
30,694

 
31,178

Other

 

 

 

Other depreciation and amortization(1)
655

 
770

 
2,493

 
2,568

Total depreciation and amortization
$
17,042

 
$
19,030

 
$
60,954

 
$
62,873

___________
(1)
Represents depreciation and amortization excluded from the computation of segment income.

 
November 5, 2012
 
January 31, 2012
Total assets:
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
$
832,124

 
$
779,970

Hardee’s
614,577

 
633,127

Other
76,601

 
67,041

Total
$
1,523,302

 
$
1,480,138


NOTE 13 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions with Apollo Management VII, L.P.

Pursuant to our management services agreement with Apollo Management VII, L.P. and in exchange for on-going investment banking, management, consulting and financial planning services, we are obligated to pay Apollo Management VII, L.P. an aggregate annual management fee of $2,500, which may be increased at Apollo Management VII, L.P.’s sole discretion up to an amount equal to two percent of our Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in our Credit Facility. We recorded $575, $574, $1,914 and $1,916 in management fees, which are included in general and administrative expense in our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012 and November 7, 2011, and forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 and November 7, 2011, respectively.

Transactions with Board of Directors

Certain members of our Board of Directors are also our franchisees. These franchisees regularly pay royalties and purchase equipment and other products from us on the same terms and conditions as our other franchisees. During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 and November 7, 2011, total revenue generated from related party franchisees was $5,255 and $5,268, respectively, which is included in franchised restaurants and other revenue in our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of November 5, 2012 and January 31, 2012, our related party trade receivables from franchisees were $389 and $252, respectively.


15


NOTE 14 — SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Cash paid for:
 
 
 
Interest, net of amounts capitalized
$
40,584

 
$
39,467

Income taxes paid (received), net
6,898

 
(64
)
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Capital lease obligations incurred to acquire assets
2,482

 
2,976

Accrued property and equipment purchases
2,197

 
3,044


During the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, we recorded a non-cash transaction to acquire three Hardee’s restaurants from a franchisee for an aggregate purchase price of $1,500. The entire purchase price was applied as a reduction of outstanding promissory notes due to the Company. See Note 3 for additional discussion.



16



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

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") is intended to provide a reader of financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of management on the financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect future results. MD&A is presented in the following sections:

Overview
Operating Review
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Critical Accounting Policies
Significant Known Events, Trends, or Uncertainties Expected to Impact Fiscal 2013 Comparisons with Fiscal 2012
New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted and Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
Presentation of Non-GAAP Measures
Certain Financial Information of CKE Inc.

The MD&A should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein and the CKE Restaurants, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2012 (the “2012 Annual Report”).

Overview

CKE Restaurants, Inc. (“CKE Restaurants”) and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to herein as the "Company", "we", "us" or "our"), is an owner, operator and franchisor of quick-service restaurants (“QSR”) in the United States and 27 other countries, operating principally under the Carl’s Jr.® and Hardee’s® brand names. As of November 5, 2012, we operated 893 domestic restaurants and our franchisees operated 1,937 domestic and 462 international restaurants, primarily under the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s brands. Domestic Carl’s Jr. restaurants are predominately located in the Western United States, primarily in California, with a growing presence in Texas. International Carl’s Jr. restaurants are located primarily in Mexico, with a growing presence in the rest of Latin America, Russia and Asia. Hardee’s restaurants are located predominately throughout the Southeastern and Midwestern United States, with a growing international presence in the Middle East and Central Asia. Our Green Burrito restaurants are primarily located in dual-branded Carl’s Jr. restaurants and our Red Burrito restaurants are exclusively located in dual-branded Hardee’s restaurants.


17


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)


Operating Review

The following tables present the change in our restaurant portfolios, consolidated and by brand, for the trailing-13 periods ended November 5, 2012:

 
Company-operated
 
Domestic Franchised
 
International Franchised
 
Total
Consolidated:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Open at November 7, 2011
894

 
1,927

 
398

 
3,219

New
4

 
45

 
78

 
127

Closed
(6
)
 
(34
)
 
(14
)
 
(54
)
Acquired
1

 

 

 
1

Divested

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Open at November 5, 2012
893

 
1,937

 
462

 
3,292

Carl’s Jr.:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Open at November 7, 2011
425

 
692

 
175

 
1,292

New
3

 
27

 
54

 
84

Closed
(5
)
 
(19
)
 
(3
)
 
(27
)
Open at November 5, 2012
423

 
700

 
226

 
1,349

Hardee’s:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Open at November 7, 2011
469

 
1,225

 
223

 
1,917

New
1

 
18

 
24

 
43

Closed
(1
)
 
(12
)
 
(11
)
 
(24
)
Acquired
1

 

 

 
1

Divested

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Open at November 5, 2012
470

 
1,230

 
236

 
1,936


18


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Consolidated
 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company-operated restaurants
$
268,588

 
$
256,976

 
$
900,788

 
$
871,571

Franchised restaurants and other
42,211

 
35,643

 
130,969

 
121,360

Total revenue
310,799

 
292,619

 
1,031,757

 
992,931

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restaurant operating costs
217,293

 
214,174

 
728,383

 
726,356

Franchised restaurants and other
21,564

 
17,907

 
66,047

 
62,225

Advertising
15,582

 
15,698

 
52,450

 
51,158

General and administrative
30,800

 
30,570

 
102,288

 
100,876

Facility action charges, net
102

 
262

 
2,532

 
703

Other operating expenses

 

 

 
545

Total operating costs and expenses
285,341

 
278,611

 
951,700

 
941,863

Operating income
25,458

 
14,008

 
80,057

 
51,068

Interest expense
(17,381
)
 
(17,415
)
 
(59,014
)
 
(59,626
)
Other income (expense), net
430

 
(252
)
 
(1,600
)
 
(1,668
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
8,507

 
(3,659
)
 
19,443

 
(10,226
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
3,691

 
(2,142
)
 
3,350

 
(3,877
)
Net income (loss)
$
4,816

 
$
(1,517
)
 
$
16,093

 
$
(6,349
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company-operated average unit volume (trailing-52 weeks)
$
1,291

 
$
1,246

 
 
 
 
Domestic franchise-operated average unit volume (trailing-52 weeks)
1,106

 
1,063

 
 
 
 
Company-operated same-store sales increase
4.6
%
 
1.9
 %
 
3.3
%
 
3.4
%
Domestic franchise-operated same-store sales increase (decrease)
4.5
%
 
(0.1
)%
 
3.4
%
 
1.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA(1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company-operated restaurants revenue
$
268,588

 
$
256,976

 
$
900,788

 
$
871,571

Less: restaurant operating costs
(217,293
)
 
(214,174
)
 
(728,383
)
 
(726,356
)
Add: depreciation and amortization expense
14,787

 
16,376

 
52,886

 
54,363

Less: advertising expense
(15,582
)
 
(15,698
)
 
(52,450
)
 
(51,158
)
Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA
$
50,500

 
$
43,480

 
$
172,841

 
$
148,420

Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin
18.8
%
 
16.9
 %
 
19.2
%
 
17.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA(1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Franchised restaurants and other revenue
$
42,211

 
$
35,643

 
$
130,969

 
$
121,360

Less: franchised restaurants and other expense
(21,564
)
 
(17,907
)
 
(66,047
)
 
(62,225
)
Add: depreciation and amortization expense
1,600

 
1,884

 
5,575

 
5,942

Franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA
$
22,247

 
$
19,620

 
$
70,497

 
$
65,077

__________________
(1)
Refer to definitions of company-operated restaurant-level non-GAAP measures and franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA under the heading “Presentation of Non-GAAP Measures” in this Item 2.

19


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Carl’s Jr.
 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Company-operated restaurants revenue
$
142,947

 
$
136,111

 
$
479,866

 
$
462,769

Franchised restaurants and other revenue
15,095

 
13,855

 
48,009

 
45,645

Total revenue
158,042

 
149,966

 
527,875

 
508,414

Restaurant operating costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Food and packaging
42,278

 
40,929

 
141,897

 
139,869

Payroll and other employee benefits
40,331

 
38,102

 
135,448

 
130,820

Occupancy and other
34,246

 
35,594

 
113,286

 
117,291

Total restaurant operating costs
116,855

 
114,625

 
390,631

 
387,980

Franchised restaurants and other expense
7,753

 
7,842

 
25,368

 
25,335

Advertising expense
8,722

 
8,792

 
28,884

 
28,289

General and administrative expense
14,289

 
14,447

 
48,325

 
48,055

Facility action charges, net
80

 
(63
)
 
1,002

 
127

Operating income
$
10,343

 
$
4,323

 
$
33,665

 
$
18,628

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company-operated average unit volume (trailing-52 weeks)
$
1,457

 
$
1,405

 
 
 
 
Domestic franchise-operated average unit volume (trailing-52 weeks)
1,118

 
1,094

 
 
 
 
Company-operated same-store sales increase
5.5
%
 
2.0
 %
 
3.9
%
 
2.0
 %
Domestic franchise-operated same-store sales increase (decrease)
5.1
%
 
(2.5
)%
 
1.8
%
 
(0.8
)%
Company-operated same-store transaction increase (decrease)
4.3
%
 
(0.5
)%
 
3.5
%
 
(0.2
)%
Company-operated average check (actual $)
$
7.00

 
$
6.90

 
$
7.03

 
$
6.98

Restaurant operating costs as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Food and packaging
29.6
%
 
30.1
 %
 
29.6
%
 
30.2
 %
Payroll and other employee benefits
28.2
%
 
28.0
 %
 
28.2
%
 
28.3
 %
Occupancy and other
24.0
%
 
26.2
 %
 
23.6
%
 
25.3
 %
Total restaurant operating costs
81.7
%
 
84.2
 %
 
81.4
%
 
83.8
 %
Advertising expense as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue
6.1
%
 
6.5
 %
 
6.0
%
 
6.1
 %
 
 
 
 
 


 


Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA(1):
 
 
 
 


 


Company-operated restaurants revenue
$
142,947

 
$
136,111

 
$
479,866

 
$
462,769

Less: restaurant operating costs
(116,855
)
 
(114,625
)
 
(390,631
)
 
(387,980
)
Add: depreciation and amortization expense
7,053

 
7,760

 
25,140

 
26,487

Less: advertising expense
(8,722
)
 
(8,792
)
 
(28,884
)
 
(28,289
)
Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA
$
24,423

 
$
20,454

 
$
85,491

 
$
72,987

Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin
17.1
%
 
15.0
 %
 
17.8
%
 
15.8
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA(1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Franchised restaurants and other revenue
$
15,095

 
$
13,855

 
$
48,009

 
$
45,645

Less: franchised restaurants and other expense
(7,753
)
 
(7,842
)
 
(25,368
)
 
(25,335
)
Add: depreciation and amortization expense
784

 
788

 
2,627

 
2,640

Franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA
$
8,126

 
$
6,801

 
$
25,268

 
$
22,950

__________________
(1)
Refer to definitions of company-operated restaurant-level non-GAAP measures and franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA under the heading “Presentation of Non-GAAP Measures” in this Item 2.

20


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Hardee’s
 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Company-operated restaurants revenue
$
125,641

 
$
120,865

 
$
420,922

 
$
408,690

Franchised restaurants and other revenue
27,003

 
21,664

 
82,593

 
75,289

Total revenue
152,644

 
142,529

 
503,515

 
483,979

Restaurant operating costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Food and packaging
38,032

 
37,835

 
127,028

 
127,980

Payroll and other employee benefits
35,328

 
34,381

 
119,209

 
118,563

Occupancy and other
27,078

 
27,326

 
91,515

 
91,654

Total restaurant operating costs
100,438

 
99,542

 
337,752

 
338,197

Franchised restaurants and other expense
13,811

 
10,065

 
40,673

 
36,890

Advertising expense
6,860

 
6,906

 
23,566

 
22,869

General and administrative expense
16,511

 
16,124

 
53,963

 
52,823

Facility action charges, net
22

 
326

 
1,530

 
573

Operating income
$
15,002

 
$
9,566

 
$
46,031

 
$
32,627

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company-operated average unit volume (trailing-52 weeks)
$
1,142

 
$
1,102

 
 
 
 
Domestic franchise-operated average unit volume (trailing-52 weeks)
1,099

 
1,045

 
 
 
 
Company-operated same-store sales increase
3.6
 %
 
1.8
 %
 
2.6
 %
 
5.0
%
Domestic franchise-operated same-store sales increase
4.2
 %
 
1.3
 %
 
4.2
 %
 
3.4
%
Company-operated same-store transaction (decrease) increase
(0.7
)%
 
(1.5
)%
 
(1.8
)%
 
0.5
%
Company-operated average check (actual $)
$
5.53

 
$
5.30

 
$
5.58

 
$
5.34

Restaurant operating costs as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Food and packaging
30.3
 %
 
31.3
 %
 
30.2
 %
 
31.3
%
Payroll and other employee benefits
28.1
 %
 
28.4
 %
 
28.3
 %
 
29.0
%
Occupancy and other
21.6
 %
 
22.6
 %
 
21.7
 %
 
22.4
%
Total restaurant operating costs
79.9
 %
 
82.4
 %
 
80.2
 %
 
82.8
%
Advertising expense as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue
5.5
 %
 
5.7
 %
 
5.6
 %
 
5.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA(1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company-operated restaurants revenue
$
125,641

 
$
120,865

 
$
420,922

 
$
408,690

Less: restaurant operating costs
(100,438
)
 
(99,542
)
 
(337,752
)
 
(338,197
)
Add: depreciation and amortization expense
7,734

 
8,616

 
27,746

 
27,876

Less: advertising expense
(6,860
)
 
(6,906
)
 
(23,566
)
 
(22,869
)
Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA
$
26,077

 
$
23,033

 
$
87,350

 
$
75,500

Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin
20.8
 %
 
19.1
 %
 
20.8
 %
 
18.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA(1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Franchised restaurants and other revenue
$
27,003

 
$
21,664

 
$
82,593

 
$
75,289

Less: franchised restaurants and other expense
(13,811
)
 
(10,065
)
 
(40,673
)
 
(36,890
)
Add: depreciation and amortization expense
816

 
1,096

 
2,948

 
3,302

Franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA
$
14,008

 
$
12,695

 
$
44,868

 
$
41,701

__________________
(1)
Refer to definitions of company-operated restaurant-level non-GAAP measures and franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA under the heading “Presentation of Non-GAAP Measures” in this Item 2.

21


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Consolidated

Total Revenue

Total revenue increased $18,180, or 6.2%, to $310,799 during the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period, due to the increase in company-operated restaurants revenue of $11,612 and the increase in franchised restaurants and other revenue of $6,568. Company-operated same-store sales increased 4.6%, and domestic franchise-operated same-store sales increased 4.5%.

Total revenue increased $38,826, or 3.9%, to $1,031,757 during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period, due to the increase in company-operated restaurants revenue of $29,217 and the increase in franchised restaurants and other revenue of $9,609. Company-operated same-store sales increased 3.3%, and domestic franchise-operated same-store sales increased 3.4%.

Restaurant Operating Costs

Restaurant operating costs increased $3,119, or 1.5%, to $217,293 during the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period. Restaurant operating costs as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue were 80.9% for the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to 83.3% for the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011. This decrease in restaurant operating costs as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue was in part due to the increase in company-operated same-store sales, which was driven, in part, by menu price increases taken over the past year. Occupancy and other expense as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue decreased 170 basis points compared to the prior year period, primarily as a result of sales leverage and lower repairs and maintenance expense and utilities expense. Food and packaging costs as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue decreased 70 basis points from the prior year period, primarily as a result of higher restaurant pricing and changes in product mix. While commodity costs for beef products were essentially flat when compared to the prior year period, commodity costs for flour, chicken and potato products increased and commodity costs for pork, cheese and dairy products products decreased. Payroll and other employee benefits as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue were comparable to the prior year period.

Restaurant operating costs increased $2,027, or 0.3%, to $728,383 during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period. Restaurant operating costs as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue were 80.9% for the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to 83.3% for the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011. This decrease in restaurant operating costs as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue was in part due to the increase in company-operated same-store sales, which was driven, in part, by menu price increases taken over the past year. Occupancy and other expense as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue decreased 120 basis points compared to the prior year period, primarily as a result of sales leverage and lower repairs and maintenance expense and utilities expense. Food and packaging costs as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue decreased 90 basis points from the prior year period, primarily as a result of higher restaurant pricing and changes in product mix. Commodity costs for potato, chicken and beef products increased, while commodity costs for pork, cheese and produce products decreased. Payroll and other employee benefits as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue decreased 30 basis points from the prior year period.
 
Franchised Restaurants and Other Expense

During the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, franchised restaurants and other expense increased $3,657, or 20.4%, to $21,564, from the comparable prior year period, mainly due to an increase in equipment distribution center costs of $4,058 resulting from higher equipment sales to franchisees. During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, franchised restaurants and other expense increased $3,822, or 6.1%, to $66,047 from the comparable prior year period, mainly due to an increase in equipment distribution center costs of $4,341 resulting from higher equipment sales to franchisees.


22


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Advertising Expense

Advertising expense decreased $116, or 0.7%, to $15,582 during the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period. Advertising expense as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue was 5.8% during the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012 and 6.1% during the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011.

Advertising expense increased $1,292, or 2.5%, to $52,450 during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period. Advertising expense as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue was 5.8% during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 and 5.9% during the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011.

General and Administrative Expense

During the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012 general and administrative expense of $30,800 was comparable to the prior year period.

General and administrative expense increased $1,412, or 1.4%, to $102,288 during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 from the prior year period. This increase was mainly due to an increase of $1,903 in bonus expense, which is based on our performance relative to executive management and operations bonus criteria, partially offset by reduced legal expenditures.

Facility Action Charges, Net

During the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, net facility action charges were $102, which primarily resulted from the amortization of discount related to the estimated liability for closed restaurants.

During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, net facility action charges were $2,532, which primarily resulted from asset impairment charges of $2,525. These asset impairment charges primarily consisted of $1,195 of impairment charges recorded for two underperforming company-operated Carl's Jr. restaurants and a $1,204 impairment charge recorded for a property leased to a franchisee that became impaired due to a highway project that will eliminate direct access to the property, rendering it unfit for retail purposes.

See Note 10 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional detail of the components of facility action charges, net.

Interest Expense

During the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, interest expense decreased $34, or 0.2%, to $17,381, as compared to the prior year period. This decrease was primarily caused by a reduction of interest expense on our senior secured second lien notes (the "Senior Secured Notes") of $2,203 due to the early redemption of our Senior Secured Notes and a reduction of interest expense on our capital lease obligations of $128, which were largely offset by an increase in interest expense from our financing method sale-leaseback transactions of $2,257.

During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, interest expense decreased $612, or 1.0%, to $59,014, as compared to the prior year period. This decrease was primarily caused by a reduction of interest expense on our Senior Secured Notes of $6,656 due to the early redemption of our Senior Secured Notes and a reduction of interest expense on our capital lease obligations of $484, which were largely offset by an increase in interest expense from our financing method sale-leaseback transactions of $6,487.

See Note 4 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional detail of the components of interest expense.


23


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Income Tax Benefit

Our effective income tax rate for the twelve and forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 differs from the federal statutory rate primarily as a result of non-deductible share-based compensation expense, state income taxes and federal income tax credits. Our effective tax rate for the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 also differs from the federal statutory rate as a result of the release of $6,370 of valuation allowance on state income tax credit and net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards. Our effective income tax rate for the twelve and forty weeks ended November 7, 2011 differs from the federal statutory rate primarily as a result of non-deductible share-based compensation expense, state income taxes, federal income tax credits and the release of $237 of unrecognized tax benefits due to statute closures.

Carl’s Jr.

Company-Operated Restaurants Revenue

Revenue from company-operated Carl’s Jr. restaurants increased $6,836, or 5.0%, to $142,947 during the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011. This increase was primarily due to the 5.5% increase in company-operated same-store sales for the quarter. Both menu price increases and same-store transaction increases contributed to the same-store sales increase.

Revenue from company-operated Carl’s Jr. restaurants increased $17,097, or 3.7%, to $479,866 during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011. This increase was primarily due to the 3.9% increase in company-operated same-store sales from the comparable prior year period. Both menu price increases and same-store transaction increases contributed to the same-store sales increase.

Company-Operated Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin

The changes in the company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin are summarized as follows:

 
 
Twelve Weeks
 
Forty Weeks
Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin for the period ended November 7, 2011
 
15.0
 %
 
15.8
 %
Decrease in food and packaging costs
 
0.5

 
0.7

Payroll and other employee benefits:
 
 
 
 
Increase in workers’ compensation expense
 
(0.7
)
 
(0.4
)
Decrease in labor costs, excluding workers’ compensation
 
0.5

 
0.4

Occupancy and other (excluding depreciation and amortization):
 
 
 
 
Decrease in utilities expense
 
0.4

 
0.4

Decrease in repairs and maintenance expense
 
0.3

 
0.5

Decrease in rent expense
 
0.3

 
0.2

Decrease in biscuit roll-out costs
 
0.3

 
0.1

Other, net
 
0.1

 

Decrease in advertising expense
 
0.4

 
0.1

Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin for the period ended November 5, 2012
 
17.1
 %
 
17.8
 %


24


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Food and Packaging Costs

Food and packaging costs decreased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the twelve and forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year periods, mainly due to the impact of menu price increases taken over the past year and changes in product mix. During the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, commodity costs for potato, chicken and flour products increased and commodity costs for cheese, dairy and pork products decreased. During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, commodity costs for potato, chicken and beef products increased, while commodity costs for produce, cheese and pork products decreased from the comparable prior year period.

Payroll and Other Employee Benefits

Workers' compensation expense increased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period, due primarily to unfavorable claims reserve adjustments as a result of actuarial analyses of outstanding claims reserves in the current year period and favorable claims reserve adjustments in the comparable prior year period. During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, workers' compensation expense increased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue, as compared to the prior year period, due primarily to the impact of unfavorable claims reserve adjustments in the current year period that did not occur to the same extent in the prior year period.

Labor costs, excluding workers' compensation expense, decreased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the twelve and forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year periods, due primarily to more efficient use of labor in the restaurants and sales leverage resulting from the company-operated same-store sales increase.

Occupancy and Other Costs

Utilities expense decreased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the twelve and forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year periods, mainly due to a decrease in electricity and gas rates, and sales leverage caused by the increase in company-operated same-store sales.

Repairs and maintenance expense decreased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during
the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period, mainly due to decreased spending on repairs of restaurant equipment and building maintenance, and sales leverage caused by the increase in company-operated same-store sales. Repairs and maintenance expense decreased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year periods, mainly due to decreased spending on contract services, repairs of restaurant equipment and building maintenance, and sales leverage caused by the increase in company-operated same-store sales.

Rent expense decreased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period, mainly due to sales leverage resulting from the company-operated same-store sales increase.

Biscuit roll-out costs decreased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, from the comparable prior year period, due to the additional costs incurred in connection with the roll-out of Hardee's Made From Scratch breakfast biscuits at Carl's Jr. in the Los Angeles market in the prior year period, which did not recur in the current year period.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the twelve and forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year periods, due primarily to sales leverage and certain property and equipment reaching the end of its estimated useful life.


25


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Advertising Expense

Advertising expense as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue decreased from 6.5% to 6.1% during the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period. The decrease as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue was mainly due to incremental print and media spending in the prior year period to promote the roll-out of Hardee's Made From Scratch breakfast biscuits at Carl's Jr. in the Los Angeles market and incremental media spending in select markets that did not recur in the current year period.

Franchised Restaurants

 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Franchised restaurants and other revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Royalties
$
9,076

 
$
7,813

 
$
29,540

 
$
26,608

Rent and other occupancy
5,123

 
5,387

 
16,554

 
17,400

Franchise fees
896

 
655

 
1,915

 
1,637

Total franchised restaurants and other revenue
$
15,095

 
$
13,855

 
$
48,009

 
$
45,645

Franchised restaurants and other expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Administrative expense (including provision for bad debts)
$
3,009

 
$
2,950

 
$
9,380

 
$
9,016

Rent and other occupancy
4,744

 
4,892

 
15,988

 
16,319

Total franchised restaurants and other expense
$
7,753

 
$
7,842

 
$
25,368

 
$
25,335


Franchised restaurants and other revenue increased $1,240, or 8.9%, to $15,095 during the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period. Royalty revenues increased $1,263, or 16.2%, to $9,076, due primarily to the net increase of 51 international and 8 domestic franchised restaurants since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2012 and an increase in domestic franchise-operated same-store sales of 5.1%.

Franchised restaurants and other revenue increased $2,364, or 5.2%, to $48,009 during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period. Royalty revenues increased $2,932, or 11.0%, to $29,540, due primarily to the net increase of 51 international and 8 domestic franchised restaurants since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2012 and an increase in domestic franchise-operated same-store sales of 1.8%.

During the twelve and forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, franchised restaurants and other expense was consistent with the prior year periods.

Hardee’s

Company-Operated Restaurants Revenue

Revenue from company-operated Hardee’s restaurants increased $4,776, or 4.0%, to $125,641 during the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011. This increase was primarily due to the 3.6% increase in company-operated same-store sales for the quarter, which was driven mainly by menu price increases taken over the past year.

Revenue from company-operated Hardee’s restaurants increased $12,232, or 3.0%, to $420,922 during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011. This increase was primarily due to the 2.6% increase in company-operated same-store sales from the comparable prior year period, which was driven mainly by menu price increases taken over the past year.


26


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Company-Operated Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin

The changes in the company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin are summarized as follows:

 
 
Twelve Weeks
 
Forty Weeks
Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin for the period ended November 7, 2011
 
19.1
 %
 
18.5
 %
Decrease in food and packaging costs
 
1.0

 
1.1

Payroll and other employee benefits:
 
 
 
 
Decrease in labor costs, excluding workers’ compensation
 
0.2

 
0.6

Decrease in workers’ compensation expense
 
0.1

 
0.1

Occupancy and other (excluding depreciation and amortization):
 
 
 
 
Decrease in utilities expense
 
0.4

 
0.2

Increase in general liability insurance expense
 
(0.4
)
 
(0.1
)
Decrease in repairs and maintenance expense
 
0.2

 
0.3

Other, net
 
(0.1
)
 
0.1

Decrease in advertising expense
 
0.3

 

Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin for the period ended November 5, 2012
 
20.8
 %
 
20.8
 %

Food and Packaging Costs

Food and packaging costs decreased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the twelve and forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year periods, mainly due to the impact of menu price increases taken over the past year and changes in product mix. During the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, commodity costs for beef products were essentially flat when compared to the prior year period, while commodity costs for flour, chicken and potato products increased and commodity costs for pork, cheese and dairy products decreased. During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, commodity costs for chicken, potato and beef products increased, while commodity costs for pork, cheese and dairy products decreased from the comparable prior year period.

Payroll and Other Employee Benefits

Labor costs, excluding workers’ compensation expense, decreased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period, due primarily to more efficient use of labor in the restaurants and sales leverage resulting from the same-store sales increase.

Occupancy and Other Costs

Utilities expense decreased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period, mainly due to a decrease in electricity usage, a decrease in natural gas usage and rates, and sales leverage caused by the increase in company-operated same-store sales.

General liability insurance expense increased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period, due primarily to unfavorable claims reserve adjustments as a result of actuarial analyses of outstanding claims reserves in the current year period and favorable claims reserve adjustments in the prior year period.


27


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Repairs and maintenance expense decreased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period, mainly due to decreased spending on building maintenance, contract services and repairs of restaurant equipment, and sales leverage caused by the increase in company-operated same-store sales.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period, due primarily to sales leverage and certain property and equipment reaching the end of its estimated useful life.

Advertising Expense

Advertising expense as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue decreased from 5.7% to 5.5% during the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period. The decrease as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue was mainly due to lower local print and non-broadcast media spending in the current year period as compared to the prior year period.

Franchised Restaurants

 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Franchised restaurants and other revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Royalties
$
14,935

 
$
13,753

 
$
49,077

 
$
45,565

Equipment sales
8,646

 
4,472

 
22,776

 
18,682

Rent and other occupancy
2,913

 
3,095

 
9,577

 
10,105

Franchise fees
509

 
344

 
1,163

 
937

Total franchised restaurants and other revenue
$
27,003

 
$
21,664

 
$
82,593

 
$
75,289

Franchised restaurants and other expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Administrative expense (including provision for bad debts)
$
2,961

 
$
2,958

 
$
9,721

 
$
9,744

Equipment distribution center
8,491

 
4,433

 
22,886

 
18,545

Rent and other occupancy
2,359

 
2,674

 
8,066

 
8,601

Total franchised restaurants and other expense
$
13,811

 
$
10,065

 
$
40,673

 
$
36,890


Franchised restaurants and other revenue increased $5,339, or 24.6%, to $27,003 during the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period. Equipment sales increased $4,174, or 93.3%, to $8,646 from the comparable prior year period, due primarily to an increase in equipment sales to franchisees. Royalty revenues increased $1,182 or 8.6%, to $14,935 from the comparable prior year period, due primarily to a net increase of 13 international and 5 domestic franchised restaurants since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2012 and an increase in domestic franchise-operated same-store sales of 4.2%.

Franchised restaurants and other revenue increased $7,304, or 9.7%, to $82,593 during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, as compared to the prior year period. Equipment sales increased $4,094, or 21.9%, to $22,776 from the comparable prior year period, due primarily to an increase in equipment sales to franchisees. Royalty revenues increased $3,512, or 7.7%, to $49,077 from the comparable prior year period, due primarily to a net increase of 13 international and 5 domestic franchised restaurants since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2012 and an increase in domestic franchise-operated same-store sales of 4.2%.

Franchised restaurants and other expense increased $3,746, or 37.2%, to $13,811 during the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012, from the comparable prior year period. Equipment distribution center costs increased $4,058, or 91.5%, to $8,491 from the comparable prior year period due to higher equipment sales.


28


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Franchised restaurants and other expense increased $3,783, or 10.3%, to $40,673 during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, from the comparable prior year period. Equipment distribution center costs increased $4,341, or 23.4%, to $22,886 from the comparable prior year period due to higher equipment sales.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Our cash requirements consist principally of our food and packaging purchases, labor, and occupancy costs; capital expenditures for restaurant remodels and refreshes, new restaurant construction and replacement of equipment; debt service requirements; advertising expenditures; and general and administrative expenses. In addition, we may elect to redeem up to $60,000 of the principal amount of our Senior Secured Notes at a redemption price of 103% of the principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes during the twelve month period commencing July 15, 2013. Assuming the aggregate outstanding principal amount of our Senior Secured Notes remains unchanged from November 5, 2012, we will be required to make semi-annual interest payments on our Senior Secured Notes of approximately $26,852. As discussed below, our senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) matures on July 12, 2015 and our Senior Secured Notes mature on July 15, 2018. Based on our current capital spending projections, we expect capital expenditures to be between $60,000 and $70,000 for fiscal 2013.

We expect that our cash on hand and future cash flows from operations will provide sufficient liquidity to allow us to meet our operating and capital requirements and service our existing debt. As of November 5, 2012, we had $139,723 in cash and cash equivalents and $69,397 in available commitments under our Credit Facility to help meet our operating and capital requirements.

Credit Facility

Our Credit Facility provides for senior secured revolving facility loans, swingline loans and letters of credit, in an aggregate amount of up to $100,000. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to, at our option, either: (1) the higher of Morgan Stanley’s “prime rate” plus 2.75% or the federal funds rate, as defined in our Credit Facility, plus 3.25%, or (2) the LIBOR plus 3.75%. The Credit Facility matures on July 12, 2015, at which time all outstanding revolving facility loans and accrued and unpaid interest must be repaid. As of November 5, 2012, we had no outstanding loan borrowings, $30,603 of outstanding letters of credit, and remaining availability of $69,397 under our Credit Facility.

Pursuant to the terms of our Credit Facility, during each fiscal year, our capital expenditures cannot exceed the sum of (1) the greater of (i) $100,000 and (ii) 8.5% of our consolidated gross total tangible assets as of the end of such fiscal year plus, without duplication, (2) 10% of certain assets acquired in permitted acquisitions during such fiscal year (the "Acquired Assets Amount") and (3) 5% of the Acquired Assets Amount for the preceding fiscal year, calculated on a cumulative basis. In addition, the annual base amount of permitted capital expenditures may be increased by an amount equal to any cumulative credit (as defined in the Credit Facility) which we elect to apply for this purpose and may be carried-back and/or carried-forward subject to the terms set forth in the Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility contains covenants that restrict our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to: incur additional indebtedness; pay dividends on our capital stock or redeem, repurchase or retire our capital stock or indebtedness; make investments, loans, advances and acquisitions; create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to us from our subsidiaries; sell assets, including capital stock of our subsidiaries; consolidate or merge; create liens; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; amend, modify or permit the amendment or modification of any senior secured second lien note documents; engage in certain transactions with our affiliates; issue capital stock; create subsidiaries; and change the business conducted by us or our subsidiaries.

The terms of our Credit Facility also include financial performance covenants, which include a maximum secured leverage ratio and a specified minimum interest coverage ratio. Our Credit Facility defines our secured leverage ratio as the ratio of our: (1) Total Secured Debt plus eight times our Net Rent less Unrestricted Cash and Permitted Investments; over (2) Adjusted EBITDAR, each as defined in our Credit Facility. In determining our consolidated Total Secured Debt for the purpose of our financial covenants, we include our Senior Secured Notes

29


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

and other long-term secured debt, capital lease obligations and the portion of the proceeds from financing method sale-leaseback transactions equal to the net book value of the associated properties. As of November 5, 2012, the net book value of the assets associated with financing method sale-leaseback transactions was $112,714. See Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further discussion of these sale-leaseback transactions. Our Credit Facility defines our interest coverage ratio as the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to Cash Interest Expense, each as defined in our Credit Facility. As of November 5, 2012, our financial performance covenants did not limit our ability to draw on the remaining availability of $69,397 under our Credit Facility.

We were in compliance with the covenants of our Credit Facility as of November 5, 2012.

The terms of our Credit Facility are not impacted by any changes in our credit rating. We believe the key company-specific factors affecting our ability to maintain our existing debt financing relationships and to access such capital in the future are our present and expected levels of profitability, cash flows from operations, capital expenditures, asset collateral bases and the level of our Adjusted EBITDA relative to our debt obligations. In addition, as noted above, our Credit Facility includes significant restrictions on future financings including, among others, limits on the amount of indebtedness we may incur or which may be secured by any of our assets.

Senior Secured Second Lien Notes

On July 16, 2012, we redeemed $60,000 of the principal amount of our Senior Secured Notes at a redemption price of 103% of the principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes. Subsequent to the redemption and as of November 5, 2012, the remaining aggregate principal amount of our Senior Secured Notes was $472,122. The Senior Secured Notes bear interest at a rate of 11.375% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15. As of November 5, 2012, the carrying value of the notes was $464,914, which is presented net of the remaining unamortized original issue discount of $7,208. The Senior Secured Notes mature on July 15, 2018.

In accordance with the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes, we may be required to make offers to repurchase our Senior Secured Notes with a portion of the net proceeds received from sale-leaseback transactions. Pursuant to these requirements, on July 18, 2012, we commenced a tender offer to purchase up to $29,875 of the principal amount of our Senior Secured Notes (the "Tender Offer") at a redemption price of 103%. The Tender Offer expired on August 16, 2012 with no Senior Secured Notes tendered.

The indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes contains restrictive covenants that limit our and our guarantor subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things: incur or guarantee additional debt or issue certain preferred equity; pay dividends, make capital stock distributions or other restricted payments; make certain investments; sell certain assets; create or incur liens on certain assets to secure debt; consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; enter into certain transactions with affiliates; and designate subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries. Additionally, the indenture contains certain reporting covenants, which requires us to provide all such information required to be filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") in accordance with the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as a non-accelerated filer, even if we are not specifically required to comply with such sections of the Exchange Act. Failure to comply with these covenants constitutes a default and may lead to the acceleration of the principal amount and accrued but unpaid interest on the Senior Secured Notes.

We were in compliance with the covenants included in the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes as of November 5, 2012.

We may redeem the Senior Secured Notes prior to the maturity date based upon the following conditions: (1) prior to July 15, 2013, we may redeem up to $82,122 of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes (provided at least $390,000 of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes remains outstanding after such redemption) with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 111.375% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, (2) during the 12-month period beginning July 15, 2013, we may elect to redeem up to $60,000 of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes at a redemption price of 103% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, (3) on or after July 15, 2014, we may redeem all or any

30


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

portion of the Senior Secured Notes during the 12-month periods commencing July 15, 2014, July 15, 2015, July 15, 2016 and July 15, 2017 and thereafter at redemption prices of 105.688%, 102.844%, 101.422% and 100%, respectively, of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, and (4) prior to July 15, 2014, we may redeem all or any portion of the Senior Secured Notes at a price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes being redeemed plus a make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest. Upon a change in control, the holders of our Senior Secured Notes each have the right to require us to redeem their Senior Secured Notes at a redemption price of 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Sale-Leaseback Transactions

During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, we entered into agreements with independent third parties under which we sold and leased back 62 restaurant properties. The initial minimum lease terms are 20 years, and the leases include renewal options and right of first offer provisions that, for accounting purposes, constitute continuing involvement with the associated restaurant properties. Due to this continuing involvement, these sale-leaseback transactions are accounted for under the financing method, rather than as completed sales. Under the financing method, we include the sales proceeds received in other long-term liabilities until our continuing involvement with the properties is terminated, report the associated property as owned assets, continue to depreciate the assets over their remaining useful lives, and record the rental payments as interest expense. Closing costs and other fees related to these sale-leaseback transactions are recorded as deferred financing costs and amortized to interest expense over the initial minimum lease term. When and if our continuing involvement with a property terminates and the sale of that property is recognized for accounting purposes, we expect to record a gain equal to the excess of the proceeds received over the remaining net book value of the associated restaurant property and any unamortized deferred financing costs. During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, we received proceeds of $91,063 and capitalized deferred financing costs of $5,210 in connection with these transactions.

The cumulative proceeds received in connection with financing method sale-leaseback transactions of $158,517 and $67,454 are included in other long-term liabilities in our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 5, 2012 and January 31, 2012, respectively. The net book value of the associated assets, which is included in property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $112,714 and $48,722 as of November 5, 2012 and January 31, 2012, respectively.

We expect that we will sell and leaseback additional restaurant properties in the future; however, there can be no assurance as to the number of transactions we will be able to complete, the amount of proceeds we will generate or whether we will be able to complete additional sale-leaseback transactions at all. See Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further discussion.

CKE Inc. Senior Unsecured PIK Toggle Notes

During fiscal 2012, our parent company, CKE Inc., formerly known as CKE Holdings, Inc., issued $200,000 aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured PIK toggle notes due March 14, 2016 (the “Toggle Notes”). The interest on the Toggle Notes, which is paid semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, can be paid (1) entirely in cash, at a rate of 10.50% (“Cash Interest”), (2) entirely by increasing the principal amount of the Toggle Notes or by issuing new notes for the entire amount of the interest payment, at a rate per annum equal to the cash interest rate of 10.50% plus 0.75% (“PIK Interest”) or (3) with a 25%/75%, 50%/50% or 75%/25% combination of Cash Interest and PIK Interest. CKE Inc. paid the March 15, 2012 and September 15, 2012 interest payments entirely in PIK Interest and has elected to pay the March 15, 2013 interest payment entirely in Cash Interest. A portion of the cash dividend paid by CKE Restaurants, Inc. to CKE Inc. during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 is expected to be used by CKE Inc. to make the Cash Interest payment on the Toggle Notes when due on March 15, 2013.

We have not guaranteed the Toggle Notes, nor have we pledged any of our assets or stock as collateral for the Toggle Notes. The covenants included within the indenture governing our Senior Secured Notes and our Credit Facility are not directly impacted by the obligations of CKE Inc. Because the Toggle Notes contain a PIK feature, the interest obligations can be added to the principal amount of the Toggle Notes and CKE Inc. has the ability to

31


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

defer cash payments of interest through March 14, 2016. At or prior to maturity, we expect CKE Inc. will evaluate all available options for redemption of the Toggle Notes, including refinancing the Toggle Notes, receiving dividends, and other options. Our Credit Facility and indenture governing our Senior Secured Notes contain restrictive covenants which limit our ability to pay dividends to CKE Inc.

Cash Flows

During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, cash provided by operating activities was $114,141, an increase of $23,144, or 25.4%, compared with the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011. Net income of $16,093 for the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 includes certain income and expense items that are excluded in deriving cash flows from operations, including depreciation and amortization expense of $60,954, loss on early extinguishment of our Senior Secured Notes of $3,695, share-based compensation expense of $3,545, amortization of $3,215 for deferred financing costs and discount on notes and a deferred income tax benefit of $17,179. Additionally, changes in our operating assets and liabilities of $40,954 resulted in an increase to cash flows from operations. The amounts of our operating assets and liabilities can vary significantly from quarter to quarter, depending upon the timing of large customer receipts and payments to vendors, but they are not anticipated to be a significant source or use of cash over the long term.

Cash used in investing activities during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 totaled $36,489, which principally consisted of purchases of property and equipment of $39,357, partially offset by $1,925 of proceeds from the sale of property and equipment and $841 of collections of non-trade notes receivable.

Capital expenditures, including property and equipment purchased in connection with the acquisition of restaurants, were as follows:

 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Remodels:
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
$
5,310

 
$
2,698

Hardee’s
3,994

 
9,763

Capital maintenance:
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
6,923

 
9,671

Hardee’s
6,761

 
10,406

New restaurants and rebuilds:
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
8,617

 
5,828

Hardee’s
860

 
2,125

Dual-branding:
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
35

 
419

Hardee’s
1,701

 
1,760

Real estate and franchise acquisitions
3,735

 
667

Corporate and other
1,458

 
1,103

Total
$
39,394

 
$
44,440


Capital expenditures for the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, decreased $5,046, or 11.4%, from the comparable prior year period mainly due to decreases of $6,393 in capital maintenance and $3,157 in remodels, partially offset by increases of $3,068 in real estate and franchise acquisitions and $1,524 in new restaurants and rebuilds. Based on our current capital spending projections, we expect capital expenditures to be between $60,000 and $70,000 for fiscal 2013.


32


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Cash used in financing activities during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 totaled $2,484, which resulted from payment of $61,811 for the early extinguishment of our Senior Secured Notes, payment of $14,400 for dividends on common stock, payment of $6,312 for capital lease obligations, net changes of $5,802 in bank overdrafts and payment of $5,219 for deferred financing costs, which were largely offset by proceeds of $91,063 from financing method sale-leaseback transactions.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our reported results are impacted by the application of certain accounting policies that require us to make subjective or complex judgments. These judgments involve making estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may significantly impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations. See our 2012 Annual Report for a description of our critical accounting policies. Specific risks associated with these critical accounting policies are described in the following paragraphs.

Impairment of Restaurant-Level Long-Lived Assets

In connection with analyzing restaurant-level long-lived assets to determine if they have been impaired, we make certain estimates and assumptions, including estimates of future cash flows, assumptions of future same-store sales and projected operating expenses for each of our restaurants over their estimated useful lives in order to evaluate recoverability and estimate fair value. Future cash flows are estimated based upon experience gained, current intentions about refranchising restaurants and closures, recent and expected sales trends, internal plans, the period of time since the restaurant was opened or remodeled and other relevant information. If our future cash flows or same-store sales do not meet or exceed our forecasted levels, or if restaurant operating cost increases exceed our forecast and we are unable to recover such costs through price increases, the carrying value of certain of our restaurants may prove to be unrecoverable, and we may incur additional impairment charges in the future.

Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

As of November 5, 2012, our goodwill consisted of $199,166 for our Carl’s Jr. reporting unit and $9,757 for our Hardee’s reporting unit. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, we performed our goodwill impairment test for our Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s reporting units. As of the date of the annual impairment test, the fair value of the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values by more than 20%. The excess of the fair value as compared to the carrying value was attributed primarily to the general improvement in financial markets between the date of the acquisition and the date of the impairment test, and improvements in operating results and cash flows. However, future declines in market conditions and the actual future performance of our reporting units could negatively impact the results of future impairment tests.

As of November 5, 2012 our indefinite-lived intangible assets consisted of Carl’s Jr. trademarks / tradenames of $144,000 and Hardee’s trademarks / tradenames of $134,000. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, we performed our impairment test for trademarks / tradenames at both Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s and concluded that no impairment charge was required. However, any future declines in our system-wide restaurant portfolio at either concept, declines in company-operated or franchised revenues or increases to the discount rate used in our impairment test could negatively impact the results of future impairment tests.

Estimated Liability for Closed Restaurants

In determining the amount of the estimated liability for closed restaurants, we estimate the cost to maintain leased vacant properties until the lease can be abated. If the costs to maintain properties increase, or it takes longer than anticipated to sublease or terminate leases, we may need to record additional estimated liabilities. If the leases on the vacant restaurants are not terminated or subleased on the terms that we used to estimate the liabilities, we may be required to record losses in future periods. Conversely, if the leases on the vacant restaurants are terminated or subleased on more favorable terms than we used to estimate the liabilities, we reverse previously established estimated liabilities, resulting in an increase in operating income.


33


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Estimated Liability for Self-Insurance

If we experience a higher than expected number of claims or the costs of claims rise more than the estimates used by management, developed with the assistance of our actuary, our reserves would require adjustment and we would be required to adjust the expected losses upward and increase our future self-insurance expense.

Our actuary provides us with estimated unpaid losses for each loss category, upon which our analysis is based. As of November 5, 2012 and January 31, 2012, our estimated liability for self-insured workers’ compensation, general and auto liability losses was $43,149 and $41,466, respectively.

Franchised Operations

We have sublease agreements with some of our franchisees on properties for which we remain principally liable for the lease obligations. If sales trends or economic conditions deteriorate for our franchisees, their financial health may worsen, our collection rates may decline and we may be required to assume the responsibility for additional lease payments on franchised restaurants.

Income Taxes

We are included in the consolidated federal income tax returns and combined state income tax returns of CKE Inc., our parent. For the purpose of determining the income taxes attributed to CKE Restaurants and its subsidiaries, we prepare our income tax provision as if we were a separate taxpayer. As a result of this treatment, we make income tax payments to CKE Inc. based upon our separate return taxable income.

When necessary, we record a valuation allowance to reduce our net deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In considering the need for a valuation allowance against some portion or all of our deferred tax assets, we must make certain estimates and assumptions regarding future taxable income, the feasibility of tax planning strategies and other factors. Changes in facts and circumstances or in the estimates and assumptions that are involved in establishing and maintaining a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets could result in adjustments to the valuation allowance in future quarterly or annual periods.

We use an estimate of our annual income tax rate to recognize a provision for income taxes in financial statements for interim periods. However, changes in facts and circumstances could result in adjustments to our effective tax rate in future quarterly or annual periods.

Significant Known Events, Trends, or Uncertainties Expected to Impact Fiscal 2013 Comparisons with Fiscal 2012

The factors discussed below impact comparability of operating performance for the twelve and forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 and November 7, 2011, and for the remainder of fiscal 2013.

Commodity Costs

The cost of food commodities has increased over the last three years, and we expect that there will be pricing pressure on some of our key ingredients, most notably beef, chicken, pork and dairy products during fiscal 2014. In recent years, the U.S. cattle inventory has been reduced, and we expect this to result in upward pricing pressure on the cost of beef in the future. Although the rate of inflation on beef and our other key ingredients has slowed during recent quarters, this trend may not be sustainable due to the impact of a severe summer drought in the United States, which has caused an increase in the cost of livestock feed. Additionally, due to higher feed costs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has forecasted reductions in chicken and pork production during calendar year 2013. These and other factors could lead to future increases in commodity costs, which may adversely affect our operating results or cause us to consider changes to our product delivery strategy and adjustments to our menu pricing. See further discussion in "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" included in Item 3 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


34


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Sale-Leaseback Transactions

During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 and fiscal 2012, we entered into agreements with independent third parties under which we sold and leased back 62 and 47 restaurant properties, respectively. The initial minimum lease terms are 20 years, and the leases include renewal options and right of first offer provisions that, for accounting purposes, constitute continuing involvement with the associated restaurant properties. Due to this continuing involvement, these sale-leaseback transactions are accounted for under the financing method, rather than as completed sales. Under the financing method, we include the sales proceeds received in other long-term liabilities until our continuing involvement with the properties is terminated, report the associated property as owned assets, continue to depreciate the assets over their remaining useful lives, and record the rental payments as interest expense. As of November 5, 2012, the net book value of the assets associated with these transactions was $112,714. When and if our continuing involvement with a property terminates and the sale of that property is recognized for accounting purposes, we expect to record a gain equal to the excess of the proceeds received over the remaining net book value of the associated restaurant property. As of November 5, 2012, the cumulative proceeds received of $158,517 exceeded the net book value of the associated restaurant properties by $45,803. We expect that we will sell and leaseback additional restaurant properties in future quarters; however, there can be no assurance as to the number of transactions we will be able to complete, the amount of proceeds we will generate or whether we will be able to complete additional sale-leaseback transactions at all. See Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further discussion.

Fiscal Year and Seasonality

We operate on a retail accounting calendar. Our fiscal year ends the last Monday in January and typically has 13 four-week accounting periods. The first quarter of our fiscal year has four periods, or 16 weeks. All other quarters generally have three periods, or 12 weeks.

Our restaurant sales, and therefore our profitability, are subject to seasonal fluctuations and are traditionally higher during the spring and summer months because of factors such as increased travel upon school vacations and improved weather conditions, which affect the public’s dining habits.

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted and Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of new accounting pronouncements not yet adopted and the adoption of new accounting pronouncements.

Presentation of Non-GAAP Measures

We have included in this report measures of financial performance that are not defined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA, company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin and franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures utilized by management internally to evaluate and compare our operating performance for company-operated restaurants and franchised restaurants between periods. In addition, management believes that these financial measures provide useful information to potential investors and analysts because they provide insight into management’s evaluation of our results of operations. Each of these non-GAAP financial measures is derived from amounts reported within our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, and the computations of each of these measures have been included within our “Operating Review” section of MD&A.


35


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

These non-GAAP measures should be viewed in addition to, and not in lieu of, the comparable GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures have certain limitations including the following:

Because not all companies calculate these measures identically, our presentation of such measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies;
These measures exclude certain general and administrative and other operating costs, which should also be considered when assessing our operating performance; and
These measures exclude depreciation and amortization, and although they are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated or amortized will often have to be replaced and new investments made to support the operations of our restaurant portfolio.

Company-Operated Restaurant-Level Non-GAAP Measures

We define company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA, which is expressed in dollars, as company-operated restaurants revenue (i) less restaurant operating costs excluding depreciation and amortization expense and (ii) less advertising expense. Restaurant operating costs are the expenses incurred directly by our company-operated restaurants in generating revenues and do not include advertising costs, general and administrative expenses or facility action charges. We define company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin, which is expressed as a percentage, as company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA divided by company-operated restaurants revenue.

Franchise Restaurant Adjusted EBITDA

We define franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA, which is expressed in dollars, as franchised restaurants and other revenue less franchised restaurants and other expense excluding depreciation and amortization expense.

Certain Financial Information of CKE Inc.

During fiscal 2012, CKE Inc. issued $200,000 aggregate principal amount of Toggle Notes. CKE Inc. paid the March 15, 2012 and September 15, 2012 interest payments entirely in PIK Interest and will pay the March 15, 2013 interest payment entirely in Cash Interest. A portion of the cash dividend paid by CKE Restaurants, Inc. to CKE Inc. during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 is expected to be used by CKE Inc. to make the Cash Interest payment on the Toggle Notes when due on March 15, 2013. During fiscal 2012, CKE Restaurants purchased $9,948 principal amount of Toggle Notes for $8,362. As of November 5, 2012, CKE held a total of $11,099 principal amount of Toggle Notes (the "Purchased Toggle Notes") including PIK Interest payments after the initial purchase.

We have not guaranteed the obligations of CKE Inc. under the Toggle Notes, nor have we pledged any of our assets or stock as collateral for the Toggle Notes. The covenants included within the indenture governing our Senior Secured Notes and our Credit Facility are not directly impacted by the obligations of CKE Inc.

As of November 5, 2012, the principal amount of CKE Inc.’s total long-term debt on a stand-alone basis was $235,754, including the $11,099 principal amount of the Purchased Toggle Notes and the PIK Interest payments that have been added to the principal amount of the Toggle Notes. As of November 5, 2012, the carrying value of CKE Inc.’s total long-term debt on a stand-alone basis, including the current portion and the Purchased Toggle Notes, was $232,791 which is presented net of the unamortized portion of the original issue discount of $2,963. During the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012 and November 7, 2011, and the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 and November 7, 2011, CKE Inc. incurred interest expense of $6,295, $5,727, $20,201 and $15,795, respectively, on a stand-alone basis. CKE Inc.’s consolidated interest expense was $23,379, $23,032, $78,265 and $75,311 during the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012 and November 7, 2011, and the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 and November 7, 2011, respectively. Since the Purchased Toggle Notes continue to be held by CKE Restaurants, $297, $110, $950 and $110 of CKE Inc.’s stand-alone interest expense, which is associated with the Purchased Toggle Notes, has been eliminated in CKE Inc.’s consolidated interest expense during the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012 and November 7, 2011, and the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 and November 7, 2011, respectively.


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CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Forward Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes statements relating to our future plans and developments, financial goals and operating performance that are based on our current beliefs and assumptions. Although we do not make forward-looking statements unless we believe we have a reasonable basis for doing so, we cannot guarantee their accuracy. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict, are beyond our control, and which may cause results to differ materially from expectations. Factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those described include, but are not limited to, our ability to compete with other restaurants, supermarkets and convenience stores for customers, employees, restaurant locations and franchisees; changes in consumer preferences, perceptions and spending patterns; changes in interest rates, commodity prices, labor costs, energy costs and other expenses; the ability of our key suppliers to continue to deliver premium-quality products to us at moderate prices; our ability to successfully enter new markets, complete construction of new restaurants and complete remodels of existing restaurants; changes in general economic conditions and the geographic concentration of our restaurants, which may affect our business; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; our franchisees' willingness to participate in our strategy; risks associated with implementing our growth strategy, including opening new domestic and international restaurants; the operational and financial success of our franchisees; the willingness of our vendors and service providers to supply us with goods and services pursuant to customary credit arrangements; risks associated with operating in international locations; the effect of the media's reports regarding food-borne illnesses, food tampering and other health-related issues on our reputation and our ability to procure or sell food products; the effectiveness of our marketing and advertising programs; the seasonality of our operations; the effect of increasing labor costs including health care related costs; increased insurance and/or self-insurance costs; our ability to comply with existing and future health, employment, environmental and other government regulations; our ability to adequately protect our intellectual property; the adverse effect of litigation in the ordinary course of business; a significant failure, interruption or security breach of our computer systems or information technology; catastrophic events including war, terrorism and other international conflicts, public health issues or natural causes; the potentially conflicting interests of our controlling stockholder and our creditors; our substantial leverage, which could limit our ability to raise capital, react to economic changes or meet obligations under our indebtedness; the effect of restrictive covenants in our indenture and credit facility on our business; and other factors as discussed in "Risk Factors" included in Item 1A of Part II of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on April 11, 2012, and in our other filings with the SEC.

You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances arising after the date of this report, except as required by law.


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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes, foreign currency fluctuations and changes in commodity prices. In the normal course of business, we may employ policies and procedures to manage our exposure to these changes.

Interest Rate Risk

Our principal exposures to financial market risks relate to the impact that interest rate changes could have on our Credit Facility, which bears interest at a floating interest rate and, therefore, our results of operations and cash flows will be exposed to changes in interest rates. As of November 5, 2012, our Credit Facility remained undrawn. Accordingly, a hypothetical increase of 100 basis points in short-term interest rates in our floating rate would not have an impact on our interest expense. This sensitivity analysis assumes all other variables will remain constant in future periods.

Foreign Currency Risk

Our objective in managing our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations is to limit the impact of such fluctuations on earnings and cash flows. Our business at company-operated restaurants is transacted in U.S. dollars. Exposure outside of the United States relates primarily to the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations on royalties paid to us by our international franchisees. As of November 5, 2012, our most significant exposure related to the Mexican Peso. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations have not historically had a significant impact on our results of operations. During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, if all foreign currencies had uniformly weakened 10% relative to the U.S. dollar, our franchised restaurants and other revenue would have decreased $1,525.

Commodity Price Risk

We, along with our franchisees, purchase large quantities of food, packaging and supplies. The predominant food commodities purchased by our restaurants include beef, potatoes, chicken, pork, wheat flour, dairy, cheese, produce and soybean oil. The cost of food commodities has increased over the last three years, resulting in upward pricing pressure on many of our raw ingredients. In recent years, the U.S. cattle inventory has been reduced, and we expect this to result in upward pricing pressure on the cost of beef in the future. Additionally, we expect the cost of food commodities to be adversely impacted by a severe summer drought in the United States. Prices for corn, soybeans and wheat, which are the primary feed for livestock, have escalated to record or near record highs as a result of the drought. Due to higher feed costs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture ("USDA") has forecasted reductions in chicken and pork production during calendar year 2013. The USDA estimated that, as a result of the drought, which it said is the worst drought to affect the United States since the 1950's, the price of beef may rise as much as four percent, and retail food costs in total, including poultry and pork, may increase between three and four percent, in calendar year 2013. As a result of these and other factors, we expect inflationary pricing pressure on many of our key ingredients, most notably beef, chicken, pork and dairy products, during fiscal 2014.

Like all restaurant companies, we are susceptible to commodity price risks as a result of factors beyond our control, such as general economic conditions, significant variations in supply and demand, seasonal fluctuations, weather conditions, food safety concerns, food-borne diseases, fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar, commodity market speculation and government regulations. For example, the cost of beef, our largest commodity expenditure and the only commodity that accounts for more than twenty percent of our total food and packaging costs, has increased over the past three years primarily as a result of a reduction in the U.S. cattle inventory. We expect that it may take several years for the U.S. cattle inventory to recover.

To mitigate commodity price risks, we routinely enter into purchasing contracts or pricing arrangements for certain commodities that contain commodity risk management techniques designed to minimize price volatility. The purchasing contracts and pricing arrangements we use for certain commodities set in advance the price of a given commodity for a fixed period of time, which helps to mitigate the effects of commodities price volatility. These purchasing contracts and pricing arrangements may result in unconditional purchase obligations, which are not reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Typically, we use these types of purchasing techniques to control costs as an alternative to directly managing financial instruments to hedge commodity prices. In many cases,

38



including with respect to the increase in beef costs, we believe we will be able to address material commodity cost increases by adjusting our menu pricing, or changing our product delivery strategy. However, increases in commodity prices, without adjustments to our menu prices, could increase restaurant operating costs as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue, which could negatively impact our operating results.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We have established and maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that material information required to be disclosed in reports we file with or submit to the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognized that any system of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, as ours are designed to do, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

In connection with the preparation of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as of November 5, 2012, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended November 5, 2012, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of our business. These claims potentially cover a variety of allegations spanning our entire business. The following is a brief discussion of the most significant categories of claims that have been brought or that we believe are likely to be brought against us in the operation of our business. To the extent applicable, we also discuss the nature of any currently pending claims relating to each category. We are currently vigorously defending these pending claims. See Note 7 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional discussion of legal matters.

Employees

We employ many thousands of persons in our company-operated restaurants and corporate offices, both by us and in restaurants owned and operated by our subsidiaries. In addition, thousands of persons from time to time seek employment in such restaurants. In the ordinary course of business, disputes arise regarding hiring, firing, harassment, rest breaks, promotion practices and other employee related matters. With respect to employment matters, our most significant legal disputes relate to employee meal and rest breaks, and wage and hour disputes. Several potential class action lawsuits have been filed in the State of California, each of which is seeking injunctive relief and monetary compensation on behalf of current and former employees.

Customers

Our restaurants serve a large cross-section of the public and, in the course of serving that many people, disputes arise as to products, services, accidents and other matters typical of an extensive restaurant business such as ours.

Suppliers

We rely on large numbers of suppliers who are required to meet and maintain our high standards. On occasion, disputes may arise with our suppliers on a number of issues including, but not limited to, compliance with product specifications and certain business concerns. Additionally, disputes may arise on a number of issues between us and individuals or entities who claim they should have been granted the approval or opportunity to supply products or provide services to our restaurants.

Franchising

A substantial number of our restaurants are franchised to independent entrepreneurs operating under contractual arrangements with us. In the course of the franchise relationship, disputes occasionally arise between us and our franchisees relating to a broad range of subjects including, without limitation, quality, service and cleanliness issues, contentions regarding terminations of franchises, and delinquent payments. Additionally, occasional disputes arise between us and individuals who claim they should have been granted a franchise.

Intellectual Property

We have registered trademarks and service marks, patents and copyrights, some of which are of material importance to our business. From time to time, we may become involved in litigation to defend and protect our use of our intellectual property.
Real Property
We have various leasing arrangements related to our company-operated restaurants, franchised restaurants and other properties. In the course of managing these various leasing arrangements, disputes occasionally arise with respect to rental payments, property improvements, abandonment of property and the interpretation of lease provisions.


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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Item 1A Part I of our 2012 Annual Report includes a detailed discussion of the risk factors that we believe could materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our 2012 Annual Report, except as set forth below. The risk factors discussed in the 2012 Annual Report (as updated by the information below) are not the only risks we face. Other factors that we do not anticipate or that we do not consider significant based on currently available information, may also have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. The information below updates, and should be read in conjunction with, the risk factors in our 2012 Annual Report.

Risk Factors Relating to our Company

Changes in interest rates, commodity prices, labor costs, energy costs and other expenses could adversely affect our operating results.

Increases in interest rates, gasoline prices, commodity costs, labor and benefits costs, legal claims, as well as inflation and the availability of management and hourly employees affect our restaurant operations and administrative expenses.

In particular, increases in interest rates may impact land and construction costs and the cost and availability of borrowed funds, and thereby adversely affect our ability and our franchisees’ ability to finance new restaurant development and improve existing restaurants. In addition, inflation can cause increased commodity and labor and benefits costs and can increase our operating expenses.

Increases in energy costs for our company-operated restaurants, principally electricity for lighting restaurants and natural gas for our broilers, could reduce our operating margins and financial results if we choose not, or are unable, to pass the increased costs to our customers. In addition, our distributors purchase gasoline needed to transport food and other supplies to us. These distributors may charge fuel surcharges if energy costs significantly increase, which could reduce our operating margins and financial results if we choose not, or are unable, to pass the increased costs to our customers.

Changes in food, packaging and supply costs could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our profitability depends in part on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in food, packaging and supply costs. We, along with our franchisees, purchase large quantities of food, packaging and supplies; and like all restaurant companies, we are susceptible to increases in food, packaging and supply costs as a result of factors beyond our control, such as general economic conditions, supplier financial or solvency issues, significant variations in supply and demand, seasonal fluctuations, weather conditions, food safety concerns, food-borne diseases, fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar, commodity market speculation, government regulations, labor stoppages and strikes, and natural disasters. Since we have a higher concentration of company-operated restaurants than many of our competitors, we may have greater volatility in our operating costs than those competitors who are more heavily franchised.

The predominant food commodities purchased by our restaurants include beef, potatoes, chicken, pork, wheat flour, dairy, cheese, produce, and soybean oil. The cost of food commodities has increased over the last three years, resulting in upward pricing pressure on many of our raw ingredients. In recent years, the U.S. cattle inventory has been reduced, and we expect this to result in upward pricing pressure on the cost of beef in the future. Additionally, we expect the cost of food commodities to be adversely impacted by a severe summer drought in the United States. Prices for corn, soybeans and wheat, which are the primary feed for livestock, have escalated to record or near record highs as a result of the drought. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that, as a result of the drought, which it said is the worst drought to affect the United States since the 1950's, the price of beef may rise as much as four percent, and retail food costs in total, including poultry and pork, may increase between three and four percent, in calendar year 2013. As a result of these and other factors, we expect inflationary pricing pressure on some of our key ingredients, most notably beef, chicken, pork and dairy products, during fiscal 2014. Material increases in the prices of the ingredients most critical to our menu, particularly beef and other protein products, could adversely

41


affect our operating results or cause us to consider changes to our product delivery strategy and adjustments to our menu pricing.

Our business may be adversely impacted by economic conditions and the geographic concentration of our restaurants.

Our financial condition and results of operations are dependent upon consumer confidence and discretionary spending, which are influenced by general economic conditions and other factors, including the ongoing macroeconomic challenges in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world. Negative consumer sentiment in the wake of the recent economic recession has been widely reported over the past three years and, according to some economic forecasts, may continue during fiscal 2013. Our sales may decline during this period of economic uncertainty, or during future economic downturns, which can be caused by various factors such as high gasoline prices, increasing commodity prices, high unemployment rates, declining home prices or tight credit markets. Any material decline in consumer confidence or discretionary spending could cause our financial results to decline.

In addition, unfavorable macroeconomic trends or developments concerning factors such as increased food, commodity, fuel, utilities, labor and benefits costs may also adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Current or future economic conditions may prevent us from increasing prices to address increased costs without negatively impacting our sales or market share. If we were unable to raise prices or alter our product mix in order to recover increased costs for food, packaging, fuel, utilities, wages, clothing and equipment, our profitability would be negatively affected.

We have a geographic concentration of restaurants in certain states and regions, which can cause economic conditions in particular areas to have a disproportionate impact on our overall results of operations. As of November 5, 2012, we and our franchisees operated restaurants in 42 states and 27 foreign countries. By number of restaurants, our domestic operations are most concentrated in California, North Carolina and Virginia, and our international franchisees are most concentrated in Mexico, the Middle East and Central Asia. Adverse economic conditions in states or regions that contain a high concentration of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurants could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations in the future. In particular, continuing high unemployment rates in California, especially among our core customer demographic of young men, has had, and may continue to have, a negative impact on our results of operations. In addition, economic, political, legal and other conditions in Mexico, the Middle East and Central Asia, where a significant number of our international franchisees are located, could have an adverse impact on the operations of such international franchisees and, accordingly, could negatively impact our ability to execute our international growth strategy.

If our franchisees do not participate in our strategy, our business would be harmed.

Our franchisees are an integral part of our business. We may be unable to successfully implement our brand strategies if our franchisees do not actively participate in such implementation. The failure of our franchisees to focus on the fundamentals of restaurant operations, such as quality, service and cleanliness, would have a negative impact on our success. It may be more difficult for us to monitor our international franchisees’ implementation of our brand strategies due to our lack of personnel in the markets served by such franchisees. One of our strategies is to increase the ratio of franchise restaurants to company-operated restaurants, which could further reduce our influence over the operations of our total restaurant base.

If we fail to successfully implement our growth strategy, which includes opening new domestic and international restaurants, our ability to increase our revenues and operating profits could be adversely affected.

Our growth strategy relies in part upon new restaurant development by existing and new franchisees, or by us. We and our franchisees face many challenges in opening new restaurants, including:

availability of financing;
selection and availability of suitable restaurant locations;
competition for restaurant sites;
negotiation of acceptable lease and financing terms;
securing required domestic or foreign governmental permits and approvals;

42


consumer tastes in new geographic regions and acceptance of our products;
employment and training of qualified personnel;
impact of inclement weather, natural disasters and other acts of nature; and
general economic and business conditions.

In particular, because the majority of our new restaurant development is likely to be funded by franchisee investment, our growth strategy is dependent on our franchisees’ (or prospective franchisees’) ability to access funds to finance such development. We do not provide our franchisees with direct financing and therefore their ability to access borrowed funds generally depends on their independent relationships with various financial institutions. If our franchisees (or prospective franchisees) are not able to obtain financing at commercially reasonable rates, or at all, they may be unwilling or unable to invest in the development of new restaurants, and our future growth could be adversely affected.

To the extent we or our franchisees are unable to open new stores as we anticipate, our revenue growth would come primarily from growth in comparable store sales. Our failure to add a significant number of new restaurants or grow comparable store sales would adversely affect our ability to increase our revenues and operating income and could materially and adversely impact our business and operating results.

Recent public and private concerns about the health risks associated with fast food may adversely affect our
financial results.

Recently, class action lawsuits have been filed, and may continue to be filed, against various QSRs alleging, among other things, that QSRs have failed to disclose the health risks associated with high-fat or high-sodium foods and have encouraged obesity. Adverse publicity about these allegations may discourage customers from buying our products, even if we are not the subject of a class action lawsuit.

Our success depends on the effectiveness of our marketing and advertising programs.

Brand marketing and advertising significantly affect our revenues. Our marketing and advertising programs
may not be successful, which may prevent us from attracting new customers and retaining existing customers.
Also, because franchisees contribute to our advertising fund based on a percentage of their gross sales, our
advertising budget depends on sales volumes at these franchised restaurants. If sales decline, we will have less
funds available for marketing and advertising, which will harm our business.

We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which could decrease the value of our brands and products.

The success of our business depends on the continued ability to use existing trademarks, service marks, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights in order to increase brand awareness and further develop branded products. All of the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property may not be adequate. The loss of our intellectual property, or our inability to enforce it, may harm the value of our brands and products. Also, third parties may assert infringement claims against us, and we may be unable to successfully defend against these claims. Any litigation, regardless of whether we prevail, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our resources, which may harm our business.

Risks Relating to Our Indebtedness

Our substantial leverage could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry and prevent us from meeting our obligations under our Senior Secured Notes and Credit Facility.
Our substantial leverage could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry, expose us to interest rate risk to the extent of our variable rate debt and prevent us from meeting our obligations under the Senior Secured Notes and the Credit Facility. Our high degree of leverage could have important consequences for our creditors, including:


43


increasing our vulnerability to adverse economic, industry or competitive developments;
requiring a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, therefore reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities;
exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates because certain of our borrowings, including borrowings under our Credit Facility, will be at variable rates of interest;
making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness, including the Senior Secured Notes, and any failure to comply with the obligations of any of our debt instruments, including restrictive covenants and borrowing conditions, could result in an event of default under the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes and the agreements governing such other indebtedness;
restricting us from making strategic acquisitions or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures;
limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, product development, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes; and
limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business or market conditions and placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who are less highly leveraged and who therefore, may be able to take advantage of opportunities that our leverage prevents us from exploiting.

If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow and are otherwise unable to obtain funds necessary to meet required payments of principal and interest on our indebtedness, or if we otherwise fail to comply with any of the covenants in the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes or the Credit Facility, we could be in default under one or both of these agreements. In the event of such a default:

the lenders under our Credit Facility could elect to terminate their commitments thereunder and cease making further loans to us;
the holders of such indebtedness could elect to declare all the indebtedness thereunder to be immediately due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest, which would prevent us from using our cash flows for other purposes;
if we are unable to pay amounts outstanding and declared immediately due and payable, the holders of such indebtedness could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure the indebtedness; and
we could ultimately be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.

Our debt agreements contain restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business.

Our Credit Facility and the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes contain various covenants that limit our ability to engage in specified types of transactions. For example, the indenture contains covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to:

incur or guarantee additional debt or issue certain preferred equity;
pay dividends on or make distributions to holders of our common stock or make other restricted payments;
sell certain assets;
create or incur liens on certain assets to secure debt;
make certain investments;
designate subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries;
consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; or
enter into certain transactions with affiliates.

The terms of the Credit Facility also include financial performance covenants, which include a maximum secured leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. A breach of these or other covenants could allow the lenders to accelerate all amounts due under the Credit Agreement.


44


Substantially all our material assets and our common stock are subject to liens to secure obligations under the Credit Facility and the Senior Secured Notes.

Obligations under our Credit Facility and the Senior Secured Notes are secured by substantially all our material owned assets and by our common stock. If we are unable to repay all secured borrowings when due, whether at maturity or if declared due and payable following a default, the lenders or the noteholders, as the case may be, would have the right to proceed against the assets securing the indebtedness and may sell these assets in order to repay those borrowings, which could materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. If the lenders proceed against our common stock, then the change in the ownership interests in CKE Restaurants may significantly harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.


45



ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit No. 
 
Description 
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)/15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
 
 
 
32.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)/15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
 
 
 
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
__________________
*
The XBRL-related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

46



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
 
CKE RESTAURANTS, INC.
 
 
 
Date:
December 12, 2012
/s/ Reese Stewart
 
 
Reese Stewart
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
 
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)


47



EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description 
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)/15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
 
 
 
32.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)/15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
 
 
 
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
__________________
*
The XBRL-related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.




Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION
I, Andrew F. Puzder, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended November 5, 2012, of CKE Restaurants, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: December 12, 2012
 
/s/ Andrew F. Puzder
Andrew F. Puzder
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)





Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION
I, Theodore Abajian, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended November 5, 2012, of CKE Restaurants, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: December 12, 2012
 
/s/ Theodore Abajian
Theodore Abajian
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)





Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION
I, Andrew F. Puzder, certify pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 that:
1.
The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 5, 2012 (the “Quarterly Report”) complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 780(d)); and
2.
The information contained in the Quarterly Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
Date:
December 12, 2012
/s/ Andrew F. Puzder
 
 
Andrew F. Puzder
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
This certification accompanies the Quarterly Report pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. This certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.





Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION
I, Theodore Abajian, certify pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 that:
1.
The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 5, 2012 (the “Quarterly Report”) complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 780(d)); and
2.
The information contained in the Quarterly Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
Date:
December 12, 2012
/s/ Theodore Abajian 
 
 
Theodore Abajian
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
This certification accompanies the Quarterly Report pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. This certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.




v2.4.0.6
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities (Lease Commitments) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Nov. 05, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Present value of master lease obligations for subleased properties $ 121,810
Present value of lease obligations for franchisees under financial hardship $ 1,370

v2.4.0.6
Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Nov. 07, 2011
Nov. 05, 2012
Nov. 07, 2011
Jan. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]        
Release of valuation allowance for deferred tax assets   $ 6,370    
Valuation allowance   2,935    
Unrecognized tax benefits released due to statute closures 237   237  
Unrecognized tax benefits       2,977
Reasonably possible decrease in unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months   $ 1,642    

v2.4.0.6
Facility Action Charges, Net (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Nov. 07, 2011
Nov. 05, 2012
Nov. 07, 2011
Facility Action Charges, Net [Abstract]        
Estimated liability for new restaurant closures $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 133
Adjustments to estimated liability for closed restaurants 20 (103) (237) 420
Impairment of assets to be held and used 0 342 2,525 592
Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment 45 (9) 88 (476)
Other gains (33) (87) (124) (337)
Amortization of discount related to estimated liability for closed restaurants 70 119 280 371
Facility action charges, net $ 102 $ 262 $ 2,532 $ 703

v2.4.0.6
Purchase of Assets (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Jan. 30, 2012
Nov. 05, 2012
Hardee's [Member]
Restaurant
Nov. 07, 2011
Hardee's [Member]
Restaurant
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Number of restaurants acquired     1 3
Aggregate purchase price consideration     $ 75 $ 1,500
Net purchase price consideration       1,207
Property and equipment acquired     54 109
Intangible assets acquired       85
Capital lease obligations assumed     17 55
Goodwill $ 208,923 $ 208,885 $ 38 $ 1,068

v2.4.0.6
Share-Based Compensation (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]  
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan
Total share-based compensation expense was as follows:

 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Share-based compensation expense related to Units that contain performance conditions
$

 
$
555

 
$
1,295

 
$
1,802

Share-based compensation expense related to all other Units
1,064

 
508

 
2,250

 
1,729

Total share-based compensation expense
$
1,064

 
$
1,063

 
$
3,545

 
$
3,531

v2.4.0.6
Segment Information (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Nov. 07, 2011
Nov. 05, 2012
Nov. 07, 2011
Jan. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue $ 310,799 $ 292,619 $ 1,031,757 $ 992,931  
Segment Income 56,360 44,840 184,877 153,192  
General and administrative expense (30,800) (30,570) (102,288) (100,876)  
Facility action charges, net (102) (262) (2,532) (703)  
Other operating expenses 0 0 0 (545)  
Operating income 25,458 14,008 80,057 51,068  
Interest expense (17,381) (17,415) (59,014) (59,626)  
Other income (expense), net 430 (252) (1,600) (1,668)  
Income (loss) before income taxes 8,507 (3,659) 19,443 (10,226)  
Capital expenditures 13,881 16,327 39,394 44,440  
Depreciation and amortization 17,042 19,030 60,954 62,873  
Total assets 1,523,302   1,523,302   1,480,138
Carl's Jr. [Member]
         
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue 158,042 149,966 527,875 508,414  
Segment Income 24,712 18,707 82,992 66,810  
Capital expenditures 9,813 8,642 22,648 18,608  
Total assets 832,124   832,124   779,970
Hardee's [Member]
         
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue 152,644 142,529 503,515 483,979  
Segment Income 31,535 26,016 101,524 86,023  
Capital expenditures 3,545 7,275 15,575 25,034  
Total assets 614,577   614,577   633,127
Other Segment [Member]
         
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue 113 124 367 538  
Segment Income 113 117 361 359  
Capital expenditures 523 410 1,171 798  
Total assets 76,601   76,601   67,041
Included In Segment Income [Member] | Carl's Jr. [Member]
         
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Depreciation and amortization 7,837 8,548 27,767 29,127  
Included In Segment Income [Member] | Hardee's [Member]
         
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Depreciation and amortization 8,550 9,712 30,694 31,178  
Included In Segment Income [Member] | Other Segment [Member]
         
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Depreciation and amortization 0 0 0 0  
Excluded From Segment Income [Member]
         
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Depreciation and amortization $ 655 [1] $ 770 [1] $ 2,493 [1] $ 2,568 [1]  
[1] Represents depreciation and amortization excluded from the computation of segment income.

v2.4.0.6
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities (Employement Agreements) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Multiplier
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Bonus multiplier for minimum base salary of Chief Executive Officer 6
Bonus multiplier for minimum base salary of President and Chief Legal Officer and Chief Financial Officer 3
Contingent executive termination payment $ 13,378

v2.4.0.6
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Nov. 05, 2012
Jan. 30, 2012
Carrying Amount [Member]
   
Financial assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 139,723 $ 64,555
Notes receivable 0 1,696
Financial liabilities:    
Bank indebtedness and other long-term debt, including current portion 465,301 523,641
Estimated Fair Value [Member]
   
Financial assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents 139,723 64,555
Notes receivable 118 2,050
Financial liabilities:    
Bank indebtedness and other long-term debt, including current portion $ 548,049 $ 599,027

v2.4.0.6
Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (Hardee's [Member], USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Restaurant
Nov. 07, 2011
Restaurant
Hardee's [Member]
   
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Number of restaurants acquired 1 3
Non-cash aggregate purchase price   $ 1,500

v2.4.0.6
Facility Action Charges, Net (Impairment Charges) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Nov. 07, 2011
Nov. 05, 2012
Nov. 07, 2011
Impairment of Property and Equipment [Line Items]        
Facility action charges, net $ 0 $ 342 $ 2,525 $ 592
Carl's Jr. [Member]
       
Impairment of Property and Equipment [Line Items]        
Facility action charges, net 0 0 1,195 0
Hardee's [Member]
       
Impairment of Property and Equipment [Line Items]        
Facility action charges, net $ 0 $ 342 $ 1,330 $ 592

v2.4.0.6
Indebtedness And Interest Expense
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Indebtedness And Interest Expense
INDEBTEDNESS AND INTEREST EXPENSE

Our senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) provides for senior secured revolving facility loans, swingline loans and letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $100,000. As of November 5, 2012, we had no outstanding loan borrowings, $30,603 of outstanding letters of credit and remaining availability of $69,397 on our Credit Facility. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to, at our option, either: (1) the higher of Morgan Stanley’s “prime rate” plus 2.75% or the federal funds rate, as defined in our Credit Facility, plus 3.25%, or (2) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 3.75%.

The terms of our Credit Facility include financial performance covenants, which include a maximum secured leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. As of November 5, 2012, our financial performance covenants did not limit our ability to draw on the remaining availability of $69,397 under our Credit Facility.

On July 16, 2012, we redeemed $60,000 of the principal amount of our senior secured second lien notes (the "Senior Secured Notes") at a redemption price of 103% of the principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes. During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, we recognized a loss of $3,695 on the early extinguishment of the Senior Secured Notes. Subsequent to the redemption, and as of November 5, 2012, the remaining aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes was $472,122. As of November 5, 2012, the carrying value of the Senior Secured Notes was $464,914, which is presented net of the remaining unamortized portion of the original issue discount of $7,208 in our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Senior Secured Notes bear interest at a rate of 11.375% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15.

On July 15, 2011, we redeemed $40,000 of the principal amount of our Senior Secured Notes at a price equal to 103% of the principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes. Additionally, on October 4, 2011, we purchased $8,170 of the principal amount of our Senior Secured Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes in an open market transaction. As a result of these transactions, during the twelve and forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, we recognized losses of $286 and $2,927, respectively, on the early extinguishment of our Senior Secured Notes.

In accordance with the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes, we may be required to make offers to repurchase our Senior Secured Notes with a portion of the net proceeds received from sale-leaseback transactions. Pursuant to these requirements, on July 18, 2012, we commenced a tender offer to purchase up to $29,875 of the principal amount of our Senior Secured Notes (the “Tender Offer”) at a redemption price of 103%. The Tender Offer expired on August 16, 2012 with no Senior Secured Notes tendered.

Each of our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantees indebtedness under the Credit Facility also guarantees the performance and punctual payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of all our obligations under the Senior Secured Notes. Separate financial statements and other disclosures of each of the guarantors are not presented because: (i) CKE Restaurants, Inc. is a holding company with no material independent assets or operations; (ii) the guarantor subsidiaries are, directly or indirectly, wholly-owned subsidiaries of CKE Restaurants, Inc.; (iii) such guarantees are full, unconditional and joint and several; (iv) the aggregate assets, liabilities, earnings and equity of the guarantor subsidiaries are substantially equivalent to the assets, liabilities, earnings and equity of CKE Restaurants, Inc. on a consolidated basis; (v) our non-guarantor subsidiaries are minor; and (vi) there are no significant restrictions on the ability of CKE Restaurants, Inc. or any of the guarantors to obtain funds from its respective subsidiaries by dividend or loan.

Interest Expense

Interest expense consisted of the following:

 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Senior secured revolving credit facility
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Senior secured second lien notes
12,259

 
14,462

 
44,280

 
50,936

Amortization of deferred financing costs and discount on notes
937

 
896

 
3,215

 
3,065

Capital lease obligations
956

 
1,084

 
3,179

 
3,663

Financing method sale-leaseback transactions(1)
2,899

 
642

 
7,230

 
743

Letter of credit fees and other
330

 
331

 
1,110

 
1,219

 
$
17,381

 
$
17,415

 
$
59,014

 
$
59,626

___________
(1)
See Note 5.

As of November 5, 2012 and January 31, 2012, accrued interest was $16,669 and $2,650, respectively, which is included in other current liabilities in our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

CKE Inc. Senior Unsecured PIK Toggle Notes

During fiscal 2012, CKE Inc. (formerly known as CKE Holdings, Inc.), our parent, issued $200,000 aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured PIK toggle notes (the “Toggle Notes”). We have not guaranteed the Toggle Notes, nor have we pledged any of our assets or stock as collateral for the Toggle Notes. As a result, we have not reflected the Toggle Notes in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

The interest on the Toggle Notes, which is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, can be paid (1) entirely in cash, at a rate of 10.50% (“Cash Interest”), (2) entirely by increasing the principal amount of the note or by issuing new notes for the entire amount of the interest payment, at a rate per annum equal to the cash interest rate of 10.50% plus 0.75% (“PIK Interest”) or (3) with a 25%/75%, 50%/50% or 75%/25% combination of Cash Interest and PIK Interest. CKE Inc. paid the March 15, 2012 and September 15, 2012 interest payments entirely in PIK Interest and has elected to pay the March 15, 2013 interest payment entirely in Cash Interest. A portion of the cash dividend paid by CKE Restaurants, Inc. to CKE Inc. during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 is expected to be used by CKE Inc. to make the Cash Interest payment on the Toggle Notes when due on March 15, 2013 (see Note 8).

As of November 5, 2012, the principal amount of CKE Inc.’s total long-term debt on a stand-alone basis was $235,754, which includes PIK Interest payments that have been added to the principal amount of the Toggle Notes. The principal amount of CKE Inc.’s long-term debt on a stand-alone basis has not been reduced by the $11,099 principal amount of Toggle Notes held by CKE Restaurants as of November 5, 2012 (the “Purchased Toggle Notes”) since the Purchased Toggle Notes remain outstanding. As of November 5, 2012, the carrying value of CKE Inc.’s total long-term debt on a stand-alone basis, including the current portion and the Purchased Toggle Notes, was $232,791, which is presented net of the unamortized portion of the original issue discount of $2,963.

v2.4.0.6
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities (Litigation) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Nov. 05, 2012
Probable Loss [Member]
 
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Accrued liability for litigation contingencies $ 2,514
Probable Loss [Member] | Pending Litigation [Member]
 
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Loss contingencies minimum 2,514
Loss contingencies maximum 5,564
Reasonably Possible Loss [Member] | Pending Litigation [Member]
 
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Loss contingencies minimum 2,085
Loss contingencies maximum $ 10,860

v2.4.0.6
Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]  
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Cash paid for:
 
 
 
Interest, net of amounts capitalized
$
40,584

 
$
39,467

Income taxes paid (received), net
6,898

 
(64
)
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Capital lease obligations incurred to acquire assets
2,482

 
2,976

Accrued property and equipment purchases
2,197

 
3,044

v2.4.0.6
Segment Information (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment
 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
$
158,042

 
$
149,966

 
$
527,875

 
$
508,414

Hardee’s
152,644

 
142,529

 
503,515

 
483,979

Other
113

 
124

 
367

 
538

Total
$
310,799

 
$
292,619

 
$
1,031,757

 
$
992,931

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
$
24,712

 
$
18,707

 
$
82,992

 
$
66,810

Hardee’s
31,535

 
26,016

 
101,524

 
86,023

Other
113

 
117

 
361

 
359

Total
56,360

 
44,840

 
184,877

 
153,192

Less: General and administrative expense
(30,800
)
 
(30,570
)
 
(102,288
)
 
(100,876
)
Less: Facility action charges, net
(102
)
 
(262
)
 
(2,532
)
 
(703
)
Less: Other operating expenses

 

 

 
(545
)
Operating income
25,458

 
14,008

 
80,057

 
51,068

Interest expense
(17,381
)
 
(17,415
)
 
(59,014
)
 
(59,626
)
Other income (expense), net
430

 
(252
)
 
(1,600
)
 
(1,668
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
$
8,507

 
$
(3,659
)
 
$
19,443

 
$
(10,226
)
 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Capital expenditures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
$
9,813

 
$
8,642

 
$
22,648

 
$
18,608

Hardee’s
3,545

 
7,275

 
15,575

 
25,034

Other
523

 
410

 
1,171

 
798

Total
$
13,881

 
$
16,327

 
$
39,394

 
$
44,440

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization included in segment income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
$
7,837

 
$
8,548

 
$
27,767

 
$
29,127

Hardee’s
8,550

 
9,712

 
30,694

 
31,178

Other

 

 

 

Other depreciation and amortization(1)
655

 
770

 
2,493

 
2,568

Total depreciation and amortization
$
17,042

 
$
19,030

 
$
60,954

 
$
62,873

___________
(1)
Represents depreciation and amortization excluded from the computation of segment income.

 
November 5, 2012
 
January 31, 2012
Total assets:
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
$
832,124

 
$
779,970

Hardee’s
614,577

 
633,127

Other
76,601

 
67,041

Total
$
1,523,302

 
$
1,480,138

v2.4.0.6
Stockholder's Equity (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]  
Dividends declared and paid in cash $ 14,400

v2.4.0.6
Basis Of Presentation And Description Of Business (Description of Business) (Details)
Nov. 05, 2012
Restaurant
Restaurants [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants 3,292
Company-operated [Member]
 
Restaurants [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants 893
Domestic franchised [Member]
 
Restaurants [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants 1,937
International franchised [Member]
 
Restaurants [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants 462
Carl's Jr. [Member]
 
Restaurants [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants 1,349
Carl's Jr. [Member] | Company-operated [Member]
 
Restaurants [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants 423
Carl's Jr. [Member] | Company-operated [Member] | Green Burrito [Member]
 
Restaurants [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants 264
Carl's Jr. [Member] | Domestic franchised [Member]
 
Restaurants [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants 700
Carl's Jr. [Member] | International franchised [Member]
 
Restaurants [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants 226
Hardee's [Member]
 
Restaurants [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants 1,936
Hardee's [Member] | Company-operated [Member]
 
Restaurants [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants 470
Hardee's [Member] | Company-operated [Member] | Red Burrito [Member]
 
Restaurants [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants 265
Hardee's [Member] | Domestic franchised [Member]
 
Restaurants [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants 1,230
Hardee's [Member] | International franchised [Member]
 
Restaurants [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants 236
Other Restaurants [Member]
 
Restaurants [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants 7
Other Restaurants [Member] | Company-operated [Member]
 
Restaurants [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants 0
Other Restaurants [Member] | Domestic franchised [Member]
 
Restaurants [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants 7
Other Restaurants [Member] | International franchised [Member]
 
Restaurants [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants 0

v2.4.0.6
Basis Of Presentation And Description Of Business (Basis of Presentation and Fiscal Year) (Details)
3 Months Ended 4 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Period
May 21, 2012
Period
Nov. 05, 2012
Period
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]      
Number of four-week accounting periods in fiscal year     13
Number of reporting periods in first quarter   4  
Number of weeks in reporting period P12W P16W  
Number of reporting periods in quarter, other than first quarter 3    

v2.4.0.6
Purchase of Assets
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Purchase of Assets
PURCHASE OF ASSETS

During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, we purchased one Hardee’s restaurant from a franchisee for aggregate purchase price consideration of $75, and recorded property and equipment (including capital lease assets) of $54 and capital lease obligations of $17, resulting in $38 of additional goodwill in our Hardee's operating segment.

During the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, we purchased three Hardee’s restaurants from a franchisee for aggregate purchase price consideration of $1,500, which was reduced by the settlement of certain pre-existing liabilities, resulting in net purchase price consideration of $1,207. As a result of this transaction, we recorded property and equipment (including capital lease assets) of $109, identifiable intangible assets of $85 and capital lease obligations of $55, resulting in $1,068 of additional goodwill in our Hardee’s operating segment.

v2.4.0.6
Basis Of Presentation And Description Of Business (Variable Interest Entities) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Nov. 05, 2012
Jan. 30, 2012
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]    
Consolidated advertising fund assets and advertising fund liabilities $ 23,214 $ 18,407
National advertising fund [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
   
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]    
Number of entities 1  
Local co-operative advertising funds [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
   
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]    
Number of entities 80  

v2.4.0.6
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities (Letters of Credit) (Details) (Senior secured revolving credit facility [Member], USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Nov. 05, 2012
Senior secured revolving credit facility [Member]
 
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Maximum borrowing capacity $ 100,000
Outstanding letters of credit $ 30,603

v2.4.0.6
Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Supplemental Cash Flow) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Nov. 07, 2011
Cash paid for:    
Interest, net of amounts capitalized $ 40,584 $ 39,467
Income taxes paid (received), net 6,898 (64)
Non-cash investing and financing activities:    
Capital lease obligations incurred to acquire assets 2,482 2,976
Accrued property and equipment purchases $ 2,197 $ 3,044

v2.4.0.6
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Nov. 05, 2012
Jan. 30, 2012
ASSETS    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 139,723 $ 64,555
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $62 as of November 5, 2012 and $38 as of January 31, 2012 21,836 24,099
Related party trade receivables 389 252
Inventories 14,217 16,144
Prepaid expenses 14,922 15,897
Advertising fund assets, restricted 23,214 18,407
Deferred income tax assets, net 24,023 25,140
Other current assets 3,922 3,695
Total current assets 242,246 168,189
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $173,459 as of November 5, 2012 and $117,010 as of January 31, 2012 623,962 645,552
Goodwill 208,923 208,885
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $30,327 as of November 5, 2012 and $21,245 as of January 31, 2012 421,684 433,139
Other assets, net 26,487 24,373
Total assets 1,523,302 1,480,138
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY    
Current portion of long-term debt 4 3
Current portion of capital lease obligations 8,034 7,988
Accounts payable 33,040 40,790
Advertising fund liabilities 23,214 18,407
Other current liabilities 122,043 85,169
Total current liabilities 186,335 152,357
Long-term debt, less current portion 465,297 523,638
Capital lease obligations, less current portion 30,535 34,981
Deferred income tax liabilities, net 138,360 156,656
Other long-term liabilities 282,798 197,767
Total liabilities 1,103,325 1,065,399
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 4, 5, 7 and 13)      
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:    
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of November 5, 2012 and January 31, 2012 0 0
Additional paid-in capital 460,797 457,252
Investment in CKE Inc. Toggle Notes (8,362) (8,362)
Accumulated deficit (32,458) (34,151)
Total stockholder's equity 419,977 414,739
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity $ 1,523,302 $ 1,480,138

v2.4.0.6
Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Installments
Nov. 07, 2011
Nov. 05, 2012
Installments
Nov. 07, 2011
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]        
Share-based compensation expense related to Units that contain performance conditions $ 0 $ 555 $ 1,295 $ 1,802
Share-based compensation expense related to all other Units 1,064 508 2,250 1,729
Total share-based compensation expense 1,064 1,063 3,545 3,531
Number of vesting periods for performance vesting Units converted to time vesting Units 2   2  
Maximum [Member]
       
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]        
Maximum unrecognized compensation cost for all unvested Units $ 6,619   $ 6,619  

v2.4.0.6
Basis Of Presentation And Description Of Business
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Basis Of Presentation And Description Of Business
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Description of Business

CKE Restaurants, Inc. (“CKE Restaurants”), through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, owns, operates and franchises the Carl’s Jr.®, Hardee’s®, Green Burrito® and Red Burrito® concepts. References to CKE Restaurants and its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”) throughout these Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are made using the first person notations of “we,” “us” and “our.”

Domestic Carl’s Jr. restaurants are predominately located in the Western United States, primarily in California, with a growing presence in Texas. International Carl’s Jr. restaurants are located primarily in Mexico, with a growing presence in the rest of Latin America, Russia and Asia. Hardee’s restaurants are primarily located throughout the Southeastern and Midwestern United States, with a growing international presence in the Middle East and Central Asia. Green Burrito restaurants are primarily located in dual-branded Carl’s Jr. restaurants. The Red Burrito concept is located in dual-branded Hardee’s restaurants. As of November 5, 2012, our system-wide restaurant portfolio consisted of:

 
Carl’s Jr.
 
Hardee’s
 
Other
 
Total
Company-operated
423

 
470

 

 
893

Domestic franchised
700

 
1,230

 
7

 
1,937

International franchised
226

 
236

 

 
462

Total
1,349

 
1,936

 
7

 
3,292



As of November 5, 2012, 264 of our 423 company-operated Carl’s Jr. restaurants were dual-branded with Green Burrito and 265 of our 470 company-operated Hardee’s restaurants were dual-branded with Red Burrito.

Basis of Presentation and Fiscal Year

Our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of CKE Restaurants, its consolidated subsidiaries and its consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”). These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. CKE Restaurants does not have any non-controlling interests in other entities. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements presented in our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2012. In our opinion, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results of operations for this interim period have been included. The results of operations for such interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or for any future period.

We operate on a retail accounting calendar. Our fiscal year ends on the last Monday in January and typically has 13 four-week accounting periods. For clarity of presentation, we generally label all fiscal year ends as if the fiscal year ended January 31. Accordingly, the fiscal year ended January 30, 2012 is referred to herein as the fiscal year ended January 31, 2012 or fiscal 2012, and the fiscal year ending January 28, 2013 is referred to herein as the fiscal year ending January 31, 2013 or fiscal 2013. The first quarter of our fiscal year has four periods, or 16 weeks. All other quarters generally have three periods, or 12 weeks.

Our restaurant sales, and therefore our profitability, are subject to seasonal fluctuations and are traditionally higher during the spring and summer months because of factors such as increased travel during school vacations and improved weather conditions, which affect the public’s dining habits.

Certain prior year amounts in these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Variable Interest Entities

We consolidate one national and approximately 80 local co-operative advertising funds (the “Hardee’s Funds”) as we have concluded that they are VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary. We have included $23,214 and $18,407 of advertising fund assets, restricted, and advertising fund liabilities in our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 5, 2012 and January 31, 2012, respectively. Consolidation of the Hardee’s Funds had no impact on our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Cash Flows. We have no rights to the assets, nor do we have any obligation with respect to the liabilities, of the Hardee’s Funds, and none of our assets serve as collateral for the creditors of these VIEs.

v2.4.0.6
Indebtedness And Interest Expense (Interest Expense) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Nov. 07, 2011
Nov. 05, 2012
Nov. 07, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Interest expense $ 17,381 $ 17,415 $ 59,014 $ 59,626
Senior secured revolving credit facility [Member]
       
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Interest expense 0 0 0 0
Senior secured second lien notes [Member]
       
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Interest expense 12,259 14,462 44,280 50,936
Amortization of deferred financing costs and discount on notes [Member]
       
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Interest expense 937 896 3,215 3,065
Capital lease obligations [Member]
       
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Interest expense 956 1,084 3,179 3,663
Financing method sale-leaseback transactions [Member]
       
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Interest expense 2,899 [1] 642 [1] 7,230 [1] 743 [1]
Letter of credit fees and other [Member]
       
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Interest expense $ 330 $ 331 $ 1,110 $ 1,219
[1] See Note 5.

v2.4.0.6
Basis Of Presentation And Description Of Business (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Schedule of Restaurant Portfolio
As of November 5, 2012, our system-wide restaurant portfolio consisted of:

 
Carl’s Jr.
 
Hardee’s
 
Other
 
Total
Company-operated
423

 
470

 

 
893

Domestic franchised
700

 
1,230

 
7

 
1,937

International franchised
226

 
236

 

 
462

Total
1,349

 
1,936

 
7

 
3,292

v2.4.0.6
Sale-Leaseback Transactions (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Restaurant
Nov. 07, 2011
Restaurant
Jan. 30, 2012
Financing Method Sale-Leaseback Transactions [Line Items]      
Number of sale-leaseback transaction properties 62 29  
Sale-leaseback, initial lease term 20 years    
Proceeds from financing method sale-leaseback transactions $ 91,063 $ 43,159  
Capitalized deferred financing costs 5,210 2,457  
Cumulative proceeds from financing method sale-leaseback transactions 158,517   67,454
Net book value of assets related to financing method sale-leaseback transactions 112,714   48,722
Sale-leaseback minimum cash obligations from November 6, 2012 to January 31, 2013 2,893    
Sale-leaseback minimum cash obligations for fiscal 2014 11,571    
Sale-leaseback minimum cash obligations for fiscal 2015 11,571    
Sale-leaseback minimum cash obligations for fiscal 2016 11,571    
Sale-leaseback minimum cash obligations for fiscal 2017 11,744    
Sale-leaseback minimum cash obligations for fiscal 2018 12,469    
Sale-leaseback minimum cash obligations thereafter $ 198,865    
Carl's Jr. [Member] | Financing method sale-leaseback transactions [Member]
     
Financing Method Sale-Leaseback Transactions [Line Items]      
Number of sale-leaseback transaction properties 2    
Hardee's [Member] | Financing method sale-leaseback transactions [Member]
     
Financing Method Sale-Leaseback Transactions [Line Items]      
Number of sale-leaseback transaction properties 60    

v2.4.0.6
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis
The following table presents information on our financial instruments as of:

 
November 5, 2012
 
January 31, 2012
 
Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
139,723

 
$
139,723

 
$
64,555

 
$
64,555

Notes receivable

 
118

 
1,696

 
2,050

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank indebtedness and other long-term debt, including current portion
465,301

 
548,049

 
523,641

 
599,027

v2.4.0.6
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted And Adoption Of New Accounting Pronouncements
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted and Adoption of New Accounting Prounoucements [Abstract]  
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted And Adoption Of New Accounting Pronouncements
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED AND ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In September 2011, the FASB updated its guidance on the annual testing of goodwill for impairment to allow companies to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. If an entity determines, based on qualitative factors, that it is not more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, then it is not required to perform the quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test. This guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The provisions of this guidance became applicable to CKE Restaurants during the first quarter of fiscal 2013. The adoption of this guidance has not had, and is not expected to have, a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In July 2012, the FASB updated its guidance on impairment testing for indefinite-lived intangible assets by allowing an entity to first perform a qualitative impairment assessment before proceeding to a quantitative impairment test. If an entity determines, based on qualitative factors, that it is not more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then it is not required to perform a quantitative impairment test. This guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

v2.4.0.6
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Nov. 05, 2012
Jan. 30, 2012
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts $ 62 $ 38
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization 173,459 117,010
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization $ 30,327 $ 21,245
Common stock, par value $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized 100 100
Common stock, shares issued 100 100
Common stock, shares outstanding 100 100

v2.4.0.6
Segment Information
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment Information
SEGMENT INFORMATION

We are principally engaged in developing, operating, franchising and licensing our Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s quick-service restaurant concepts, each of which is considered an operating segment that is managed and evaluated separately. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in our summary of significant accounting policies (see Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2012).
 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
$
158,042

 
$
149,966

 
$
527,875

 
$
508,414

Hardee’s
152,644

 
142,529

 
503,515

 
483,979

Other
113

 
124

 
367

 
538

Total
$
310,799

 
$
292,619

 
$
1,031,757

 
$
992,931

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
$
24,712

 
$
18,707

 
$
82,992

 
$
66,810

Hardee’s
31,535

 
26,016

 
101,524

 
86,023

Other
113

 
117

 
361

 
359

Total
56,360

 
44,840

 
184,877

 
153,192

Less: General and administrative expense
(30,800
)
 
(30,570
)
 
(102,288
)
 
(100,876
)
Less: Facility action charges, net
(102
)
 
(262
)
 
(2,532
)
 
(703
)
Less: Other operating expenses

 

 

 
(545
)
Operating income
25,458

 
14,008

 
80,057

 
51,068

Interest expense
(17,381
)
 
(17,415
)
 
(59,014
)
 
(59,626
)
Other income (expense), net
430

 
(252
)
 
(1,600
)
 
(1,668
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
$
8,507

 
$
(3,659
)
 
$
19,443

 
$
(10,226
)
 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Capital expenditures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
$
9,813

 
$
8,642

 
$
22,648

 
$
18,608

Hardee’s
3,545

 
7,275

 
15,575

 
25,034

Other
523

 
410

 
1,171

 
798

Total
$
13,881

 
$
16,327

 
$
39,394

 
$
44,440

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization included in segment income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
$
7,837

 
$
8,548

 
$
27,767

 
$
29,127

Hardee’s
8,550

 
9,712

 
30,694

 
31,178

Other

 

 

 

Other depreciation and amortization(1)
655

 
770

 
2,493

 
2,568

Total depreciation and amortization
$
17,042

 
$
19,030

 
$
60,954

 
$
62,873

___________
(1)
Represents depreciation and amortization excluded from the computation of segment income.

 
November 5, 2012
 
January 31, 2012
Total assets:
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
$
832,124

 
$
779,970

Hardee’s
614,577

 
633,127

Other
76,601

 
67,041

Total
$
1,523,302

 
$
1,480,138

v2.4.0.6
Document And Entity Information
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Dec. 07, 2012
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Nov. 05, 2012  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2013  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Entity Registrant Name CKE RESTAURANTS INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000919628  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --01-28  
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   100

v2.4.0.6
Related Party Transactions
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Related Party Transactions
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions with Apollo Management VII, L.P.

Pursuant to our management services agreement with Apollo Management VII, L.P. and in exchange for on-going investment banking, management, consulting and financial planning services, we are obligated to pay Apollo Management VII, L.P. an aggregate annual management fee of $2,500, which may be increased at Apollo Management VII, L.P.’s sole discretion up to an amount equal to two percent of our Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in our Credit Facility. We recorded $575, $574, $1,914 and $1,916 in management fees, which are included in general and administrative expense in our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the twelve weeks ended November 5, 2012 and November 7, 2011, and forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 and November 7, 2011, respectively.

Transactions with Board of Directors

Certain members of our Board of Directors are also our franchisees. These franchisees regularly pay royalties and purchase equipment and other products from us on the same terms and conditions as our other franchisees. During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 and November 7, 2011, total revenue generated from related party franchisees was $5,255 and $5,268, respectively, which is included in franchised restaurants and other revenue in our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of November 5, 2012 and January 31, 2012, our related party trade receivables from franchisees were $389 and $252, respectively.

v2.4.0.6
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Nov. 07, 2011
Nov. 05, 2012
Nov. 07, 2011
Revenue:        
Company-operated restaurants $ 268,588 $ 256,976 $ 900,788 $ 871,571
Franchised restaurants and other 42,211 35,643 130,969 121,360
Total revenue 310,799 292,619 1,031,757 992,931
Operating costs and expenses:        
Food and packaging 80,310 78,763 268,925 267,896
Payroll and other employee benefits 75,659 72,485 254,657 249,458
Occupancy and other 61,324 62,926 204,801 209,002
Total restaurant operating costs 217,293 214,174 728,383 726,356
Franchised restaurants and other 21,564 17,907 66,047 62,225
Advertising 15,582 15,698 52,450 51,158
General and administrative 30,800 30,570 102,288 100,876
Facility action charges, net 102 262 2,532 703
Other operating expenses 0 0 0 545
Total operating costs and expenses 285,341 278,611 951,700 941,863
Operating income 25,458 14,008 80,057 51,068
Interest expense (17,381) (17,415) (59,014) (59,626)
Other income (expense), net 430 (252) (1,600) (1,668)
Income (loss) before income taxes 8,507 (3,659) 19,443 (10,226)
Income tax expense (benefit) 3,691 (2,142) 3,350 (3,877)
Net income (loss) $ 4,816 $ (1,517) $ 16,093 $ (6,349)

v2.4.0.6
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Lease Commitments

Under various refranchising programs, we have sold restaurants to franchisees, some of which were on leased sites. We entered into sublease agreements with these franchisees but remained principally liable for the lease obligations. We account for the sublease payments received as franchising rental income in franchised restaurants and other revenue, and the payments on the leases as rental expense in franchised restaurants and other expense, in our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of November 5, 2012, the present value of the lease obligations under the remaining master leases’ primary terms is $121,810. Franchisees may, from time to time, experience financial hardship and may cease payment on their sublease obligations to us. The present value of the exposure to us from franchisees characterized as under financial hardship is $1,370.

Letters of Credit

Pursuant to our Credit Facility, we may borrow up to $100,000 for senior secured revolving facility loans, swingline loans and letters of credit (see Note 4). We have several standby letters of credit outstanding under our Credit Facility, which primarily secure our potential workers’ compensation, general and auto liability obligations. We are required to provide letters of credit each year, or set aside a comparable amount of cash or investment securities in a trust account, based on our existing claims experience. As of November 5, 2012, we had outstanding letters of credit of $30,603, expiring at various dates through August 2013.

Unconditional Purchase Obligations

As of November 5, 2012, we had unconditional purchase obligations in the amount of $77,177, which consisted primarily of contracts for goods and services related to restaurant operations and contractual commitments for marketing and sponsorship arrangements.

Employment Agreements

We have entered into employment agreements with certain key executives (the “Employment Agreements”). Pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreements, each executive is entitled to receive certain retention bonus payments that will be paid out in October 2013, in accordance with such executive’s Employment Agreement. In addition, each executive will be entitled to payments that may be triggered by the termination of employment under certain circumstances, as set forth in each Employment Agreement. If certain provisions are triggered, our Chief Executive Officer shall be entitled to receive an amount equal to his minimum base salary multiplied by six and our President and Chief Legal Officer and our Chief Financial Officer shall each be entitled to receive an amount equal to his respective minimum base salary multiplied by three plus a pro-rata portion of his then-current year bonus. The affected executive may also be entitled to receive his unpaid retention bonus. If all payment provisions of the Employment Agreements had been triggered as of November 5, 2012, we would have been required to make cash payments of approximately $13,378.

Litigation

We are currently involved in legal disputes related to employment claims, real estate claims and other business disputes. With respect to employment matters, our most significant legal disputes relate to employee meal and rest break disputes, and wage and hour disputes. Several potential class action lawsuits have been filed in the State of California, regarding such employment matters, each of which is seeking injunctive relief and monetary compensation on behalf of current and former employees. The Company intends to vigorously defend against all claims in these lawsuits; however, we are presently unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these actions.

As of November 5, 2012, our accrued liability for litigation contingencies with a probable likelihood of loss was $2,514, with an expected range of losses from $2,514 to $5,564. As of November 5, 2012, we estimated the contingent liability of those losses related to litigation claims that are not accrued, but that we believe are reasonably possible to result in an adverse outcome and for which a range of loss can be reasonably estimated, to be in the range of $2,085 to $10,860. In addition, we are involved in legal matters where the likelihood of loss has been judged to be reasonably possible, but for which a range of the potential loss cannot be reasonably estimated based on current facts and circumstances.

v2.4.0.6
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following table presents information on our financial instruments as of:

 
November 5, 2012
 
January 31, 2012
 
Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
139,723

 
$
139,723

 
$
64,555

 
$
64,555

Notes receivable

 
118

 
1,696

 
2,050

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank indebtedness and other long-term debt, including current portion
465,301

 
548,049

 
523,641

 
599,027



The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates its carrying amount due to its short maturity. The estimated fair value of notes receivable was determined by discounting future cash flows using current rates at which similar loans might be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings. The estimated fair value of the Senior Secured Notes was determined by using estimated market prices of our outstanding Senior Secured Notes. For all other long-term debt, the estimated fair value was determined by discounting future cash flows using rates currently available to us for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Our non-financial assets, which include long-lived assets, including goodwill, intangible assets and property and equipment, are reported at carrying value and are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. However, on a periodic basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable, we assess our long-lived assets for impairment. When impairment has occurred, such long‑lived assets are written down to fair value.

During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, we determined that the assets at two underperforming company-operated Carl's Jr. restaurants were impaired. As a result, property and equipment with a carrying value of $1,265 was written down to fair value, resulting in impairment charges of $1,195. Additionally, during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, we determined that a property leased to a Hardee's franchisee was impaired due to a highway project that will eliminate direct access to the property, rendering it unfit for retail purposes. As a result, property and equipment with a carrying value of $1,250 was written down to fair value, resulting in an impairment charge of $1,204. We impaired each of the assets down to their respective fair values using measurements with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). These fair value estimates are based on the assumption of the highest and best use of the asset group, or individual asset, and generally include estimates of future cash flows, assumptions of future same-store sales, projected operating expenses, and/or broker estimates of value, when readily available or determinable. These impairment charges were recorded to facility action charges, net in our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (see Note 10).

v2.4.0.6
Indebtedness And Interest Expense (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Interest Expense
Interest expense consisted of the following:

 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Senior secured revolving credit facility
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Senior secured second lien notes
12,259

 
14,462

 
44,280

 
50,936

Amortization of deferred financing costs and discount on notes
937

 
896

 
3,215

 
3,065

Capital lease obligations
956

 
1,084

 
3,179

 
3,663

Financing method sale-leaseback transactions(1)
2,899

 
642

 
7,230

 
743

Letter of credit fees and other
330

 
331

 
1,110

 
1,219

 
$
17,381

 
$
17,415

 
$
59,014

 
$
59,626

___________
(1)
See Note 5.

v2.4.0.6
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]  
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Cash paid for:
 
 
 
Interest, net of amounts capitalized
$
40,584

 
$
39,467

Income taxes paid (received), net
6,898

 
(64
)
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Capital lease obligations incurred to acquire assets
2,482

 
2,976

Accrued property and equipment purchases
2,197

 
3,044



During the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, we recorded a non-cash transaction to acquire three Hardee’s restaurants from a franchisee for an aggregate purchase price of $1,500. The entire purchase price was applied as a reduction of outstanding promissory notes due to the Company. See Note 3 for additional discussion.

v2.4.0.6
Facility Action Charges, Net
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Facility Action Charges, Net [Abstract]  
Facility Action Charges, Net
FACILITY ACTION CHARGES, NET

The components of facility action charges, net are as follows:

 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Estimated liability for new restaurant closures
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
133

Adjustments to estimated liability for closed restaurants
20

 
(103
)
 
(237
)
 
420

Impairment of assets to be held and used

 
342

 
2,525

 
592

Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment
45

 
(9
)
 
88

 
(476
)
Other gains
(33
)
 
(87
)
 
(124
)
 
(337
)
Amortization of discount related to estimated liability for closed restaurants
70

 
119

 
280

 
371

 
$
102

 
$
262

 
$
2,532

 
$
703


We evaluate our restaurant-level long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of assets may be impaired. We determine whether the assets are recoverable by comparing the undiscounted future cash flows that we expect to generate from their use and disposal to their carrying value. Restaurant-level assets that are not deemed to be recoverable are written down to their estimated fair value, which is determined by assessing the highest and best use of the assets and the amounts that would be received for such assets in an orderly transaction between market participants. The determination of fair value is dependent upon level 3 significant unobservable inputs.

Impairment charges recognized in facility action charges, net were recorded against the following asset category:

 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Property and equipment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
$

 
$

 
$
1,195

 
$

Hardee’s

 
342

 
1,330

 
592

 
$

 
$
342

 
$
2,525

 
$
592

v2.4.0.6
Stockholder's Equity
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]  
Stockholders' Equity
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, we declared and paid a cash dividend of $14,400 to CKE Inc. No dividends were declared or paid during the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011.

v2.4.0.6
Share-Based Compensation
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]  
Share-Based Compensation
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Total share-based compensation expense was as follows:

 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Share-based compensation expense related to Units that contain performance conditions
$

 
$
555

 
$
1,295

 
$
1,802

Share-based compensation expense related to all other Units
1,064

 
508

 
2,250

 
1,729

Total share-based compensation expense
$
1,064

 
$
1,063

 
$
3,545

 
$
3,531



Funds managed by Apollo Management VII, L.P., certain members of our senior management team and our board of directors formed Apollo CKE Holdings, L.P., a limited partnership (the “Partnership”) to fund the equity contribution to CKE Restaurants, Inc. The Partnership granted profit sharing interests (“Units”) in the Partnership to certain of our senior management team and directors in the form of time vesting and performance vesting Units. There are no income tax benefits associated with the Units. On August 13, 2012, the financial targets for the performance vesting Units were met causing all performance vesting Units to be converted into time vesting Units that will vest in two equal installments on August 13, 2013 and August 13, 2014. The maximum unrecognized compensation cost for unvested Units was $6,619 as of November 5, 2012.

v2.4.0.6
Income Taxes
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following:

 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Federal and state income taxes
$
3,259

 
$
(2,483
)
 
$
1,781

 
$
(5,155
)
Foreign income taxes
432

 
341

 
1,569

 
1,278

Income tax expense (benefit)
$
3,691

 
$
(2,142
)
 
$
3,350

 
$
(3,877
)


Our effective income tax rate for the twelve and forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 differs from the federal statutory rate primarily as a result of non-deductible share-based compensation expense, state income taxes and federal income tax credits. Our effective tax rate for the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012 also differs from the federal statutory rate as a result of the release of $6,370 of valuation allowance on state income tax credit and net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards. After considering all available evidence, both positive and negative, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and estimated future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences on a jurisdictional basis and statutory expiration dates of NOL carryforwards, we concluded that we will more likely than not realize future tax benefits related to certain of our state income tax credit and NOL carryforwards, for which an income tax benefit has not previously been recognized. As of November 5, 2012, we maintained a valuation allowance of $2,935 for a portion of our state NOL and income tax credit carryforwards. Realization of the tax benefit of such deferred income tax assets may remain uncertain for the foreseeable future, even if we generate consolidated taxable income, since they are subject to various limitations and may only be used to offset income of certain entities or in certain jurisdictions.

Our effective income tax rate for the twelve and forty weeks ended November 7, 2011 differs from the federal statutory rate primarily as a result of non-deductible share-based compensation expense, state income taxes, federal income tax credits and the release of $237 of unrecognized tax benefits due to statute closures.

We had $2,977 of unrecognized tax benefits as of January 31, 2012 that, if recognized, would affect our effective income tax rate. There were no material changes in the unrecognized tax benefits during the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012. We believe that it is reasonably possible that decreases in unrecognized tax benefits of up to $1,642 may be necessary within twelve months as a result of statutes closing on such items. In addition, we believe that it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits may increase as a result of tax positions that may be taken during the next twelve months.

We are included in the consolidated federal income tax returns and combined state income tax returns of CKE Inc. For the purpose of determining the income taxes attributed to CKE Restaurants, Inc. and its subsidiaries, we prepare our income tax provision as if we were a separate taxpayer. As a result of this treatment, we make income tax payments to CKE Inc. based upon our separate return taxable income.

v2.4.0.6
Indebtedness And Interest Expense (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Nov. 07, 2011
Nov. 05, 2012
Senior secured revolving credit facility [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
Morgan Stanley Prime Rate, plus 2.75% [Member]
Senior secured revolving credit facility [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
Fed Funds Rate, plus 3.25% [Member]
Senior secured revolving credit facility [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
LIBOR, plus 3.75% [Member]
Senior secured revolving credit facility [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Jan. 30, 2012
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Nov. 07, 2011
Senior secured notes [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
Senior secured notes [Member]
Nov. 07, 2011
Senior secured notes [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
Senior unsecured PIK Toggle notes[Member]
CKE Inc. [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
Senior unsecured PIK Toggle notes[Member]
CKE Inc. [Member]
Cash interest [Member]
Repayment Option 1 [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
Senior unsecured PIK Toggle notes[Member]
CKE Inc. [Member]
Cash interest [Member]
Repayment Option 2 [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
Senior unsecured PIK Toggle notes[Member]
CKE Inc. [Member]
PIK interest [Member]
Repayment Option 2 [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
Senior unsecured PIK Toggle notes[Member]
CKE Inc. [Member]
Combination 1 [Member]
Cash interest [Member]
Repayment Option 3 [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
Senior unsecured PIK Toggle notes[Member]
CKE Inc. [Member]
Combination 1 [Member]
PIK interest [Member]
Repayment Option 3 [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
Senior unsecured PIK Toggle notes[Member]
CKE Inc. [Member]
Combination 2 [Member]
Cash interest [Member]
Repayment Option 3 [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
Senior unsecured PIK Toggle notes[Member]
CKE Inc. [Member]
Combination 2 [Member]
PIK interest [Member]
Repayment Option 3 [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
Senior unsecured PIK Toggle notes[Member]
CKE Inc. [Member]
Combination 3 [Member]
Cash interest [Member]
Repayment Option 3 [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
Senior unsecured PIK Toggle notes[Member]
CKE Inc. [Member]
Combination 3 [Member]
PIK interest [Member]
Repayment Option 3 [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
Purchased Toggle Notes [Member]
CKE Inc. [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
Early redemption under indenture [Member]
Senior secured notes [Member]
Nov. 07, 2011
Early redemption under indenture [Member]
Senior secured notes [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
Early redemption tender offer [Member]
Senior secured notes [Member]
Nov. 07, 2011
Early redemption in open market [Member]
Senior secured notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                                    
Maximum borrowing capacity     $ 100,000                                              
Line of credit facility, outstanding loan borrowings     0                                              
Outstanding letters of credit     30,603                                              
Remaining available borrowings     69,397                                              
Spread on variable rate       2.75% 3.25% 3.75%                                        
Redemption price                                             103.00% 103.00% 103.00% 100.00%
Redemption of aggregate principal amount of notes                                             60,000 40,000   8,170
Loss on early extinguishment of notes 3,695 2,927             286 3,695 2,927                              
Aggregate principal amount of notes                   472,122                                
Carrying value of notes                   464,914                                
Unamortized amount of original issue discount                   7,208                                
Stated interest rate                   11.375%     10.50% 10.50%                        
Tender offer principal amount                   29,875                                
Accrued interest             16,669 2,650                                    
Original aggregate principal amount of notes                       200,000                            
Basis spread on fixed interet rate                             0.75%                      
Repayment interest ratio of cash interest and PIK interest                               25.00% 75.00% 50.00% 50.00% 75.00% 25.00%          
Remaining aggregate principal amount of notes outstanding on a stand-alone basis                       235,754                            
Principal amount of debt held by the reporting entity                                           11,099        
Carrying value of notes on a stand-alone basis                       232,791                            
Unamortized amount of original issue discount on a stand-alone basis                       $ 2,963                            

v2.4.0.6
Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Jan. 30, 2012
Nov. 05, 2012
Apollo Management VII, L.P. [Member]
Nov. 07, 2011
Apollo Management VII, L.P. [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
Apollo Management VII, L.P. [Member]
Nov. 07, 2011
Apollo Management VII, L.P. [Member]
Nov. 05, 2012
Board of Directors [Member]
Nov. 07, 2011
Board of Directors [Member]
Jan. 30, 2012
Board of Directors [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                  
Annual managment fee         $ 2,500        
Optional managment fee as percentage of Adjusted EBITDA         2.00%        
Management fee expense     575 574 1,914 1,916      
Related party revenue             5,255 5,268  
Related party trade receivables $ 389 $ 252         $ 389   $ 252

v2.4.0.6
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted and Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted and Adoption of New Accounting Prounoucements [Abstract]  
New accounting pronouncements
In September 2011, the FASB updated its guidance on the annual testing of goodwill for impairment to allow companies to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. If an entity determines, based on qualitative factors, that it is not more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, then it is not required to perform the quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test. This guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The provisions of this guidance became applicable to CKE Restaurants during the first quarter of fiscal 2013. The adoption of this guidance has not had, and is not expected to have, a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In July 2012, the FASB updated its guidance on impairment testing for indefinite-lived intangible assets by allowing an entity to first perform a qualitative impairment assessment before proceeding to a quantitative impairment test. If an entity determines, based on qualitative factors, that it is not more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then it is not required to perform a quantitative impairment test. This guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

v2.4.0.6
Facility Action Charges, Net (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Facility Action Charges, Net [Abstract]  
Components of Facility Action Charges, Net Disclosure
The components of facility action charges, net are as follows:

 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Estimated liability for new restaurant closures
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
133

Adjustments to estimated liability for closed restaurants
20

 
(103
)
 
(237
)
 
420

Impairment of assets to be held and used

 
342

 
2,525

 
592

Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment
45

 
(9
)
 
88

 
(476
)
Other gains
(33
)
 
(87
)
 
(124
)
 
(337
)
Amortization of discount related to estimated liability for closed restaurants
70

 
119

 
280

 
371

 
$
102

 
$
262

 
$
2,532

 
$
703

Asset Impairment Charges
Impairment charges recognized in facility action charges, net were recorded against the following asset category:

 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Property and equipment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carl’s Jr.
$

 
$

 
$
1,195

 
$

Hardee’s

 
342

 
1,330

 
592

 
$

 
$
342

 
$
2,525

 
$
592

v2.4.0.6
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Nov. 07, 2011
Nov. 05, 2012
Nov. 07, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]        
Federal and state income taxes $ 3,259 $ (2,483) $ 1,781 $ (5,155)
Foreign income taxes 432 341 1,569 1,278
Income tax expense (benefit) $ 3,691 $ (2,142) $ 3,350 $ (3,877)

v2.4.0.6
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities (Unconditional Purchase Obligations) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Nov. 05, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Unrecorded unconditional purchase obligations $ 77,177

v2.4.0.6
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Nov. 07, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income (loss) $ 16,093 $ (6,349)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization 60,954 62,873
Amortization of deferred financing costs and discount on notes 3,215 3,065
Loss on early extinguishment of senior secured second lien notes 3,695 2,927
Share-based compensation expense 3,545 3,531
Provision for losses on accounts and notes receivable 29 114
Loss on disposal of property and equipment 713 863
Deferred income taxes (17,179) (151)
Other non-cash charges 2,122 729
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities:    
Receivables, inventories, prepaid expenses and other current and non-current assets 3,882 (3,739)
Estimated liability for closed restaurants and estimated liability for self-insurance 396 (909)
Accounts payable and other current and long-term liabilities 36,676 28,043
Net cash provided by operating activities 114,141 90,997
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Purchases of property and equipment (39,357) (44,440)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 1,925 1,749
Collections of non-trade notes receivable 841 703
Acquisition of restaurants, net of cash received (75) 0
Other investing activities 177 146
Net cash used in investing activities (36,489) (41,842)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Net change in bank overdraft (5,802) (6,767)
Proceeds from financing method sale-leaseback transactions 91,063 43,159
Payment of deferred financing costs (5,219) (2,506)
Payment for early extinguishment of senior secured second lien notes (61,811) (49,370)
Repayments of other long-term debt (3) (614)
Repayments of capital lease obligations (6,312) (6,206)
Purchase of Toggle Notes 0 (8,362)
Dividends paid on common stock (14,400) 0
Net cash used in financing activities (2,484) (30,666)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 75,168 18,489
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 64,555 42,586
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 139,723 $ 61,075

v2.4.0.6
Sale-Leaseback Transactions
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Financing Method Sale-Leaseback Transactions [Abstract]  
Sale-Leaseback Transactions
SALE-LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS

During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, we entered into agreements with independent third parties under which we sold and leased back 2 Carl’s Jr. and 60 Hardee’s restaurant properties. The initial minimum lease terms are 20 years, and the leases include renewal options and right of first offer provisions that, for accounting purposes, constitute continuing involvement with the associated restaurant properties. Due to this continuing involvement, these sale-leaseback transactions are accounted for under the financing method, rather than as completed sales. Under the financing method, we include the sales proceeds received in other long-term liabilities until our continuing involvement with the properties is terminated, report the associated property as owned assets, continue to depreciate the assets over their remaining useful lives, and record the rental payments as interest expense. Closing costs and other fees related to these sale-leaseback transactions are recorded as deferred financing costs and amortized to interest expense over the initial minimum lease term. When and if our continuing involvement with a property terminates and the sale of that property is recognized for accounting purposes, we expect to record a gain equal to the excess of the proceeds received over the remaining net book value of the associated restaurant property and any unamortized deferred financing costs.

During the forty weeks ended November 5, 2012, we received proceeds of $91,063 and capitalized deferred financing costs of $5,210 in connection with 62 financing method sale-leaseback transactions. During the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, we received proceeds of $43,159 and capitalized deferred financing costs of $2,457 in connection with 29 financing method sale-leaseback transactions.

The cumulative proceeds received in connection with financing method sale-leaseback transactions of $158,517 and $67,454 are included in other long-term liabilities in our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 5, 2012 and January 31, 2012, respectively. The net book value of the associated assets, which is included in property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization in our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $112,714 and $48,722 as of November 5, 2012 and January 31, 2012, respectively. With respect to the financing method sale-leaseback transactions, our future minimum cash obligations as of November 5, 2012 are $2,893, $11,571, $11,571, $11,571, $11,744, $12,469 and $198,865 for the period from November 6, 2012 through January 31, 2013, for fiscal 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and thereafter, respectively.

v2.4.0.6
Income Taxes (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following:

 
Twelve Weeks Ended
 
Forty Weeks Ended
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
 
November 5, 2012
 
November 7, 2011
Federal and state income taxes
$
3,259

 
$
(2,483
)
 
$
1,781

 
$
(5,155
)
Foreign income taxes
432

 
341

 
1,569

 
1,278

Income tax expense (benefit)
$
3,691

 
$
(2,142
)
 
$
3,350

 
$
(3,877
)

v2.4.0.6
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Nonrecurring) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Nov. 07, 2011
Nov. 05, 2012
Nov. 07, 2011
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Impairment charges $ 0 $ 342 $ 2,525 $ 592
Carl's Jr. [Member]
       
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Impairment charges 0 0 1,195 0
Hardee's [Member]
       
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Impairment charges 0 342 1,330 592
Company-operated [Member] | Carl's Jr. [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
       
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Number of underperforming restaurants     2  
Property and equipment carrying value prior to impairment 1,265   1,265  
Impairment charges     1,195  
Domestic franchised [Member] | Hardee's [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
       
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Property and equipment carrying value prior to impairment 1,250   1,250  
Impairment charges     $ 1,204  

v2.4.0.6
Basis Of Presentation And Description Of Business Policy (Policies)
9 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Fiscal Period, Policy
We operate on a retail accounting calendar. Our fiscal year ends on the last Monday in January and typically has 13 four-week accounting periods. For clarity of presentation, we generally label all fiscal year ends as if the fiscal year ended January 31. Accordingly, the fiscal year ended January 30, 2012 is referred to herein as the fiscal year ended January 31, 2012 or fiscal 2012, and the fiscal year ending January 28, 2013 is referred to herein as the fiscal year ending January 31, 2013 or fiscal 2013. The first quarter of our fiscal year has four periods, or 16 weeks. All other quarters generally have three periods, or 12 weeks.