EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 901491
Filing Year: 2024
Filename: 901491_10-K_2024_0001628280-24-007791.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
General
Papa John’s International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (referred to as the “Company,” “Papa John’s,” “Papa Johns” or in the first person notations of “we,” “us” and “our”), operates and franchises pizza delivery and carryout restaurants and, in certain international markets, dine-in and delivery restaurants under the trademark “Papa Johns.” Papa John’s began operations in 1984. At December 31, 2023, there were 5,906 Papa John’s restaurants in operation, consisting of 648 Company-owned and 5,258 franchised restaurants operating in 50 countries and territories. Our Company-owned restaurants include 98 restaurants operated under three joint venture arrangements. In discussions of our business, “Domestic” is defined as within the contiguous United States, “North America” includes Canada, and “International” includes the rest of the world other than North America.
Strategy
We are committed to delivering on our brand promise “BETTER INGREDIENTS. BETTER PIZZA.®” and a business strategy designed to drive sustainable long-term, profitable growth. Papa John’s is driven by five strategic priorities:
Build a culture of leaders who believe in diversity, inclusivity and winning. A diverse, inclusive environment is essential to attracting the talent that makes Papa Johns the world’s best pizza delivery company. See the “Human Capital” section below where we discuss our ongoing initiatives in this area.
Re-establish the superiority of our pizza via commercial platforms. We believe that using high quality ingredients leads to superior quality pizzas. Our original crust pizza dough is made from six simple ingredients and is fresh, never frozen. We also top our pizzas with our signature pizza sauce made with vine-ripened tomatoes, real cheese and meat full of flavor, not filler. Our marketing and menu strategies focus on craveable products that provide both value and variety to our customers, drive sales and importantly, do not add significant complexity to our restaurant operations or to supply chain needs. We continue to make purposeful additions to our menu, ensuring these additions are well-timed for our growth, without sacrificing our premium quality. This deliberate strategy focuses on innovation that adds value to our system rather than short-term discounts, contributing to more productive ticket growth and, most importantly, higher customer satisfaction. We believe in the importance of providing options that appeal to our customers’ diverse dietary needs and preferences, and our nutritionists and food innovation teams are continuously looking for ways to reflect this in our menu. Our product innovations form the foundation of our strategy for growing comparable sales and improving unit economics.
Improve unit-level profitability and performance of our Company and franchisee restaurants. We continue to take proactive steps to drive profitable growth through targeted strategies. This includes growing ticket and transactions through menu innovations, customer insights, media efficiency, strategic pricing actions and development incentives. In addition to increasing average unit volumes, our strategy focuses on further sharpening our execution and driving BETTER customer experience for faster service while optimizing labor allocation, enhancing operational efficiencies and effectively managing margins.
We continue to look for ways to incent growth and improve restaurant margins. Beginning in 2024, we will increase the fixed operating margin that our Domestic commissaries charge. At the same time, we are offering new opportunities for our franchisees to earn annual incentive-based rebates as they increase volume and open new restaurants, which will drive continued supply chain productivity for our system. See “Recent Business Matters” in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Leverage our technology infrastructure to drive our business operations. We utilize technology to deliver a better customer experience, improve operational efficiencies and inform our decision-making. Approximately 85% of our Domestic sales are through digital channels, including website, apps, third party aggregators, and centralized call centers. We believe that this technology leadership edge provides a competitive advantage when compared with other QSR models. We continue to invest in technology and data science to enhance our digital capabilities for both our customers as well as our employees. We remain committed to meeting customers where they want to order from us and to giving them high quality innovative products, providing great value, and delivering excellent service, regardless of the channel in which they order.
Our loyalty program (“Papa Rewards”) and one-to-one marketing platforms help us retain loyal customers and drive frequency and ticket on our own ordering channels. We have also been a leader in the use of third-party domestic delivery
aggregators since 2019. As new national pizza chains arrive on the platform, the pizza category has continued to expand its share of the overall aggregator market because it’s a great product for home delivery. Our integrations with the aggregator marketplaces and our nationwide integration with a third-party delivery service provider have been key tools allowing us to continue to meet our customers in the channel of their choice. The “on-demand” labor that the aggregators provide through their “delivery as a service” model allows us to increase our volume in growing day parts like lunch and late night, when the unpredictable demand can make it difficult to predict staffing needs.
Profitably expand our footprint domestically and internationally. We continue to pursue a growth strategy by expanding our footprint, both domestically and internationally. We partner with growth-oriented operators to expand into new regions and markets, seeking to ensure our partners are aligned with our strategic priorities and committed to the Papa Johns brand. The majority of our top-25 North American franchisees have development agreements in place. As part of our previously announced International Transformation initiative, we are evolving our International business structure to strengthen our operational effectiveness and better position our key markets for profitable growth. These steps include establishing International regional hubs, increasing technology investments and optimizing our UK business model. See “Recent Business Matters” in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Notes 16. Restructuring and 25. Subsequent Events to the Financial Statements for additional details.
A large majority of Papa John’s restaurants are franchised. We believe a franchised model provides resiliency of earnings and presents us with an opportunity to enhance growth with less capital investment than a traditional company-operated restaurant model. We seek to attract and retain franchisees with experience in restaurant or retail operations and with the financial resources and management capabilities to open and operate multiple locations. While each Papa John’s franchisee manages and operates its own restaurants and business, we devote significant resources to providing franchisees with assistance in restaurant operations, quality assurance, technology, training, marketing, site selection and restaurant design. Papa John’s franchise owners benefit from our award-winning brand, food service capabilities and the Papa John’s digital and delivery model.
We recently introduced a new development incentive for our U.S. franchisees designed to accelerate unit growth in 2024 and 2025 and reward growing franchisees. Qualified openings will be eligible for a reduction in Papa John’s Marketing Fund, Inc. (“PJMF”) contributions over a multi-year period. The value of this incentive is intended to significantly improve restaurant profitability in the initial years of operations, thus improving overall unit economics, strengthening the business case for new store development. We also introduced a new marketing strategy, lowering total advertising fees paid by franchisees while improving efficiency and return on ad spend. See “Recent Business Matters” in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Segment Overview
Papa John’s has four defined reportable segments: Domestic Company-owned restaurants, North America franchising, North America commissaries (Quality Control Centers), and International.
Domestic Company-owned Restaurants
The Domestic Company-owned restaurant segment consists of the operations of all Domestic Company-owned restaurants and derives its revenues principally from retail sales of pizza, Papadias, and side items, including breadsticks, Papa Bites, cheesesticks, boneless chicken wings and bone-in chicken wings, dessert items and canned or bottled beverages. Of the total 3,433 North American restaurants open as of December 31, 2023, 531 units, or approximately 15%, were Company-owned. In 2023, the 512 Domestic Company-owned restaurants included in the full year’s comparable restaurant base generated average annual unit sales of $1.4 million.
Operating Company-owned restaurants allows us to improve operations, training, marketing and quality standards for the benefit of the entire Papa John’s system.
North America franchising
The North America franchising segment consists of our franchise sales and support activities and derives its revenues from the sale of franchise and development rights and the collection of royalties from our franchisees located in the United States and Canada. Our North American franchised restaurants, which included 2,519 restaurants in the full year’s comparable base for 2023, generated average annual unit sales of $1.2 million. These sales, while not included in the Company’s revenues, contribute to our royalty revenues, franchisee marketing fund contributions, and commissary revenue.
North America commissary
The North America commissary segment comprises 11 full-service regional dough production and distribution centers (Quality Control Centers, or “QC Centers”) in the United States, which supply pizza sauce, dough, food products, paper products, smallwares and cleaning supplies twice weekly to each traditional restaurant served. This system enables us to monitor and control product quality and consistency while lowering food and other costs. We also have one QC Center in Canada, which produces and distributes fresh dough. We evaluate the QC Center system capacity in relation to existing restaurants’ volumes and planned restaurant growth, and facilities are developed or upgraded as operational or economic conditions warrant. To ensure consistent food quality, each Domestic franchisee is required to purchase dough and pizza sauce from our QC Centers and to purchase all other supplies from our QC Centers or other approved suppliers.
International
The International segment is defined as all restaurant operations outside of the United States and Canada. As of December 31, 2023, there were 2,473 International restaurants, comprised of 117 Company-owned restaurants in the UK and 2,356 franchised restaurants. The Company currently operates one International QC Center in the UK. The International segment also consists of distribution sales to Papa John’s restaurants located in the UK and our franchise sales and support activities, which derive revenues from sales of franchise and development rights and the collection of royalties from our International franchisees. Other QC Centers outside North America are operated by franchisees pursuant to license agreements or by other third parties.
All others
All other business units that do not meet the quantitative thresholds for determining reportable segments, which are not operating segments, are referred to as “all others.” These consist of operations that derive revenues from franchise contributions to our marketing funds and the sale, principally to Company-owned and franchised restaurants, of information systems and related services used in restaurant operations, including our point-of-sale system, online and other technology-based ordering platforms, and printing and promotional items. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company sold Preferred Marketing, our previously wholly-owned print and promotions company. See “Note 22. Divestitures” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.
See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Note 23. Segment Information” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for financial information about our segments.
Development
At December 31, 2023, there were 5,906 Papa John’s restaurants operating in 50 countries and territories, as follows:
Domestic Company Owned Franchised North America Total North America International Company Owned International Franchised Total International System-wide
December 25, 2022 (a)
522 2,854 3,376 - 2,322 2,322 5,698
Opened 5 87 92 - 234 234 326
Closed (2) (33) (35) - (83) (83) (118)
Sold - (10) (10) - (118) (118) (128)
Acquired 10 - 10 118 - 118 128
Refranchised (4) 4 - (1) 1 - -
December 31, 2023 531 2,902 3,433 117 2,356 2,473 5,906
Net unit growth/(decline)
9 48 57 117 34 151 208
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(a) Restaurant figures as of December 25, 2022 have been revised from previous presentations as eight international units were re-classified as closed locations following a review of temporary restaurant closures.
Our Domestic Company-owned restaurant growth strategy is to continue to open restaurants in existing markets as appropriate, thereby increasing consumer awareness, increasing market share, improving customer service and enabling us to take advantage of operational and marketing scale efficiencies. We have co-developed Domestic markets with some franchisees or divided markets among franchisees and will continue to use market co-development in the future, where
appropriate. Our Domestic Company-owned markets are comprised of strong performing restaurants and make them attractive locations either as Company-owned or franchised.
Our experience in developing markets indicates that market penetration through the opening of multiple restaurants in a particular region results in increased average restaurant sales over time. We will establish a development or a master franchise agreement with a franchisee for the opening of a specified number of restaurants within a defined period of time and specified geographic area. Similarly to our Domestic Company-owned restaurant growth strategy, our International strategy has shown to build higher consumer awareness, increased market share, and improved operational efficiencies.
In the second and third quarters of 2023, we acquired 118 formerly-franchised restaurants in the UK as Company-owned restaurants. We recently announced International Transformation initiatives intended to enhance the profitability and cash flow of our UK portfolio and ensure alignment of the region and its performance with our long-term strategy. See “Recent Business Matters” in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Notes 16. Restructuring and 25. Subsequent Events to the Financial Statements for additional details.
Franchise Program
We continue to attract qualified and experienced franchisees, whom we consider to be a vital part of our system’s continued growth. We believe our relationship with our franchisees is fundamental to the performance of our brand and we strive to maintain a collaborative relationship with our franchisees. Franchisees are approved on the basis of the applicant’s business background, restaurant operating experience and financial resources.
North America Development and Franchise Agreements. We enter into development agreements with our franchisees in North America for the opening of a specified number of restaurants within a defined period of time and specified geographic area. A franchise agreement is generally executed once a franchisee secures a location. Our current standard franchise agreement requires the franchisee to pay a royalty fee of 5% of sales, and the majority of our existing franchised restaurants have a 5% contractual royalty rate in effect. Incentives offered from time to time to franchisees may reduce the contractual royalty rate paid.
Substantially all existing franchise agreements have an initial 10-year term with a 10-year renewal option. We have the right to terminate a franchise agreement for a variety of reasons, including a franchisee’s failure to make payments when due or failure to adhere to our operational policies and standards. However, many state franchise laws limit our ability as a franchisor to terminate or refuse to renew a franchise.
International Development and Franchise Agreements. In international markets, we have either a development agreement or a master franchise agreement with a franchisee for the opening of a specified number of restaurants within a defined period of time and specified geographic area. Under a master franchise agreement, the franchisee has the right to sub-franchise a portion of the development to one or more sub-franchisees approved by us.
Our current standard international master franchise and development agreements provide for payment to us of a royalty fee of 5% of sales. For international markets with sub-franchise agreements, the effective sub-franchise royalty received by the Company is generally 3% of sales and the master franchisee generally receives a royalty of 2% of sales. The remaining terms applicable to the operation of individual restaurants are substantially equivalent to the terms of our Domestic franchise agreement. In certain cases, development agreements may be negotiated at other-than-standard terms for fees and royalties, and we may offer various development and royalty incentives.
Franchise Operations. All franchisees are required to operate their Papa John’s restaurants in compliance with our policies, standards and specifications, including matters such as menu items, ingredients, and restaurant design. Franchisees have full discretion in human resource practices, and generally have full discretion to determine the prices to be charged to customers, but we generally have the authority to set maximum price points for nationally advertised promotions.
Franchisee Loans. Selected Domestic and International franchisees have borrowed funds from us, principally for the purchase of restaurants from us or other franchisees or, in certain international markets, for construction and development of new restaurants. Loans made to franchisees can bear interest at fixed or floating rates and in most cases are secured by the fixtures, equipment and signage of the restaurant and/or are guaranteed by the franchise owners. At December 31, 2023, net loans outstanding totaled $17.5 million. See “Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.
Marketing Programs
Our Domestic marketing strategy consists of national advertising via television, print, direct mail, digital, mobile marketing and social media channels. Our digital marketing activities have increased significantly over the past several years in response to increasing customer use of online and mobile technology. Local advertising, such as television, radio, print, direct mail, store-to-door flyers, digital, mobile marketing and local social media channels is optional for franchisees.
Domestic Company-owned and franchised Papa John’s restaurants within a defined market may, but are not required to, join an area advertising cooperative (“Co-op”). Each member restaurant contributes a percentage of sales to the Co-op for market-wide programs, such as television, radio, digital and print advertising, and sports sponsorships. The rate of contribution and uses of the monies collected are determined by a majority vote of the Co-op’s members.
The national marketing efforts are supported by media, print, digital and electronic advertising materials that are produced by Papa John’s Marketing Fund, Inc. (“PJMF”), our national marketing fund. PJMF is a consolidated nonstock corporation, designed to operate at break-even for the purpose of designing and administering advertising and promotional programs for all participating Domestic restaurants. PJMF produces and buys air time for Papa John’s national television commercials and advertises the Company’s products through digital media including banner advertising, paid search-engine advertising, mobile marketing, social media advertising and marketing, text messaging, and email. PJMF also engages in other brand-building activities, such as consumer research and public relations activities. Domestic Company-owned and franchised Papa John’s restaurants are required to contribute a certain minimum percentage of sales to PJMF.
In international markets, our marketing focuses on reaching customers who live or work within a small radius of a Papa John’s restaurant. Our international markets use a combination of advertising strategies, including television, radio, print, digital, mobile marketing and local social media depending on the size of the local market.
Human Capital
Our team members are critical to our success. As of December 31, 2023, we employed approximately 13,200 persons, of whom approximately 10,600 were team members at Company-owned restaurants, approximately 700 were management personnel at Company-owned restaurants, approximately 700 were corporate personnel and approximately 1,200 were QC Center team members. Our team members are non-unionized, and most restaurant team members work part-time and are paid on an hourly basis.
Our franchisees are independent business owners, so their employees are not our employees and therefore are not included in our employee count. We estimate the total number of persons in the Papa John’s system, including our team members, franchisees and the team members of franchisees, was approximately 107,000 as of December 31, 2023.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At Papa Johns, we welcome a wide array of voices to our table. A diverse, inclusive environment is essential to attracting the talent that makes Papa Johns the world’s best pizza delivery company. As such, we welcome all entrepreneurial spirits, innovators and pizza lovers. We continue to build a culture that reflects our corporate values of People First and Everyone Belongs and creates a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining talent. Across our restaurants, QC Centers and corporate hubs, Papa Johns team members are valued for their contributions, treated equitably, encouraged to share their feedback and ideas, provided the tools needed to ensure their safety and total wellness and given ample opportunities to grow in their careers. Papa Johns has received several external recognitions for 2023 for its efforts in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion, The Best Employers for Diversity and World’s Best Employers 2023 by Forbes and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity, Women, LGBTQ+ and Job Starters 2023 by Newsweek.
Creating an inclusive and diverse culture that supports and values team members is important to attracting and retaining talented, dedicated employees. We have implemented initiatives to diversify our workforce and leadership pipeline by recruiting, developing and supporting talent who represent our customers and communities, to embed policies and practices that ensure fairness, build trust and hold ourselves accountable, and to instill and reward behaviors across the organization that foster belonging and increase employee engagement, including required unconscious bias training for team members, and annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DEI”) training for all team members, grant-making through the Papa John’s Foundation to national and local nonprofit partners for advancing DEI, our annual Week of Service and our eight global inclusion resource groups with leaders engaging across the organization.
Talent Attraction, Retention and Development
Our ability to attract and retain hourly employees in our restaurants has become more challenging, especially as the job market has become more competitive. Our goal to help all Papa John's employees succeed begins with efforts to attract and recruit a wide range of people from different backgrounds, cultures, education experiences, religions and other indicators of diversity because we know a workforce that reflects the diversity of our customers and communities brings more innovative thinking and better ideas and solutions to our business. To meet job candidates where they live, and gain a deeper understanding of their personal, educational and professional goals, we sponsor and attend job fairs, scholarship programs and university and professional organization events and offer our team members hiring and referral bonuses. Our recruiting strategy aims to diversify the candidate pool for all manager level and above positions.
To help our team members succeed in their roles and to ensure consistent operational execution, we offer continuous training and development opportunities, including providing innovative tools and materials for the operational training and development of team members. Operations personnel complete our management training program and ongoing development programs, including multi-unit training, through which instruction is given on all aspects of our systems and operations. In addition, to further support our team members’ development, we established our Dough & Degrees program, which allows our team members to earn a college degree for free or at a reduced tuition in partnership with Purdue University Global and the University of Maryland Global Campus, among others. Employees working at least ten hours per week can obtain their High School Diplomas, learn English as a second language, and earn associate’s, bachelor’s and/or master’s degrees. We also offer a tuition reimbursement program that provides another opportunity for our team members to advance their careers.
Compensation and Benefits
One of our core values is People First. As such, we are committed to providing competitive pay and benefits to attract and retain talent, whether in our Domestic Company-owned restaurants, in our supply chain centers or in our corporate offices. We pay competitive wages to our front line team members in our Domestic Company-owned restaurants.
Papa John’s offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible team members. We also make available to our team members several benefits designed to promote an inclusive workplace like paid parental leave, adoption support, and health plans that are available to dependents, spouses, and domestic partners. We offer eligible team members a 401(k) plan, with a competitive Company matching component to encourage retirement savings.
Beyond basic insurance programs, Papa John’s offers wellness services to help team members manage and optimize their health and well-being. These no-cost programs include smoking cessation, diabetes and hypertension management, weight management, and mental health support through Papa John’s employee assistance program for all part-time and full-time team members and their dependents. Papa John’s also makes available the “Papa Cares” program that provides corporate office team members an onsite health clinic that provides a wide range of primary care services for adults, adolescents and children.
Workplace Health and Safety
As part of the Company’s enterprise-wide safety management system, we invest in training, technology and people to protect both our customers and team members. All Papa John’s team members, from those at our corporate offices to those working in our warehouses and restaurants, receive annual safety training based on the requirements of their roles. Our QC Centers and restaurant operations undergo annual safety audits, as well as random safety checks by regional safety managers and field safety coordinators.
Industry and Competition
The United States Quick Service Restaurant pizza (“QSR Pizza”) industry is mature and highly competitive with respect to price, service, location, food quality, customer loyalty programs and product innovation. The QSR Pizza category is largely fragmented, and competitors include a few large national chains and many smaller regional chains, as well as a large number of local independent pizza operators, any of which can utilize a growing number of food delivery services. Some of our competitors have been in existence for substantially longer periods than Papa John’s, have substantially greater resources than Papa John’s and can have higher levels of restaurant penetration and stronger, more developed brand
awareness in markets where we compete. Competition from delivery aggregators and other food delivery concepts also continues to increase. For more information, see “Item 1A - Risk Factors-Industry and Macroeconomic Risks-Our profitability may suffer as a result of intense competition in the QSR Pizza industry.”
Internationally, the pizza delivery model is not as mature as that of the Domestic market and presents a growth opportunity for Papa John’s. We believe demand from international consumers will continue to increase as the demand for pizza delivery and carryout continues. We continue to execute on our growth strategy and expand throughout the world.
With respect to the sale of franchises, we compete with many franchisors of restaurants and other business concepts. There is also active competition for management personnel, drivers and hourly team members, and attractive commercial real estate sites suitable for Papa John’s restaurants.
Supply Chain
In the United States, our 11 QC Centers produce dough and distribute substantially all key ingredients, including mozzarella, dough and pizza sauce, and other supplies, including food products, paper products, smallwares and cleaning supplies to Domestic Company-owned restaurants and franchised restaurants to ensure consistent food quality. Each Domestic franchisee is required to purchase pizza sauce and dough from our Domestic QC Centers, and purchases substantially all other food products from our QC Centers. We also have one QC Center in Canada that produces and distributes fresh dough, which provides further support to our North American franchisees. In our International segment, we operate one International QC Center in the UK and other International QC Centers are operated by franchisees pursuant to license agreements or by other third parties. We depend on a sole source for our supply of garlic sauce and we source other key ingredients, including meat products, from a limited number of suppliers. For a discussion of the related risks, see “Item 1A - Risk Factors-Company Risks-Increase in ingredient and other operating costs, including those caused by weather, climate change and food safety, could adversely affect our results of operations,” “-Our dependence on a sole supplier or a limited number of suppliers for some ingredients and other supplies could result in disruptions to our business,” and “-Changes in purchasing practices by our Domestic franchisees, or prolonged disruptions in our QC Center operations, could harm our commissary business.”
Government Regulation
We, along with our franchisees, are subject to various federal, state, local and international laws affecting the operation of our respective businesses, including laws and regulations related to our marketing and advertising as well as the preparation and sale of food, food safety and menu labeling. Each Papa John’s restaurant is subject to licensing and regulation by a number of governmental authorities, which include zoning, health, safety, sanitation, building and fire agencies in the state or municipality in which the restaurant is located. Difficulties in obtaining, or the failure to obtain, required licenses or approvals could delay or prevent the opening of a new restaurant in a particular area. Our QC Centers are licensed and subject to regulation by state and local health and fire codes, and the operation of our trucks is subject to federal and state transportation regulations. We are also subject to federal and state environmental regulations. In addition, our Domestic operations are subject to various federal and state laws governing such matters as minimum wage requirements, benefits, taxation, working conditions, citizenship requirements, and overtime.
We are subject to Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) regulation and various state laws regulating the offer and sale of franchises. The laws of several states also regulate substantive aspects of the franchisor-franchisee relationship. The FTC requires us to furnish to prospective franchisees a franchise disclosure document containing prescribed information. State laws that regulate the franchisor-franchisee relationship presently exist in a significant number of states, and bills have been introduced in Congress from time to time that would provide for federal regulation of the U.S. franchisor-franchisee relationship in certain respects if such bills were enacted. State laws often limit, among other things, the duration and scope of non-competition provisions and the ability of a franchisor to terminate or refuse to renew a franchise. Some foreign countries also have disclosure requirements and other laws regulating franchising and the franchisor-franchisee relationship. National, state and local government regulations or initiatives, including health care legislation, “living wage,” or other current or proposed regulations, and increases in minimum wage rates affect Papa John’s as well as others within the restaurant industry. We are also subject to applicable laws in each non-US jurisdiction in which we operate.
Privacy and Data Protection
We are subject to privacy and data protection laws and regulations globally. The legal and regulatory landscape for privacy and data protection continues to evolve, and there has been an increase in attention given to privacy and data protection issues with the potential to impact our business. This includes recently enacted laws and regulations in the United States and in other countries which require notification to individuals and government authorities of breaches involving certain categories of personal information. Any changes in privacy and data protection laws or regulations could also adversely impact the way we use e-mail, text messages and other marketing techniques and could require changes in our marketing strategies. We have a privacy policy posted on our website at www.papajohns.com. The security of our financial data, customer information and other personal information is a priority for us.
Trademarks, Copyrights and Domain Names
We protect our intellectual property through a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, foreign intellectual property laws, confidentiality agreements and other contractual provisions. We have also registered, and applied for the registration of, U.S. and international trademarks, service marks, domain names and copyrights. From time to time, we are made aware of the use by other persons in certain geographical areas of names and marks that are the same as or substantially similar to our marks. It is our policy to pursue registration of our marks whenever possible and to vigorously oppose any infringement of our marks.
We hold copyrights in authored works used in our business, including advertisements, packaging, training, website, and promotional materials. In addition, we have registered and maintain Internet domain names, including “papajohns.com,” and country code domains patterned as “papajohns.cc,” or a close variation thereof, with “.cc” representing a specific country code.
Environmental Matters
We are not aware of any federal, state, local or international environmental laws or regulations that we expect to materially affect our earnings or competitive position or result in material capital expenditures. However, we cannot predict the effect of possible future environment legislation or regulations on our operations. During 2023, we had no material environmental compliance-related capital expenditures, and no such material expenditures are anticipated in 2024.
Additional Information
All of our periodic and current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), are available, free of charge, through our website located at www.papajohns.com. These reports include our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports. These reports are available through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file them with the SEC. We also make available free of charge on our website our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Board Committee Charters, and our Code of Ethics, which applies to Papa John’s directors, officers and employees. Printed copies of such documents are also available free of charge upon written request to Investor Relations, Papa John’s International, Inc., P.O. Box 99900, Louisville, KY 40269-0900. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including us, at www.sec.gov. The references to these website addresses do not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on the websites, which should not be considered part of this document.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
We are subject to risks that could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. These risks could cause actual operating results to differ from those expressed in certain “forward-looking statements” contained in this Form 10-K as well as in other Company communications. You should carefully consider the following risk factors together with all other information included in this Form 10-K and our other publicly filed documents.
Industry and Macroeconomic Risks
Economic conditions in the U.S. and international markets could adversely affect our business and financial results.
Our financial condition and results of operations are impacted by global markets and economic conditions over which neither we nor our franchisees have control. An economic downturn or recession, including deterioration in the economic conditions in the U.S. or international markets where we or our franchisees operate, or a slowing or stalled recovery therefrom, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations, including a reduction in the demand for our products, longer payment cycles, slower adoption of new technologies and increased price competition. Poor economic conditions have in the past adversely affected and may in the future affect the ability of our franchisees to pay royalties or amounts owed and could also disrupt our business and adversely affect our results. Higher inflation, and a related increase in costs, including elevated interest rates, as well as currency restrictions and changes in foreign exchange rates, have impacted our franchisees and their ability to pay royalties, open new restaurants or operate existing restaurants profitably. As we navigate this environment, we may need to offer support for certain franchisees in the form of royalty relief, loans or other support, close unprofitable restaurants or markets, and/or consider other alternatives such as acquiring or purchasing franchised restaurants, QC Centers or operations to operate them until they can be refranchised. In addition, adverse macroeconomic conditions, unforeseen geopolitical events, and other business-related changes in circumstances outside of our control have required us to close restaurants in the past and impacted our ability to collect royalties and/or achieve our net unit development targets.
Our business, financial condition and results of operations have been and could continue to be adversely affected by depressed economic and business conditions in the United Kingdom. There are approximately 500 Papa John’s restaurants located in the United Kingdom, and we also operate an International QC Center in the United Kingdom. In addition, the Company’s UK subsidiary also holds the master leases for nearly all of the corporate and franchise restaurant locations, which exposes us to rent liability. During 2022 and 2023, our business in the United Kingdom was subject to adverse macroeconomic conditions, including inflation, elevated interest rates, the energy crisis, slowing economic growth, and volatile exchange rates, which resulted in negative comparable sales and a challenging operating environment for our franchisees. These challenges also impacted the financial condition of our UK franchisees. We expect some of these conditions to continue in 2024. As we navigate this challenging economic environment, we are investing in capabilities to improve our operations and working to re-position the franchise base to further strengthen our business in the United Kingdom by exiting poorly performing franchisees and permanently closing certain restaurants. We also established a Company-owned restaurant portfolio in the United Kingdom in 2023, acquiring 118 Papa Johns restaurants in an effort to re-position the market. These Company-owned restaurants have incurred operating losses as we continue to evaluate current operational capabilities and implement improvements in revenue management capabilities, product and technological innovation and operational efficiencies to improve sales and restaurant-level profitability over the longer term. If our efforts to re-position the franchise base or improve the profitability of our Company-owned restaurants are unsuccessful, we might need to find new operators for certain unprofitable restaurants and/or close unprofitable locations in the future, which would trigger certain lease and/or loan impairments, and could adversely impact the Company’s financial condition and results of operations in the region. In addition, the Company has provided financial support to certain franchisees in the United Kingdom, including in the form of marketing support and loans. This franchisee support may not be sufficient to keep restaurants in the United Kingdom from closing, particularly if current economic conditions worsen, or our franchisees may not be able to repay their loans, pay royalties, and/or make rent payments under sub-leases with us. The Company is unable to predict the duration or the extent of the macroeconomic deterioration in the United Kingdom or the extent to which our corporate and franchised restaurants will be impacted.
We are also subject to ongoing risks and uncertainties associated with the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union (referred to as “Brexit”), including implications for the free flow of labor and goods in the United Kingdom and the European Union and other financial, legal, tax and trade implications.
We have recently acquired Company-owned restaurants in the United Kingdom, and are subject to increased risks presented by owning and operating restaurants internationally.
We recently acquired formerly-franchised Papa Johns restaurants located in the United Kingdom, and may purchase additional restaurants in the United Kingdom. Previously, all of the Papa Johns restaurants located in our International operations segment were franchised. As a result, the Company is exposed to risks of owning and operating restaurants located in the United Kingdom, including those related to business licensing and administrative challenges, lease liabilities, international economic and political conditions, currency regulations and fluctuations, compliance with international privacy and information security laws and regulations, the ability to adapt to differing cultures or consumer preferences, diverse government regulations and tax systems, the ability to identify, attract and retain experienced management and
employee populations, and other legal, financial or regulatory impediments to the development or operation of the restaurants.
Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by disruptions in the global economy caused by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and other actual and potential conflicts.
The global economy has been negatively impacted by the military conflict in Ukraine. Furthermore, governments in the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union have each imposed export controls on certain products and financial and economic sanctions on certain industry sectors and parties in Russia. The Company has no company-owned restaurants in Russia or Ukraine and has suspended corporate support for its master franchisee in Russia, which operates and supplies all 188 franchised Papa John’s restaurants there. The Company is unable to predict how long the current environment will last or if it will resume corporate support to impacted franchised restaurants. The Company also has franchise locations in Israel and a significant franchise presence in the Middle East. In connection with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, some of our franchisees in the Middle East have experienced boycotts resulting in decreased development prospects, sales and profitability. The Company is unable to predict how long the current environment will last or the long-term impact to these franchised locations.
In addition, our international business is subject to the risks of other geopolitical tensions and conflicts, including, for example, the ongoing conflicts described above and changes in China-Taiwan and United States-China relations. We have franchised restaurants located in China, South Korea, Israel and the Middle East. Although we do not do business in North Korea, any future increase in tensions between South Korea and North Korea, such as an outbreak or escalation of military hostilities, or between Taiwan and China could materially adversely affect our operations in Asia or the global economy, which in turn would adversely impact our business. Likewise, an escalation of the conflict in Gaza could materially adversely affect our operations in Israel, Jordan, Egypt and other countries in the Middle East.
Our International operations are subject to increased risks and other factors that may make it more difficult to achieve or maintain profitability or meet planned growth rates.
Our International operations could be negatively impacted by volatility and instability in international economic, political, security, or health conditions in the countries in which the Company or our franchisees operate, especially in emerging markets. In addition, there are risks associated with differing business and social cultures and consumer preferences. We may face limited availability for restaurant locations, higher location costs and difficulties in franchisee selection and financing. We may be subject to difficulties in sourcing and importing high-quality ingredients (and ensuring food safety) in a cost-effective manner, hiring and retaining qualified team members, marketing effectively and adequately investing in information technology, especially in emerging markets.
Our International operations are also subject to additional risk factors, including import and export controls, compliance with anti-corruption and other foreign laws, difficulties enforcing intellectual property and contract rights in foreign jurisdictions, the imposition of increased or new tariffs or trade barriers and potential government seizures or nationalization. We intend to continue to expand internationally, which would make the risks related to our International operations more significant over time.
Our International restaurants’ results, which are almost completely franchised, depend heavily on the operating capabilities and financial strength of our franchisees. Any changes in the ability of our franchisees to run their restaurants profitably in accordance with our operating standards, or to effectively sub-franchise restaurants, could result in brand damage, a higher number of restaurant closures and a reduction in the number of new restaurant openings (which could cause us to miss our net unit development targets).
Sales made by our franchisees in international markets and certain loans we provide to such franchisees are denominated in their local currencies, and fluctuations in the U.S. dollar occur relative to the local currencies. Accordingly, changes in currency exchange rates will cause our revenues, investment income and operating results to fluctuate. We have not historically hedged our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. Our International revenues and earnings may be adversely impacted as the U.S. dollar rises against foreign currencies because the local currency will translate into fewer U.S. dollars. Additionally, the value of certain assets or loans denominated in local currencies may deteriorate. Other items denominated in U.S. dollars, including product imports or loans, may also become more expensive, putting pressure on franchisees’ cash flows. Our International franchisees may also be impacted by currency restrictions imposed by governmental authorities, which could impact their ability to pay royalties in compliance with their franchise agreement. We have experienced situations with franchisees being subject to currency restrictions and unable pay royalties in U.S. dollars.
We are subject to risks related to epidemic and pandemic outbreaks, including COVID-19, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We remain subject to risks related to epidemic and pandemic outbreaks, such as the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has had, and may continue to have, adverse impacts on economic and market conditions and our business. COVID-19 created significant volatility, uncertainty and economic disruption in the regions in which we operate. Certain parts of our operations may continue to be impacted by the continuing effects of COVID-19, including resurgences and variants of the virus. It remains difficult to predict the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the broader economy and how consumer behavior may change, and whether such change is temporary or permanent. To the extent that COVID-19 continues to adversely affect the U.S. and global economy, our business, financial conditions or results of operations, it may also heighten other risks described in this section.
The potential adverse effects of potential epidemics or outbreaks could also include, but may not be limited to, our ability to meet consumer demand through the continued availability of our workforce and our franchisees’ workforce; other changes in labor markets affecting us, our franchisees and suppliers, supply chain disruptions and increases in operating costs; adverse impacts from new laws and regulations affecting our business, increased cyber risks and reliance on technology infrastructure to support our business and operations, including through remote-work protocols, fluctuations in foreign currency markets, credit risks of our customers and counterparties, and impairment of long-lived assets, the carrying value of goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Our profitability may suffer as a result of intense competition in the QSR industry.
The QSR Pizza industry in the United States is mature and highly competitive. Competition is based on price, service, location, food quality, convenience, brand recognition and loyalty, product innovation, effectiveness of marketing and promotional activity, use of technology, and the ability to identify and satisfy consumer preferences. We may need to reduce the prices for some of our products to respond to competitive and customer pressures, which may adversely affect our profitability. When commodity and other costs increase, we may be limited in our ability to increase prices. With the significant level of competition and the pace of innovation, we may be required to increase investment spending in several areas, particularly marketing and technology, which can decrease profitability.
In addition to competition with our larger competitors, we face competition from local quick service pizza delivery restaurants and new competitors such as fast casual pizza concepts. We also face competitive pressures from an array of food delivery concepts and aggregators delivering for quick service or dine in restaurants, using new delivery technologies or delivering for competitors who previously did not have delivery capabilities, some of which may have more effective marketing or delivery service capabilities. The emergence or growth of these competitors, in the pizza category or in the food service industry generally, may make it difficult for us to maintain or increase our market share and could negatively impact our sales, profit margins, royalties, and our system-wide restaurant operations. We also face increasing competition from other home delivery services and grocery stores that offer an increasing variety of prepped or prepared meals in response to consumer demand. In addition, if our competitors respond more effectively to changes in consumer preferences or increase their market share, it could have a negative effect on our business. As a result, our sales can be directly and negatively impacted by actions of our competitors, the emergence or growth of new competitors, consumer sentiment or other factors outside our control.
We compete within the food service market and the QSR pizza market not only for customers, but also for management and hourly employees, including restaurant team members, drivers and qualified franchisees, as well as suitable real estate sites.
One of our competitive strengths is our “BETTER INGREDIENTS. BETTER PIZZA.®” brand promise. This means we may use ingredients that cost more than the ingredients some of our competitors may use. Because of our investment in higher-quality ingredients, we could have lower profit margins than some of our competitors if we are not able to establish a quality differentiator that resonates with consumers. Our sales may be particularly impacted as competitors increasingly emphasize lower-cost menu options.
Changes in consumer preferences or discretionary consumer spending could adversely impact our results.
Changes in consumer preferences and trends could negatively affect us (for example, changes in consumer perceptions of certain ingredients that could cause consumers to avoid pizza or some of its ingredients in favor of foods that are or are perceived as healthier, lower-calorie, amenable to certain diets or lower in carbohydrates or otherwise based on their ingredients or nutritional content) or reduced consumption of pizza as a result of new weight loss drugs, such as GLP inhibitors and others. Preferences for a dining experience such as fast casual pizza concepts could also adversely affect our
restaurant business and reduce the effectiveness of our marketing and technology initiatives. Also, our success depends to a significant extent on numerous factors affecting consumer confidence and discretionary consumer income and spending, such as general economic conditions, customer sentiment and employment levels. Any factors that could cause consumers to spend less on food or shift to lower-priced products could reduce sales or inhibit our ability to maintain or increase pricing, which could adversely affect our operating results.
Food safety and quality concerns may negatively impact our business and profitability.
Incidents or reports of food- or water-borne illness or other food safety issues, investigations or other actions by food safety regulators, food contamination or tampering, employee hygiene and cleanliness failures, improper franchisee or employee conduct, or presence of communicable disease at our restaurants (both Company-owned and franchised), QC Centers, or suppliers could lead to product liability or other claims. If we were to experience any such incidents or reports, our brand and reputation could be negatively impacted. This could result in a significant decrease in customer traffic and could negatively impact our revenues and profits. Similar incidents or reports occurring at quick service restaurants unrelated to us could likewise create negative publicity, which could negatively impact consumer behavior towards us.
We rely on our Domestic and International suppliers, as do our franchisees, to provide quality ingredients and to comply with applicable laws and industry standards. A failure of one of our Domestic or International suppliers to meet our quality standards, or comply with Domestic or International food industry standards, could result in a disruption in our supply chain and negatively impact our brand and our results.
Failure to preserve the value and relevance of our brand could have a negative impact on our financial results.
Our results depend upon our ability to differentiate our brand and our reputation for quality. Damage to our brand or reputation could negatively impact our business and financial results. Our brand has been highly rated in past U.S. surveys, and we strive to build the value of our brand as we develop international markets.
Consumer perceptions of our brand are affected by a variety of factors, such as the nutritional content and preparation of our food, the quality of the ingredients we use, our marketing and advertising, our corporate culture, our policies and systems related to DEI, our business practices, our engagement in local communities and the manner in which we source the commodities we use.
Consumer acceptance of our offerings is subject to change for a variety of reasons, and some changes can occur rapidly. Consumer perceptions may also be affected by third parties, including current or former spokespersons, employees and executives, presenting or promoting adverse commentary or portrayals of our industry, our brand, our suppliers or our franchisees, or otherwise making statements, disclosing information or taking actions that could damage our reputation. If we are unsuccessful in managing incidents that erode consumer trust or confidence, particularly if such incidents receive considerable publicity or result in litigation, our brand value and financial results could be negatively impacted.
Our inability or failure to recognize, respond to and effectively manage the accelerated impact of social media, influencers, and/or shareholder activism could adversely impact our business.
Social media platforms, including blogs, chat platforms, social media websites, and other forms of internet-based communications allow individuals access to a broad audience of consumers and other persons. The popularity of social media and other consumer-oriented technologies has increased the speed and accessibility of information dissemination, and could hamper our ability to promptly correct misrepresentations or otherwise respond effectively to negative publicity, whether or not accurate. The dissemination of proprietary Company or negative information, whether or not accurate, by customers, employees, social media influencers, and others via social media could harm our business, brand, reputation, marketing partners, financial condition, and results of operations, regardless of the information’s accuracy.
In addition, we frequently use social media to communicate with consumers and the public in general. Failure to use social media effectively could negatively impact brand value and revenue. Other risks associated with the use of social media include improper disclosure of proprietary information, negative comments about our brand, exposure of personally identifiable information, fraud, hoaxes or malicious dissemination of false information.
We are also subject to the risk of negative publicity associated with various shareholder proposals, campaigns, and activism, including publicity related to the environment, animal welfare, diversity, responsible sourcing, and other Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) topics. Despite our best efforts relating to ESG policies, initiatives and reporting, media reports and social media campaigns can create a negative opinion or perception of the company’s efforts.
Such media reports and negative publicity could impact customer or investor perception of our Company or industry and can have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
In addition, we could be criticized for the scope or nature of our ESG initiatives or goals, or for any revisions to these goals. If our ESG-related data, processes and reporting fail to meet investor, customer, consumer, employee or other stakeholders’ evolving expectations and standards, are incomplete or inaccurate, or certain groups or customers disagree with our ESG initiatives or goals, or if we fail to achieve progress with respect to our goals within the scope of ESG on a timely basis, or at all, our reputation, brand, appeal to investors, employee retention, business, financial performance and growth could be adversely affected.
Our franchise business model presents a number of risks.
Our success increasingly relies on the financial success and cooperation of our franchisees, yet we have limited influence over their operations. Our franchisees manage their businesses independently, and therefore are responsible for the day-to-day operation of their restaurants and compliance with applicable laws. The revenues we realize from franchised restaurants are largely dependent on the ability of our franchisees to maintain or grow their sales. If our franchisees do not maintain or grow sales, our revenues and margins could be negatively affected. Also, if sales trends worsen for franchisees, especially in emerging markets and/or high-cost markets, their financial results may deteriorate, which in the past has resulted in, and could in the future result in, among other things, required financial support from us, higher numbers of restaurant closures (which could cause us to miss our net unit development targets), reduced numbers of restaurant openings, franchisee bankruptcies or restructuring activities, delayed or reduced payments to us, or increased franchisee assistance, which reduces our revenues.
Our success also increasingly depends on the willingness and ability of our franchisees to remain aligned with us on operating, promotional and marketing plans. Franchisees’ ability to continue to grow is also dependent in large part on the availability of franchisee funding at reasonable interest rates and may be negatively impacted by the financial markets in general or by the creditworthiness of our franchisees. Our operating performance could also be negatively affected if our franchisees experience food safety, compliance, or other operational problems or project an image inconsistent with our brand and values, particularly if our contractual and other rights and remedies are limited, costly to exercise or subjected to litigation. If franchisees do not successfully operate restaurants in a manner consistent with our required standards or applicable laws, the brand’s image and reputation could be harmed, which in turn could hurt our business and operating results.
We may be adversely impacted by increases in the cost of food ingredients and other costs.
We are exposed to fluctuations in prices of commodities and ingredients. An increase in the cost or sustained high levels of the cost of cheese or other commodities and ingredients could adversely affect the profitability of our system-wide restaurant operations, particularly if we are unable to increase the selling price of our products to offset increased costs. We have recently experienced significant inflation in commodities prices, including food ingredients, which has significantly increased our operating expenses. Cheese, representing our largest food cost, and other commodities and ingredients can be subject to significant cost fluctuations due to inflation, weather, availability, global demand and other factors that are beyond our control. Additionally, increases in labor, mileage, insurance, fuel, and other costs could adversely affect the profitability of our restaurant and QC Center businesses. Many of the factors affecting costs in our system-wide restaurant operations are beyond our control, and we may not be able to adequately mitigate these costs or pass along these costs to our customers or franchisees, given the significant competitive pricing pressures we face.
Changes in privacy or data protection laws could adversely affect our ability to market our products effectively.
We rely on a variety of direct marketing techniques, including email, text messages, push notifications, social media and postal mailings. Any future restrictions in federal, state or foreign laws regarding marketing and solicitation or Domestic or International data protection laws that govern these activities could adversely affect the continuing effectiveness of email, text messages, social media and postal mailing techniques and could force changes in our marketing strategies. If this occurs, we may need to develop alternative marketing strategies, which may not be as effective and could impact the amount and timing of our revenues.
Higher labor costs, increased competition for qualified team members and ensuring adequate staffing in our restaurants and QC Centers increase the cost of doing business. Additionally, changes in employment and labor laws, including health care legislation and minimum wage increases, could increase costs for our system-wide operations.
Our success depends in part on our and our franchisees’ ability to recruit, motivate, train and retain a qualified workforce to work in our restaurants in an intensely competitive environment. We and our franchisees have experienced, and could continue to experience, a shortage of labor for restaurant positions due to job market trends and conditions, which shortage has increased our and our franchisees’ labor expenses and could decrease the pool of available qualified talent for key functions. Increased costs associated with recruiting, motivating and retaining qualified employees to work in Company-owned and franchised restaurants have had, and may in the future have, a negative impact on our Company-owned restaurant margins and the margins of franchised restaurants. Competition for qualified drivers for both our restaurants and supply-chain function also continues to increase as more companies compete for drivers or enter the delivery space, including third party aggregators. Additionally, economic actions, such as boycotts, protests, work stoppages or campaigns by labor organizations, could adversely affect us (including our ability to recruit and retain talent) or our franchisees and suppliers. Social media may be used to foster negative perceptions of employment with our Company in particular or in our industry generally, and to promote strikes or boycotts.
We are also subject to federal, state and foreign laws governing such matters as minimum wage requirements, overtime compensation, benefits, working conditions, citizenship requirements and discrimination and family and medical leave and employee related litigation. Labor costs and labor-related benefits are primary components in the cost of operation of our restaurants and QC Centers. Labor shortages, increased employee turnover and health care mandates could increase our system-wide labor costs.
A significant number of hourly personnel are paid at rates at or above the federal and state minimum wage requirements. Accordingly, the enactment of additional state or local minimum wage increases above federal wage rates or regulations related to exempt employees has increased and could continue to increase labor costs for our Domestic system-wide operations. A significant increase in federal or state minimum wage requirement could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations, and the viability of our franchisees restaurants in certain markets.
Additionally, while we do not currently have a unionized workforce, certain employees of other companies in our industry have recently become unionized. If a significant portion of our corporate or franchisee’s workforce were to become unionized, labor costs could increase and our business could be negatively affected by union requirements that increase costs, disrupt business, reduce flexibility and affect the employer-employee relationship. Further, corporate or franchisees’ response to any union organizing efforts could negatively impact how our brand is perceived. We are also subject to potential joint-employer liability for issues that may occur with our franchise operations.
Our business depends on the proper allocation of our human capital and our ability to attract and retain talented management and other key employees.
There can be no assurance that our allocation of our human capital will effectively meet the needs of our business and brands. Further, our business is based on our and our franchisees’ ability to successfully attract and retain talented employees. Competition for restaurant employees has increased as more companies compete for these employees as aggregator adoption and usage continues to increase requiring more labor. The market for highly skilled employees and leaders in our industry is extremely competitive. If we are less successful in our recruiting efforts, or if we are unable to retain management and other key employees, our ability to develop and deliver successful products and services may be adversely affected. Effective succession planning is also important to our long-term success. The departure of a key executive or employee and/or the failure to ensure an effective transfer of knowledge and a smooth transition upon such departure may be disruptive to the business and could hinder our strategic planning and execution.
We rely on information technology to operate our businesses and maintain our competitiveness, and any failure to invest in or adapt to technological developments or industry trends could harm our business.
We rely heavily on information systems, including digital ordering solutions, through which a majority of our Domestic sales originate. We also rely heavily on point-of-sale processing in our Company-owned and franchised restaurants for data collection and payment systems for the collection of cash, credit and debit card transactions, and other processes and procedures. Our ability to efficiently and effectively manage our business depends on the reliability and capacity of these technology systems. In addition, we anticipate that consumers will continue to have more options to place orders digitally, both domestically and internationally. We plan to continue to invest in enhancing and improving the functionality and features of our information technology systems. However, we cannot ensure that our initiatives will be beneficial to the extent, or within the timeframes, expected or that the estimated improvements will be realized as anticipated or at all. Our
failure to adequately invest in new technology and adapt to technological developments and industry trends, particularly our digital ordering capabilities, could result in a loss of customers and related market share. Notwithstanding adequate investment in new technology, our marketing and technology initiatives may not be successful in improving our comparable sales results. Additionally, we are in an environment where the technology life cycle is short and consumer technology demands are high, which requires continued reinvestment in technology that will increase the cost of doing business and will increase the risk that our technology may not be customer-centric or could become obsolete, inefficient or otherwise incompatible with other systems.
We rely on our International franchisees to maintain their own point-of-sale and online ordering systems, which are often purchased from third-party vendors, potentially exposing International franchisees to more operational risk, including cyber and data privacy risks and governmental regulation compliance risks.
We cannot predict the impact that new or improved technologies, alternative methods of delivery, including autonomous vehicle delivery, or changes in consumer or employee behavior facilitated by these technologies and alternative methods of delivery will have on our business.
Advances in technologies such as artificial intelligence or alternative methods of delivery, including advances in digital ordering technology and autonomous vehicle delivery, or certain changes in consumer behavior driven by these or other technologies and methods of delivery could have a negative effect on our business and market position. Moreover, technology and consumer offerings continue to develop, and we expect that new or enhanced technologies and consumer offerings will be available in the future. We may pursue certain of those technologies and consumer offerings if we believe they offer a sustainable customer proposition and can be successfully integrated into our business model. However, we cannot predict consumer acceptance of these delivery channels or their impact on our business. In addition, our competitors, some of whom have greater resources than we do, may be able to benefit from changes in technologies or consumer acceptance of alternative methods of delivery, which could harm our competitive position.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully respond to changing consumer preferences, including with respect to new technologies and alternative methods of delivery, or to effectively adjust our product mix, service offerings, and marketing and merchandising initiatives for products and services that address, and anticipate advances in, technology and market trends. Alternative methods of delivery may also impact the potential labor pool from which we recruit our delivery drivers and could reduce the available supply of labor.
Company Risks
Our reorganization activities may increase our expenses, may not be successful, and may adversely impact employee hiring and retention.
We have incurred and expect to continue to incur certain non-recurring corporate reorganization costs, including the ongoing restructuring of our international business, and these expenses have impacted and could adversely impact our results of operations during the relevant period, reduce our cash position and/or result in an impairment risk related to these assets. Additionally, if we do not realize the anticipated benefits from these measures, or if we incur costs greater than anticipated, our financial condition and operating results may be adversely affected.
As a result of any corporate reorganization, we could face turnover in our corporate offices and international support teams that could distract our employees, decrease employee morale, harm our reputation, and negatively impact the overall performance of our corporate support teams. These or other similar risks, may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may not be able to effectively market our products or maintain key marketing partnerships.
The success of our business depends on the effectiveness of our marketing and promotional plans. We may not be able to effectively execute our national or local marketing plans, particularly if we experienced lower sales that would result in reduced levels of marketing funds. In addition, our financial results may be harmed if our marketing, advertising, and promotional programs are less effective than those of our competitors, who may have greater resources which enable them to invest more than us in advertising. We may be required to expend additional funds to effectively improve consumer sentiment and sales, and we may also be required to engage in additional activities to retain customers or attract new customers to the brand. Such marketing expenses and promotional activities, which could include discounting our products, could adversely impact our results.
Spokespersons or marketing partners who endorse our products could take actions that harm their reputations, which could also cause harm to our brand. From time to time, in response to changes in the business environment and the audience share of marketing channels, we expect to reallocate marketing resources across social media and other channels. That reallocation may not be effective or as successful as the marketing and advertising allocations of our competitors, which could negatively impact the amount and timing of our revenues.
We may not be able to execute our strategy or achieve our planned growth targets, which could negatively impact our business and our financial results.
Our growth strategy depends on our and our franchisees’ ability to open new restaurants and to operate them on a profitable basis. We expect substantially all of our International unit growth and much of our Domestic unit growth to be franchised units. Accordingly, our profitability increasingly depends upon royalty revenues from franchisees. If our franchisees are not able to operate their businesses successfully under our franchised business model, our results could suffer. Additionally, we may fail to attract new qualified franchisees or existing franchisees may close underperforming locations. Planned growth targets and the ability to operate new and existing restaurants profitably are affected by economic, regulatory and competitive conditions and consumer buying habits. A decrease in sales, or increased commodity or operating costs, including, but not limited to, employee compensation and benefits or insurance costs, could slow the rate of new restaurant openings or increase the number of restaurant closings. Our business is susceptible to adverse changes in local, national and global economic conditions, which could make it difficult for us to meet our growth targets. Additionally, we or our franchisees may face challenges securing financing, or securing financing on favorable terms, finding suitable restaurant locations at acceptable terms or securing required Domestic or foreign government permits and approvals. Declines in comparable sales, net restaurant openings and related operating profits can impact our stock price. If we do not continue to grow future sales and operating results and meet our related growth targets or external expectations for net restaurant openings or our other strategic objectives in the future, our stock price could decline.
Our franchisees remain dependent on the availability of financing to remodel or renovate existing locations, upgrade systems and enhance technology, or construct and open new restaurants. From time to time, the Company may provide financing to certain franchisees and prospective franchisees in order to mitigate restaurant closings, allow new units to open, or complete required upgrades. If we are unable or unwilling to provide such financing, which is a function of, among other things, prevailing interest rates and a franchisee’s creditworthiness, the number of new restaurant openings may be lower or the rate of closures may be higher than expected and our results of operations may be adversely impacted. The elevated interest rate environment has increased the cost of this financing to franchisees, which may make the financing less appealing to franchisees and increase the risk of defaults. To the extent we provide financing to franchisees, our results could be negatively impacted by negative performance of these franchisee loans, including franchisees defaulting on payment terms or being unable to repay loans.
Our dependence on a sole supplier or a limited number of suppliers for some ingredients and other supplies could result in disruptions to our business.
Domestic restaurants purchase substantially all food and related products from our QC Centers. We are dependent on Leprino Foods Dairy Products Company (“Leprino”) as our sole supplier for mozzarella cheese, one of our key ingredients. Leprino, one of the major pizza category suppliers of cheese in the United States, currently supplies all of our mozzarella cheese domestically and substantially all of our mozzarella cheese internationally. We also depend on a sole source for our supply of garlic sauce, which constitutes a small percentage of our purchased food items. While we have no other sole sources of supply for key ingredients or menu items, we do source other key ingredients from a limited number of suppliers. While we strive to engage in a competitive bidding process for our ingredients, because certain of these ingredients, including meat products, may only be available from a limited number of vendors, we may not always be able to do so effectively. We may be subject to interruptions in supply or shortages of these items due to factors beyond our control or issues with our suppliers from time to time. Alternative sources of mozzarella cheese and other key ingredients or menu items may not be available on a timely basis or may not be available on terms as favorable to us as under our current arrangements.
Increase in ingredient and other operating costs, including those caused by weather, climate change and food safety, could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our Company-owned and franchised restaurants could also be harmed by supply chain interruptions including those caused by factors beyond our control or the control of our suppliers. Prolonged disruption in the supply of products from or to our QC Centers due to weather, climate change, natural disasters, public health crises, crop disease, food safety incidents, regulatory compliance, labor dispute or interruption of service by carriers could increase costs, limit the availability of
ingredients critical to our restaurant operations and have a significant impact on results. Increasing weather volatility or other long-term changes in global weather patterns, including related to global climate change, could have a significant impact on the price or availability of some of our ingredients, energy and other materials throughout our supply chain. In particular, adverse weather or crop disease affecting the California tomato crop could disrupt the supply of pizza sauce to our and our franchisees’ restaurants. Insolvency of key suppliers could also cause similar business interruptions and negatively impact our business.
We rely on third parties for certain business processes and services, and failure or inability of such third-party vendors to perform subjects us to risks, including business disruption and increased costs.
We depend on the performance of suppliers, aggregators and other third parties in our business operations. Third-party business processes we utilize include information technology, gift card authorization and processing, other payment processing, benefits, and other accounting and business services. We conduct third-party due diligence and seek to obtain contractual assurance that our vendors will maintain adequate controls, such as adequate security against cybersecurity incidents. However, the failure of our suppliers to maintain adequate controls or comply with our expectations and standards could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Changes in purchasing practices by our Domestic franchisees, or prolonged disruptions in our QC Center operations, could harm our commissary business.
Although our Domestic franchisees currently purchase substantially all food products from our QC Centers, the only required QC Center purchases by franchisees are pizza sauce, dough and other items we may designate as proprietary or integral to our system. Any changes in purchasing practices by Domestic franchisees, such as seeking alternative approved suppliers of ingredients or other food products, could adversely affect the financial results of our QC Centers and the Company. In addition, any prolonged disruption in the operations of any of our QC facilities, whether due to technical, systems, operational or labor difficulties, destruction or damage to the facility, real estate issues, limited capacity or other reasons, could adversely affect our business and operating results. As a result of our increasing the domestic supply chain operating margin, we could experience a decline in our domestic supply chain sales or our franchisees may choose to source non-core products from other suppliers, which would impact the profitability of our QC Centers.
Our current insurance may not be adequate and we may experience claims in excess of our reserves.
Our insurance programs for workers’ compensation, owned and non-owned automobiles, general liability, property, cyber insurance, and health insurance coverage provided to our employees are funded by the Company up to certain retention levels under our retention programs. Retention limits generally range up to $0.5 million with even higher retention limits for certain types of coverage. These insurance programs may not be adequate to protect us, and it may be difficult or impossible to obtain additional coverage or maintain current coverage at a reasonable cost. We also have experienced claims volatility and high costs for our insurance programs. We estimate loss reserves based on historical trends, actuarial assumptions and other data available to us, but we may not be able to accurately estimate reserves. If we experience claims in excess of our projections, our business could be negatively impacted. Our franchisees could be similarly impacted by higher claims experience, hurting both their operating results and/or limiting their ability to maintain adequate insurance coverage at a reasonable cost.
Risks Related to our Indebtedness
We have incurred substantial debt obligations, which could adversely affect our financial condition, and we may incur more indebtedness, including secured debt, and take other actions that could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness or affect our ability to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness.
Our outstanding debt as of December 31, 2023 was $764.0 million, which was comprised of $400.0 million outstanding under our 3.875% senior notes due 2029 (the “Notes”) and $364.0 million under our revolving credit facility (the “PJI Revolving Facility”) that forms part of our amended and restated credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). We had approximately $236.0 million of remaining availability under the PJI Revolving Facility as of December 31, 2023.
Our substantial level of indebtedness could have important consequences, including the following:
•require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, growth opportunities, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;
•increase our vulnerability to and limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business, the industry in which we operate, regulatory and economic conditions;
•expose us to the risk of increased interest rates as borrowings under our Credit Agreement will be subject to variable rates of interest;
•increase our vulnerability to a downgrade of our credit rating, which could adversely affect our cost of funds, liquidity and access to capital markets;
•place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and
•limit our ability to borrow additional funds.
We expect to fund our expenses and to pay the principal of and interest on our indebtedness from cash flow from operations. Our ability to fund our expenses and to pay principal of and interest on our indebtedness when due thus depends on our future performance, which will be affected by financial, business, economic and other factors. We will not be able to control many of these factors, such as economic conditions in the markets where we operate and pressure from competitors.
In addition, subject to restrictions in the agreements governing our existing and any future indebtedness, we may incur additional indebtedness in the future, resulting in higher leverage. The Indenture and the Credit Agreement allow us to incur additional indebtedness, including secured debt. Such additional indebtedness may be substantial. Our ability to recapitalize, incur additional debt and take a number of other actions that are not prohibited by the Indenture or the Credit Agreement could have the effect of exacerbating the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness or diminishing our ability to make payments on our substantial indebtedness when due, which would reduce the availability of cash flow to fund acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures, other growth opportunities and other general corporate purposes. In addition, increasing or elevated prevailing interest rates will increase the costs of our indebtedness if we incur additional indebtedness or refinance our existing indebtedness at higher rates.
The agreements governing our debt, including the Indenture governing our Notes and the Credit Agreement, contain various covenants that impose restrictions on us.
The Indenture and the Credit Agreement impose operating and financial restrictions on our activities. In particular, such agreements limit or prohibit our ability to, among other things:
•incur additional indebtedness;
•make certain investments;
•sell assets, including capital stock of certain subsidiaries;
•declare or pay dividends, repurchase or redeem stock or make other distributions to stockholders;
•consolidate, merge, liquidate or dissolve;
•enter into transactions with our affiliates; and
•incur liens.
In addition, our Credit Agreement requires us to maintain compliance with specified leverage ratios under certain circumstances. Our ability to comply with these provisions may be affected by our business performance or events beyond our control, and these provisions could limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions, meet capital needs or otherwise conduct our business activities and plans.
These restrictions on our ability to operate our business could seriously harm our business by, among other things, limiting our ability to take advantage of financing, merger and acquisition and other corporate opportunities.
Furthermore, various risks, uncertainties and events beyond our control could affect our ability to comply with these covenants. Failure to comply with any of the covenants in our existing or future financing agreements could result in a default under those agreements and under other agreements containing cross-default or cross-acceleration provisions, and could increase the costs or availability of credit for us. Such a default would permit lenders to accelerate the maturity of the debt under these agreements and to foreclose upon any collateral securing the debt. Under these circumstances, we might not have sufficient funds or other resources to satisfy all of our obligations. In addition, the limitations imposed by financing agreements on our ability to incur additional debt and to take other actions might significantly impair our ability to obtain other financing. We cannot assure you that we will be granted waivers or amendments to these agreements if for any reason we are unable to comply with these agreements or that we will be able to refinance our debt on terms acceptable to us, or at all.
We are exposed to variable interest rates under our Credit Agreement, and increases in interest rates would also increase our debt service costs and could have a material negative impact our profitability.
We are exposed to variable interest rates under the Credit Agreement. We have entered into interest rate swaps that fix a portion of our variable interest rate risk. However, by using a derivative instrument to hedge exposures to changes in interest rates, we also expose ourselves to credit risk. Credit risk is due to the possible failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract.
General Risks
Natural disasters, hostilities, social unrest, severe weather and other catastrophic events may disrupt our operations or supply chain.
The occurrence of a natural disaster, hostilities, cyber-attack, social unrest, terrorist activity, outbreak of an epidemic, a pandemic or other widespread health crisis, power outages, severe weather (such as tornados, hurricanes, blizzards, ice storms, floods, heat waves, etc.) or other catastrophic events may disrupt our operations or supply chain and result in the closure of our restaurants (Company-owned or franchised), our corporate offices, any of our QC Centers or the facilities of our suppliers, and can adversely affect consumer spending, consumer confidence levels and supply availability and costs, any of which could materially adversely affect our results of operations.
Climate change may have an adverse impact on our business.
We operate in 50 countries globally and recognize that there are inherent climate-related risks wherever business is conducted. For example, as we noted above, the supply and price of our food ingredients can be affected by multiple factors, such as weather and water supply quality and availability, which factors may be caused by or exacerbated by climate change. While we believe our geographic diversity is likely to lessen the impact of individual climate-change related events on our financial results, our restaurants and operations may nonetheless be vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, which are predicted to increase the frequency and severity of weather events and other natural cycles such as wildfires, floods and droughts. Such events have the potential to disrupt our and our franchisees’ operations, cause restaurant closures, disrupt the business of our third-party suppliers and impact our customers, all of which may cause us to suffer losses and additional costs to maintain or resume operations.
Increasingly complex laws and regulations could adversely affect our business.
We operate in an increasingly complex regulatory environment, and the cost of regulatory compliance is increasing. Our failure, or the failure of any of our franchisees, to comply with applicable U.S. and international labor, health care, food, health and safety, consumer protection, franchise, anti-bribery and corruption, competition, environmental, and other laws may result in civil and criminal liability, damages, fines and penalties. Enforcement of existing laws and regulations, changes in legal requirements, and/or evolving interpretations of existing regulatory requirements may result in increased compliance costs and create other obligations, financial or otherwise, that could adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results. Increased regulatory scrutiny of food matters, online advertising, product marketing claims, mandatory fees, and increased litigation and enforcement actions may increase compliance and legal costs and create other obligations that could adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results. Governments may also impose requirements and restrictions that impact our business. For example, some state and local governments have implemented laws and ordinances that restrict the sale of certain food and drink products, the type of packaging and utensils that may be used, or the manner in which mandatory fees are disclosed to consumers.
Compliance with new or additional Domestic and International government data protection laws or regulations, including but not limited to the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (“EU GDPR”), the UK GDPR and DPA 2018, as amended, the Canada Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”), the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), The California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”), the Colorado Privacy Act (“CPA”), the Connecticut Data Privacy Act (“CTDPA”), the Utah Consumer Privacy Act (“UCPA”), the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (“VCDPA”), and several other data privacy and biometric laws passed or enacted by U.S. states, which could increase costs for compliance. If we fail to comply with these laws or regulations, it could damage our brand and subject the Company to reputational damage, significant litigation, monetary damages, regulatory enforcement actions or fines in various jurisdictions. For example, a failure to comply with the EU GDPR could result in fines up to the greater of €20 million or 4% of annual global revenues.
There also has been increased stakeholder focus, including by US and foreign governmental authorities, investors, media and non-governmental organizations, on environmental sustainability matters, such as climate change, the reduction of
greenhouse gases and water consumption. Legislative, regulatory or other efforts to combat climate change or other environmental concerns could result in future increases in taxes, restrictions on or increases in the costs of supplies, transportation and utilities, any of which could increase our operating costs and those of our franchisees, and necessitate future investments in facilities and equipment. These risks also include the increased pressure to make commitments, set targets, or establish additional goals to take actions to meet them, which could expose us and our franchisees to market, operational, execution and reputational costs or risks. These initiatives or goals could be difficult and expensive to implement, the technologies needed to implement them may not be cost effective and may not advance at a sufficient pace, and we could be criticized for the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of any disclosure.
In addition to the changing rules and regulations related to ESG matters imposed by governmental and self-regulatory organizations such as the SEC and the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, a variety of third-party organizations and institutional investors evaluate the stance and performance of companies on ESG topics, and the results of these assessments are widely publicized. These changing rules, regulations and stakeholder expectations have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and increased management time and attention spent complying with or meeting such regulations and expectations. Further, statements about our ESG-related initiatives and goals, including any changes to such initiatives and goals, and progress against those goals, may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve, and assumptions that are subject to change in the future.
Disruptions to our critical business or information technology systems could harm our ability to compete and conduct our business.
Our critical business and information technology systems have in the past and could in the future be damaged or interrupted by power loss, various technological failures, user errors, cyber-attacks, ransomware sabotage or acts of God. In particular, the Company and our franchisees have experienced occasional interruptions of our digital ordering solutions, which make online ordering unavailable or slow to respond, negatively impacting sales and the experience of our customers. If our digital ordering solutions do not perform with adequate speed and security, our customers may be less inclined to use our digital ordering solutions.
Part of our technology infrastructure, such as our Domestic point-of-sale system, is specifically designed for us and our operational systems, which could cause unexpected costs, delays or inefficiencies when infrastructure upgrades are needed or prolonged and widespread technological difficulties occur. Significant portions of our technology infrastructure, particularly in our digital ordering solutions, are provided by third parties, and the performance of these systems is largely beyond our control. Occasionally, we have experienced or could experience temporary disruptions in our business due to third-party systems failing to adequately perform. Failure to manage future failures of these systems, particularly as our online sales grow, could harm our business and the satisfaction of our customers. Such third-party systems could be disrupted either through system failure or if third party vendor patents and contractual agreements do not afford us protection against similar technology. In addition, we may not have or be able to obtain adequate protection or insurance to mitigate the risks of these events or compensate for losses related to these events, which could damage our business and reputation and be expensive and difficult to remedy or repair.
Failure to maintain the integrity of internal or customer data could result in damage to our reputation, loss of sales, and/or subject us to litigation, penalties or significant costs.
We are subject to a number of privacy and data protection laws and regulations. We collect and retain large volumes of internal and customer data, including credit card data and other personally identifiable information of our employees and customers housed in the various information systems we use. Constantly changing information security threats, particularly persistent cybersecurity threats, pose risks to the security of our systems and networks, and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data and the availability and integrity of our critical business functions. This could include the theft of our intellectual property, trade secrets or sensitive financial information. As techniques used in cyber-attacks evolve, including but not limited to the potential use of artificial intelligence in such attacks, we may not be able to timely detect threats or anticipate and implement adequate security measures. The integrity and protection of the customer, employee, franchisee and Company data are critical to us. Our information technology systems and databases, and those provided by our third-party vendors, including international vendors, have been and will continue to be subject to computer viruses, malware attacks, unauthorized user attempts, phishing and denial of service and other malicious cyber-attacks. We have instituted controls, including cybersecurity governance controls that are intended to protect our information systems, our point-of-sale systems, our information technology systems and networks, we adhere to payment card industry data security standards and we limit third party access for vendors that require access to our restaurant networks. However, we cannot control or prevent every cybersecurity risk. The failure to prevent fraud or security incidents or to adequately invest in data
security could harm our business and revenues due to the reputational damage to our brand. Such an incident could also result in litigation, regulatory actions or investigations, penalties, and other significant costs to us and have a material adverse effect on our financial results. These costs could be significant and well in excess of, or not covered by, our cyber insurance coverage. Significant costs could be required to investigate security incidents, remedy cybersecurity problems, recover lost data, prevent future incidents and adapt systems and practices to react to the changing cyber environment. These include costs associated with notifying affected individuals and other agencies, additional security technologies, training, personnel, and experts. These costs, which could be material, could adversely impact our results of operations in the period in which they are incurred, including by interfering with the pursuit of other important business strategies and initiatives, and may not meaningfully limit the success of future attempts to breach our information technology systems. Media or other reports of existing or perceived security vulnerabilities in our systems or those of our third-party vendors can also adversely impact our brand and reputation and materially impact our business. Additionally, the techniques and sophistication used to conduct cyber-attacks and compromise information technology systems, as well as the sources and targets of these attacks, change frequently and are often not recognized until such attacks are launched or have been in place for a period of time.
We have been and will continue to be subject to various types of investigations and litigation, including collective and class action litigation, which could subject us to significant damages or other remedies.
We are subject to the risk of investigations and litigation from various parties, including vendors, customers, franchisees, state and federal agencies, stockholders and employees. From time to time, we are involved in a number of lawsuits, claims, investigations, and proceedings consisting of securities, antitrust, intellectual property, employment, consumer, data privacy, personal injury, corporate governance, commercial and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business.
We have been subject to claims in cases containing collective and class action allegations. Plaintiffs in these types of lawsuits often seek recovery of very large or indeterminate amounts, and the magnitude of the potential loss and defense costs relating to such lawsuits may not be accurately estimated. Litigation trends involving personal injury, employment law, intellectual property, data privacy, and the relationship between franchisors and franchisees may increase our cost of doing business. We evaluate all of the claims and proceedings involving us to assess the expected outcome, and where possible, we estimate the amount of potential losses to us. In many cases, particularly collective and class action cases, we may not be able to estimate the amount of potential losses and/or our estimates may prove to be insufficient. These assessments are made by management based on the information available at the time made and require the use of a significant amount of judgment, and actual outcomes or losses may materially differ. Regardless of whether any claims against us are valid, or whether we are ultimately held liable, such litigation may be expensive to defend and may divert resources away from our operations and negatively impact results of operations. Further, we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance to protect us from these types of litigation matters or extraordinary business losses.
We may be subject to harassment or discrimination claims and legal proceedings. Our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct policies prohibit harassment and discrimination in the workplace, in any form. To monitor and enforce these policies, we have ongoing programs for workplace training and compliance, and we investigate and take disciplinary action with respect to alleged violations. Nevertheless, actions by our team members could violate those policies. Franchisees and suppliers are also required to comply with all applicable laws and govern themselves with integrity. Any violations (or perceived violations) by our franchisees or suppliers could have a negative impact on consumer perceptions of us and our business and create reputational or other harm to the Company.
We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property rights, which could negatively affect our results of operations.
We depend on the Papa John’s brand name and rely on a combination of trademarks, service marks, copyrights, and similar intellectual property rights to protect and promote our brand. We believe the success of our business depends on our continued ability to exclusively use our existing marks to increase brand awareness and further develop our brand, both domestically and abroad. We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property rights, and we may be required to pursue litigation to prevent consumer confusion and preserve our brand’s high-quality reputation. Litigation could result in high costs and diversion of resources, which could negatively affect our results of operations, regardless of the outcome.
We may be subject to impairment charges.
Impairment charges are possible due to the nature and timing of decisions we make about underperforming assets or markets, or if previously opened or acquired restaurants perform below our expectations. This could result in a decrease in our reported asset value and reduction in our net income.
We operate globally and changes in tax laws could adversely affect our results.
We operate globally and changes in tax laws could adversely affect our results. We have international operations and generate substantial revenues and profits in foreign jurisdictions. The Domestic and International tax environments continue to evolve as a result of tax changes in various jurisdictions in which we operate and changes in the tax laws in certain countries, including the United States, could impact our future operating results. A significant increase in the U.S. corporate tax rate could negatively impact our financial results.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
As of December 31, 2023, there were 5,906 Papa John’s restaurants worldwide. The following tables provide the locations of our restaurants. We define “North America” as the United States and Canada and “Domestic” as the contiguous United States.
North America Restaurants:
Company (a)
Franchised Total
Alabama 3 89 92
Alaska - 10 10
Arizona - 67 67
Arkansas - 28 28
California - 165 165
Colorado - 48 48
Connecticut - 5 5
Delaware - 17 17
District of Columbia - 9 9
Florida 41 260 301
Georgia 91 104 195
Hawaii - 19 19
Idaho - 13 13
Illinois 8 73 81
Indiana 46 95 141
Iowa - 25 25
Kansas 16 21 37
Kentucky 37 68 105
Louisiana - 59 59
Maine - 4 4
Maryland 59 42 101
Massachusetts - 7 7
Michigan - 31 31
Minnesota - 37 37
Mississippi - 33 33
Missouri 41 27 68
Montana - 9 9
Nebraska - 13 13
Nevada - 24 24
New Hampshire - 3 3
New Jersey - 57 57
New Mexico - 17 17
New York - 86 86
North Carolina 104 81 185
North Dakota - 10 10
Ohio - 165 165
Oklahoma - 36 36
Oregon - 14 14
Pennsylvania - 88 88
Rhode Island - 2 2
South Carolina 9 77 86
South Dakota - 11 11
Tennessee 39 79 118
Texas - 310 310
Utah - 32 32
Virginia 26 119 145
Washington - 49 49
West Virginia - 24 24
Wisconsin 11 17 28
Wyoming - 10 10
Total U.S. Papa John’s Restaurants 531 2,689 3,220
Canada - 213 213
Total North America Papa John’s Restaurants 531 2,902 3,433
______________________________
(a) Company-owned Papa John’s restaurants include restaurants owned by majority-owned subsidiaries. There were 98 such restaurants at December 31, 2023 (59 in Maryland, 26 in Virginia, and 13 in Georgia).
International Restaurants:
Company Franchised Total
Azerbaijan - 15 15
Bahrain - 23 23
Bolivia - 5 5
Cambodia - 7 7
Chile - 154 154
China - 317 317
Colombia - 60 60
Costa Rica - 56 56
Cyprus - 10 10
Dominican Republic - 21 21
Ecuador - 31 31
Egypt - 78 78
El Salvador - 41 41
Germany - 14 14
Guam - 2 2
Guatemala - 35 35
Honduras - 15 15
Iraq - 1 1
Ireland - 80 80
Israel - 29 29
Jordan - 7 7
Kazakhstan - 11 11
Kenya - 1 1
Kuwait - 35 35
Kyrgyzstan - 3 3
Mexico - 50 50
Morocco - 7 7
Netherlands - 17 17
Nicaragua - 4 4
Oman - 28 28
Pakistan - 28 28
Panama - 34 34
Peru - 60 60
Philippines - 15 15
Poland - 11 11
Portugal - 3 3
Puerto Rico - 26 26
Qatar - 55 55
Saudi Arabia - 24 24
South Korea - 254 254
Spain - 90 90
Trinidad - 9 9
Tunisia - 14 14
Turkey - 55 55
United Arab Emirates - 92 92
United Kingdom 117 407 524
Uzbekistan - 3 3
Venezuela - 19 19
Total International Papa John’s Restaurants 117 2,356 2,473
Most Papa John’s Company-owned restaurants are located in leased space. The initial term of most Domestic restaurant leases is five years with most leases providing for one or more options to renew for at least one additional term. Generally, the leases are triple net leases, which require us to pay all or a portion of the cost of insurance, taxes and utilities. As a
result of assigning our interest in obligations under property leases as a condition of the refranchising of certain restaurants, we are also contingently liable for payment of approximately 48 Domestic leases.
Our corporate office in Atlanta, Georgia, is located in a leased space. Nine of our 12 North America QC Centers are located in leased spaces, with the remaining three QC Centers located in buildings we own. Our corporate office located in Louisville, Kentucky is in a building owned by us. We also maintain a Company-owned office and a full-service QC Center outside of London, UK, where our International operations are managed. As of the fourth quarter of 2023, we leased the building of our previously-owned printing operations located in Louisville to a third-party. See “Note 22. Divestitures” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.
At December 31, 2023, we leased and subleased approximately 322 Papa John’s restaurant sites to franchisees in the UK. The initial lease terms on the franchised sites in the UK are generally 15 years. The Company has the option to negotiate an extension toward the end of the lease term at the landlord’s discretion. The initial lease terms of the franchisee subleases are generally five to ten years. See “Note 3. Leases” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The information contained in “Note 19. Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” is incorporated by reference herein.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
Information About Our Executive Officers
Set forth below are the current executive officers of Papa John’s:
Name Age1 Position First Elected
Executive Officer
Robert M. Lynch 47 President and Chief Executive Officer 2019
Ravi Thanawala 39 Chief Financial Officer 2023
Amanda Clark2 44 Chief International Officer 2020
Caroline M. Oyler 58 Chief Legal and Risk Officer and Corporate Secretary 2018
Robert M. Lynch was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer in August 2019. Mr. Lynch joined Papa John’s after serving as President of Arby’s Restaurant Group since August 2017, and served as Brand President and Chief Marketing Officer from August 2013 to August 2017. Prior to Arby’s, he served as Vice President of Marketing at Taco Bell. Mr. Lynch has more than 20 years combined experience in the QSR and consumer packaged goods industries, and also held senior roles at HJ Heinz Company and Procter & Gamble.
Ravi Thanawala was appointed Chief Financial Officer in July 2023. He joined Papa Johns from Nike, Inc., where he most recently served as Chief Financial Officer of Nike North America. During his seven years at Nike, Inc., Mr. Thanawala also served as the Global VP and CFO of the Converse brand, which included working within a franchise model that comprised most of the brand’s international business. In addition, he was the Global VP of Retail Excellence, overseeing the brand’s performance across its business channels of franchises, licenses, direct to consumer and wholesale during a time of digital transformation for the business. Prior to Nike, Inc., Mr. Thanawala spent eight years at ANN INC. with progressively increasing responsibilities in finance and operations. He served in the finance leadership role for LOFT; led ANN INC’s Asia operations, global logistics and international trade based in Hong Kong; and eventually became CFO of the ANN INC. business, a subsidiary of Ascena Retail Group, Inc.
Amanda Clark was appointed Chief Operating Officer, International in September 2023 after previously serving as Chief International and Development Officer since May 2022 and Chief Development Officer since joining Papa Johns in February 2020. Ms. Clark joined Papa Johns from Taco Bell where she served as Executive Vice President of Restaurant Experience from February 2019 to February 2020. She also served as Senior Vice President, North America Development from May 2017 to February 2019. In addition, Ms. Clark served as general manager for Taco Bell Canada. Prior to joining Taco Bell, she worked at Procter and Gamble for nearly 12 years on some of P&G’s biggest brands, such as Olay, Pampers and Oral-B.
Caroline M. Oyler was appointed Corporate Secretary in July 2020 and Chief Legal & Risk Officer in October 2018. Ms. Oyler previously served as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer from May 2018 to October 2018 and Senior Vice President, General Counsel from May 2014 to May 2018. Additionally, Ms. Oyler served as Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs from November 2012 to May 2014 and as Vice President and Senior Counsel since joining the Company’s legal department in 1999. She also served as interim head of Human Resources from December 2008 to September 2009. Prior to joining Papa Johns, Ms. Oyler practiced law with the firm Wyatt, Tarrant and Combs LLP.
There are no family relationships between any of the directors or executive officers of the Company.
1 Ages are as of January 1, 2024
2 On January 23, 2024, Amanda Clark notified the Company of her intention to resign from her position with the Company, effective March 1, 2024.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock trades on The Nasdaq Global Select Market tier of The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “PZZA.” As of February 22, 2024, there were 1,326 record holders of our common stock. However, there are significantly more beneficial owners of our common stock than there are record holders.
On January 30, 2024, our Board of Directors declared a first quarter 2024 dividend of $0.46 per common share. The dividend was paid on February 23, 2024 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 12, 2024.
We anticipate continuing the payment of quarterly cash dividends. The actual amount of such dividends is subject to declaration by our Board of Directors and will depend upon future earnings, results of operations, capital requirements, our financial condition, contractual restrictions, including the terms of the agreements governing our debt and any future indebtedness we may incur and other relevant factors. There can be no assurance that the Company will continue to pay quarterly cash dividends at the current rate or at all.
On October 28, 2021, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program with an indefinite duration for up to $425.0 million of the Company’s common stock. In fiscal 2023, approximately 2,523,000 shares with an aggregate cost of $209.6 million and an average price of $83.10 per share were repurchased under our share repurchase program. This includes the repurchase of approximately 2.2 million shares from certain funds affiliated with, or managed by, Starboard Value LP; refer to “Note 6. Stockholders’ Deficit” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional details. Funding for the share repurchase program was provided through our operating cash flows and cash provided from borrowings under our $600.0 million revolving credit facility (the “PJI Revolving Facility”).
The following table summarizes our repurchase activity by fiscal period during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Fiscal Period Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased Average
Price
Paid per
Share Total Number
of Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs Maximum Dollar
Value of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
9/25/2023 - 10/22/2023 - $ - - $ 90,160
10/23/2023 - 11/19/2023 - - - 90,160
11/20/2023 - 12/31/2023 - - - 90,160
Total - $ - - $ 90,160
We did not repurchase any shares subsequent to year-end. Approximately $90.2 million remained available under the Company’s share repurchase program as of February 22, 2024.
The Company utilizes a written trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, from time to time to facilitate the repurchase of shares of our common stock under this share repurchase program. There can be no assurance that we will repurchase shares of our common stock either through a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan or otherwise.
The information required by Item 5 with respect to securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is incorporated herein by reference to Part III, Item 12 of this Form 10-K.
Stock Performance Graph
The following performance graph compares the cumulative shareholder return of the Company’s common stock for the five-year period between December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2023 to (i) the Nasdaq U.S. Benchmark TR Index and (ii) a group of the Company’s peers consisting of U.S. companies listed on Nasdaq with standard industry classification (SIC) codes 5800-5899 (eating and drinking places). Management believes the companies included in this peer group appropriately reflect the scope of the Company’s operations and match the competitive market in which the Company operates. The graph assumes the value of hypothetical investments in the Company’s common stock and in each index was $100 on December 30, 2018, and that all dividends were reinvested on the day of issuance. The returns shown are based on historical results and are not intended to suggest future performance.
Comparison of Cumulative 5-Year Total Shareholder Return
Stock Price Plus Reinvested Dividends
Papa Johns International, Inc. NASDAQ U.S. Benchmark TR Index NASDAQ Stocks (SIC 5800-5899 U.S. Companies) Eating and Drinking
Dec. 29, 2019 Dec. 27, 2020 Dec. 26, 2021 Dec. 25, 2022 Dec. 31, 2023
Papa John’s International, Inc. $162.33 $223.01 $341.19 $219.66 $203.98
NASDAQ U.S. Benchmark, TR Index $132.65 $159.01 $200.62 $162.25 $205.01
NASDAQ Stocks - Eating and Drinking $133.61 $156.46 $176.01 $156.06 $163.78

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. [Reserved]

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Introduction and Overview
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data and the Risk Factors set forth in Item 1A. Risk Factors.
This section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K generally discusses fiscal 2023 and 2022 items and year-to-year comparisons between the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022. Discussion of 2021 items and year-to-year comparisons between the years ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2022.
Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December of each year. All fiscal years presented consist of 52 weeks except for the 2023 fiscal year, which consists of 53 weeks.
Papa John’s International, Inc. (referred to as the “Company,” “Papa John’s,” “Papa Johns” or in the first-person notations of “we,” “us” and “our”) began operations in 1984. At December 31, 2023, there were 5,906 Papa John’s restaurants in operation, consisting of 648 Company-owned and 5,258 franchised restaurants. Our revenues are derived from retail sales of pizza and other food and beverage products to the general public by Company-owned restaurants, franchise royalties, and sales of franchise and development rights. Additionally, approximately 50% of our North America revenues in each of the last two fiscal years were derived from sales to franchisees of various items including food and paper products from our Domestic Quality Control Centers (“QC Centers”), operation of our International QC Center in the United Kingdom, contributions received by Papa John’s Marketing Fund, Inc. (“PJMF”) which is our national marketing fund, printing and promotional items and information systems equipment, and software and related services. We believe that in addition to supporting both Company and franchised profitability and growth, these activities contribute to product quality and consistency throughout the Papa John’s system.
Recent Business Matters
In 2023, the Company focused on executing strategic priorities and building a foundation for long-term success, while navigating a dynamic macroeconomic environment. Our progress and significant transactions during the year are described below.
Growth Strategy. The Company delivered its eighteenth consecutive quarter of Global system-wide restaurant sales growth, fueled by continued product innovation and expansion both domestically and internationally. We launched the “Back to BETTER” initiative in late 2022, which focused on improving operational execution at the restaurant level in order to drive better financial performance. We have improved out-the-door times and overall customer satisfaction, and focused on increasing orders and optimization. Running BETTER operations is intended to increase customer and employee satisfaction, as well as drive customer loyalty. We are seeing improvement in our restaurant level operating margins, and we experienced a 3.4% increase in comparable sales for Domestic Company-owned restaurants for 2023. Focusing on future growth, we recently announced “Back to BETTER 2.0,” which is comprised of long-term strategic initiatives focused on driving systemwide sales through enhancing North America national marketing investment and effectiveness and accelerating North America development. In addition, we are evolving our Domestic Commissary business to provide cost savings for our franchisees and incremental profit for our business model.
•Product innovation: Our menu and digital innovations are an important part of our long-term strategy to drive new customers and ticket sales. We focus our menu innovations on products that add both value and variety for our customers but do not add complexity to our restaurant operations or to our supply chain. Our menu innovation calendar is expansive, flexible and differentiated and allows us to adjust our offerings depending on what customers want - whether that is extending a Limited-Time-Offer or building upon existing platforms. We believe our digital innovations, like our website, digital app, third-party aggregator partnerships and Papa Call call centers are a differentiator for our customers and provide attractive channels that promote customer retention and help us grow our customer base. In 2023, approximately 85% of our Domestic transactions came through these digital channels.
•Marketing strategy: We are activating a new marketing strategy in 2024. Based on a comprehensive review of our creative and media strategy, we have identified opportunities to improve audience selection, offer differentiated category solutions, improve marketing return on ad spend, sustain loyalty and create cultural buzz.
Correspondingly, our franchisees have voted to increase the contribution rate to PJMF by 20%, or 100 basis points of sales. This change is intended to increase the productivity of franchisees’ marketing contributions by leveraging the scale that national investments deliver. At the same time, we have made local marketing optional for franchisees, resulting in a net decrease in required marketing spend and an opportunity to increase the overall profitability of restaurants.
•Development strategy: Our expanding development pipeline is also a key long-term growth driver as we believe there is significant opportunity to offer our differentiated, premium position to more customers globally and domestically. In 2023, we expanded our global footprint by 3.7%, with 208 net new units comprised of 57 net unit openings in North America and 151 net unit openings in International markets.
To pursue the significant opportunities we have identified in the U.S. and accelerate development in 2024 and beyond, we have designed a new development incentive intended to deliver higher restaurant-level profit margins for new restaurants opened in 2024 through a waiver of PJMF contributions during the first five years of operations. We are also offering a three-year waiver of PJMF contributions for new restaurants opened in 2025. This new incentive is intended to improve profitability for franchisees, add scale in key markets and attract growth-driven franchisees.
We are pleased with the performance of our recently opened restaurants in North America and expect net new unit development for North America to increase by more than 20% in 2024 relative to 2023 net unit openings. From an International perspective, we are approaching 2024 with caution taking into account the ongoing dynamic geopolitical environment. In addition, this year we anticipate an increased number of strategic restaurant closures in certain markets which will likely have an impact on our ability to execute on our net new unit development goals in the near-term. In 2024, we expect gross openings of more than 100 new International restaurants. Additionally, we will evaluate making strategic restaurant closures in markets to improve marketplace health and exit unprofitable restaurants. As such, our anticipated gross openings could be offset by the closure of underperforming Company-owned and franchised restaurants to enhance long-term profitability.
•Domestic commissary growth strategy: To drive profitable growth and overall supply chain productivity that provides cost savings and incremental profit for the system, we are evolving our commissary business. Beginning in 2024, we will increase the fixed operating margin that Domestic QC Centers charge by 100 basis points in each of the next four years, moving from 4% in 2023 to 8% in 2027. In total, this change should equate to approximately 100 basis points of cost at the restaurant level. To mitigate this cost for franchisees, we will offer new opportunities for franchisees to earn annual incentive-based rebates as they increase volume and open new restaurants. Franchisees who increase case-volume purchases at the highest volume growth could realize target market rates lower than the current 4% rate. Additionally, we expect the incremental volume driven by increased marketing and additional development will reduce the shared supply chain costs across the system. Lastly, we will be focused on driving continued productivity throughout the supply chain through improved operations and supplier relationships.
•International strategy: In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company launched several initiatives as part of the International Transformation Plan described in Note 16. Restructuring of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” to evolve its international business structure, which resulted in charges of $2.2 million in the fourth quarter. These initiatives include the following:
◦Establish International Regional Hubs - To deliver a frictionless, locally-valued offering with a recognizable and consistent customer experience, we are establishing hubs in our key regions - APAC (Asia Pacific), EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), and Latin America. These regional hubs will be led by experienced General Managers and their teams who will partner with franchisees to create a holistic strategy to boost performance in their markets. These teams will align global best practices in operations, marketing and technology with local preferences and needs to accomplish our long-term objective of increasing market share in key markets around the world.
◦Increase Technology Investments - To further our ability to deliver impactful innovations, targeted marketing, and enhanced value in key international markets, we are increasing our investment in consumer-facing technology, digital infrastructure and enhanced reporting. By investing in expanded ordering capabilities through its website and app and leveraging analytics, we expect to improve purchase conversion, increase customer retention and deliver faster consumer insights to franchisees.
◦Optimize UK Business Model - Over the past two years, the Papa Johns restaurants in the UK have experienced declines in sales. As we have navigated a dynamic economic environment and worked towards repositioning the market, we established a Company-owned restaurant portfolio in the UK, acquiring 118 restaurants in the second and third quarters of 2023. These Company-owned restaurants incurred operating losses in 2023. In order to set up our largest international market for long-term success, we will continue to focus on driving profitability and strengthening our franchisee base within the UK. As a result, multiple low-performing franchised restaurants were closed in the fourth quarter of 2023. In February 2024, our Board of Directors approved the planned closure of approximately 50 underperforming Company-owned restaurants in the United Kingdom during the first six months of 2024. As a result of the planned closures, the Company expects to incur restructuring charges of approximately $10.0 million to $15.0 million, which we expect will primarily be comprised of non-cash lease and fixed asset impairment charges and will be recognized during 2024 within our International segment. We are continuing to evaluate our restaurant portfolio in the UK, which may result in additional strategic restaurant closures or divestitures. Future closures would likely result in additional restructuring charges comprised primarily of lease, loan, and fixed asset impairment, though the amounts and nature of future expenses are currently not estimable as specific actions to effect those closures have not yet been determined. The Company currently expects any resulting restructuring costs to be recognized in 2024 and 2025. See Note “16. Restructuring” and Note “25. Subsequent Events” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details.
Significant 2022 transactions
Refranchising. In 2022, the Company sold its 51 percent controlling interest in a joint venture between Papa Johns and Blue and Silver Ventures, Ltd. (“Blue and Silver Ventures”). Sun Holdings, Inc. (“Sun Holdings”), a leading multi-brand franchisee operator and one of Papa John’s largest Domestic franchise partners, assumed control of the 90 Papa John’s restaurants in Texas that operated under the joint venture. By strategically refranchising its controlling interests in its joint venture with Blue and Silver Ventures to Sun Holdings, the Company provided Sun Holdings substantial scale to support new restaurant openings under its current, 100-restaurant development agreement with the Company. This commitment is in addition to the 90 refranchised restaurants. As a result, the deal is expected to accelerate the Company’s Domestic development, contributing to long-term earnings via high-margin franchise royalty growth. The restaurants were consolidated in the Company’s results through the date of the transaction, and their results are included in the Company’s North America franchise royalties and fees beginning March 29, 2022. See “Note 22. Divestitures” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.
Suspension of Franchisee Support in Russia. The Company has no Company-owned restaurants in Russia or Ukraine. At the end of fiscal year 2021, 188 franchised restaurants were located in Russia, all of which were operated and supplied through a master franchisee. As of March 2022, Papa John’s suspended its corporate operations and support for franchised restaurants in Russia, and fully reserved all receivables from the aforementioned master franchisee. The Company recognized $17.4 million in one-time, non-cash charges related to reserves for certain loans and impairments of reacquired franchised rights due to the conflict in Ukraine and subsequent international government actions and sanctions, which were recorded as Refranchising and impairment loss of $2.8 million and General and administrative expenses of $14.6 million. All assets related to the franchised operations in Russia have been fully reserved or impaired, so there are no additional Russia related charges for reserves, write-offs, or impairments of amounts recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Presentation of Financial Results
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The results of operations are based on our Consolidated Financial Statements, which were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements. A number of our significant accounting policies involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have had or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. On an ongoing basis, our management evaluates its estimates, including those related to insurance reserves, long-lived assets, the allowance for credit losses on franchisee notes receivable, and income taxes. Actual results may differ from those estimates, and significant changes in assumptions and/or conditions in our critical accounting policies could materially impact our operating results. The Company’s significant accounting policies, including recently issued accounting pronouncements, are more fully described in “Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”
We believe that our most critical accounting estimates are:
Insurance Reserves
Our insurance programs for workers’ compensation, owned and non-owned automobiles, general liability and property insurance coverage are funded by the Company up to certain retention levels. Retention limits range up to $0.5 million. We record the liability for losses based upon undiscounted estimates of the liability for claims incurred and for events that have occurred but have not been reported using certain third-party actuarial projections and our historical claims loss experience.
As of December 31, 2023, our insurance reserves were $56.8 million compared to $67.3 million at December 25, 2022. Reserves are included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our insurance reserves primarily relate to auto liability and workers’ compensation claims and include the gross up of claims above our retention levels, with a corresponding receivable recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The insurance reserves represent the mid-point of the range as determined by our actuarial analysis, which considered various actuarial valuation methodologies. The determination of the recorded insurance reserves is highly complex due to the significant uncertainty in the potential value of reported claims and the number and potential value of incurred but not reported claims.
Property and Equipment, Net and Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We record property and equipment at its historical cost, which includes all costs necessarily incurred to bring the asset to the condition and location necessary for its intended use. Purchases of property and equipment were $76.6 million in 2023, $78.4 million in 2022, and $68.6 million in 2021. Property and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their useful lives, which are based on management’s estimates of the period over which the assets provide a benefit to the Company. The useful lives are estimated based on historical experience with similar assets as well as other information regarding condition and utility of the assets. Our asset useful lives are generally five to ten years for restaurant, commissary, and other equipment, twenty to forty years for buildings and improvements, and five years for technology, communication assets, and capitalized software. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the respective lease, including the first renewal period (generally five to ten years). Depreciation expense was $54.3 million in 2023, $45.6 million in 2022 and $43.0 million in 2021.
We evaluate property and equipment and other long-lived assets (primarily right-of-use operating lease assets) for potential indicators of impairment at least annually, or as facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. We perform these assessments at the operating market level, as this represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. If we determine there are indicators of impairment, we compare the net carrying value of the asset group to the projected undiscounted cash flows to be generated from the use of the asset group. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset group exceeds the amount of estimated future undiscounted cash flows, then we estimate the fair value of the asset group and record an impairment loss if the carrying value exceeds fair value. If indicators of impairment are present, calculating projected undiscounted cash flows requires management to make assumptions and estimates for factors that include future comparable sales growth and gross margin based on internal projections as well as the historical performance of the market and whether that is an indicator of future performance. These assumptions for future growth are subjective and may be negatively impacted by future changes in operating performance or economic conditions. We did not record any impairment losses on property and equipment during 2023 or 2021, and recognized lease impairment charges of $0.9 million in 2022 related to the termination of a specific and significant franchisee in the UK.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Franchisee Notes Receivable
The Company has provided financing (recorded as notes receivable) to select Domestic and International franchisees principally for use in the construction and development of their restaurants and for the purchase of restaurants from the Company or other franchisees. Most notes receivable bear interest at fixed or floating rates and are generally secured by the assets of each restaurant and the ownership interests in the franchise. The Company has also provided long-term financing to certain franchisees with royalty payment plans.
The Company establishes an allowance for credit losses on franchisee notes receivables based on management’s estimate of the lifetime expected loss on the notes. The allowance for credit losses on notes receivable is judgmental and subjective based on management’s evaluation of historical collection experience and external market data and other factors, including those related to current market conditions and events. The Company is provided collateral rights of the franchisee’s restaurants (e.g., underlying franchise business, property and equipment) and personal guarantees from the operators to recover the carrying value of the outstanding note receivable in the event collectability concerns arise. Therefore, the
Company considers the fair value of the underlying collateral rights (e.g., underlying franchisee business, property and equipment) and any guarantees when assessing the allowance for credit losses (which may require third-party valuations of fair value). Notes receivable balances are charged off against the allowance after recovery efforts have ceased.
Franchisee notes receivable was $33.6 million with an allowance for credit losses of $16.1 million as of December 31, 2023 compared to $42.6 million with an allowance for credit losses of $14.5 million as of December 25, 2022. See “Note 10. Allowance for Credit Losses” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.
Income Tax Accounts and Tax Reserves
Papa John’s is subject to income taxes in the United States and several foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining Papa John’s provision for income taxes and the related assets and liabilities. The provision for income taxes includes income taxes paid, currently payable or receivable and those deferred. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences reverse. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for the estimated future effects of tax attribute carryforwards (e.g., net operating losses, capital losses, and foreign tax credits). The effect on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates is recognized in the period in which the new tax rate is enacted.
Valuation allowances are established when necessary on a jurisdictional basis to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts we expect to realize and were $37.6 million and $32.1 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively. The determination as to whether a deferred tax asset will be realized is based on the evaluation of historical profitability, future market growth, future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies. The Company assesses deferred taxes and the adequacy or need for a valuation allowance on a quarterly basis.
Tax authorities periodically audit the Company. We record reserves and related interest and penalties for identified exposures as income tax expense. We evaluate these issues and adjust for events, such as statute of limitations expirations, court rulings or audit settlements, which may impact our ultimate payment for such exposures.
In the event the Company is unable to generate future taxable income, there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates, the time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, or if the tax laws change unfavorably, then we could be required to increase the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, resulting in an increase in income tax expense and the effective tax rate. We estimate that a one percent change in the effective income tax rate would impact the 2023 income tax expense by $1.0 million. See “Note 17. Income Taxes” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.
Global Restaurant Sales and Unit Information
“Comparable sales” represents the change in year-over-year sales for the same base of restaurants for the same fiscal periods. Comparable sales excludes sales of restaurants that were not open during both the current and prior fiscal periods and franchisees for which we suspended corporate support. “Global system-wide restaurant sales” represents total restaurant sales for all Company-owned and franchised restaurants open during the comparable periods, and “Global system-wide restaurant sales growth (decline)” represents the change in total system restaurant sales year-over-year. Global system-wide restaurant sales and global system-wide sales growth (decline) exclude franchisees for which we suspended corporate support.
“Equivalent units” represents the number of restaurants open at the beginning of a given period, adjusted for restaurants opened, closed, acquired or sold during the period on a weighted average basis.
We believe North America, International and global restaurant and comparable sales growth (decline) and Global system-wide restaurant sales information is useful in analyzing our results since our franchisees pay royalties and marketing fund contributions that are based on a percentage of franchise sales. Comparable sales and Global system-wide restaurant sales results for restaurants operating outside of the United States are reported on a constant dollar basis, which excludes the impact of foreign currency translation. Franchise sales also generate commissary revenue in the United States and in certain international markets. Franchise restaurant and comparable sales growth information is also useful for comparison to industry trends and evaluating the strength of our brand. Management believes the presentation of franchise restaurant sales growth, excluding the impact of foreign currency, provides investors with useful information regarding underlying sales
trends and the impact of new unit growth without being impacted by swings in the external factor of foreign currency. Franchise restaurant sales are not included in the Company’s revenues.
Year Ended
Amounts below exclude the impact of foreign currency December 31, 2023 December 25, 2022
Comparable sales growth (decline) (a):
Domestic Company-owned restaurants 3.4 % (1.0) %
North America franchised restaurants 0.1 % 1.2 %
North America restaurants 0.8 % 0.7 %
International restaurants (3.1) % (5.3) %
Total comparable sales growth (decline) (0.1) % (0.8) %
System-wide restaurant sales growth (b):
Domestic Company-owned restaurants 6.7 % 1.3 %
North America franchised restaurants 3.6 % 2.5 %
North America restaurants 4.1 % 2.3 %
International restaurants (c)
7.7 % 4.8 %
Total global system-wide restaurant sales growth (c)
5.0 % 2.9 %
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(a) Comparable sales growth (decline) in fiscal year 2023 includes a 52-week comparison to fiscal year 2022.
(b) System-wide restaurant sales growth includes 53 weeks in fiscal year 2023.
(c) The year ended December 25, 2022 excludes the impact of franchisee suspended restaurants.
Restaurant Progression Year Ended
December 31, 2023 December 25, 2022
North America Company-owned:
Beginning of period 522 600
Opened 5 10
Closed (2) -
Acquired 10 2
Refranchised (4) (90)
End of period 531 522
North America franchised:
Beginning of period 2,854 2,739
Opened 87 76
Closed (33) (49)
Sold (10) (2)
Refranchised 4 90
End of period 2,902 2,854
International Company-owned
Beginning of period - -
Acquired 118 -
Refranchised (1) -
End of period 117 -
International franchised:
Beginning of period 2,322 2,311
Opened 234 292
Closed (b)
(83) (93)
Sold (118) -
Refranchised 1 -
Suspended (a)
- (188)
End of period (b)
2,356 2,322
Total restaurants - end of period 5,906 5,698
Full year net restaurant growth (a)
208 236
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(a) As previously disclosed, the Company has suspended corporate support for all franchised restaurants located in Russia. These suspended restaurants are excluded from net unit growth calculations.
(b) 2022 full year restaurant activity has been adjusted from previous presentations, as eight International franchised locations were reclassified as closed locations following a review of temporary restaurant closures.
Fiscal Year
Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December of each year. All fiscal years presented in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements consist of 52 weeks except for the 2023 fiscal year, which consists of 53 weeks.
Results of Operations
Revenues
The following table sets forth the various components of Revenues from the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2023 December 25, 2022 Increase
(Decrease)
Revenues:
Domestic Company-owned restaurant sales $ 726,362 $ 708,389 2.5 %
North America franchise royalties and fees 144,550 137,399 5.2 %
North America commissary revenues 852,361 869,634 (2.0) %
International revenues 157,187 129,903 21.0 %
Other revenues 255,253 256,778 (0.6) %
Total revenues $ 2,135,713 $ 2,102,103 1.6 %
The comparability of results between 2023 and 2022 is impacted by the acquisition of 118 formerly franchised restaurants in the UK in the second and third quarters of 2023 (the “UK franchisee acquisitions”) and the refranchising of 90 restaurants during the second quarter of 2022 (the “2022 refranchising”). The UK franchisee acquisitions impact the composition of International revenues and the results of the International segment. Additionally, the 2022 refranchising resulted in 90 restaurants moving from Domestic Company-owned restaurants into North America franchising, effective as of the second quarter of 2022, impacting revenues for both of these segments. See “Note 24. Acquisitions” and “Note 22. Divestitures” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information on these transactions.
Additionally, results for the year ended December 31, 2023 are not directly comparable with the results for the year ended December 25, 2022, as year-over-year comparisons are affected by an additional week of operations in the fourth quarter of 2023 due to the 53-week fiscal year in 2023. The estimated impact of the Company’s 53rd week on 2023 results has been highlighted in the discussion below to enhance comparability between the periods.
Total revenues increased $33.6 million, or 1.6% to $2.14 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year. Revenues for the 53rd week of operations in 2023 contributed approximately $41 million, or an increase of 1.9%. Other increases include a $31 million increase from our Domestic Company-owned restaurants, a $3 million increase in North America franchise royalties and a $24 million increase in International revenues primarily related to the UK franchisee acquisitions. These increases were offset by a $44 million decrease in North America commissary revenues reflecting lower commodity prices and transaction volume in 2023, a $3.4 million decrease primarily resulting from the sale of Preferred Marketing and a $17.8 million decrease resulting from the 2022 refranchising.
Domestic Company-owned restaurant sales increased $18.0 million, or 2.5% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year. The benefit of the 53rd week of operations in 2023 was approximately $14 million, and 2022 included revenues of $27.3 million from the restaurants that were part of the 2022 refranchising. Excluding the impact of the 2022 refranchising and the additional week in 2023, Domestic Company-owned restaurant sales would have increased $31 million, or 4.6%, primarily due to increased comparable sales of 3.4% and equivalent unit growth of 1.0% for the year ended December 31, 2023.
North America franchise royalties and fees increased $7.2 million, or 5.2% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year. The benefit of the 53rd week of operations in 2023 was approximately $3 million. The 2023 increase resulting from the 2022 refranchising was $1.4 million. Excluding the 2022 refranchising and the additional week, North America franchise royalties and fees would have increased approximately $3 million, or 2.0% for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to positive comparable sales of 0.1%, equivalent unit growth of 2.5% and fewer royalty waivers in 2023.
North America franchise restaurant sales, excluding the impact of the 2022 refranchising, increased 3.4% to $3.09 billion ($3.03 billion on a 52-week basis) for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year. North America franchise restaurant sales are not included in Company revenues; however, our North America franchise royalties are derived from these sales.
North America commissary revenue decreased $17.3 million or 2.0% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year. The benefit from the 53rd week of operations was approximately $19 million, or 2%. The impact of the
2022 refranchising was an increase in 2023 of $8.2 million. Excluding the impact of the 2022 refranchising and the 53rd week, North America commissary revenue decreased approximately $44 million, or a decline of 5.0% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decline in North America commissary revenues was primarily a result of lower commodity prices, primarily poultry, cheese and wheat, in addition to lower volumes.
International revenues increased $27.3 million, or 21.0% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year. The benefit of the 53rd week of operations in 2023 was approximately $4 million. The impact of the UK franchisee acquisitions was a net increase of approximately $20.3 million in 2023, representing sales attributable to the acquired UK franchisee restaurants less prior year franchise royalty and food distribution revenue generated from the UK formerly franchised restaurants. Excluding the impact of the UK franchisee acquisitions and the additional week, revenues would have increased approximately $3 million, or 2.9% primarily due to new unit development in 2023 and positive foreign currency fluctuations. These increases were partially offset by a comparable sales decline of 3.1% in International markets.
International franchise restaurant sales increased $21.1 million to $1.19 billion ($1.16 billion on a 52-week basis) for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $1.17 billion for the prior year. Excluding the impact of the UK franchisee acquisitions, the previously disclosed franchisee suspended restaurants, and foreign currency fluctuations, International franchise restaurant sales increased $88.3 million or 7.9% for the year ended December 31, 2023. International franchise restaurant sales are not included in Company revenues; however, our International royalty revenue is derived from these sales.
Other revenues, which primarily includes our national marketing fund, online and mobile ordering business and our previously wholly-owned print and promotions subsidiary, decreased $1.5 million, or 0.6% in 2023. The benefit of the 53rd week of operations was approximately $2 million, and the impact of the UK franchisee acquisitions decreased Other revenues by $3.2 million in 2023. Excluding the impact of the UK franchisee acquisitions and the additional week, Other revenues would have been flat as increased technology services from higher comparable sales and equivalent units were offset by the sale of our previously wholly-owned print and promotions subsidiary, Preferred Marketing, in the fourth quarter of 2023. See “Note 22. Divestitures” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.
Costs and Expenses
The following table sets forth the various components of Costs and expenses from the Consolidated Statements of Operations, expressed as a percentage of the associated revenue component.
(Dollars in thousands) Year Ended
December 31, 2023 % of Related
Revenues December 25, 2022 % of Related
Revenues Increase (Decrease) in % of Revenues
Costs and expenses:
Operating costs (excluding depreciation and amortization shown separately below):
Domestic Company-owned restaurant expenses $ 587,889 80.9 % $ 585,307 82.6 % (1.7) %
North America commissary expenses 787,554 92.4 % 811,446 93.3 % (0.9) %
International expenses 103,198 65.7 % 76,001 58.5 % 7.2 %
Other expenses 235,483 92.3 % 238,810 93.0 % (0.7) %
General and administrative expenses 210,357 9.8 % 217,412 10.3 % (0.5) %
Depreciation and amortization 64,090 3.0 % 52,032 2.5 % 0.5 %
Total costs and expenses 1,988,571 93.1 % 1,981,008 94.2 % (1.1) %
Refranchising and impairment loss - - % (12,065) (0.6) % 0.6 %
Operating income $ 147,142 6.9 % $ 109,030 5.2 % 1.7 %
Total costs and expenses were approximately $1.99 billion, or 93.1% of total revenues in 2023, as compared to $1.98 billion, or 94.2% of total revenues for the prior year. This decrease in total costs and expenses, as a percentage of revenues, was primarily due to the following:
Domestic Company-owned restaurant expenses were $587.9 million, or 80.9% of related revenues in 2023, compared to expenses of $585.3 million, or 82.6% of related revenues for the prior year. The expenses, as a percentage of revenues, decreased 1.7% in 2023 primarily due to a reduction in food costs attributable to lower commodities prices.
North America commissary expenses were $787.6 million, or 92.4% of related revenues in 2023, compared to $811.4 million, or 93.3% of related revenues, for the prior year. The expenses, as a percentage of revenues, decreased 0.9% primarily due to lower commodities prices, principally related to poultry, cheese and wheat costs.
International expenses were $103.2 million, or 65.7% of related revenues, for 2023 compared to $76.0 million, or 58.5% of related revenues for the prior year. International expenses increased in 2023 as a result of the UK franchisee acquisitions, partially offset by declining commodity prices at our International commissary.
Other expenses were $235.5 million, or 92.3% of related revenues in 2023, as compared to $238.8 million, or 93.0% of related revenues for the prior year.
General and Administrative Expenses General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses were $210.4 million, or 9.8% of total revenues for 2023 compared to $217.4 million, or 10.3% of total revenues for the prior year. G&A expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):
Year Ended
December 31, 2023 December 25, 2022
Administrative expenses (a)
$ 197,959 $ 180,159
UK re-positioning and acquisition-related costs (b)
4,243 5,112
International restructuring costs (c)
2,178 -
Middle East related costs (d)
868 -
Refranchising and impairment losses (e)
- 14,636
Legal settlement accruals (f)
577 15,000
Other costs (g)
2,017 1,507
Other general expenses, net 2,515 998
General and administrative expenses $ 210,357 $ 217,412
______________________________
(a) The increase in administrative expenses of $17.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year was primarily due to higher incentive compensation linked to Company performance, higher labor and benefit costs, professional fees and additional costs for our franchisee operators conference held in 2023.
(b) Represents costs associated with repositioning the UK portfolio of $2.1 million in 2023 and $5.1 million in 2022, primarily related to lease and loan impairments and related costs. In 2023, we also incurred $2.1 million of acquisition and transition costs related to the UK franchisee acquisitions.
(c) In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company initiated an International restructuring plan. During the period, costs incurred related to the restructuring include $1.5 million in severance and compensation costs and $0.7 million in consulting and professional fees. See “Note 16. Restructuring” to our “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional details.
(d) Represents a one-time non-cash charge of $0.9 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023 related to the reserve of certain accounts receivable related to the conflict in the Middle East, which were recorded as G&A expense.
(e) Represents a one-time non-cash charge of $14.6 million recorded in the first quarter of 2022 related to the reserve of certain loans and impairment of reacquired franchised rights related to the conflict in Ukraine and subsequent international government actions and sanctions.
(f) Represents previously disclosed litigation recorded in General and administrative expenses. See “Note 19. Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies” to our “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.
(g) Represents severance and related costs associated with the transition of certain executives.
Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization expense was $64.1 million, or 3.0% of revenues in 2023, as compared to $52.0 million, or 2.5% of revenues for the prior year, primarily due to an increase in capital expenditures for our technology platforms and new restaurants.
Refranchising and Impairment Loss We did not record any refranchising and impairment loss for the year ended December 31, 2023, following a $12.1 million refranchising and impairment loss in prior year. The 2022 activity was
comprised of an $8.4 million loss on our 2022 refranchising, an impairment loss of $2.8 million for reacquired franchise rights due to the financial and operational impact of the conflict in Ukraine and lease impairment charges of $0.9 million related to the termination of a significant franchisee in the UK. See “Note 22. Divestitures” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information on the 2022 refranchising and the charge related to the conflict in Ukraine.
Operating Income by Segment
Operating income is summarized in the following table on a reporting segment basis. Adjusted operating income, a non-GAAP measure, is presented below. See “Non-GAAP Measures” for a reconciliation to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure. We believe this non-GAAP measure is important for comparability purposes.
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 2023 Year Ended December 25, 2022
Reported (a)
Adjustments
Adjusted Reported (a)
Adjustments
Adjusted Reported
Increase
(Decrease) Adjusted
Increase
(Decrease)
Domestic Company-owned restaurants $ 33,470 $ - $ 33,470 $ 15,966 $ 8,412 $ 24,378 $ 17,504 $ 9,092
North America franchising 133,800 - 133,800 127,882 - 127,882 5,918 5,918
North America commissaries 43,316 - 43,316 42,531 - 42,531 785 785
International 11,766 7,289 19,055 17,891 9,644 27,535 (6,125) (8,480)
All others 10,116 - 10,116 10,084 - 10,084 32 32
Unallocated corporate expenses (85,353) 2,594 (82,759) (104,419) 30,376 (74,043) 19,066 (8,716)
Elimination of intersegment loss/(profit) 27 - 27 (905) - (905) 932 932
Total $ 147,142 $ 9,883 $ 157,025 $ 109,030 $ 48,432 $ 157,462 $ 38,112 $ (437)
______________________________
(a) See “Non-GAAP Measures” below for a detail of the adjustments in each year and for a reconciliation to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure.
Operating income was $147.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $109.0 million for the prior year, an increase of $38.1 million. Adjusted operating income was $157.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $157.5 million for the prior year, a decrease of $0.5 million, or 0.3%. The 53rd week contributed approximately $8 million to operating income in 2023. The changes in adjusted operating income compared to the prior year were primarily due to the following:
•Domestic Company-owned restaurants increased $9.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The 53rd week of operations contributed approximately $4 million to operating income in 2023. The impact of the 2022 refranchising decreased the segment’s operating income by $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Excluding the impact of the additional week and the 2022 refranchising, Domestic Company-owned restaurants would have increased approximately $8 million primarily due to comparable sales growth of 3.4%, partially offset by higher benefits and utility expenses.
•North America franchising increased $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The 53rd week of operations contributed approximately $3 million to operating income in 2023. The impact of the 2022 refranchising increased the segment’s operating income by $1.4 million in 2023. Excluding the impact of the additional week and the 2022 refranchising, the segment would have increased $2 million primarily due to an increase in comparable sales of 0.1%, higher equivalent units of 2.5% and fewer royalty waivers in 2023.
•North America commissaries increased $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The 53rd week of operations contributed approximately $1 million to operating income in 2023. The impact of the 2022 refranchising decreased the segment’s operating income by $0.3 million in 2023. Excluding the additional week and the impact of the 2022 refranchising, operating income would have been down $1 million to 2022.
•International decreased $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The 53rd week of operations contributed approximately $0.8 million to operating income during 2023. The impact of the UK franchisee acquisitions was a decrease of approximately $9 million in 2023 compared to 2022, driven by 2023 operating losses attributable to the recently acquired UK Company-owned restaurants that previously generated royalty
income in 2022. Excluding the additional week and the impact of the UK franchisee acquisitions, operating income would have increased $1.7 million primarily due to equivalent unit growth, partially offset by comparable sales declines of 3.1%.
•All Others, which primarily includes our online and mobile ordering business and our marketing funds, were flat year over year.
•Unallocated corporate expenses increased $8.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due higher incentive compensation and benefits costs, higher insurance costs and higher depreciation expense related to our investments in technology support initiatives and additional costs for our operators conference held in 2023.
Items Below Operating Income
The following table sets forth the various items below Operating income from the Consolidated Statements of Operations:
(In thousands, except per share amounts) Year Ended
December 31, 2023 December 25, 2022 Change
Operating income $ 147,142 $ 109,030 $ 38,112
Net interest expense (43,469) (25,261) (18,208)
Income before income taxes 103,673 83,769 19,904
Income tax expense 20,874 14,420 6,454
Net income before attribution to noncontrolling interests 82,799 69,349 13,450
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (701) (1,577) 876
Net income attributable to the Company $ 82,098 $ 67,772 $ 14,326
Calculation of net income for earnings per share:
Net income attributable to the Company $ 82,098 $ 67,772 $ 14,326
Dividends paid to participating securities - (306) 306
Net income attributable to participating securities - (104) 104
Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 82,098 $ 67,362 $ 14,736
-
Basic earnings per common share $ 2.49 $ 1.90 $ 0.59
Diluted earnings per common share $ 2.48 $ 1.89 $ 0.59
Net Interest Expense
Interest expense increased approximately $18.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year, primarily due to higher average outstanding debt on our senior secured revolving credit facility (the “PJI Revolving Facility”) as well as an increase in borrowing rates in 2023. The higher outstanding debt on our PJI Revolving Facility was primarily utilized to finance share repurchases in the first quarter of 2023. Total debt outstanding was $764.0 million and $605.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively. The 53rd week of operations in 2023 increased interest expense by approximately $0.5 million.
Income Tax Expense
The effective income tax rate was 20.1% for 2023 and 17.2% for 2022. The effective rate was lower in 2022 due to higher excess tax benefits generated by stock option exercises and vesting of restricted shares in 2022 along with a lower pre-tax income.
(Dollars in thousands) Year Ended
December 31, 2023 December 25, 2022
Income before income taxes $ 103,673 $ 83,769
Income tax expense $ 20,874 $ 14,420
Effective tax rate 20.1 % 17.2 %
See “Note 17. Income Taxes” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” for additional information.
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests - see “Note 9. Noncontrolling Interests” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” for information.
Diluted Earnings Per Share
Diluted earnings per common share was $2.48 for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $1.89 for the year ended December 25, 2022, representing an increase of $0.59. Adjusted diluted earnings per common share, a non-GAAP measure, was $2.71 for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $2.94 for the year ended December 25, 2022, representing a decrease of $0.23. See “Non-GAAP Measures” for additional information. These changes were driven by the same factors impacting operating income and adjusted operating income as discussed above. In addition, diluted earnings per share and adjusted diluted earnings per share reflect higher interest expense compared with 2022 due to higher borrowings used to fund share repurchases in the first quarter of 2023.
Non-GAAP Measures
In addition to the results provided in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we provide certain non-GAAP measures, which present results on an adjusted basis. These are supplemental measures of performance that are not required by or presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and include the following: adjusted operating income, adjusted net income attributable to common shareholders and adjusted diluted earnings per common share. We believe that our non-GAAP financial measures enable investors to assess the operating performance of our business relative to our performance based on U.S. GAAP results and relative to other companies. We believe that the disclosure of these non-GAAP measures is useful to investors as they reflect metrics that our management team and Board of Directors utilize to evaluate our operating performance, allocate resources and administer employee incentive plans. The most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures to adjusted operating income, adjusted net income attributable to common shareholders and adjusted diluted earnings per common share are operating income, net income attributable to common shareholders and diluted earnings per common share, respectively. These non-GAAP measures should not be construed as a substitute for or a better indicator of the Company’s performance than the Company’s U.S. GAAP results. The table below reconciles our GAAP financial results to our non-GAAP financial measures.
Year Ended
(In thousands, except per share amounts) December 31, 2023 December 25, 2022
Operating income $ 147,142 $ 109,030
UK repositioning and acquisition-related costs (a)
4,243 5,223
International restructuring costs (b)
2,178 -
Middle East related costs (c)
868 -
Refranchising and impairment losses (d)
- 26,702
Legal settlements (e)
577 15,000
Other costs (f)
2,017 1,507
Adjusted operating income 157,025 157,462
Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 82,098 $ 67,362
UK repositioning and acquisition-related costs (a)
4,243 5,223
International restructuring costs (b)
2,178 -
Middle East related costs (c)
868 -
Refranchising and impairment losses (d)
- 26,702
Legal settlements (e)
577 15,000
Other costs (f)
2,017 1,507
Tax effect of adjustments (g)
(2,234) (10,897)
Adjusted net income attributable to common shareholders (h)
89,747 104,897
Diluted earnings per common share $ 2.48 $ 1.89
UK repositioning and acquisition-related costs (a)
0.13 0.15
International restructuring costs (b)
0.07 -
Middle East related costs (c)
0.02 -
Refranchising and impairment losses (d)
- 0.75
Legal settlements (e)
0.02 0.42
Other costs (f)
0.06 0.04
Tax effect of adjustments (g)
(0.07) (0.31)
Adjusted diluted earnings per common share (h)
$ 2.71 $ 2.94
(a) Represents costs associated with repositioning the UK portfolio as well as transaction costs related to the acquisition of restaurants from franchisees.
(b) In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company initiated an International restructuring plan. During the period, costs incurred related to the restructuring include $1.5 million in severance and compensation costs and $0.7 million in consulting and professional fees.
(c) Represents a one-time non-cash charge of $0.9 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023 related to the reserve of certain accounts receivable related to the conflict in the Middle East, which were recorded as G&A expenses.
(d) Refranchising and impairment losses consisted of the following pre-tax adjustments:
(1) Represents a one-time, non-cash charge of $8.4 million ($0.24 loss per diluted share) recorded in the first quarter of 2022 associated with the 2022 refranchising, recorded as Refranchising and impairment loss;
(2) Represents a one-time non-cash charge of $17.4 million ($0.49 loss per diluted share) recorded in the first quarter of 2022 related to the reserve of certain loans and impairment of reacquired franchised rights related to the conflict in Ukraine and subsequent international government actions and sanctions, which were recorded as Refranchising and impairment loss of $2.8 million and General and administrative expenses of $14.6 million;
(3) An impairment charge of $0.9 million on the right-of-use assets on leases recorded in the third quarter of 2022 associated with the termination of a significant franchisee in the UK, which was recorded in Refranchising and impairment loss.
(e) Represents accruals for certain legal settlements recorded in General and administrative expenses.
(f) Represents severance and related costs associated with the transition of certain executives incurred during the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022.
(g) The tax effect on non-GAAP adjustments was calculated by applying the marginal tax rate of 22.6% and 22.5% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively.
(h) Amounts shown exclude the impact of allocation of undistributed earnings to participating securities.
In addition, we present free cash flow in this report, which is a non-GAAP measure. Please see “Liquidity and Capital Resources - Free Cash Flow” for a discussion of why we believe free cash flow provides useful information regarding our financial condition and results of operations, and a reconciliation of free cash flow to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash flows from operations and borrowings under the PJI Revolving Facility. Our principal uses of cash are operating expenses, capital expenditures, and returning value to our shareholders in the form of cash dividends and share repurchases. Our capital priorities are:
•investing for growth
•maintaining a strong balance sheet, and
•returning capital to shareholders
The Company believes that its balances of cash and cash equivalents and borrowing capacity, along with cash generated by operations, will be sufficient to satisfy its cash requirements, cash dividends, interest payments and share repurchases over the next twelve months and beyond.
Cash Flows
The table below summarizes our cash flows for each of the last two fiscal years (in thousands):
2023 2022
Total cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities $ 193,055 $ 117,808
Investing activities (75,123) (62,793)
Financing activities (124,076) (76,240)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (642) (2,012)
Change in cash and cash equivalents $ (6,786) $ (23,237)
Operating Activities
Total cash provided by operating activities was $193.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $117.8 million for the prior year. The increase of $75.2 million primarily reflects higher net income in 2023 and favorable working capital changes. Favorable working capital changes were principally related to higher incentive compensation payments and deferred payroll tax payments related to the CARES Act made during the prior year, as well as current year increases in accounts payable due to extension of certain vendor terms within our North America commissary business and a reduction in inventory levels during 2023. These favorable changes were partially offset by the provision for allowance for credit losses of $20.5 million (See “Note 10. Allowance for Credit Losses” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”) and refranchising and impairment losses of $12.1 million (discussed above in “Results of Operations”) that were incurred during the prior year.
Investing Activities
Total cash used in investing activities was $75.1 million in 2023 compared to $62.8 million in 2022, an increase of $12.3 million. The increase in cash used in investing activities was primarily due to cash proceeds of $13.6 million, net of cash transferred, received from the 2022 refranchising during the year ended December 25, 2022, fewer note repayments during 2023, and payment of $5.6 million to purchase 37 International and Domestic restaurants during the year ended December 31, 2023. This activity was partially offset by a slight reduction in capital expenditures and fewer note issuances during 2023.
Financing Activities
Total cash used in financing activities was $124.1 million in 2023 compared to $76.2 million in 2022, an increase of $47.8 million. In 2023, cash used for financing activities includes outflows of $210.3 million in share repurchases and $58.5 million of dividends paid to common shareholders, partially offset by net borrowings of $159.0 million from the PJI Revolving Facility. In 2022, outflows included $125.0 million in share repurchases as well as dividends paid to common shareholders of $54.8 million, partially offset by $115.0 million in net borrowings from the PJI Revolving Facility.
Debt
On September 14, 2021, the Company issued $400.0 million of 3.875% senior notes (the “Notes”) which will mature on September 15, 2029. Concurrently with the issuance of the Notes, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) replacing the Company’s previous credit agreement. The Credit Agreement provides for the PJI Revolving Facility, a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate available principal amount of $600.0 million, of which up to $40.0 million is available as swingline loans and up to $80.0 million is available as letters of credit. The PJI Revolving Facility will mature on September 14, 2026.
Our outstanding debt as of December 31, 2023 was $764.0 million, which was comprised of $400.0 million outstanding under the Notes and $364.0 million outstanding under the PJI Revolving Facility. Remaining availability under the PJI Revolving Facility was $236.0 million as of December 31, 2023.
The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, require customary reporting obligations, and restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the incurrence of additional indebtedness and liens, the consummation of certain mergers, consolidations, sales of assets and similar transactions, the making of investments, equity distributions and other restricted payments, and transactions with affiliates. The Company is also subject to certain financial covenants, as shown in the following table, that could restrict or impose constraints on the liquidity of our business:
Permitted Ratio Actual Ratio for the
Year Ended
December 31, 2023
Leverage ratio Not to exceed 5.25 to 1.0 3.2 to 1.0
Interest coverage ratio Not less than 2.00 to 1.0 3.3 to 1.0
Our leverage ratio is defined as outstanding debt divided by Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement), for the most recent four fiscal quarters. Our interest coverage ratio is defined as the sum of Consolidated EBITDA and consolidated rental expense for the most recent four fiscal quarters divided by the sum of consolidated interest expense and consolidated rental expense for the most recent four fiscal quarters. We were in compliance with all financial covenants as of December 31, 2023.
In addition, the Indenture governing the Notes contains customary covenants that, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, limit our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to: incur additional indebtedness and guarantee indebtedness; pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem our capital stock; prepay, redeem or repurchase certain debt; issue certain preferred stock or similar equity securities; make loans and investments; sell assets; incur liens; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into agreements restricting our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends; and consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets.
PJMF, our national marketing fund, has a $30.0 million revolving line of credit (the “PJMF Revolving Facility”) pursuant to a Revolving Loan Agreement, dated September 30, 2015 with U.S. Bank National Association, as lender. On September 30, 2023, the Company amended the PJMF Revolving Facility to, among other items: (i) extend the maturity date to September 30, 2024; (ii) amend the variable interest rate to one-month SOFR plus 1.975%; and (iii) expand the capacity from $20.0 million to $30.0 million.
The PJMF Revolving Facility is secured by substantially all assets of PJMF. The PJMF Revolving Facility matures on September 30, 2024, but is subject to annual amendments. The borrowings under the PJMF Revolving Facility accrue interest at a variable rate of the one-month SOFR plus 1.975%. There was no debt outstanding under the PJMF Revolving Facility as of December 31, 2023 or December 25, 2022. The PJMF operating results and the related debt outstanding do not impact the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement.
See “Note 12. Debt” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.
Share Repurchases
As part of our long-term growth and capital allocation strategy, we are committed to investing in share repurchases to provide ongoing value and enhanced returns to our shareholders. On October 28, 2021, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program with an indefinite duration for up to $425.0 million of the Company’s common stock.
The following table summarizes our repurchase activity for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022:
(In thousands, except average price per share)
Year Ended
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased Average
Price
Paid per
Share Aggregate
Cost of
Shares
Purchased Maximum Dollar
Value of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
December 31, 2023 2,523 $ 83.10 $ 209,640 $ 90,160
December 25, 2022 1,343 $ 93.07 $ 125,000 $ 299,800
We did not repurchase any shares subsequent to December 31, 2023. Approximately $90.2 million remained available under the Company’s share repurchase program as of February 22, 2024.
The Company utilizes a written trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, from time to time to facilitate the repurchase of shares of our common stock under this share repurchase program. There can be no assurance that we will repurchase shares of our common stock either through a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan or otherwise.
Dividends
The Company paid aggregate cash dividends to common stockholders of $58.5 million ($1.76 per share) and $54.8 million ($1.54 per share) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively.
On January 30, 2024, our Board of Directors declared a first quarter 2024 dividend of $0.46 per common share, representing a $15.1 million aggregate dividend that was paid on February 23, 2024 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 12, 2024. The declaration and payment of any future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors.
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure, is defined as net cash provided by operating activities (from the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows) less the purchases of property and equipment. We view free cash flow as an important financial measure because it is one factor that management uses in determining the amount of cash available for discretionary investment. Free cash flow is not a term defined by GAAP, and as a result, our measure of free cash flow might not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Free cash flow should not be construed as a substitute for or a better indicator of the Company’s performance than the Company’s GAAP measures.
The Company’s free cash flow for the last two years was as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended
December 31, 2023 December 25, 2022
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 193,055 $ 117,808
Purchases of property and equipment (76,620) (78,391)
Free cash flow $ 116,435 $ 39,417
Contractual Obligations
The Company’s cash requirements greater than twelve months from contractual obligations and commitments include:
•Debt Obligations and Interest Payments: Refer to “Note 12. Debt” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information on our obligations and the timing of expected payments.
•Operating and Finance Leases: Refer to “Note 3 Leases” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information on our obligations and the timing of expected payments.
We estimate that our capital expenditures during 2024 will be approximately $75.0 million to $85.0 million. This estimate includes development of Company-owned restaurants and technology enhancements. We intend to fund our capital expenditures with cash generated by operations and borrowings under the PJI Revolving Facility, as necessary.
We guarantee leases for certain Papa Johns North American franchisees who have purchased restaurants that were previously Company-owned. We are contingently liable on these leases. The leases have varying terms, the latest of which expires in 2036. As of December 31, 2023, the estimated maximum amount of undiscounted payments the Company could be required to make in the event of nonpayment by the primary lessees was approximately $7.3 million.
We have certain other commercial commitments where payment is contingent upon the occurrence of certain events. With our insurance programs, we are party to surety bonds with off-balance sheet risk for a total of $20.7 million as of December 31, 2023. The surety bond arrangements expire within one year but have automatic renewal clauses. See “Note 12. Debt” and “Note 19. Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information related to contractual and other commitments.
Impact of Inflation
We experienced price increases in food items and other commodities, labor and benefits, and fuel and other energy costs during 2022, which began to gradually ease throughout 2023 and which we expect to continue to moderate during 2024. Inflationary pressures affect our profitability both directly, in our company-owned restaurants and delivery mechanisms and through gross margins experienced by sales of food and supply items via our QC Centers, as well as indirectly, through higher food ingredient and paper and supply costs, rising fees from delivery aggregators driven by higher wage demands and increases in the cost of gasoline that, once reflected in upward price adjustments on their fees, can exert downward pressure on unit sales, reducing royalty fees we realize from our Domestic and International franchisees. Compensating menu price increases are subject to competitive pressure in the markets in which we operate. Expense control measures are also deployed to offset higher costs when possible. Food costs, in particular the cost of cheese, are managed to an extent by pricing agreements with suppliers and forward purchase contracts we enter into, as discussed in “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other Company communications that are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Generally, the use of words such as “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “will,” “forecast,” “outlook”, “plan,” “project,” or similar words identify forward-looking statements that we intend to be included within the safe harbor protections provided by the federal securities laws. Such forward-looking statements include or may relate to projections or guidance concerning business performance, revenue, earnings, cash flow, earnings per share, share repurchases, the current economic environment, commodity and labor costs, currency fluctuations, profit margins, supply chain operating margin, net unit growth, unit level performance, capital expenditures, restaurant and franchise development, restaurant acquisitions, restaurant closures, labor shortages, labor cost increases, inflation, royalty relief, franchisee support and incentives, the effectiveness of our menu innovations and other business initiatives, investments in product and digital innovation, marketing efforts and investments, liquidity, compliance with debt covenants, impairments, strategic decisions and actions, changes to our national marketing fund, changes to our commissary model, dividends, effective tax rates, regulatory changes and impacts, investments and repositioning of the UK market, International restructuring, International consumer demand, adoption of new accounting standards, and other financial and operational measures. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those matters expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are involved in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
•the ability of the Company to manage challenging macroeconomic conditions in the United States and internationally, including the United Kingdom;
•the ability of the Company to manage staffing and labor shortages at Company and/or franchised restaurants and our Quality Control Centers;
•increases in labor costs, food costs or sustained higher other operating costs, including as a result of supply chain disruption, inflation or climate change;
•the potential for delayed new restaurant openings, both domestically and internationally;
•the increased risk of phishing, ransomware and other cyber-attacks;
•risks to the global economy and our business related to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and other international conflicts;
•increased costs for branding initiatives and launching new advertising and marketing campaigns and promotions to boost consumer sentiment and sales trends, and the risk that such initiatives will not be effective;
•risks related to a possible economic slowdown that could, among other things, reduce consumer spending or demand and result in changing consumer practices;
•risks related to social media, including publicity adversely and rapidly impacting our brand and reputation;
•aggressive changes in pricing or other marketing or promotional strategies by competitors, which may adversely affect sales and profitability; and new product and concept developments by food industry competitors;
•changes in consumer preferences or consumer buying habits, including the growing popularity of delivery aggregators, as well as changes in general economic conditions or other factors that may affect consumer confidence and discretionary spending, including higher unemployment;
•the adverse impact on the Company or our results caused by global health concerns, product recalls, food quality or safety issues, incidences of foodborne illness, food contamination and other general public health concerns about our Company-owned or franchised restaurants or others in the restaurant industry;
•the effectiveness of our technology investments and changes in unit-level operations;
•the ability of the Company and its franchisees to meet planned growth targets and operate new and existing restaurants profitably, including difficulties finding qualified franchisees, restaurant level employees or suitable sites;
•increases in insurance claims and related costs for programs funded by the Company up to certain retention limits, including medical, owned and non-owned vehicles, workers’ compensation, general liability and property;
•disruption of our supply chain or commissary operations which could be caused by our sole source of supply of mozzarella cheese, desserts, garlic cups or limited source of suppliers for other key ingredients or more generally due to weather, natural disasters including drought, disease, or geopolitical or other disruptions beyond our control;
•increased risks associated with our International operations, including economic and political conditions and risks associated with the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union, instability or uncertainty in our international markets, especially emerging markets, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, difficulty in meeting planned sales targets and new restaurant growth;
•the impact of current or future claims and litigation and our ability to comply with current, proposed or future legislation that could impact our business including compliance with the European Union General Data Protection Regulation;
•risks related to our indebtedness and borrowing costs, including prolonged higher interest rates, and the current state of the credit markets;
•the Company’s ability to continue to pay dividends to stockholders based upon profitability, cash flows and capital adequacy if restaurant sales and operating results decline;
•our ability to effectively operate and improve the performance of International Company-owned restaurants;
•disruption of critical business or information technology systems, or those of our suppliers, and risks associated with systems failures and data privacy and cybersecurity incidents, including theft of confidential Company, employee and customer information, including payment cards; and
•changes in Federal or state income, general and other tax laws, rules and regulations and changes in generally accepted accounting principles.
These and other risk factors are discussed in detail in “Part I. Item 1A. - Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and they may be updated from time to time in our future reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of future events, new information or otherwise, except as required by law.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes on our PJI Revolving Facility. We attempt to minimize interest rate risk exposure by fixing our interest rate through the utilization of interest rate swaps, which are derivative financial instruments. Our swaps are entered into with financial institutions that participate in the PJI Revolving Facility. By using a derivative instrument to hedge exposures to changes in interest rates, we expose ourselves to credit risk due to the possible failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. We do not enter into contracts for trading
purposes and do not use leveraged instruments. See “Note 12. Debt” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information on our debt obligations and derivative instruments.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations from our operations outside of the United States, which can adversely impact our revenues, net income and cash flows. Our International operations principally consist of distribution sales to franchised Papa John’s restaurants located in the UK, operation of Company-owned restaurants in the UK, and our franchise sales and support activities, which derive revenues from sales of franchise and development rights and the collection of royalties from our International franchisees. Approximately 7.4% of our 2023 revenues, 6.2% of our 2022 revenues and 7.3% of our 2021 revenues were derived from these International operations.
We have not historically hedged our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations had a favorable impact of approximately $1.7 million on our total revenues in 2023, compared to an unfavorable impact of approximately $13.3 million in 2022 and a favorable impact of approximately $8.1 million in 2021. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.9 million on our operating income in 2023 compared to an unfavorable impact of $2.0 million in 2022 and a favorable impact of $1.4 million in 2021. A 10% adverse change in the foreign currency rates for our International markets would result in a negative impact on annual revenue and operating income of approximately $14.1 million and $1.9 million, respectively, based on annual revenue and operating income for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Commodity Price Risk
In the ordinary course of business, the food and paper products we purchase, including cheese (our largest ingredient cost), are subject to seasonal fluctuations, weather, availability, demand and other factors that are beyond our control. We have pricing agreements with some of our vendors, including forward pricing agreements for a portion of our cheese purchases for our Domestic Company-owned restaurants, which are accounted for as normal purchases; however, we still remain exposed to ongoing commodity volatility, and increases in commodity prices or food costs, including as a result of inflation, could negatively impact our business, financial condition or results of operations. We have not historically entered into other financial instruments that would be accounted for as hedging instruments to manage this risk.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 42)
Consolidated Financial Statements:
•Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022
•Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021
•Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021
•Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021
•Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021
•Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Papa John’s International, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Papa John’s International, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders' deficit and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 29, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Measurement and valuation of insurance reserves
Description of the Matter As described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company is self-insured for certain obligations up to stated retention levels under its retention programs related to workers’ compensation, automobile, property and general liability programs. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has $56.8 million accrued for self-insurance reserves (“Insurance Reserves”). Judgments and estimates are used by the Company in determining the potential value associated with incurred but not reported claims.
Auditing the measurement and valuation of the Insurance Reserves is highly judgmental and complex due to the significant uncertainty in estimating the potential value of reported claims, estimating the number and potential value of incurred but not reported claims and the use of actuarial valuation methods. The reserve estimate is sensitive to actuarial assumptions (e.g., future emergence of losses, incurred but not reported claims) used to estimate the ultimate liability for reported claims and claims that have been incurred but have not been reported.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit We tested controls related to the measurement and valuation of the Insurance Reserves. For example, we tested controls over management’s review of the assumptions and methods used to establish the estimate, the underlying data, significant actuarial assumptions and the related reconciliations.
To test the measurement and valuation of the Insurance Reserves, our audit procedures included, among others, performing transactional tests of details over the completeness and accuracy of claims data and vouching payments made to third parties. Furthermore, we involved our actuarial specialists to assist in the evaluation of the key assumptions and methodologies used by management to determine the Insurance Reserves.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2019.
Louisville, Kentucky
February 29, 2024
Papa John’s International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except per share amounts) December 31,
2023 December 25,
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 40,587 $ 47,373
Accounts receivable (less allowance for credit losses of $8,353 in 2023 and $6,718 in 2022)
104,244 102,533
Notes receivable, current portion 5,199 6,848
Income tax receivable 2,577 8,780
Inventories 36,126 41,382
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 42,285 44,123
Total current assets 231,018 251,039
Property and equipment, net 282,812 249,793
Finance lease right-of-use assets, net 31,740 24,941
Operating lease right-of-use assets 164,158 172,425
Notes receivable, less current portion (less allowance for credit losses of $16,092 in 2023 and $14,499 in 2022)
12,346 21,248
Goodwill 76,206 70,616
Other assets 76,725 74,165
Total assets $ 875,005 $ 864,227
Liabilities, Redeemable noncontrolling interests and Stockholders’ deficit
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 74,949 $ 62,316
Income and other taxes payable 17,948 8,766
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 158,167 142,535
Current deferred revenue 20,427 21,272
Current finance lease liabilities 9,029 6,850
Current operating lease liabilities 24,076 23,418
Total current liabilities 304,596 265,157
Deferred revenue 20,366 23,204
Long-term finance lease liabilities 24,144 19,022
Long-term operating lease liabilities 151,050 160,905
Long-term debt, net 757,422 597,069
Other long-term liabilities 60,192 68,317
Total liabilities 1,317,770 1,133,674
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests 851 1,217
Stockholders’ deficit:
Common stock ($0.01 par value per share; issued 49,235 at December 31, 2023 and 49,138 at December 25, 2022)
492 491
Additional paid-in capital 452,290 449,829
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (7,803) (10,135)
Retained earnings 219,027 195,856
Treasury stock (16,747 shares at December 31, 2023 and 14,402 shares at December 25, 2022, at cost)
(1,123,098) (922,434)
Total stockholders’ deficit (459,092) (286,393)
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries 15,476 15,729
Total Stockholders’ deficit (443,616) (270,664)
Total Liabilities, Redeemable noncontrolling interests and Stockholders’ deficit $ 875,005 $ 864,227
See accompanying notes.
Papa John’s International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Year ended
(In thousands, except per share amounts) December 31,
2023 December 25,
2022 December 26,
Revenues:
Domestic Company-owned restaurant sales $ 726,362 $ 708,389 $ 778,323
North America franchise royalties and fees 144,550 137,399 129,310
North America commissary revenues 852,361 869,634 761,305
International revenues 157,187 129,903 150,771
Other revenues 255,253 256,778 248,712
Total revenues 2,135,713 2,102,103 2,068,421
Costs and expenses:
Operating costs (excluding depreciation and amortization shown separately below):
Domestic Company-owned restaurant expenses 587,889 585,307 621,871
North America commissary expenses 787,554 811,446 703,622
International expenses 103,198 76,001 87,286
Other expenses 235,483 238,810 226,320
General and administrative expenses 210,357 217,412 212,265
Depreciation and amortization 64,090 52,032 48,816
Total costs and expenses 1,988,571 1,981,008 1,900,180
Refranchising and impairment loss - (12,065) -
Operating income 147,142 109,030 168,241
Net interest expense (43,469) (25,261) (17,293)
Income before income taxes 103,673 83,769 150,948
Income tax expense 20,874 14,420 25,993
Net income before attribution to noncontrolling interests 82,799 69,349 124,955
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (701) (1,577) (4,939)
Net income attributable to the Company $ 82,098 $ 67,772 $ 120,016
Calculation of net income for earnings per share:
Net income attributable to the Company $ 82,098 $ 67,772 $ 120,016
Dividends on redemption of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock - - (109,852)
Dividends paid to participating securities - (306) (6,091)
Net income attributable to participating securities - (104) -
Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 82,098 $ 67,362 $ 4,073
Basic earnings per common share $ 2.49 $ 1.90 $ 0.12
Diluted earnings per common share $ 2.48 $ 1.89 $ 0.12
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 32,931 35,497 35,007
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 33,159 35,717 35,337
Dividends declared per common share $ 1.76 $ 1.54 $ 1.15
See accompanying notes.
Papa John’s International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Year Ended
(In thousands) December 31,
2023 December 25,
2022 December 26,
Net income before attribution to noncontrolling interests $ 82,799 $ 69,349 $ 124,955
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments 1,560 (4,970) (1,397)
Interest rate swaps (1)
1,453 4,757 6,848
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax 3,013 (213) 5,451
Income tax effect:
Foreign currency translation adjustments (353) 1,143 321
Interest rate swaps (2)
(328) (1,094) (1,575)
Income tax effect (681) 49 (1,254)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 2,332 (164) 4,197
Comprehensive income before attribution to noncontrolling interests 85,131 69,185 129,152
Less: comprehensive income, redeemable noncontrolling interests (198) (574) (2,609)
Less: comprehensive income, nonredeemable noncontrolling interests (503) (1,003) (2,330)
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company $ 84,430 $ 67,608 $ 124,213
___________________________________
(1)Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into interest expense included $173, ($2,384) and ($5,965) for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021, respectively.
(2)The income tax effects of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss were $(39), $536 and $1,342 for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021, respectively.
See accompanying notes.
Papa John’s International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit
Papa John’s International, Inc.
(In thousands) Common
Stock
Shares
Outstanding Common
Stock Additional
Paid-In
Capital Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss (2)
Retained
Earnings Treasury
Stock Non-redeemable Noncontrolling
Interests in
Subsidiaries Total
Stockholders’
Deficit
Balance at December 25, 2022 34,736 $ 491 $ 449,829 $ (10,135) $ 195,856 $ (922,434) $ 15,729 $ (270,664)
Net income (1)
- - - - 82,098 - 503 82,601
Other comprehensive income, net of tax - - - 2,332 - - - 2,332
Dividends on common stock - - 121 - (58,927) - - (58,806)
Exercise of stock options 43 1 2,251 - - - - 2,252
Acquisition of Company common stock (3)
(2,523) - - - - (212,444) - (212,444)
Stock-based compensation expense - - 17,924 - - - - 17,924
Issuance of restricted stock 240 - (7,149) - - 7,149 - -
Tax effect of restricted stock awards (77) - (6,416) - - - - (6,416)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - - - - - - (756) (756)
Other 69 - (4,270) - - 4,631 - 361
Balance at December 31, 2023 32,488 $ 492 $ 452,290 $ (7,803) $ 219,027 $ (1,123,098) $ 15,476 $ (443,616)
___________________________________
(1) Net income to the Company for the year ended December 31, 2023 excludes $198 allocable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests for our joint venture arrangements.
(2) At December 31, 2023, the accumulated other comprehensive loss of $7,803 was comprised of net unrealized foreign currency translation loss of $7,490 and a net unrealized loss on the interest rate swap agreements of $314.
(3) Acquisition of Company common stock for the year ended December 31, 2023 includes $2,804 of transaction costs directly attributable to share repurchases, including a 1% excise tax incurred under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
See accompanying notes.
Papa John’s International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit
Papa John’s International, Inc.
(In thousands) Common
Stock
Shares
Outstanding Common
Stock Additional
Paid-In
Capital Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss (2)
Retained
Earnings Treasury
Stock Non-redeemable Noncontrolling
Interests in
Subsidiaries Total
Stockholders’
Deficit
Balance at December 26, 2021 35,797 $ 490 $ 445,126 $ (9,971) $ 183,157 $ (806,472) $ 15,212 $ (172,458)
Net income (1)
- - - - 67,772 - 1,003 68,775
Other comprehensive income, net of tax - - - (164) - - - (164)
Cash dividends on common stock - - 210 - (54,977) - - (54,767)
Exercise of stock options 82 1 4,035 - - - - 4,036
Acquisition of Company common stock (1,343) - - - - (125,000) - (125,000)
Stock-based compensation expense - - 18,388 - - - - 18,388
Issuance of restricted stock 285 - (8,443) - - 8,443 - -
Tax effect of restricted stock awards (94) - (9,546) - - - - (9,546)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - - - - - - (486) (486)
Other 9 - 59 - (96) 595 - 558
Balance at December 25, 2022 34,736 $ 491 $ 449,829 $ (10,135) $ 195,856 $ (922,434) $ 15,729 $ (270,664)
___________________________________
(1) Net income to the Company for the year ended December 25, 2022 excludes $574 allocable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests for our joint venture arrangements.
(2) At December 25, 2022, the accumulated other comprehensive loss of $10,135 was comprised of net unrealized foreign currency translation loss of $8,696 and a net unrealized loss on the interest rate swap agreements of $1,439.
See accompanying notes.
Papa John’s International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit
Papa John’s International, Inc.
(In thousands) Common
Stock
Shares
Outstanding Common
Stock Additional
Paid-In
Capital Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss (2)
Retained
Earnings Treasury
Stock Non-redeemable Noncontrolling
Interests in
Subsidiaries Total
Stockholders’
Deficit
Balance at December 27, 2020 32,545 $ 453 $ 254,103 $ (14,168) $ 219,158 $ (741,724) $ 15,239 $ (266,939)
Net income (1)
- - - - 120,016 - 2,330 122,346
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax - - - 4,197 - - - 4,197
Repurchase and conversion of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock 3,489 35 174,631 - (110,498) - - 64,168
Cash dividends on common stock - - 158 - (40,514) - - (40,356)
Cash dividends on preferred stock - - - - (4,121) - - (4,121)
Exercise of stock options 212 2 11,967 - - - - 11,969
Acquisition of Company common stock (594) - - - - (72,499) - (72,499)
Stock-based compensation expense - - 16,919 - - - - 16,919
Issuance of restricted stock 132 - (6,970) - - 6,970 - -
Tax effect of restricted stock awards - - (5,847) - - - - (5,847)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - - - - - - (2,357) (2,357)
Other 13 - 165 - (884) 781 - 62
Balance at December 26, 2021 35,797 $ 490 $ 445,126 $ (9,971) $ 183,157 $ (806,472) $ 15,212 $ (172,458)
___________________________________
(1) Net income to the Company for the year ended December 26, 2021 excludes $2,609 allocable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests for our joint venture arrangements.
(2) At December 26, 2021, the accumulated other comprehensive loss of $9,971 was comprised of net unrealized foreign currency translation loss of $4,869 and a net unrealized loss on the interest rate swap agreements of $5,102.
See accompanying notes.
Papa John’s International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Year ended
(In thousands) December 31,
2023 December 25,
2022 December 26,
Operating activities
Net income before attribution to noncontrolling interests $ 82,799 $ 69,349 $ 124,955
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision (benefit) for allowance for credit losses on accounts and notes receivable 5,393 20,539 (852)
Depreciation and amortization 64,090 52,032 48,816
Refranchising and impairment loss - 12,065 -
Deferred income taxes (5,991) 2,798 3,753
Stock-based compensation expense 17,924 18,388 16,919
Other 66 1,056 581
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable (8,049) (29,167) 4,023
Income tax receivable 6,212 586 (8,113)
Inventories 5,441 (7,496) (4,708)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 817 5,587 2,866
Other assets and liabilities (11,803) (13,458) (20,077)
Accounts payable 23,371 (8,350) (9,278)
Income and other taxes payable 9,087 (10,710) 9,733
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 7,402 4,846 15,875
Deferred revenue (3,704) (257) 182
Net cash provided by operating activities 193,055 117,808 184,675
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment (76,620) (78,391) (68,559)
Notes issued (4,338) (9,296) (16,132)
Repayments of notes issued 4,655 13,045 18,555
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (5,613) (1,219) (699)
Proceeds from refranchising, net of cash transferred - 13,588 -
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment 3,457 - -
Other 3,336 (520) 3,323
Net cash used in investing activities (75,123) (62,793) (63,512)
Financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes - - 400,000
Net proceeds of revolving credit facilities 159,000 115,000 80,000
Debt issuance costs - - (9,179)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 2,252 4,036 11,969
Repurchase of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock - - (188,647)
Acquisition of Company common stock (210,348) (125,000) (72,499)
Dividends paid to common stockholders (58,451) (54,767) (40,356)
Dividends paid to preferred stockholders - - (6,394)
Tax payments for equity award issuances (6,416) (9,546) (5,847)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (1,320) (1,211) (5,942)
Repayments of term loan - - (340,000)
Principal payments on finance leases (8,821) (5,416) (4,566)
Other 28 664 935
Net cash used in financing activities (124,076) (76,240) (180,526)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (642) (2,012) (231)
Change in cash and cash equivalents (6,786) (23,237) (59,594)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 47,373 70,610 130,204
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 40,587 $ 47,373 $ 70,610
See accompanying notes.
Papa John’s International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Description of Business
Papa John’s International, Inc. (referred to as the “Company,” “Papa John’s,” “Papa Johns” or in the first person notations of “we,” “us” and “our”), operates and franchises pizza delivery and carryout restaurants under the trademark “Papa Johns,” in 50 countries and territories as of December 31, 2023. Our revenues are derived from retail sales of pizza and other food and beverage products to the general public by Company-owned restaurants, franchise royalties and sales of franchise and development rights, printing and promotional items and information systems equipment, and software and related services. We generate revenues from the operation of our Quality Control Centers (“QC Centers”) which supply pizza sauce, dough, food products, paper products, smallwares and cleaning supplies to restaurants. We also derive revenue from contributions received into our national marketing fund.
In discussions of our business, “Domestic” is defined as within the contiguous United States, “North America” includes Canada, and “International” includes the rest of the world other than North America.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Papa John’s International, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Variable Interest Entity
Papa John’s Domestic restaurants, both Company-owned and franchised, participate in Papa John’s Marketing Fund, Inc. (“PJMF”), a nonstock corporation designed to operate at break-even as it spends all annual contributions received from the system. PJMF collects a percentage of revenues from Company-owned and franchised restaurants in the United States for the purpose of designing and administering advertising and promotional programs. PJMF is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) that funds its operations with ongoing financial support and contributions from the Domestic restaurants, of which approximately 85 percent are franchised, and does not have sufficient equity to fund its operations without these ongoing financial contributions. Based on an assessment of the governance structure and operating procedures of PJMF, the Company determined it has the power to control certain significant activities of PJMF, and therefore, is the primary beneficiary. The Company has consolidated PJMF in its financial results in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, “Consolidation.”
Fiscal Year
Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December of each year. All fiscal years presented consist of 52 weeks except for the 2023 fiscal year, which consists of 53 weeks.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Significant items that are subject to such estimates and assumptions include the allowance for credit losses on accounts and notes receivable, intangible assets, contract assets and contract liabilities including the customer loyalty program obligation, property and equipment, right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, gift card breakage, insurance reserves and tax reserves. Although management bases its estimates on historical experience and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, actual results could significantly differ from these estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in contracts with customers and excludes waivers or incentives and amounts collected on behalf of third parties, primarily sales tax. The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a customer. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, that are collected by the
Company from a customer, are excluded from revenue. Delivery costs, including freight associated with our Domestic commissary and other sales, are accounted for as fulfillment costs and are included in operating costs.
The following describes principal activities, separated by major product or service, from which the Company generates its revenues:
Domestic Company-owned Restaurant Sales
The Domestic Company-owned restaurants principally generates revenues from retail sales of pizza, Papadias, and side items, including breadsticks, Papa Bites, cheesesticks, boneless chicken wings and bone-in chicken wings, dessert items and canned or bottled beverages. Revenues from Company-owned restaurants are recognized when the products are delivered to or carried out by customers.
Our North American customer loyalty program, Papa Rewards, is a spend-based program that rewards customers with points for each purchase. Papa Rewards points are accumulated and redeemed for dollar off discounts (“Papa Dough”), and points expire after a year of inactivity. Once points are redeemed, Papa Dough may be used on future purchases within a six-month expiration window. The accrued liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and corresponding reduction of Company-owned restaurant sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, is for the estimated reward redemptions at Domestic Company-owned restaurants based upon estimated redemption patterns. The liability related to Papa Rewards is calculated using the estimated redemption value for which the points and accumulated rewards are expected to be redeemed. Revenue is recognized when the customer redeems the Papa Dough reward and when the points or Papa Dough reward expires.
Franchise Royalties and Fees
Franchise royalties, which are based on a percentage of franchise restaurant sales, are recognized as sales occur. Incentives offered from time to time, including new restaurant incentives, will reduce the contractual royalty rate paid. Any royalty reductions, including waivers or those offered as part of a new restaurant development incentive or as incentive for other behaviors, including acceleration of restaurant remodels or equipment upgrades, are recognized at the same time as the related royalty, as they are not separately distinguishable from the full royalty rate. Our current standard franchise agreement requires the franchisee to pay a royalty fee of 5% of sales, and the majority of our existing franchised restaurants have a 5% contractual royalty rate in effect. Franchise royalties are billed on a monthly basis.
The majority of initial franchise license fees and area development exclusivity fees are from International locations. Initial franchise license fees are billed at the restaurant opening date. The pre-opening services provided to franchisees do not contain separate and distinct performance obligations from the franchise right; thus, the fees collected will be deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis beginning at the restaurant opening date through the term of the franchise agreement, which is typically 10 years. Franchise license renewal fees for both Domestic and International locations, which generally occur every 10 years, are billed before the renewal date. Fees received for future license renewal periods are deferred and amortized over the life of the renewal period. Area development exclusivity fees are billed upon execution of the development agreements which grant the right to develop franchised restaurants in future periods in specific geographic areas. Area development exclusivity fees are allocated on a pro rata basis to all restaurants opened under that specific development agreement. These fees are deferred and amortized over the term of the related franchise agreements, which is typically 10 years.
Commissary Revenues
Commissary revenues are comprised of food and supplies sold to franchised restaurants and are recognized as revenue upon shipment of the related products to the franchisees. Payments are generally due within 30 days.
There are various incentive programs available to franchisees related to new restaurant openings including discounts on initial commissary orders and new restaurant equipment incentives, at substantially no cost to franchisees. Commissary revenues are reduced to reflect incentives in the form of direct discounts on initial commissary orders. The new restaurant equipment incentive is also recorded as a reduction of commissary sales over the term of the incentive agreement, which is generally three to five years.
Other Revenues
Franchise Marketing Fund revenues represent a required established percentage of monthly restaurant sales collected by PJMF, which is our national marketing fund, and various other international and Domestic marketing funds (“Co-op” or
“Co-operative” Funds) where we have determined for purposes of accounting that we have control over the significant activities of the funds. PJMF funds its operations with ongoing financial support and contributions from Domestic Papa John’s restaurants, of which approximately 85% are franchised restaurant members. Contributions are based on a percentage of monthly restaurant sales and are billed monthly. When we are determined to be the principal in these arrangements, advertising fund contributions and expenditures are reported on a gross basis in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Our obligation related to these funds is to develop and conduct advertising activities in a specific country, region, or market, including the placement of electronic and print materials.
There are no expiration dates and we do not deduct non-usage fees from outstanding gift cards. While the Company and the franchisees continue to honor all gift cards presented for payment, the likelihood of redemption may be determined to be remote for certain cards due to long periods of inactivity. In these circumstances, the Company recognizes breakage revenue for amounts not subject to unclaimed property laws. Based upon our analysis of historical gift card redemption patterns, we can reasonably estimate the amount of gift cards for which redemption is remote. Breakage revenue is recognized over time in proportion to estimated redemption patterns as Other revenues. Commissions on gift cards sold by third parties are recorded as a reduction to Deferred revenue and a reduction to Other revenues based upon estimated redemption patterns.
Fees for information services, including software maintenance fees, help desk fees, centralized call center fees, and online ordering fees are recognized as revenue as such services are provided and are included in Other revenues.
Rental income, primarily derived from properties leased by the Company and subleased to franchisees in the UK, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective operating lease terms.
Advertising and Related Costs
Domestic Company-owned advertising and related costs of $53.9 million, $55.2 million and $61.7 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, include the costs of Domestic Company-owned local restaurant activities such as mail coupons, door hangers and promotional items and advertising activities administered through PJMF and various local market cooperative advertising funds. PJMF is responsible for developing and conducting marketing and advertising for the Domestic Papa John’s system. The Co-op Funds are responsible for developing and conducting advertising activities in a specific market, including the placement of electronic and print materials developed by PJMF. The marketing fund investments are included in General and administrative expenses within the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and are accrued and expensed when the franchise advertising revenues are recognized, as PJMF is designed to operate at break-even.
Leases
Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected life of the lease term for operating leases, whereas lease expense follows an accelerated expense recognition for finance leases. A lease term often includes option periods, available at the inception of the lease. Lease expense is comprised of operating and finance lease costs, short-term lease costs, and variable lease costs, which primarily include common area maintenance, real estate taxes, and insurance for the Company’s real estate leases. Lease costs also include variable rent, which is primarily related to the Company’s supply chain tractor and trailer leases that are based on a rate per mile.
Stock-Based Compensation
Compensation expense for equity grants is estimated on the grant date, net of projected forfeitures, and is recognized over the vesting period (graded vesting over three years). We have elected a policy to estimate forfeitures in determining the amount of stock-based employee compensation expense. Restricted stock is valued based on the market price of the Company’s shares on the date of grant. Management evaluates its award grants and modifications and will adjust the fair value if any are determined to be spring-loaded.
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with maturity of three months or less at date of purchase. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
Accounts Receivable
Substantially all accounts receivable is due from franchisees for purchases of food, paper products, point of sale equipment, information systems and related services, marketing and royalties. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of the franchisee’s financial condition and collateral is generally not required. An allowance for credit losses is an estimate, even if remote, based upon historical account write-off trends, facts about the current financial condition of the debtor, forecasts of future operating results based upon current trends of select operating metrics and macroeconomic factors. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after recovery efforts have ceased.
Notes Receivable
The Company has provided financing to select Domestic and International franchisees principally for use in the construction and development of their restaurants and for the purchase of restaurants from the Company or other franchisees. Most notes receivable bear interest at fixed or floating rates and are generally secured by the assets of each restaurant and the ownership interests in the franchise. The Company has provided long-term financing to certain franchisees with royalty payment plans. We establish an allowance for credit losses for franchisee notes receivables to reduce the outstanding notes receivable to their net realizable values based on a review of each franchisee’s economic performance and market conditions after consideration of the fair value of our underlying collateral rights (e.g., underlying franchisee business, property and equipment) and any guarantees. Note balances are charged off against the allowance after recovery efforts have ceased.
Interest income recorded on franchisee loans was approximately $1.1 million in 2023, $1.3 million in 2022 and $1.9 million in 2021 and is reported in Net interest expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Inventories
Inventories, which consist of food products, paper goods, supplies and smallwares are stated at the lower of cost, determined under the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or net realizable value.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (generally five to ten years for restaurant, commissary and other equipment, twenty to forty years for buildings and improvements, and five years for technology and communication assets). Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the terms of the respective leases, including the first renewal period (generally five to ten years).
Depreciation expense was $54.3 million in 2023, $45.6 million in 2022 and $43.0 million in 2021.
Deferred Costs
We capitalize certain information systems development and related costs that meet established criteria. Amounts capitalized, which are included in property and equipment, are amortized principally over periods not exceeding five years upon completion of the related information systems project. Total costs capitalized were approximately $4.1 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021. The unamortized information systems development costs approximated $9.9 million and $9.6 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively.
Intangible Assets - Goodwill
We evaluate goodwill annually as of the first day of the fourth quarter or whenever we identify certain triggering events or circumstances that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Such tests are completed separately with respect to the goodwill of each of our reporting units, which includes our Domestic Company-owned restaurants, United Kingdom (“PJUK”), China, and Preferred Marketing Solutions operations, which were sold on October 22, 2023. We may perform a qualitative assessment or move directly to the quantitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period if we believe that it is more efficient or if impairment indicators exist.
We elected to perform a qualitative assessment for our Domestic Company-owned restaurants, PJUK, and China as of the first day of the fourth quarter of 2023; we excluded the goodwill associated with our Preferred Marketing Solutions reporting unit, as the business was sold shortly after the date of our assessment and the balance was not material to the consolidated financial statements. As a result of our qualitative analysis, we determined that it was more-likely-than-not
that the fair values of our reporting units were greater than their carrying amounts. Subsequent to completing our goodwill impairment tests, no indicators of impairment were identified. See “Note 11. Goodwill” for additional information.
Deferred Income Tax Accounts and Tax Reserves
We are subject to income taxes in the United States and several foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes and the related assets and liabilities. The provision for income taxes includes income taxes paid, currently payable or receivable and those deferred.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences reverse. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are netted by tax jurisdiction. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for the estimated future effects of tax attribute carryforwards (e.g., net operating losses, capital losses, and foreign tax credits). The effect on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates is recognized in the period in which the new tax rate is enacted. Valuation allowances are established when necessary on a jurisdictional basis to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts we expect to realize.
Tax authorities periodically audit the Company. We record reserves and related interest and penalties for identified exposures as income tax expense. We evaluate these issues and adjust for events, such as statute of limitations expirations, court rulings or audit settlements, which may impact our ultimate payment for such exposures. See “Note 17. Income Taxes” for additional information.
Insurance Reserves
Our insurance programs for workers’ compensation, owned and non-owned automobiles, general liability and property insurance coverage provided to our employees are funded by the Company up to certain retention limits which range up to $0.5 million.
Losses are accrued based upon undiscounted estimates of the liability for claims incurred and for events that have occurred but have not been reported using certain third-party actuarial projections and our claims loss experience. The determination of the recorded insurance reserves is highly judgmental and complex due to the significant uncertainty in the potential value of reported claims and the number and potential value of incurred but not reported claims, the application of significant judgment in making those estimates and the use of various actuarial valuation methods. The estimated insurance claims losses could be significantly affected should the frequency or ultimate cost of claims differ significantly from historical trends used to estimate the insurance reserves recorded by the Company. The Company records estimated losses above retention within its reserve with a corresponding receivable for expected amounts due from insurance carriers.
As of December 31, 2023, our insurance reserve was $56.8 million as compared to $67.3 million as of December 25, 2022 and was primarily related to auto liability and workers’ compensation claims. Of these amounts, approximately $27.2 million and $29.7 million were recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $29.5 million and $37.6 million were recorded in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively. Our reserves include claim costs above our retention that have a corresponding receivable. Our insurance receivable for claims above retention totaled $34.5 million and $38.4 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively. Of these amounts, approximately $16.8 million and $17.0 million were recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets, and $17.8 million and $21.4 million were recorded in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. At inception and on an ongoing basis, we assess whether each derivative that qualifies for hedge accounting continues to be highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item. If the derivative meets the hedge criteria as defined by certain accounting standards, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative are either offset against the change in fair value of assets, liabilities or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. Refer to “Note 12. Debt” for additional details related to derivative financial instruments.
Noncontrolling Interests
Papa John’s has joint venture arrangements in which there are noncontrolling interests held by third parties that included 98 restaurants at December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022. As further described in “Note 22. Divestitures,” the Company divested its 51 percent interest in one joint venture that owned 90 restaurants in the second quarter of 2022. Consolidated net income is required to be reported separately at amounts attributable to both the Company and the noncontrolling interests held by third parties. Additionally, disclosures are required to clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the Company and the interests of the noncontrolling owners, including a disclosure on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Operations of income attributable to the noncontrolling interest holder.
The following summarizes the redemption feature, location and related accounting within the Consolidated Balance Sheets for these joint venture arrangements:
Type of Joint Venture Arrangement Location within the Consolidated Balance Sheets Recorded Value
Joint ventures with no redemption feature Permanent equity Carrying value
Joint venture with option to require the Company to purchase the noncontrolling interest - not currently redeemable or redemption not probable Temporary equity Carrying value
See “Note 9. Noncontrolling Interests” for additional information regarding noncontrolling interests.
Foreign Currency Translation
The local currency is the functional currency for each of our foreign subsidiaries. Revenues and expenses are translated into United States (“U.S.”) dollars using monthly average exchange rates, while assets and liabilities are translated using year-end exchange rates. The resulting translation adjustments are included as a component of AOCL, net of income taxes. Foreign currency remeasurement gains and losses are included in determining net income.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Segment Disclosures
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, “Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures.” The ASU expands the scope and frequency of segment disclosures and introduces the concept of a “significant expense principle,” which requires entities to disclose significant expense categories and amounts that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) and included within the reported measure of a segment’s profit or loss. The ASU also changes current disclosure requirements by allowing entities to report multiple measures of a segment’s profit or loss, provided the reported measures are used by the CODM to assess performance and allocate resources and that the measure closest to GAAP is also provided. Finally, the ASU requires all segment profit or loss and assets disclosures to be provided on both an annual and interim basis and requires entities to disclose the title and position of the individual identified as the CODM. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and shall be applied retrospectively to all periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the standard and determining the extent of additional interim and annual segment disclosures that will be required.
Income Tax Disclosures
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” The ASU provides for additional levels of details within the required rate reconciliation table to include additional categories of information about federal, state, and foreign income taxes and requires entities to further disaggregate information about income taxes paid, net of refunds. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and shall be applied prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the standard and determining the extent of additional disclosures that will be required.
3. Leases
The Company has significant leases that include most Domestic Company-owned restaurant and commissary locations as well as our corporate office located in Atlanta, Georgia. Other Domestic leases include tractor and trailer leases used by our distribution subsidiary as well as commissary equipment. Additionally, the Company leases a significant number of
restaurants within the United Kingdom (“UK”); these restaurants are then operated as Company-owned restaurants or subleased to franchisees. The Company’s leases have terms as follows:
Average lease term
Domestic Company-owned restaurants Five years, plus at least one renewal
UK Company-owned and franchise-owned restaurants 15 years
Domestic commissary locations 10 years, plus at least one renewal
Domestic and International tractors and trailers Five to seven years
Domestic and International commissary and office equipment Three to five years
The Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at contract inception and recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. For all of its leases in which it is a lessee, the Company has elected to include both the lease and non-lease components as a single component and account for it as a lease. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less but greater than one month are not recorded on the balance sheet for select asset classes. The lease liability is measured at the present value of future lease payments as of the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset recognized is based on the lease liability adjusted for prepaid and deferred rent and unamortized lease incentives. An operating lease right-of-use asset is amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is recognized as a single lease cost against the operating lease liability. A finance lease right-of-use asset is amortized on a straight-line basis, with interest costs reported separately, over the lesser of the useful life of the leased asset or lease term. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in Operating costs or General and administrative expenses. Variable lease payments are expensed as incurred.
The Company uses its incremental borrowing rates as the discount rate for its leases, which is equal to the rate of interest the Company would have to pay on a collateralized basis to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments under similar terms. The lease terms for all the Company’s leases include the contractually obligated period of the leases, plus any additional periods covered by Company options to extend the leases that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise.
Certain leases provide that the lease payments may be increased annually based on the fixed rate terms or adjustable terms such as the Consumer Price Index. Future base rent escalations that are not contractually quantifiable as of the lease commencement date are not included in our lease liability.
The following schedule details the total right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022 (in thousands):
Leases Classification December 31,
2023 December 25,
Assets
Finance lease assets, net Finance lease right-of-use assets, net $ 31,740 $ 24,941
Operating lease assets, net Operating lease right-of-use assets 164,158 172,425
Total lease assets $ 195,898 $ 197,366
Liabilities
Current finance lease liabilities Current finance lease liabilities $ 9,029 $ 6,850
Current operating lease liabilities Current operating lease liabilities 24,076 23,418
Noncurrent finance lease liabilities Long-term finance lease liabilities 24,144 19,022
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities Long-term operating lease liabilities 151,050 160,905
Total lease liabilities $ 208,299 $ 210,195
Lease costs for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021 were as follows:
(Dollars in thousands) Year Ended
December 31, 2023 December 25, 2022 December 26, 2021
Finance lease:
Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 8,949 $ 5,704 $ 4,980
Interest on lease liabilities 1,542 1,029 1,140
Operating lease:
Operating lease cost 41,514 42,815 43,072
Short-term lease cost 4,239 4,171 2,032
Variable lease cost 10,005 9,129 8,572
Total lease costs 66,249 62,848 59,796
Sublease income (9,842) (11,654) (12,039)
Total lease costs, net of sublease income $ 56,407 $ 51,194 $ 47,757
Future minimum lease payments under contractually-obligated leases and associated sublease income as of December 31, 2023 were as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal Year Finance
Lease
Costs Operating
Lease
Costs Expected
Sublease
Income
2024 $ 10,266 $ 31,274 $ 8,318
2025 8,616 35,153 7,949
2026 7,588 31,254 7,229
2027 5,550 25,418 6,565
2028 2,610 19,903 5,990
Thereafter 1,970 78,136 27,945
Total future minimum lease payments 36,600 221,138 63,996
Less imputed interest (3,427) (46,012) -
Total present value of lease liabilities $ 33,173 $ 175,126 $ 63,996
Lessor Operating Leases
The Company subleases certain retail space to our franchisees in the UK which are primarily operating leases. At December 31, 2023, we leased and subleased approximately 322 Papa John’s restaurants to franchisees in the UK. The initial lease terms on the franchised sites in the UK are generally 15 years. The Company has the option to negotiate an extension toward the end of the lease term at the landlord’s discretion. The initial lease terms of the franchisee subleases are generally five to ten years. Rental income, primarily derived from properties leased and subleased to franchisees in the UK, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective operating lease terms. The Company recognized total sublease income of $9.8 million, $11.7 million and $12.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021, respectively, within Other revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Lease Guarantees
As a result of assigning our interest in obligations under property leases as a condition of the refranchising of certain restaurants, we are contingently liable for payment of approximately 48 Domestic leases. These leases have varying terms, the latest of which expires in 2036. As of December 31, 2023, the estimated maximum amount of undiscounted payments the Company could be required to make in the event of nonpayment by the primary lessees was $7.3 million. This contingent liability is not included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets or future minimum lease obligation. The fair value of the guarantee is not material.
There were no leases recorded between related parties.
Supplemental Cash Flow & Other Information
The following table presents supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021:
(Dollars in thousands) Year Ended
December 31, 2023 December 25, 2022 December 26, 2021
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 1,542 $ 1,029 $ 1,140
Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 8,821 $ 5,416 $ 4,566
Operating cash flows from operating leases (a)
$ 37,814 $ 35,573 $ 38,530
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities $ 16,734 $ 9,875 $ 9,486
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
$ 24,380 $ 53,869 $ 64,420
Cash received from sublease income $ 8,855 $ 10,847 $ 11,597
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Finance leases 4.30 4.43 4.51
Operating leases 7.81 8.44 8.30
Weighted-average discount rate:
Finance leases 4.87% 4.59% 5.08%
Operating leases 5.62% 5.63% 6.20%
______________________________
(a)Included within the change in Other assets and liabilities within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows offset by non-cash operating lease right-of-use asset amortization and lease liability accretion.
4. Papa John’s Marketing Fund, Inc.
PJMF, which is a consolidated variable interest entity where the Company has been identified as the primary beneficiary, collects a percentage of revenues from Company-owned and franchised restaurants in the United States, for the purpose of designing and administering advertising and promotional programs for all participating Domestic restaurants. Contributions and expenditures are reported on a gross basis in the Consolidated Statements of Operations within Other revenues and Other expenses. PJMF also has a wholly-owned subsidiary, Papa Card, Inc., which administers the Company’s gift card programs.
Assets and liabilities of PJMF, which are utilized solely for the Company’s advertising and promotional programs, were as follows in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):
December 31,
2023 December 25,
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,494 $ 17,174
Accounts receivable, net 18,026 14,780
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,223 1,815
Total current assets 25,743 33,769
Deferred income taxes 674 655
Total assets $ 26,417 $ 34,424
Liabilities
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 1,509 $ 12,428
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 22,245 17,936
Current deferred revenue 4,327 4,395
Total current liabilities 28,081 34,759
Deferred revenue 2,627 2,503
Total liabilities $ 30,708 $ 37,262
5. Revenue Recognition
Contract Balances
Our contract liabilities primarily relate to franchise fees, unredeemed gift card liabilities, and loyalty program obligations, which we classify within Current deferred revenue and Deferred revenue on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, the Company recognized $34.5 million and $33.4 million in revenue, respectively, related to deferred revenue.
The following table includes a breakout of contract liability balances (in thousands):
December 31, 2023 December 25, 2022 Change
Franchise fee liabilities $ 20,564 $ 23,836 $ (3,272)
Unredeemed gift card liabilities 6,955 6,874 81
Customer loyalty program obligations 13,274 13,766 (492)
Total contract liabilities $ 40,793 $ 44,476 $ (3,683)
Our contract assets consist primarily of equipment incentives provided to franchisees. Equipment incentives are related to the future value of commissary revenue the Company will receive over the term of the incentive agreement. As of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, the contract assets were approximately $7.9 million and $6.2 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, revenue was reduced approximately $3.9 million and $3.4 million, respectively, for the amortization of contract assets over the applicable contract terms. Contract assets are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations
The following table (in thousands) includes estimated revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied at the end of the reporting period.
Performance Obligations by Period
Less than 1 Year 1-2 Years 2-3 Years 3-4 Years 4-5 Years Thereafter Total
Franchise fees $ 2,746 $ 2,628 $ 2,463 $ 2,254 $ 2,004 $ 5,305 $ 17,400
Approximately $3.2 million of area development fees related to unopened restaurants and International unearned royalties are included in Deferred revenue. Timing of revenue recognition is dependent upon the timing of restaurant openings and franchisees’ revenues. Unredeemed gift card liabilities, which are included in Deferred revenue, will be recognized in Company-owned restaurant revenues when gift cards are redeemed. The Company will recognize redemption fee revenue in Other revenues when cards are redeemed at franchised restaurant locations.
The Company applies the practical expedient in ASC 606-10-50-14 and does not disclose information about remaining performance obligations that have original expected durations of one year or less.
6. Stockholders’ Deficit
Shares Authorized and Outstanding
The Company has authorized 100.0 million shares of common stock as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively. The Company’s outstanding shares of common stock, net of repurchased common stock held as treasury stock, were 32.5 million shares at December 31, 2023 and 34.7 million shares at December 25, 2022.
Share Repurchase Program
On October 28, 2021, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program with an indefinite duration for up to $425.0 million of the Company’s common stock. This share repurchase program operated alongside our previous $75.0 million share repurchase authorization, which began on November 4, 2020 and expired on December 26, 2021. The following table summarizes our repurchase activity for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021, respectively:
(In thousands, except average price per share)
Year Ended
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased Average
Price
Paid per
Share Aggregate
Cost of
Shares
Purchased (a)
Maximum Dollar
Value of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
December 31, 2023 2,523 $ 83.10 $ 209,640 $ 90,160
December 25, 2022 1,343 $ 93.07 $ 125,000 $ 299,800
December 26, 2021 594 $ 121.96 $ 72,499 $ 424,800
(a) Aggregate cost of shares purchased for year ended December 31, 2023 excludes $2.8 million of transaction costs directly attributable to share repurchases, including a 1% excise tax incurred under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Of these costs, $2.1 million were classified as non-cash financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023.
We did not repurchase any shares subsequent to December 31, 2023. Approximately $90.2 million remained available under the Company’s share repurchase program as of February 22, 2024.
The shares repurchased during the year ended December 31, 2023 included 2,176,928 shares repurchased on March 1, 2023 from certain funds affiliated with, or managed by, Starboard Value LP (collectively, “Starboard”), at a price of $82.52 per share, for aggregate consideration of $179.6 million. Refer to “Note 18. Related Party Transactions” for additional details.
The timing and volume of share repurchases under the Company’s share repurchase programs may be executed at the discretion of management on an opportunistic basis, subject to market and business conditions, regulatory requirements and other factors, or pursuant to trading plans or other arrangements. Repurchases under the programs may be made through
open market, block, and privately negotiated transactions, including Rule 10b5-1 plans, at times and in such amounts as management deems appropriate. Repurchases under the Company’s share repurchase programs may be commenced or suspended from time to time at the Company’s discretion without prior notice. Funding for the share repurchase programs will be provided through our credit facility, operating cash flow, stock option exercises and cash and cash equivalents.
Dividends on Common Stock
The Company paid aggregate cash dividends of approximately $58.5 million ($1.76 per share), $54.8 million ($1.54 per share) and $40.4 million ($1.15 per share) to common stockholders for the years 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
On January 30, 2024, our Board of Directors declared a first quarter 2024 dividend of $0.46 per common share, representing a $15.1 million aggregate dividend that was paid on February 23, 2024 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 12, 2024. The declaration and payment of any future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors.
Preferred Stock
The Company has authorized 5.0 million shares of preferred stock (of which none were issued or outstanding at December 31, 2023 or December 25, 2022, respectively).
On May 11, 2021, the Company entered into a Share Repurchase Agreement with certain funds affiliated with, or managed by, Starboard Value LP (collectively, “Starboard”), pursuant to which (i) the Company repurchased from Starboard 78,387 shares of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (“Series B Preferred Stock”) and (ii) Starboard converted the remaining 171,613 shares of Series B Preferred Stock that it owned into 3,458,360 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designation of the Series B Preferred Stock. On June 3, 2021, the Company entered into agreements with certain franchisee investors to repurchase 1,000 shares of the outstanding Series B Preferred Stock and convert the remaining 1,530 shares of Series B Preferred Stock into 30,769 shares of common stock. The Company paid Starboard and the franchisee investors aggregate one-time cash payments of $188.6 million for the repurchase and conversion of all of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The excess of the cash payment over the carrying value of the respective Series B Preferred Stock redeemed resulted in $109.9 million of dividends on redemption of Series B Preferred Stock in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, which reduced net income attributable to common stockholders and also reduced diluted earnings per share by $3.10 for the year ended December 26, 2021. As a result of the repurchase and conversion, there were no shares of Series B Preferred Stock issued or outstanding at December 31, 2023 or December 25, 2022.
Dividends on Series B Preferred Stock
The Company paid common stock “pass-through” dividends on an as-converted basis to Series B Preferred Stockholders of $1.1 million and preferred dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock of $3.0 million in 2021. The Company also paid $1.5 million of common stock deemed dividend distributions in connection with the repurchase and conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock in 2021.
7. Earnings per Share
We compute earnings per share using the two-class method. The two-class method requires an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for common shareholders and participating security holders according to dividends declared and participating rights in undistributed earnings. Time-based restricted stock awards are participating securities because holders of such shares have non-forfeitable dividend rights and participate in undistributed earnings with common stock. Under the two-class method, total dividends provided to the holders of participating securities and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities, are subtracted from net income attributable to the Company in determining net income attributable to common shareholders.
Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share are computed by dividing the net income attributable to common shareholders by the diluted weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding consist of basic weighted average common shares outstanding plus weighted average awards outstanding under our equity compensation plans, which are dilutive securities.
The calculations of basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021 are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
2023 2022 2021
Basic earnings per common share
Net income attributable to the Company $ 82,098 $ 67,772 $ 120,016
Dividends on redemption of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock - - (109,852)
Dividends paid to participating securities - (306) (6,091)
Net income attributable to participating securities - (104) -
Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 82,098 $ 67,362 $ 4,073
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 32,931 35,497 35,007
Basic earnings per common share $ 2.49 $ 1.90 $ 0.12
Diluted earnings per common share
Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 82,098 $ 67,362 $ 4,073
Weighted average common shares outstanding 32,931 35,497 35,007
Dilutive effect of outstanding equity awards (a)
228 220 330
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 33,159 35,717 35,337
Diluted earnings per common share $ 2.48 $ 1.89 $ 0.12
______________________________
(a)Excludes 194,846 shares underlying equity awards for the year ended December 31, 2023, as the effect of including such awards would have been anti-dilutive, and none in 2022 or 2021.
See “Note 20. Equity Compensation” for additional information regarding our equity awards, including restricted stock.
8. Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures
The Company determines the fair value of financial assets and liabilities based on the price that would be received to sell the asset or paid to transfer the liability to a market participant. Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are required to be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
•Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
•Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
•Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity specific measurement. Considerable judgment is required to interpret market data to estimate fair value; accordingly, the fair values presented do not necessarily indicate what the Company or its debtholders could realize in a current market exchange.
Our financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022 are as follows:
Carrying
Value Fair Value Measurements
(in thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
December 31, 2023
Financial assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (a)
$ 29,449 $ 29,449 $ - $ -
Interest rate swaps (b)
$ 107 $ - $ 107 $ -
Financial liabilities:
Interest rate swaps (b)
$ 483 $ - $ 483 $ -
December 25, 2022
Financial assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (a)
$ 30,120 $ 30,120 $ - $ -
Interest rate swaps (b)
$ 986 $ - $ 986 $ -
______________________________
(a)Represents life insurance policies held in our non-qualified deferred compensation plan. See “Note 21. Employee Benefit Plans” for additional information.
(b)The fair value of our interest rate swaps is based on the sum of all future net present value cash flows. The future cash flows are derived based on the terms of our interest rate swaps, as well as considering published discount factors, and projected Secured Overnight Financing Rates (“SOFR”). Interest rate swaps entered into prior to 2023 were based on LIBOR.
There were no transfers among levels within the fair value hierarchy during fiscal 2023 or 2022.
The fair value of certain assets and liabilities approximates carrying value because of the short-term nature of the accounts, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, net of allowances, and accounts payable. The carrying value of notes receivable, net of allowances, also approximates fair value. The Company’s revolving credit facilities under the Company’s credit agreement approximate carrying value due to their variable market-based interest rate. The Company’s 3.875% senior notes are classified as a Level 2 fair value measurement since the Company estimates the fair value by using recent trading transactions, and have the following estimated fair values and carrying values (excluding the impact of unamortized debt issuance costs) as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022:
December 31, 2023 December 25, 2022
(in thousands) Carrying
Value Fair
Value Carrying
Value Fair
Value
3.875% Senior Notes
$ 400,000 $ 352,500 $ 400,000 $ 339,500
9. Noncontrolling Interests
As of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022 the Company had three joint venture arrangements comprising 98 restaurants. As further described in “Note 22. Divestitures,” the Company divested its 51 percent interest in one joint venture that owned 90 restaurants in the second quarter of 2022.
Net income attributable to these joint ventures for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021 was as follows (in thousands):
2023 2022 2021
Papa John’s International, Inc. $ 1,672 $ 3,136 $ 8,457
Redeemable noncontrolling interests 198 574 2,609
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests 503 1,003 2,330
Total net income $ 2,373 $ 4,713 $ 13,396
The following summarizes changes in our redeemable noncontrolling interests in 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):
Balance at December 26, 2021 $ 5,498
Net income 574
Distributions (4,855)
Balance at December 25, 2022 $ 1,217
Net income 198
Distributions (564)
Balance at December 31, 2023 $ 851
10. Allowance for Credit Losses
Estimates of expected credit losses, even if remote, are based upon historical account write-off trends, facts about the current financial condition of the debtor, forecasts of future operating results based upon current trends of select operating metrics, and macroeconomic factors. Credit quality is monitored through the timing of payments compared to the prescribed payment terms and known facts regarding the financial condition of the franchisee or customer. Account and note balances are charged off against the allowance after recovery efforts have ceased.
The following table summarizes changes in our allowances for credit losses for accounts receivable and notes receivable:
(In thousands) Accounts Receivable Notes Receivable
Balance at December 26, 2021 $ 2,364 $ 1,500
Current period provision for expected credit losses, net (a)
6,474 14,066
Write-offs charged against the allowance (2,120) (1,067)
Balance at December 25, 2022 $ 6,718 $ 14,499
Current period provision for expected credit losses, net (b)
3,609 1,784
Write-offs charged against the allowance (1,974) (191)
Balance at December 31, 2023 $ 8,353 $ 16,092
______________________________
(a) The Company recorded $14.6 million of one-time, non-cash reserves in the first quarter of 2022 for certain accounts receivable and notes receivable primarily associated with a master franchisee with operations principally in Russia. The Company recorded $3.7 million of one-time, non-cash reserves in the second half of 2022 for certain accounts receivable and notes receivable primarily associated with the termination of significant franchisees in the UK.
(b) During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company recorded $1.7 million of reserves for certain accounts receivable and notes receivable associated with the termination of a specific franchisee in the UK and $0.9 million of reserves for certain accounts receivable related to the conflict in the Middle East.
11. Goodwill
The following summarizes changes in the Company’s goodwill, by reportable segment (in thousands):
Domestic Company-
owned Restaurants International
All Others Total
Balance at December 26, 2021 $ 64,254 $ 15,942 $ 436 $ 80,632
Acquisitions (a)
1,161 - - 1,161
Divestitures (b)
(9,908) - - (9,908)
Foreign currency adjustments - (1,269) - (1,269)
Balance at December 25, 2022 $ 55,507 $ 14,673 $ 436 $ 70,616
Acquisitions (a)
1,102 4,274 - 5,376
Divestitures (b)
- - (436) (436)
Foreign currency adjustments - 650 - 650
Balance at December 31, 2023 $ 56,609 $ 19,597 $ - $ 76,206
______________________________
(a)Goodwill from acquisitions for the year 2023 includes $4.3 million from the UK franchisee acquisitions as well as $1.1 million related to the Domestic restaurant acquisitions. See “Note 24. Acquisitions” for further information. Goodwill from acquisitions for the year 2022 include $1.2 million in 2022, due to acquisitions of two restaurants.
(b)During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company disposed of $0.4 million of goodwill in connection with the sale of our Preferred Marketing Solutions business. In conjunction with the refranchising of our 51.0% ownership interest in a 90-restaurant consolidated joint venture in Texas during the year ended December 25, 2022, goodwill was allocated to the disposal group based on relative fair value within the Domestic Company-owned restaurants reporting group. See “Note 22. Divestitures” for further information.
12. Debt
Long-term debt, net consists of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2023 December 25,
Senior notes $ 400,000 $ 400,000
Revolving facilities 364,000 205,000
Outstanding debt 764,000 605,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs (6,578) (7,931)
Total long-term debt, net $ 757,422 $ 597,069
Senior Notes
On September 14, 2021, the Company issued $400.0 million of 3.875% senior notes (the “Notes”) which will mature on September 15, 2029. The Notes are guaranteed by each of the Company’s existing and future Domestic restricted subsidiaries that are guarantors or borrowers under the Credit Agreement (as defined below) or other certain indebtedness. The Notes were offered and sold either to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers” pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or to persons outside the United States under Regulation S of the Securities Act. Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year at a fixed interest rate of 3.875% per annum. In connection with the Notes, the Company recorded $7.1 million of debt issuance costs, which are being amortized into Net interest expense over the term of the Notes.
The net proceeds from the Notes, together with borrowings under the Credit Agreement (as defined below), were used to repay outstanding revolver and term loan borrowings under the Company’s Previous Credit Agreement (as defined below).
The Company may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after September 15, 2024 at established redemption prices ranging from 97 to 194 basis points depending on when the Notes are redeemed. At any time prior to September 15, 2024, the Company may also redeem up to 40% of the Notes with net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 103.875% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, excluding the redemption date. In addition, at any time prior to September 15, 2024, the Company may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest and an applicable “make-whole” premium. The Notes also contain customary redemption provisions related to asset sales and certain change of control transactions.
The Indenture governing the Notes contains customary events of default, including, among other things, payment default, failure to comply with covenants or agreements contained in the Indenture or the Notes and certain provisions related to bankruptcy events. The Indenture also contains customary negative covenants.
Credit Agreement
Concurrently with the issuance of the Notes, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) replacing the previous credit agreement (“Previous Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate available principal amount of $600.0 million (the “PJI Revolving Facility”), of which up to $40.0 million is available as swingline loans and up to $80.0 million is available as letters of credit. The PJI Revolving Facility will mature on September 14, 2026. The Credit Agreement was amended on May 30, 2023 to update the borrowing benchmark from LIBOR to SOFR with a fixed credit spread adjustment of 0.10%. In connection with the Credit Agreement, the Company recorded $2.1 million of debt issuance costs during the year ended December 26, 2021, which are being amortized into Net interest expense over the term of the Credit Agreement. The remaining availability under the PJI Revolving Facility was $236.0 million as of December 31, 2023.
Up to $50.0 million of the PJI Revolving Facility may be advanced in certain agreed foreign currencies, including Euros, Pounds Sterling, Canadian Dollars, Japanese Yen, and Mexican Pesos. Additionally, the Credit Agreement includes an accordion feature allowing for a future increase of the PJI Revolving Facility and/or incremental term loans in an aggregate amount of up to $500.0 million, subject to certain conditions, including obtaining commitments from one or more new or existing lenders to provide such increased amounts and ongoing compliance with financial covenants.
Loans under the PJI Revolving Facility accrue interest at a per annum rate equal to, at the Company’s election, either a SOFR rate plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 2.00% or a base rate (generally determined according to the greater of a prime rate, federal funds rate plus 0.50%, or a SOFR rate plus 1.00%) plus a margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.00%. In each case, the actual margin is determined according to a ratio of the Company’s total indebtedness to an earnings calculation, Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement), for the then most recently ended four quarter period (the “Leverage Ratio”). An unused commitment fee ranging from 18 to 30 basis points per annum, determined according to the Leverage Ratio, applies to the underutilized commitments under the PJI Revolving Facility. Loans outstanding under the PJI Revolving Facility may be prepaid at any time without premium or penalty, subject to customary breakage costs in the case of borrowings for which a SOFR rate election is in effect.
The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, require customary reporting obligations, and restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the incurrence of additional indebtedness and liens, the consummation of certain mergers, consolidations, sales of assets and similar transactions, the making of investments, equity distributions and other restricted payments, and transactions with affiliates. The Company is subject to the following financial covenants: (1) a maximum Leverage Ratio of 5.25 to 1.00, subject to the Company’s election to increase the maximum Leverage Ratio by 0.50 to 1.00 in connection with material acquisitions if the Company satisfies certain requirements, and (2) a minimum interest coverage ratio defined as Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus consolidated rental expense to consolidated interest expense plus consolidated rental expense of 2.00 to 1.00. We were in compliance with these financial covenants at December 31, 2023.
Obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain direct and indirect material Domestic subsidiaries of the Company (the “Guarantors”) and are secured by a security interest in substantially all of the capital stock and equity interests of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ Domestic and first tier material foreign subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default including, among other things, payment defaults, breach of covenants, cross acceleration to material indebtedness, bankruptcy-related defaults, judgment defaults, and the occurrence of certain change of control events. The occurrence of an event of default may result in the termination of the PJI Revolving Facility, acceleration of repayment obligations and the exercise of remedies by the Lenders with respect to the Guarantors.
PJMF Revolving Facility
PJMF has a revolving line of credit (the “PJMF Revolving Facility”) pursuant to a Revolving Loan Agreement, dated September 30, 2015 with U.S. Bank National Association, as lender. On September 30, 2023, the Company amended the PJMF Revolving Facility to, among other items: (i) extend the maturity date to September 30, 2024; (ii) amend the variable interest rate to one-month SOFR plus 1.975%; and (iii) expand the capacity from $20.0 million to $30.0 million.
The PJMF Revolving Facility is secured by substantially all assets of PJMF. The PJMF Revolving Facility matures on September 30, 2024, but is subject to annual amendments. The borrowings under the PJMF Revolving Facility accrue interest at a variable rate of the one-month SOFR plus 1.975%. There was no debt outstanding under the PJMF Revolving Facility as of December 31, 2023 or December 25, 2022. The PJMF operating results and the related debt outstanding do not impact the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement.
Derivative Financial Instruments
On June 23, 2023, the Company entered into a new interest rate swap with an initial notional value of $100.0 million to replace the Company’s prior interest swaps, which had a notional value of $125.0 million and matured on April 30, 2023. The objective of the interest rate swap is to mitigate the Company’s exposure to the impact of interest rate changes associated with our variable rate debt under the PJI Revolving Facility. We have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge and will assess hedge effectiveness at regular intervals through the maturity date of June 30, 2025. The interest rate swaps are recorded at fair value at each reporting date, and any unrealized gains or losses are included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and reclassified to Net interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affect earnings.
As of December 31, 2023, we have the following interest rate swap agreements with a total notional value of $100.0 million:
Effective Dates Floating Rate Debt Fixed Rates
June 23, 2023 through June 30, 2025 $ 50 million 4.55 %
June 23, 2023 through June 30, 2025 $ 50 million 4.55 %
In 2021, our prior interest rate swaps, which matured on April 30, 2023, were de-designated as cash flow hedges following the issuance of the Notes and remained undesignated as hedges through June 26, 2022. For these de-designated hedges, the portion of gains or losses on the derivative instruments previously recognized in AOCL were reclassified into earnings as adjustments to Net interest expense on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the originally hedged transactions.
As of June 27, 2022, the interest rate swaps were re-designated as cash flow hedges to provide a hedge against changes in variable rate cash flows regarding fluctuations in the LIBOR rate previously utilized under the PJI Revolving Facility. Therefore, beginning in the third quarter of 2022 and through the maturity date of April 30, 2023, our prior interest rate swaps were accounted for utilizing cash flow hedge accounting treatment.
We recognized income of $1.5 million ($1.1 million after tax), $4.8 million ($3.7 million after tax) and $6.8 million ($5.3 million after tax) in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, in other comprehensive income for the net change in the fair value of our interest rate swaps.
The following table provides information on the location and amounts of our swaps in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):
Interest Rate Swap Derivatives
Balance Sheet Location Fair Value
December 31,
2023 Fair Value
December 25,
Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 107 $ 986
Other long-term liabilities $ 483 $ -
As of December 31, 2023, the portion of the aggregate $0.4 million interest rate swap liability that would be reclassified into interest expense during the next twelve months is a benefit of approximately $0.1 million.
The effect of derivative instruments on the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements is as follows (in thousands):
Derivatives -
Cash Flow
Hedging
Relationships Amount of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized
in AOCL
on Derivative Location of (Loss)
or Gain
Reclassified from
AOCL into
Income Amount of (Loss)
or Gain
Reclassified from
AOCL into
Income Net Interest Expense
on Consolidated
Statements of
Operations
Interest rate swaps:
2023 $ 1,125 Net interest expense $ 173 $ (43,469)
2022 $ 3,663 Net interest expense $ (2,384) $ (25,261)
2021 $ 5,273 Net interest expense $ (5,965) $ (17,293)
Interest paid, including payments made or received under the swaps, was $37.3 million, $24.4 million and $13.4 million in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
13. Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment, net consists of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2023 December 25,
Land $ 28,584 $ 31,679
Buildings and improvements 91,448 91,462
Leasehold improvements 154,441 136,095
Equipment and other 542,608 498,792
Construction in progress 25,610 32,265
Total property and equipment 842,691 790,293
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (559,879) (540,500)
Property and equipment, net $ 282,812 $ 249,793
14. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2023 December 25,
Marketing $ 37,628 $ 36,858
Salaries, benefits and bonuses 36,491 21,934
Insurance reserves, current 27,240 29,676
Purchases 24,198 13,789
Interest accrual 8,167 5,235
Litigation accrual (a)
5,000 15,000
Other 19,443 20,043
Total $ 158,167 $ 142,535
______________________________
(a) See “Note 19. Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information.
15. Other Long-term Liabilities
Other long-term liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2023 December 25,
Insurance reserves $ 29,512 $ 37,624
Deferred compensation plan (a)
28,342 28,285
Other 2,338 2,408
Total $ 60,192 $ 68,317
______________________________
(a) See “Note 21. Employee Benefit Plans” for additional information on our non-qualified deferred compensation plan.
16. Restructuring
International Restructuring
In December 2023, the Company announced international transformation initiatives (“International Transformation Plan”) designed to evolve our business structure to deliver an enhanced value proposition to our International customers and franchisees, ensure targeted investments and efficient resource management, and better position our largest markets, including the UK, for long-term profitable growth and brand strength. During the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company commenced approved initiatives under the International Transformation Plan related to establishing new regional hubs across APAC (Asia Pacific), EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), and Latin America that will be led by experienced general managers and their teams.
The Company incurred restructuring related costs of $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 related to the International Transformation Plan. Restructuring related costs associated with the approved initiatives primarily relate to employee severance benefits accounted for under ASC 712, “Compensation - Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits”, professional services, recruiting and relocation costs, and stock-based compensation forfeitures on unvested awards. These costs were included in General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Total estimated pre-tax costs associated with approved initiatives in 2023 are approximately $3.0 million to $6.0 million, all of which will be recorded within our International segment, and we expect to incur the remainder of these costs through 2024. These estimates will be updated as additional initiatives associated with the International Transformation Plan are developed and approved. Refer to Note 25. Subsequent Events for further details on initiatives approved by our Board of Directors subsequent to December 31, 2023.
The following table summarizes restructuring related costs recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
December 31,
Employee severance $ 1,522
Professional services 527
Recruiting 150
Total international transformation costs 2,199
Stock-based compensation forfeitures on unvested awards (21)
Total international transformation costs, net of stock-based award forfeitures $ 2,178
The following table presents changes in the balance of accrued expenses relating to approved initiatives, which are recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):
Employee severance Professional services Recruiting Total
Balance as of December 25, 2022 $ - $ - $ - $ -
Charges 1,522 527 150 2,199
Payments (295) - (121) (416)
Balance as of December 31, 2023 $ 1,227 $ 527 $ 29 $ 1,783
Strategic Corporate Reorganization (2021)
On September 17, 2020, we announced plans to open an office in Atlanta, Georgia located in Three Ballpark Center at The Battery Atlanta, which opened in October 2021. The space is designed to drive continued menu innovation and optimize integration across marketing, communications, customer experience, operations, human resources, diversity, equity and inclusion, financial planning and analysis, investor relations and development functions. Our information technology, finance, supply chain, and legal teams continue to operate in our Louisville, Kentucky office, which remains critical to our success. We also maintain an office outside of London, UK, where our International operations are managed. Employees whose positions were relocated to the new Atlanta office were either offered an opportunity to continue with the organization or were offered a severance package. As a result, we incurred one-time corporate reorganization costs of approximately $13.1 million during the year ended December 26, 2021 as detailed in the table below (in thousands).
December 26,
Employee severance and other employee transition costs $ 5,429
Recruiting and professional fees 3,815
Relocation costs 3,100
Other costs 750
Total strategic corporate reorganization costs $ 13,094
There were no additional corporate reorganization costs incurred during the year ended December 31, 2023 or December 25, 2022, and all costs incurred during 2021 were paid by December 25, 2022.
We record severance as a one-time termination benefit and recognize the expense ratably over the employees’ required future service period. All other costs, including employee transition costs, recruitment and relocation costs, and third-party costs, are recognized in the period incurred. All strategic corporate reorganization costs were recorded in General and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
17. Income Taxes
The following table presents the domestic and foreign components of income before income taxes for 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):
2023 2022 2021
Domestic income $ 91,218 $ 65,434 $ 115,221
Foreign income 12,455 18,335 35,727
Total income $ 103,673 $ 83,769 $ 150,948
Included within the foreign income before income taxes above is $24.1 million, $23.6 million, and $22.4 million of foreign sourced income subject to foreign withholding taxes in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
A summary of the expense (benefit) for income tax follows (in thousands):
2023 2022 2021
Current:
Federal $ 20,742 $ 3,496 $ 10,591
Foreign 3,916 5,335 8,812
State and local 2,207 2,791 2,837
Deferred:
Federal (4,115) 4,243 2,430
Foreign (558) (1,152) 769
State and local (1,318) (293) 554
Total income tax expense $ 20,874 $ 14,420 $ 25,993
The reconciliation of income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory rate to income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021 is as follows in both dollars and as a percentage of income before income taxes (dollars in thousands):
2023 2022 2021
Income Tax
Expense (Benefit) Income
Tax Rate Income Tax
Expense (Benefit) Income
Tax Rate Income Tax
Expense (Benefit) Income
Tax Rate
Tax at U.S. federal statutory rate $ 21,771 21.0 % $ 17,591 21.0 % $ 31,699 21.0 %
State and local income taxes 1,866 1.8 % 1,422 1.7 % 2,317 1.5 %
Foreign income taxes 5,159 4.9 % 4,672 5.6 % 9,144 6.1 %
Income of consolidated partnerships attributable to noncontrolling interests (159) (0.2) % (355) (0.4) % (1,110) (0.7) %
Non-qualified deferred compensation plan expense (income) (752) (0.7) % 1,278 1.5 % (911) (0.6) %
Excess tax (benefits) on equity awards (539) (0.5) % (3,902) (4.7) % (3,697) (2.5) %
Tax credits (7,003) (6.8) % (8,981) (10.7) % (8,830) (5.9) %
Non-deductible executive compensation 1,341 1.3 % 2,450 2.9 % 2,636 1.7 %
Foreign-derived intangible income (1,263) (1.2) % (1,452) (1.7) % (1,519) (1.0) %
US deferred offset on foreign deferreds 270 0.3 % 1,183 1.4 % 238 0.2 %
Other 183 0.2 % 514 0.6 % (3,974) (2.6) %
Total $ 20,874 20.1 % $ 14,420 17.2 % $ 25,993 17.2 %
Significant deferred tax assets (liabilities) follow (in thousands):
December 31,
2023 December 25,
Accrued liabilities $ 12,735 $ 17,424
Accrued bonuses 2,284 351
Other liabilities and asset reserves 15,315 14,607
Equity awards 7,988 7,905
Lease liabilities 45,550 45,646
Other 2,825 2,904
Net operating losses 13,759 11,738
Foreign tax credit carryforwards 23,888 20,198
Total deferred tax assets 124,344 120,773
Valuation allowances (37,609) (32,052)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances 86,735 88,721
Deferred expenses (5,719) (5,756)
Accelerated depreciation (23,012) (31,098)
Goodwill (7,881) (7,690)
Right-of-use assets (41,513) (41,892)
Other (1,071) (365)
Total deferred tax liabilities (79,196) (86,801)
Net deferred tax assets $ 7,539 $ 1,920
The following table summarizes changes in the Company’s valuation allowances on deferred tax (in thousands):
Balance at December 26, 2021
$ 28,598
Charged to costs and expenses 3,454
Balance at December 25, 2022
$ 32,052
Charged to costs and expenses 5,470
Other 87
Balance at December 31, 2023
$ 37,609
The Company had approximately $10.3 million and $10.2 million of state deferred tax assets in separate company jurisdictions primarily related to state net operating loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively. Our ability to utilize these state deferred tax assets is dependent on our ability to generate earnings in future years in the respective state jurisdictions. The Company provided a full valuation allowance of $10.3 million and $10.2 million for these state deferred tax assets as we believe realization based on the more-likely-than-not criteria has not been met as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively.
The Company had approximately $3.0 million and $2.0 million of state deferred tax assets related to state income tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively. Our ability to fully utilize these deferred tax assets related to state income tax credit carryforwards is dependent on our ability to generate earnings in future years in the respective state jurisdictions. The Company provided a partial valuation allowance of $0.7 million and $0.5 million against these state deferred tax assets at December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively. We believe that a portion of these state income tax credit carryforwards would not be realizable before expiration.
The Company had approximately $4.6 million and $2.2 million of foreign net operating loss and capital loss carryovers as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively. The Company had approximately $2.7 million and $1.2 million of valuation allowances primarily related to the foreign net operating losses, foreign capital losses and foreign deferred tax assets at both December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022. A substantial majority of our foreign net operating losses do not have an expiration date.
In addition, the Company had approximately $23.9 million and $20.2 million in foreign tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively, that expire ten years from inception in years 2027 through 2033. Our ability to utilize these foreign tax credit carryforwards is dependent on our ability to generate foreign earnings in future years sufficient to claim foreign tax credits in excess of foreign taxes paid in those years. The Company provided a full valuation allowance of $23.9 million and $20.2 million for these foreign tax credit carryforwards as we believe realization based on the more-likely-than-not criteria has not been met as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively.
Cash for income taxes paid were $12.5 million in 2023, $11.7 million in 2022 and $32.6 million in 2021.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company, with few exceptions, is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-US income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2019. The Company is currently undergoing examinations by various tax authorities.
The Company had $1.1 million of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2023 which, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability for unrecognized tax benefits excluding interest and penalties is as follows, which is recorded in Other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):
Balance at December 26, 2021
$ 896
Additions for tax positions of prior years 331
Reductions for tax positions of prior years (65)
Balance at December 25, 2022
$ 1,162
Additions for tax positions of prior years 217
Reductions for tax positions of prior years (321)
Balance at December 31, 2023
$ 1,058
The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of income tax expense. The Company has accrued approximately $0.1 million for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022.
18. Related Party Transactions
Shaquille O’Neal
On March 21, 2019, Shaquille O’Neal was appointed to our Board of Directors. On June 11, 2019, PJMF entered into an Endorsement Agreement (the “Original Endorsement Agreement”), effective March 15, 2019, with ABG-Shaq, LLC (“ABG-Shaq”), an entity affiliated with Mr. O’Neal, for the personal services of Mr. O’Neal. Pursuant to the Original Endorsement Agreement, the Company received the right and license to use Mr. O’Neal’s name, nickname, initials, autograph, voice, video or film portrayals, photograph, likeness and certain other intellectual property rights (individually and collectively, the “Personality Rights”), in each case, solely as approved by ABG-Shaq, in connection with the advertising, promotion and sale of Papa John’s-branded products. Mr. O’Neal also agreed to provide brand ambassador services related to appearances, social media and public relations matters, and to collaborate with us to develop one or more co-branded products using the Personality Rights. Mr. O’Neal and the Company developed a co-branded extra-large pizza product using the Personality Rights under an amendment to the Original Endorsement Agreement signed July 27, 2020 (the “First Amendment”).
As consideration for the rights and services granted under the Original Endorsement Agreement, the Company agreed to pay to ABG-Shaq aggregate cash payments of $4.1 million over the three years of the Original Endorsement Agreement. The Company also paid expenses related to the marketing and personal services provided by Mr. O’Neal. In addition, the Company agreed to grant 87,136 restricted stock units to Mr. O’Neal (as agent of ABG) under our 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
On July 29, 2021, the Company and PJMF entered into Amendment No. 2 (the “Second Amendment”) to the Original Endorsement Agreement with ABG-Shaq. Pursuant to the Second Amendment, the Company was granted the ability to use the Personality Rights for a limited time to promote, advertise, and sell our co-branded extra-large pizza developed under the First Amendment. ABG-Shaq did not receive any additional royalty fees from the Company beyond the cash payment already contemplated under the Original Endorsement Agreement under the Amendment. In addition, the Company
donated one U.S. dollar for each unit of the pizza sold in the United States and one Canadian dollar for each unit sold in Canada to The Papa John’s Foundation for Building Community.
On March 15, 2022, the Original Endorsement Agreement expired by its terms. On April 10, 2022, the Company and PJMF entered into a new Endorsement Agreement (the “New Endorsement Agreement”), effective March 15, 2022, with ABG-Shaq, LLC (“ABG-Shaq”), to replace the Original Endorsement Agreement.
The terms of the New Endorsement Agreement are substantially similar to the Original Endorsement Agreement. As consideration for the rights and services granted under the New Endorsement Agreement, the Company and PJMF agreed to pay to ABG-Shaq aggregate cash payments of $5.6 million over the three years of the New Endorsement Agreement. The Company and PJMF will also pay ABG-Shaq a royalty fee for the co-branded pizza product if the total amount of royalties in a given contract year (calculated as $0.20 per co-branded pizza sold) exceeds the contractual cash payment for that year, in which case the amount of the royalty payment will be the excess of the royalties over the cash payment amount. The Company did not pay royalties in 2023 and 2022 for the co-branded pizza promotion. The Company and PJMF will also pay expenses related to the marketing and personal services provided by Mr. O’Neal.
In addition, the Company agreed to grant 55,898 restricted stock units (the “RSUs”) to Mr. O’Neal (as agent of ABG) under the Company’s 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The RSUs will vest into an equivalent number of shares of the Company’s common stock according to the following vesting schedule:
● 33% (18,632) of the RSUs vested on April 12, 2023;
● 33% (18,632) of the RSUs will vest on March 15, 2024; and
● 33% (18,634) of the RSUs will vest on March 15, 2025.
The initial term of the New Endorsement Agreement ends on March 15, 2025, with an option for a one-year extension upon the parties’ mutual agreement. The New Endorsement Agreement also includes customary exclusivity, termination and indemnification clauses.
Effective August 1, 2023, the Company and PJMF entered into Amendment No. 1 to the New Endorsement Agreement (“Amendment No. 1”). As consideration for rights and services granted within Amendment No. 1, the Company agreed to a pay a minimum donation of $375,000 for the benefit of The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, of which $125,000 was paid during 2023 with the remaining $250,000 to be paid during 2024.
Starboard Share Repurchase
On March 1, 2023, the Company repurchased approximately 2.2 million shares from certain funds affiliated with, or managed by, Starboard Value LP (collectively, “Starboard”), at $82.52 per share, for a total aggregate consideration of $179.6 million. The transaction was negotiated by an independent committee of the Board of Directors formed for the purpose of evaluating a possible transaction involving Starboard, and was approved by the full Board upon such independent committee’s recommendation. Starboard’s Chief Executive Officer is Jeffrey Smith, who previously served as the Company’s Chairman of the Board until his resignation on March 1, 2023.
19. Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
The Company is involved in a number of lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including those specifically identified below, consisting of intellectual property, employment, consumer, commercial and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. In accordance with ASC 450, “Contingencies,” the Company has made accruals with respect to these matters, where appropriate, which are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. We review these provisions at least quarterly and adjust these provisions to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and other information and events pertaining to a particular case.
In re Papa John’s Employee & Franchise Employee Antitrust Litigation is a putative class action filed in December 2018 in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The suit alleges that the “no-poaching” provision previously contained in the Company’s franchise agreement constituted an unlawful agreement or conspiracy in restraint of trade and commerce in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act. On April 14, 2022, the parties reached a
settlement in principle to resolve the case. Pursuant to the terms of the proposed settlement, in exchange for the Company’s payment of a total aggregate settlement amount of $5.0 million and other non-monetary consideration, all claims in the action will be dismissed, the litigation will be terminated, and the Company will receive a release. The settlement amount was recorded in General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the first quarter of 2022 and remained accrued in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023. The proposed settlement is subject to approval by the District Court and contains certain customary contingencies. The Company continues to deny any liability or wrongdoing in this matter.
Commitments and Contingencies
We have certain other commercial commitments where payment is contingent upon the occurrence of certain events. With our insurance programs, we are party to surety bonds with off-balance sheet risk for a total of $20.7 million as of December 31, 2023. The surety bond arrangements expire within one year but have automatic renewal clauses. These arrangements have not had, and are unlikely to have in the future, a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheets or Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We guarantee leases for certain Papa Johns North American franchisees who have purchased restaurants that were previously Company-owned. We are contingently liable on these leases. The leases have varying terms, the latest of which expires in 2036. As of December 31, 2023, the estimate maximum amount of undiscounted payments the Company could be required to make in the event of nonpayment by the primary lessees was approximately $7.3 million. This contingent liability is not included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets or our future minimum lease obligations. The fair value of the guarantee is not material.
20. Equity Compensation
We award time-based restricted stock, performance-based restricted stock units, and stock options from time to time under the Papa John’s International, Inc. 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan. There were approximately 3.0 million shares of common stock authorized for issuance and remaining available under the 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2023, which includes 5.9 million shares transferred from the Papa John’s International 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
We recorded stock-based employee compensation expense of $17.9 million in 2023, $18.4 million in 2022 and $16.9 million in 2021. At December 31, 2023, there was $18.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards, of which the Company expects to recognize $12.4 million in 2024, $5.6 million in 2025 and $0.9 million in 2026.
Stock Options
Options exercised, which were issued from authorized shares, included 43,000 shares in 2023, 82,000 shares in 2022 and 212,000 shares in 2021. The total intrinsic value of the options exercised during 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $1.2 million, $3.4 million and $10.1 million, respectively.
There were no options granted in 2023, 2022 or 2021. Information pertaining to option activity during 2023 is as follows (number of options and aggregate intrinsic value in thousands):
Number
of
Options Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(In Years) Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at December 25, 2022 235 $ 56.53
Exercised (43) 52.56
Cancelled (1) 70.96
Outstanding at December 31, 2023 191 $ 57.35 3.60 $ 3,681
Exercisable at December 31, 2023 191 $ 57.35 3.60 $ 3,681
Restricted Stock
We granted shares of restricted stock that are time-based and generally vest in equal installments over three years (190,000 in 2023, 165,000 in 2022 and 130,000 in 2021). Upon vesting, the shares are issued from treasury stock. These restricted
shares are intended to focus participants on our long-range objectives, while at the same time serving as a retention mechanism. We consider time-based restricted stock awards to be participating securities because holders of such shares have non-forfeitable dividend rights. We declared dividends totaling $0.5 million ($1.76 per share) in 2023, $0.5 million ($1.54 per share) in 2022 and $0.4 million ($1.15 per share) in 2021 to holders of time-based restricted stock.
We granted 14,000, 69,000 and 11,000 restricted stock units that are time-based and vest over a period of one to three years in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Upon vesting, the units are issued from treasury stock. Total dividends declared for these awards were insignificant to the results of our operations.
Additionally, we granted stock settled performance-based restricted stock units to executive management (80,000 units in 2023, 64,000 units in 2022, and 61,000 units in 2021).
The performance-based restricted stock units require the achievement of certain performance and market factors, which consist of the Company’s Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) relative to a predetermined peer group. The grant-date fair value of the performance-based restricted stock units was determined through the use of a Monte Carlo simulation model.
The following is a summary of the significant assumptions used in estimating the fair value of the performance-based restricted stock units granted in 2023, 2022 and 2021:
Assumptions: 2023 2022 2021
Risk-free interest rate 4.5 % 1.5 % 0.2 %
Expected volatility 38.6 % 45.0 % 48.3 %
The risk-free interest rate for the periods within the contractual life of the performance-based restricted stock unit is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Expected volatility was estimated using the Company’s historical share price volatility for a period similar to the expected life of the performance-based restricted stock unit.
The performance-based restricted stock units granted vest over three years (cliff vest) and are expensed over the performance period. The weighted average grant-date fair value of performance-based restricted stock units granted during 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $88.43, $113.90 and $103.14, respectively.
The fair value of time-based restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock units is based on the market price of the Company’s shares on the grant date. Information pertaining to these awards during 2023 is as follows (shares in thousands):
Shares Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Total as of December 25, 2022 518 $ 91.23
Granted 283 84.13
Forfeited (92) 95.18
Vested (226) 75.88
Total as of December 31, 2023 483 $ 93.27
21. Employee Benefit Plans
The Papa John’s International, Inc. 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”), is a defined contribution benefit plan in accordance with Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The 401(k) Plan is open to employees who meet certain eligibility requirements and allows participating employees to defer receipt of a portion of their compensation and contribute such amount to one or more investment funds.
In addition, we maintain a non-qualified deferred compensation plan available to certain employees and directors. Under this plan, the participants may defer a certain amount of their compensation, which is credited to the participants’ accounts. The participant-directed investments associated with this plan are included in Other assets ($29.4 million and $30.1 million
at December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively) and the associated liabilities ($28.3 million at December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022) are included in Other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We contributed a matching payment of 4% of a participating employee’s earnings deferred into the 401(k) Plan in 2023 and 2022. In 2021, we contributed a discretionary matching payment of 4%, up to a maximum of 6% of a participating employee’s earnings deferred into both the 401(k) Plan and the non-qualified deferred compensation plan. Such costs were $4.3 million in 2023, $4.4 million in 2022 and $3.5 million in 2021.
22. Divestitures
Divestiture of Preferred Marketing Solutions
On October 22, 2023, we sold the operations of Preferred Marketing Solutions, our previously wholly-owned print and promotions company, for upfront consideration of $0.6 million as well as a percentage of future revenues to be paid on a quarterly basis over the next ten years. In connection with the divestiture, we deconsolidated total net assets of approximately $1.2 million, which primarily included property and equipment of $0.6 million and goodwill of $0.4 million associated with Preferred Marketing Solutions. There was no gain or loss recognized on the sale, and the impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements was not material for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Refranchising Loss
On March 28, 2022, we refranchised our 51.0% ownership interest in a 90-restaurant consolidated joint venture in Texas for $14.0 million, net of transaction costs. In connection with the divestiture, we recorded a one-time, non-cash charge of $8.4 million in Refranchising and impairment loss in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, which reflects net sale proceeds of $14.0 million, the noncontrolling interest of $4.2 million, and the recognition of an unearned royalty stream of $12.2 million to be recognized as revenue over the 10-year term of the franchise agreement executed concurrent with the disposition in accordance with ASC 810, “Consolidation.” Goodwill of $9.9 million was allocated to the disposal group based on relative fair value within the Domestic Company-owned restaurants reporting group. The $8.4 million of the one-time, non-cash refranchising loss was recorded in the first quarter of 2022 and realized upon consummation of the sale in the second quarter of 2022.
Impairment of Reacquired Master Franchise Rights
In the first quarter of 2022, the Company recorded an impairment of $2.8 million in Refranchising and impairment loss in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for reacquired franchise rights due to the financial and operational impact of the conflict in Ukraine and government actions taken in response to that conflict, including, but not limited to, international sanctions. The reacquired franchise rights were previously acquired from a former master franchisee and capitalized by the Company.
23. Segment Information
We have four reportable segments: Domestic Company-owned restaurants, North America franchising, North America commissaries, and International operations. The Domestic Company-owned restaurant segment consists of the operations of all Domestic Company-owned restaurants and principally generates revenues from retail sales of pizza, Papadias, and side items, including breadsticks, Papa Bites, cheesesticks, boneless chicken wings and bone-in chicken wings, dessert items and canned or bottled beverages. The North America franchising segment consists of our franchise sales and support activities and derives its revenues from sales of franchise and development rights and collection of royalties from our franchisees located in the United States and Canada. The North America commissary segment consists of the operations of our regional dough production and product distribution centers and derives its revenues principally from the sale and distribution of food and paper products to Domestic Company-owned and franchised restaurants in the United States and Canada. The International segment consists of the operations of all Company-owned restaurants located in the UK, as well as distribution sales to franchised Papa Johns restaurants located in the UK and our franchise sales and support activities, which derive revenues from sales of franchise and development rights and the collection of royalties from our International franchisees. International franchisees are defined as all franchise operations outside of the United States and Canada. All other business units that do not meet the quantitative thresholds for determining reportable segments, which are not operating segments, we refer to as “all other,” which consists of operations that derive revenues from the sale, principally
to Company-owned and franchised restaurants, of printing and promotional items, franchise contributions to marketing funds and information systems and related services used in restaurant operations, including our point-of-sale system, online and other technology-based ordering platforms.
Generally, we evaluate performance and allocate resources based on operating income. Certain administrative and capital costs are allocated to segments based upon predetermined rates or estimated resource usage. We account for intercompany sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties and eliminate the activity in consolidation.
Our reportable segments are business units that provide different products or services. Separate management of each segment is required because each business unit is subject to different operational issues and strategies. No single external customer accounted for 10% or more of our total revenues.
The following tables present our segment information.
(In thousands) 2023 2022 2021
Revenues:
Domestic Company-owned restaurants $ 726,362 $ 708,389 $ 778,323
North America franchising 144,550 137,399 129,310
North America commissaries 852,361 869,634 761,305
International 182,487 158,682 184,099
All others 229,953 227,999 215,384
Total revenues $ 2,135,713 $ 2,102,103 $ 2,068,421
Intersegment revenues:
North America franchising $ 4,267 $ 4,122 $ 4,179
North America commissaries 210,614 217,570 215,393
All others 66,487 70,283 75,366
Total intersegment revenues $ 281,368 $ 291,975 $ 294,938
Depreciation and amortization:
Domestic Company-owned restaurants $ 14,184 $ 11,495 $ 11,728
North America commissaries 16,046 13,299 11,974
International 3,167 1,774 2,326
All others 15,572 12,681 9,928
Unallocated corporate expenses 15,121 12,783 12,860
Total depreciation and amortization $ 64,090 $ 52,032 $ 48,816
Operating income:
Domestic Company-owned restaurants (a)
$ 33,470 $ 15,966 $ 49,628
North America franchising 133,800 127,882 120,949
North America commissaries 43,316 42,531 39,873
International (b) (c)
11,766 17,891 34,896
All others 10,116 10,084 17,704
Unallocated corporate expenses (d)
(85,353) (104,419) (94,114)
Elimination of intersegment losses (profits) 27 (905) (695)
Total operating income $ 147,142 $ 109,030 $ 168,241
______________________________
(a) Includes a one-time, non-cash charge of $8.4 million associated with the refranchising of the Company’s ownership interest in a 90-restaurant joint venture, recorded as Refranchising and impairment loss for the year ended December 25, 2022. See “Note 22. Divestitures” for additional information.
(b) For the year ended December 31, 2023, International includes the following:
•$4.2 million of costs associated with repositioning the UK portfolio as well as transaction costs related to the acquisition of restaurants from franchisees.
•$2.2 million of costs related to the Company’s International restructuring plan, comprised of $1.5 million in severance compensation costs and $0.7 million in consulting and professional fees.
•$0.9 million one-time non-cash charge related to the reserve of certain accounts receivable related to the conflict in the Middle East.
(c) For the year ended December 25, 2022, International includes charges of $3.5 million related to one-time, non-cash reserves for certain accounts receivable and impairments of reacquired franchise rights due to the financial and operational impact of the conflict in Ukraine and $6.1 million of costs associated with the termination of significant franchisees in the UK, including the reserve of certain accounts and notes receivable and operating lease right-of-use assets impairment. See “Note 22. Divestitures” and “Note 10. Allowance for Credit Losses” for additional information.
(d) For the year ended December 31, 2023, Unallocated corporate expenses includes $2.0 million of severance and related costs associated with the transition of certain executives and $0.6 million for certain legal settlements. For the year ended December 25, 2022, Unallocated corporate expenses includes $15.0 million for certain legal settlements, $13.9 million of one-time, non-cash reserves of certain notes receivable, and $1.5 million of advisory fees and severance costs associated with the transition of certain executives.
(In thousands) 2023 2022 2021
Property and equipment, net:
Domestic Company-owned restaurants $ 257,318 $ 238,658 $ 241,050
North America commissaries 161,303 149,920 149,218
International 32,083 16,080 14,642
All others 138,028 131,210 109,052
Unallocated corporate assets 253,959 254,425 236,132
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (559,879) (540,500) (526,238)
Property and equipment, net $ 282,812 $ 249,793 $ 223,856
Expenditures for property and equipment:
Domestic Company-owned restaurants $ 25,016 $ 23,057 $ 16,108
North America commissaries 10,654 5,729 4,007
International 6,518 5,175 1,979
All others 18,664 18,296 18,645
Unallocated corporate 15,768 26,134 27,820
Total expenditures for property and equipment $ 76,620 $ 78,391 $ 68,559
Disaggregation of Revenue
In the following tables, revenues are disaggregated by major product line. The tables also include a reconciliation of the disaggregated revenues by the reportable segment:
Reportable Segments
(In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2023
Major Products/Services Lines Domestic Company-owned
restaurants North America franchising North America
commissaries International All others Total
Company-owned restaurant sales $ 726,362 $ - $ - $ 34,463 $ - $ 760,825
Franchise royalties and fees - 148,817 - 50,437 - 199,254
Commissary sales - - 1,062,975 72,287 - 1,135,262
Other revenues - - - 25,300 296,440 321,740
Eliminations - (4,267) (210,614) - (66,487) (281,368)
Total segment revenues 726,362 144,550 852,361 182,487 229,953 2,135,713
International other revenues (a)
- - - (25,300) 25,300 -
Total revenues $ 726,362 $ 144,550 $ 852,361 $ 157,187 $ 255,253 $ 2,135,713
Reportable Segments
(In thousands) Year Ended December 25, 2022
Major Products/Services Lines Domestic Company-owned
restaurants North America franchising North America
commissaries International All others Total
Company-owned restaurant sales $ 708,389 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 708,389
Franchise royalties and fees - 141,521 - 49,422 - 190,943
Commissary sales - - 1,087,204 80,481 - 1,167,685
Other revenues - - - 28,779 298,282 327,061
Eliminations - (4,122) (217,570) - (70,283) (291,975)
Total segment revenues 708,389 137,399 869,634 158,682 227,999 2,102,103
International other revenues (a)
- - - (28,779) 28,779 -
Total revenues $ 708,389 $ 137,399 $ 869,634 $ 129,903 $ 256,778 $ 2,102,103
Reportable Segments
(In thousands) Year Ended December 26, 2021
Major Products/Services Lines Domestic Company-owned
restaurants North America franchising North America
commissaries International All others Total
Company-owned restaurant sales $ 778,323 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 778,323
Franchise royalties and fees - 133,489 - 53,148 - 186,637
Commissary sales - - 976,698 97,623 - 1,074,321
Other revenues - - - 33,328 290,750 324,078
Eliminations - (4,179) (215,393) - (75,366) (294,938)
Total segment revenues 778,323 129,310 761,305 184,099 215,384 2,068,421
International other revenues (a)
- - - (33,328) 33,328 -
Total revenues $ 778,323 $ 129,310 $ 761,305 $ 150,771 $ 248,712 $ 2,068,421
______________________________
(a) Other revenues as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations include $25.3 million, $28.8 million and $33.3 million of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022, and December 26, 2021 respectively, that are part of the International reporting segment. These amounts include marketing fund contributions and sublease rental income from International franchisees in the UK that provide no significant contribution to income before income taxes but must be reported on a gross basis under accounting requirements. The related expenses for these Other revenues are reported in Other expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
24. Acquisitions
UK Franchisee Acquisitions
As part of our investment to reposition our UK business, in 2023 we acquired a portfolio of Company-owned restaurants in the UK market that were previously franchised. Our control and ownership of this portfolio enables us to implement operating model enhancements in the restaurants including revenue management capabilities, product and technological innovation and operational efficiencies to improve sales and restaurant-level profitability, and to drive initiatives for future growth and profitability in the Company’s largest market outside of North America. As part of this investment, the Company acquired 91 Papa Johns restaurants previously operated by the M25 division of Drake Food Service International in the United Kingdom on June 2, 2023 for total consideration of approximately $13.7 million. The Company acquired an additional 27 Papa Johns restaurants in the United Kingdom in the third quarter of 2023 for total consideration of approximately $1.5 million. Collectively, we refer to these acquisitions as the “UK franchisee acquisitions.”
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company incurred $2.1 million of acquisition and transition costs related to the UK franchisee acquisitions. These expenses were recorded within General and administrative expenses and within the International segment in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The results of operations of the acquired restaurants after their respective acquisition dates are included within the International segment in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The impact of the acquisitions was not material to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
The UK franchisee acquisitions have been accounted for as business combinations. As such, the Company concluded that the consideration was measured at fair value and has recorded the preliminary estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the respective acquisition dates. Total consideration was approximately $15.2 million, of which $13.7 million was pre-existing accounts receivable and notes receivable and is classified as a noncash investing transaction within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2023. Assets acquired include approximately $10.6 million of property and equipment, net, $0.3 million of inventories and other assets and $4.3 million of goodwill. No measurement period adjustments related to the UK franchisee acquisitions have been recorded during the year ended December 31, 2023
The total goodwill recognized in conjunction with the UK franchisee acquisitions, all of which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes, has been assigned to the International operating segment. The purchase price exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired, which resulted in the recognition of goodwill, primarily due to synergies created from expected future benefits stemming from implementation of the Company’s operational capabilities and further control of the
Company’s brand name in our most prominent international market. Goodwill also includes certain other benefits that do not qualify for recognition as intangible assets, such as an assembled workforce.
Domestic Acquisitions
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we acquired ten Domestic restaurants for a total purchase price of $4.1 million, which was classified as cash used in investing activities within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The impact of the acquisitions was not material to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Acquired assets recorded within the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 primarily included restaurant property and equipment of $1.6 million, reacquired franchise rights of $1.3 million, and goodwill of $1.1 million. These amounts include measurement period adjustments to increase property and equipment and reduce reacquired franchise rights by $0.2 million, which were recorded during the fourth quarter of 2023.
The amounts recorded as a result of our preliminary acquisition accounting for the UK franchisee acquisitions and Domestic acquisitions are subject to change and further refinement. The Company is finalizing its valuation of acquired property and equipment as well as gathering and assessing information regarding leases and other assets. The Company expects all outstanding items to be finalized prior to the one-year anniversary date of the respective acquisitions.
25. Subsequent Events
In February 2024, as the next phase of the International Transformation Plan discussed in Note 16, “Restructuring,” the Board of Directors approved a plan to close approximately 50 underperforming Company-owned restaurants in the United Kingdom during the first six months of 2024. The purpose of this plan is to optimize the Company's restaurant portfolio in the UK and improve overall profitability by closing unprofitable locations and allowing us to focus on improving profitability across our remaining portfolio of Company-owned restaurants and franchisee base in the UK.
As a result of this decision, the Company expects to incur restructuring charges of approximately $10.0 million to $15.0 million, which will be recognized during 2024 within our International segment. These charges are expected to primarily consist of lease right-of-use asset and fixed asset impairment charges, employee severance, and other related expenses. The estimated range of restructuring charges is based on management's best estimate at the time of this filing and is subject to change as additional information becomes available. The actual charges may differ from the estimates due to various factors, including the evaluation of our ability to sublease the closed restaurant properties and the number of employees affected by the restaurant closures.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
(a)Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based upon this evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
(b)Management’s Report on our Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act. Our internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and the board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (“COSO”) of the Treadway Commission (“2013 Framework”). Based on our evaluation under the COSO 2013 Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023.
Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and, as part of its audit, has issued an attestation report, included herein, on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.
(c)Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2023 that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Papa John’s International, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Papa John’s International, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control- Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Papa John’s International, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 2023 consolidated financial statements of the Company, and our report dated February 29, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on our Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Louisville, Kentucky
February 29, 2024

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
During the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2023, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement”, as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information regarding executive officers is included above under the caption “Information about our Executive Officers” at the end of Part I of this Report. Other information regarding directors, executive officers and corporate governance appearing under the captions “Corporate Governance,” “Item 1. Election of Directors” and “Executive Compensation - Compensation Discussion and Analysis” is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report.
We have adopted a written code of ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees. We intend to post all required disclosures concerning any amendments to or waivers from, our code of ethics on our website to the extent permitted by Nasdaq. Our code of ethics can be found on our website, which is located at www.papajohns.com.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information regarding executive compensation appearing under the captions “Executive Compensation - Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” (excluding information under the subheading “Pay Versus Performance Disclosure”) “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions - Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Item 3. Advisory Approval of the Company’s Executive Compensation” is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2023 regarding the number of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be issued under the Company’s equity compensation plans.
Plan Category (a)
Number of
securities to be
issued upon exercise
of outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
(b)
Weighted
average
exercise price
of outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
(c)
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans,
excluding securities
reflected in column (a)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders 191,490 $ 57.35 3,037,514
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders * 72,307 - -
Total 263,797 $ 57.35 3,037,514
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*Represents shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the non-qualified deferred compensation plan. The weighted average exercise price (column b) does not include any assumed price for issuance of shares pursuant to the non-qualified deferred compensation plan.
Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters appearing under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions, and director independence appearing under the captions “Corporate Governance” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Information regarding principal accounting fees and services appearing under the caption “Item 2. Ratification of the Selection of Independent Auditors” is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a)(1)Financial Statements:
The following Consolidated Financial Statements, notes related thereto and reports of independent auditors are included in Item 8 of this Report:
•Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 42)
•Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022
•Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022, and December 26, 2021
•Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021
•Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021
•Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021
•Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(a)(2)Financial Statement Schedules:
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.
(a)(3)Exhibits:
The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index are filed as part of this Form 10-K.
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
3.1 Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Exhibit 3.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 29, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference.
3.2 Our Amended and Restated By-Laws. Exhibit 3.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 27, 2015 is incorporated herein by reference.
3.3 Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of Papa John’s International, Inc. Exhibit 3.1 to our report on Form 8-K as filed on July 23, 2018 is incorporated herein by reference.
4.1 Indenture dated September 14, 2021, among Papa John’s International, Inc., each of the guarantors party thereto and Truist Bank, as trustee. Exhibit 4.1 to our report on Form 8-K as filed on September 14, 2021 is incorporated herein by reference.
4.2 Form of 3.875% Senior Notes due 2029. Exhibit 4.2 to our report on Form 8-K as filed on September 14, 2021 is incorporated herein by reference.
4.3 Specimen Common Stock Certificate. Exhibit 4.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 is incorporated herein by reference.
4.4 Description of Registrant’s securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Exhibit 4.4 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2022 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.1 Form of Papa John’s International, Inc. Director Indemnification Agreement. Exhibit 10.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.2 Form of Papa John’s International, Inc. Officer Indemnification Agreement. Exhibit 10.2 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.3* Employment Agreement between Papa John’s International, Inc. and Robert Lynch effective August 26, 2019. Exhibit 10.1 to our report on Form 8-K as filed on August 28, 2019 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.4* Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated April 7, 2022, by and between Papa John’s International, Inc. and Robert Lynch. Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2022 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.5 Endorsement Agreement executed April 10, 2022, and effective March 15, 2022, by and among, on the one hand, ABG-Shaq, LLC, for the personal services of Shaquille O’Neal, and, on the other hand, Papa John’s Marketing Fund, Inc. and Papa John’s International, Inc. Exhibit 10.1 to our report on Form 8-K as filed on April 13, 2022 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.6 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated September 14, 2021, among Papa John’s International, Inc., each of the guarantors and lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, Inc., as administrative agent. Exhibit 10.1 to our report on Form 8-K as filed on September 14, 2021 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.7 * Papa John’s International, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended through December 5, 2012. Exhibit 10.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
10.8* Papa John’s International, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective October 28, 2021. Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 26, 2021 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.9* Papa John’s International, Inc. 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Exhibit 4.1 to our report on Form 8-K as filed on May 8, 2018 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.10* Papa John’s International, Inc. 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Exhibit 4.1 to our report on Form 8-K as filed on May 3, 2011 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.11* Papa John’s International, Inc. Amended and Restated Change of Control Severance Plan. Exhibit 10.1 to our report on Form 8-K filed on November 4, 2020 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.12* Papa John’s International, Inc. Severance Pay Plan. Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 25, 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.13* Amendment to Papa John’s International, Inc. Severance Pay Plan. Exhibit 10.2 to our report on Form 8-K as filed on November 2, 2018 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.14* Amendment No. 2 to Papa John’s International, Inc. Severance Pay Plan. Exhibit 10.1 to our report on Form 8-K as filed on December 7, 2020 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.15 Share Repurchase Agreement by and among Papa John’s International, Inc. and the sellers listed on the schedule of sellers attached thereto. Exhibit 101 to our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on March 2, 2023 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.16 Amendment No. 1, dated as of May 30, 2023, to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 14, 2021, among Papa John’s International, Inc., each of the guarantors and lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 25, 2023 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.17 Amendment No. 1, effective as of August 1, 2023, to Endorsement Agreement dated as of March 15, 2022 by and among, on the one hand, ABG-Shaq, LLC, for the personal services of Shaquille O’Neal and, on the other hand, Papa John’s Marketing Fund, Inc. and Papa John’s International, Inc. Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 24, 2023 is incorporated herein by reference.
21** Subsidiaries of the Company.
23.1** Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
31.1** Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e).
31.2** Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e).
32.1** Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
32.2** Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
97.1** Compensation Clawback Policy
101 Financial statements from the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Papa John’s International, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed on February 29, 2024 formatted in inline XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
_______________________________________________________
* Compensatory plan required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 15(c) of Form 10-K.
** Filed herewith.