-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Patn430slEcs6z46/3ykKVNHnPK9oCjqxfoDnOSy7v1vKa+8YPW2EQYYD31hUp8k JLkMhx2HDIscri4K0DM5UQ== 0000883976-05-000012.txt : 20050805 0000883976-05-000012.hdr.sgml : 20050805 20050805114917 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000883976-05-000012 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20050626 FILED AS OF DATE: 20050805 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20050805 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: RARE HOSPITALITY INTERNATIONAL INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000883976 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-EATING PLACES [5812] IRS NUMBER: 581498312 STATE OF INCORPORATION: GA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-19924 FILM NUMBER: 051001530 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 8215 ROSWELL RD STREET 2: BLDG 600 CITY: ATLANTA STATE: GA ZIP: 30350 BUSINESS PHONE: 7703999595 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 8215 ROSWELL ROAD STREET 2: BLDG 200 CITY: ATLANTA STATE: GA ZIP: 30350 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: LONGHORN STEAKS INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19930328 10-Q 1 rare06260510q.htm RARE HOSPITALITY 10-Q 06/26/05 10-Q 06/26/05

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

___________________________________

 

FORM 10-Q

___________________________________

 

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 26, 2005

 

Commission file number 0-19924

 

RARE Hospitality International, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Georgia

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization

58-1498312

(I. R. S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

8215 Roswell Rd; Bldg. 600; Atlanta, GA

(Address of principal executive offices)

30350

(Zip Code)

 

(770) 399-9595

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

XX

Yes

No

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

XX

Yes

No

 

As of August 2, 2005, there were 33,972,981 shares of common stock of the Registrant outstanding.

 

 

 


RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Index

 

 

Part I - Financial Information

Page

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited):

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 26, 2005 and December
                               26, 2004

 

1

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the quarters and six

months ended June 26, 2005 and June 27, 2004                 

2

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the six months

ended June 26, 2005

 

3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six

months ended June 26, 2005 and June 27, 2004

 

4

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5-7

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and

Results of Operations

 

7-10

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

10

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

11

 

Part II - Other Information

 

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

11

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

11

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

11

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders

 

11-12

Item 5. Other Information

 

12

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

12

Signatures

 

12

 

 



 

RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Assets

June 26,

2005

December 26,

2004

Current assets:

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 25,412

$ 19,547

Short-term investments

13,282

34,895

Accounts receivable

10,909

9,212

Inventories

13,491

12,564

Prepaid expenses

5,518

6,898

Refundable income taxes

--

3,327

Deferred income taxes

10,524

-----------

9,272

-----------

Total current assets

 

79,136

95,715

Property & equipment, less accumulated depreciation and

     amortization of $186,742 in 2005 and $171,305 in 2004

 

459,625

 

438,479

Goodwill

19,187

19,187

Other

16,326

-----------

14,739

-----------

Total assets

 

$ 574,274

========

$ 568,120

========

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

Accounts payable

$ 26,130

$ 33,113

Accrued expenses

65,940

69,937

Income taxes payable

3,422

--

Current installments of obligations under capital leases

251

-----------

207

-----------

Total current liabilities

 

95,743

103,257

Obligations under capital leases, net of current installments

37,001

37,136

Deferred income taxes

11,932

14,964

Other

7,653

-----------

6,820

-----------

Total liabilities

 

152,329

162,177

Minority interest

1,286

1,309

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

Preferred stock

--

--

Common stock

223,843

217,146

Unearned compensation-restricted stock

(1,599)

(1,588)

Retained earnings

231,522

202,253

Treasury stock at cost; 1,283 shares in 2005 and 593 shares in 2004

 

(33,107)

-----------

(13,177)

-----------

Total shareholders’ equity

 

420,659

-----------

404,634

-----------

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$ 574,274

========

$ 568,120

========

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 


 

RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Revenues:

Quarter Ended

Six Months Ended

 

June 26,

2005

June 27,

2004

June 26,

2005

June 27,

2004

Restaurant sales:

 

 

 

 

LongHorn Steakhouse

$168,492

$147,183

$333,686

$292,342

The Capital Grille

39,625

31,113

78,017

60,950

Bugaboo Creek Steak House

24,022

23,615

48,657

47,901

Specialty concepts

2,001

----------

2,052

----------

3,653

----------

3,788

----------

Total restaurant sales

234,140

203,963

464,013

404,981

Franchise revenues

124

----------

101

----------

221

----------

200

----------

Total revenues

234,264

----------

204,064

----------

464,234

----------

405,181

----------

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

Cost of restaurant sales

86,508

75,152

170,206

147,726

Operating expenses - restaurants

103,072

87,911

203,293

173,584

Depreciation and amortization - restaurants

8,680

7,457

17,132

14,636

Pre-opening expense

2,270

1,612

3,897

3,206

General and administrative expenses

12,599

----------

11,746

----------

25,022

----------

23,406

----------

Total costs and expenses

213,129

----------

183,878

----------

419,550

----------

362,558

----------

Operating income

21,135

20,186

44,684

42,623

Interest expense, net

394

207

651

323

Minority interest

60

----------

92

----------

186

----------

201

----------

Earnings before income taxes

20,681

19,887

43,847

42,099

Income tax expense

6,876

----------

6,610

----------

14,578

----------

13,995

----------

Net earnings

 

$13,805

======

$13,277

======

$29,269

======

$28,104

======

Basic earnings per common share

$ 0.41

======

$ 0.39

======

$ 0.86

======

$ 0.84

======

Diluted earnings per common share

$ 0.39

======

$ 0.37

======

$ 0.83

======

$ 0.79

======

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

Basic

33,985

======

33,646

======

34,072

======

33,618

======

Diluted

35,217

======

35,585

======

35,409

======

35,551

======

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements



 

RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity

For the six months ended June 26, 2005

(In thousands, unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

Restricted Stock

Unearned

Compensation-

Retained

Earnings

 

 

Treasury Stock

 

Total

Shareholders’      Equity

 

 

     Shares

 

     Amount

Balance, December 26, 2004

34,802

$ 217,146

$(1,588)

$ 202,253

$(13,177)

$ 404,634

Net earnings and total       comprehensive income

--

--

--

29,269

--

29,269

Purchase of common stock for       treasury

--

--

--

--

(19,930)

(19,930)

Amortization of restricted stock

--

--

757

--

--

757

Issuance of shares pursuant to      restricted stock award

28

863

(863)

--

--

--

Forfeiture of restricted      stock

(8)

(182)

95

--

--

(87)

Issuance of shares pursuant to      exercise of stock options

316

4,012

--

--

--

4,012

Tax benefit of stock options      exercised

--

--------

2,004

-------------

--

----------

--

------------

--

------------

2,004

-------------

Balance, June 26, 2005

35,138

=====

$ 223,843

========

$(1,599)

======

$ 231,522

=======

$(33,107)

=======

$ 420,659

========

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 


 

 

RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands, unaudited)

 

    

 

Six-Months Ended

 

June 26,

2005

June 27,

2004

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

Net earnings

$ 29,269

$ 28,104

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided

by operating activities:

 

Depreciation and amortization

18,704

15,856

Changes in working capital accounts

(2,700)

(8,392)

Minority interest

186

201

Deferred tax (benefit) expense

(4,284)

3,635

Sale (purchase) of short-term investments

 

21,613

------------

(2,215)

------------

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

62,788

------------

37,189

------------

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(39,083)

------------

(46,635)

------------

Net cash used by investing activities

 

(39,083)

------------

(46,635)

------------

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

Purchase of common stock for treasury

(19,930)

(8,188)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

4,012

3,031

Distributions to minority partners

(209)

(209)

Increase (decrease) in bank overdraft included in accounts

payable and accrued liabilities

(1,622)

2,958

Principal payments on capital leases

 

(91)

------------

(54)

------------

Net cash used by financing activities

 

(17,840)

------------

(2,462)

------------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

5,865

(11,908)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

19,547

------------

22,230

------------

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$ 25,412

=======

$ 10,322

=======

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

 

 

Cash paid for income taxes

 

$ 10,060

=======

$ 9,745

=======

Cash paid for interest net of amounts capitalized

 

$ 1,124

=======

$ 1,284

=======

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activities:

 

Assets acquired under capital lease                                                                                                           

--

=======

$ 11,668

=======

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 


 

 

RARE Hospitality International, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

1.

Basis of Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements of RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 26, 2005 and December 26, 2004 and for the quarters and six months ended June 26, 2005 and June 27, 2004 have been prepared by the Company, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the operating results for the respective periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally presented in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2004.

 

The Company records revenues for normal recurring sales upon the performance of services. Revenues from the sale of franchises are recognized as income when substantially all of the Company’s material obligations under the franchise agreement have been performed. Continuing royalties, which are a percentage of net sales of franchised restaurants, are accrued as income when earned.

 

The Company operates on a 52 or 53 week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in December. The fiscal quarters ended June 26, 2005 and June 27, 2004 each contained 13 weeks and are referred to hereafter as the second quarter of 2005 and the second quarter of 2004, respectively. Together, the first and second quarters of each fiscal year is referred to as the six months ended June 26, 2005 and June 27, 2004, respectively.

 

Certain prior period amounts in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet and Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows have been reclassified to conform to the presentation in fiscal 2005. These reclassifications had no effect on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

2.

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” (SFAS 123R). SFAS 123R is a revision of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Among other items, SFAS 123R eliminates the use of the intrinsic value method of accounting, and requires companies to recognize the cost of awards of equity instruments granted in exchange for employee services received, based on the grant date fair value of those awards, in the financial statements. The effective date of SFAS 123R was the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2005; however, on April 14, 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that the effective date of SFAS 123R was postponed until the first annual period beginning after June 15, 2005.

 

SFAS 123R permits companies to adopt its requirements using either a “modified prospective” method, or a “modified retrospective” method. Under the “modified prospective” method, compensation cost is recognized in the financial statements beginning with the effective date, based on the requirements of SFAS 123R for all share-based payments granted after that date, and based on the requirements of SFAS 123 for all unvested awards granted prior to the effective date of SFAS 123R. Under the “modified retrospective” method, the requirements are the same as under the “modified prospective” method, but this method also permits entities to restate financial statements of previous periods based on proforma disclosures made in accordance with SFAS 123.

 

The Company currently utilizes the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to measure the fair value of stock options granted to employees. While SFAS 123R permits entities to continue to use this model, the standard also permits the use of a “lattice” model. SFAS 123R also requires that the benefits associated with the tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under current literature. This requirement will reduce net operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods after the effective date. These future amounts cannot be estimated because they depend on, among other things, when employees exercise stock options.

As disclosed in Note 3, compensation cost for stock options for which the requisite future service has not yet taken place is disclosed as a proforma expense by applying the provisions of SFAS 123. The proforma application of SFAS 123 had a dilutive effect of approximately $0.02 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2005 and approximately $0.05 per diluted share for the first six months of 2005 and is expected to have a proforma dilutive effect of approximately $0.03 to $0.04 per diluted share in each of the remaining quarters of 2005. Compensation cost for stock options vesting beginning in fiscal 2006, and all restricted stock, will be expensed in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R, which will be effective for the Company at the beginning of fiscal 2006. Management is currently analyzing the implementation alternatives and requirements and is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this Standard on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


3.

Shareholders’ Equity and Stock Based Compensation

 

The Company has stock-based compensation plans that provide for the granting of restricted stock and incentive and non-qualified stock options to employees, officers, directors, consultants, and advisors. Under the plans, options are granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its stock-based plans as permitted under SFAS 123 and SFAS 148. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the Company’s stock option plans. Had the compensation cost for the Company’s stock option plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under those plans consistent with the fair value methodology of SFAS 123, the Company’s net income and earnings per share would have been as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

 

 

Quarter Ended

Six Months Ended

 

June 26,

2005

June 27,

2004

June 26,

2005

June 27,

2004

Net earnings, as reported

 

$13,805

$ 13,277

$29,269

$ 28,104

Add: stock-based compensation expense

 

 

 

 

Included in reported net earnings, net of tax

228

156

470

316

Deduct: stock-based compensation expense

 

 

 

 

Determined under fair value method for all awards,

net of tax

 

(1,037)

------------

(1,254)

------------

(2,263)

------------

(2,403)

------------

Proforma net earnings

$ 12,996

======

$ 12,179

======

$ 27,476

======

$ 26,017

======

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

Basic – as reported

$ 0.41

======

$ 0.39

======

$ 0.86

======

$ 0.84

======

Basic - proforma

$ 0.38

======

$ 0.36

======

$ 0.81

======

$ 0.77

======

Diluted – as reported

$ 0.39

======

$ 0.37

======

$ 0.83

======

$ 0.79

======

Diluted - proforma

$ 0.37

======

$ 0.35

======

$ 0.78

======

$ 0.74

======

 

4.

Long-Term Debt

 

At June 26, 2005, no borrowings were outstanding under the Company’s $100.0 million revolving credit agreement, and the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenant provisions. Interest expense is reported net of interest income and capitalized interest. Interest income equated to $306,000 and $67,000 for the second quarter of 2005 and 2004, respectively and to $562,000 and $187,000 for the first six months of 2005 and 2004, respectively. Interest capitalized in the second quarter of 2005 and 2004 was $157,000 and $413,000, respectively and was $500,000 and $829,000, for the first six months of 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

5.

Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense for the second quarter and first six months of 2005 has been provided for based on an estimated 33.25% effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full 2005 fiscal year. The effective income tax rate differs from applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to pre-tax earnings primarily due to employee FICA tip tax credits and work opportunity tax credits (both are a reduction in income tax expense) partially offset by state income taxes.       

 

6.

Treasury Shares

 

The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time through open market transactions, block purchases or in privately negotiated transactions. On April 20, 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to use up to $29.0 million to purchase shares of its common stock. During the second quarter of 2005, the Company repurchased 690,000 shares of its common stock at an average price of $28.88 for an aggregate cost of $19,930,000. As of June 26, 2005, approximately $9,070,000 remained available under the Company’s $29.0 million share repurchase authorization.

7.

Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per common share equals net earnings divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and does not include the dilutive effect of stock options or restricted stock. Diluted earnings per common share equals net earnings divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, after giving effect to dilutive stock options and restricted stock. A reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding and the related earnings per share calculation is presented below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

    

 

Quarter Ended

Six Months Ended

 

June 26,

2005

June 27,

2004

June 26,

2005

June 27,

2004

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

33,985

33,646

34,072

33,618

Dilutive effect of stock options

1,147

1,727

1,254

1,722

Dilutive effect of restricted stock

85

-----------

212

-----------

83

-----------

211

-----------

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

35,217

=======

35,585

=======

35,409

=======

35,551

=======

Net earnings

$ 13,805

=======

$ 13,277

=======

$ 29,269

=======

$ 28,104

=======

Basic earnings per common share

$ 0.41

=======

$ 0.39

=======

$ 0.86

=======

$ 0.84

=======

Diluted earnings per common share

$ 0.39

=======

$ 0.37

=======

$ 0.83

=======

$ 0.79

=======

 

8.

Comprehensive Income

 

For the quarters ended June 26, 2005 and June 27, 2004, there was no difference between the Company’s net earnings and comprehensive income.

 

9. Subsequent Events

 

On July 22, 2005, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $30.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock from time-to-time through May 1, 2007. This new share-repurchase authorization supplements the $29.0 million authorization made on April 20, 2005, which also expires on May 1, 2007.

 

On July 22, 2005, the Company also entered into an amendment to its revolving credit facility, to extend the facility’s maturity through July 22, 2010, and improve its costs and terms. The total amount the Company may borrow under the amended facility remains at $100.0 million and amounts outstanding under the amended credit facility would bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 0.50% to 1.25% depending on the Company’s leverage ratio or the Administrative Agent’s prime rate of interest at the Company’s option.

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Results of Operations

 

Revenues

 

The Company currently derives all of its revenues from restaurant sales and franchise revenues. Total revenues increased 14.8% and 14.6% for the quarter and six months ended June 26, 2005, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year.

 

Same store sales comparisons for each of the Company’s restaurant concepts for the quarter ended June 26, 2005, consist of sales at restaurants opened prior to September 29, 2003.

 

LongHorn Steakhouse:

 

Sales in the LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants for the quarter and six months ended June 26, 2005 increased 14.5% and 14.1%, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior year. The increase reflects (i) a 12.1% and 12.3% increase in restaurant operating weeks in the quarter and six months ended June 26, 2005, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year, resulting from an increase in the restaurant base from 201 LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants at the end of the second quarter of 2004 to 225 at the end of the second quarter of 2005 and (ii) an increase in average weekly sales. Average weekly sales for all LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants in the second quarter of 2005 were $58,241, a 2.1% increase over the comparable period in 2004. Same store sales for the comparable LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants increased 2.2% in the second quarter of 2005 as compared to the same period in 2004, due to approximately equal increases in average check and customer counts.

 

The Capital Grille:

 

Sales in The Capital Grille restaurants for the quarter and six months ended June 26, 2005, increased 27.4% and 28.0%, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year. The increase reflects (i) a 17.5% and 17.6% increase in restaurant operating weeks for the quarter and six months ended June 26, 2005, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year, resulting from an increase in the restaurant base from 18 The Capital Grille restaurants at the end of the second quarter 2004 to 22 restaurants at the end of the second quarter of 2005 and (ii) an increase in average weekly sales. Average weekly sales for all The Capital Grille restaurants in the second quarter of 2005 were $147,306, an 8.4% increase from the comparable period in 2004. Same store sales for the comparable The Capital Grille restaurants increased 5.0% in the second quarter of 2005, due almost entirely to increases in average check.

 

Bugaboo Creek Steak House:

 

Sales in the Bugaboo Creek Steak House restaurants increased for the quarter and six months ended June 26, 2005, by 1.7% and 1.6%, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year. The increase reflects increases of 5.3% and 6.7% in restaurant weeks in the quarter and six months ended June 26, 2005, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year, resulting from an increase in the restaurant base from 26 Bugaboo Creek Steak House restaurants at the end of the second quarter of 2004 to 29 restaurants at the end of the second quarter of 2005, partially offset by a decrease in average weekly sales and by the temporary closure of one restaurant during the second quarter due to a fire. Average weekly sales for all Bugaboo Creek Steak House restaurants in the second quarter of 2005 were $67,479, a 3.4% decrease from the comparable period for 2004. Same store sales for the comparable Bugaboo Creek Steak House restaurants in the second quarter of 2005 decreased 3.6% as compared to the same period in 2004, primarily due to a decrease in average check and a slight decrease in customer counts.

 

Franchise Revenue:

 

Franchise revenues increased to $124,000 for the second quarter and increased to $221,000 for the first six months of 2005, from $101,000 and $200,000 for the same periods of the prior fiscal year, due to sales increases at the three franchised LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants in Puerto Rico.

 

Costs and Expenses

 

Cost of restaurant sales as a percentage of restaurant sales increased to 36.9% for the second quarter of 2005, from 36.8% for the second quarter of 2004, and increased to 36.7% for the first six months of 2005 as compared to 36.5% during the same period of 2004. These increases resulted primarily from higher contract pricing on commodities in 2005, particularly pricing with respect to beef contracts, and was partially offset by a 2% - 3% increase in menu prices. The Company is currently under fixed price contracts with respect to its anticipated beef needs and these contracts are in effect for the remainder of 2005. The Company expects its cost of restaurant sales as a percentage of restaurant sales in the remainder of 2005 to be approximately 0.1% to 0.2% lower than the comparable quarters of 2004. Many of the food products, other than protein products, purchased by the Company are affected by commodity pricing and are, therefore, subject to price volatility caused by weather, production problems, delivery difficulties and other factors, which are outside the control of the Company.

 

Restaurant operating expense as a percentage of restaurant sales increased to 44.0% for the second quarter of 2005 from 43.1% for the second quarter of 2004 and increased to 43.8% for the first six months of 2005, as compared to 42.9% for the same period of 2004. These increases in restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales for the 2005 periods as compared to the prior year were primarily due to increases in the cost of utilities, unemployment tax increases and wage rate pressures, including a $1.00 per hour state mandated increase in the Florida minimum wage.

 

Restaurant depreciation as a percentage of restaurant sales, was 3.7% for both the second quarter and first six months of 2005, as compared to 3.7% and 3.6% for the same periods of the prior fiscal year, respectively.

Pre-opening expense for the second quarter of 2005 was $2,270,000, an increase of $658,000 from the same period of the prior year. Pre-opening expense for the first six months of 2005 was $3.9 million as compared to $3.2 million during the same period of the prior year. The increase in pre-opening expense in 2005, as compared to the same periods of the prior year, was primarily due to accelerated expenditures in the first six months of 2005, resulting from a greater number of planned new restaurant openings in 2005, as compared to 2004.

 

General and administrative expenses, as a percentage of total revenues, decreased to 5.4% for the second quarter of 2005 from 5.8% for the same period in 2004, and decreased to 5.4% for the first six months of 2005 from 5.8% for the same period of 2004. These decreases were principally due to decreased bonus accruals and greater leverage of fixed and semi-fixed general and administrative expenses resulting from higher average weekly sales volumes.

 

As a result of the relationships between revenues and expenses discussed above, the Company’s operating income increased to $21.1 million for the second quarter of 2005 and increased to $44.7 million for the first six months of 2005 as compared to $20.2 million and $42.6 million, respectively, for the same periods of the prior year.

 

Interest expense, net increased to $394,000 in the second quarter of 2005, and $651,000 for the first six months of 2005, from $207,000 and $323,000 during the same periods of the prior year, primarily due to an increase in the level of interest associated with the Company’s new capital lease obligations partially offset by an increase in the dollar amount of interest income. This interest income offset was higher in 2005 than in the comparable periods of 2004 due to an increase in the interest income rate earned on investments. To date, the Company has had no amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility and had no amounts outstanding during 2004.

 

Minority interest expense decreased to $60,000 for the second quarter and $186,000 for the first six months of 2004, from $92,000 and $201,000 for the same periods of the prior year, which reflects the joint venture partner’s share of profitability of the Company’s three joint venture restaurants.

 

Income tax expense for the second quarter and first six months of 2005 was 33.25% of earnings before income taxes, which reflects the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full 2005 fiscal year. This rate in 2005 is the same as the effective income tax rate for the full 2004 fiscal year. The Company’s effective income tax rate differs from applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to pre-tax income, primarily due to employee FICA tip tax credits and work opportunity tax credits partially offset by state income taxes.

 

Net earnings increased to $13.8 million for the second quarter of 2005 from net earnings of $13.3 million for the second quarter of 2004 and increased to $29.3 million for the six months ended June 26, 2005 from $28.1 million for the six months ended June 27, 2004, reflecting the net effect of the items discussed above.

 

Outlook for Future Operating Results

 

The Company expects 2005 diluted earnings per common share in a range of $1.52 to $1.55, which includes expense of approximately $0.02 per diluted share related to restricted stock to be issued as part of the Company’s recently adopted stock-based compensation plan for management. This level of earnings per common share assumes same store sales increases for the second half of 2005 in a range of 3% to 4% for LongHorn Steakhouse, 4% to 5% for The Capital Grille and 0% to 1% for Bugaboo Creek Steak House and the projected restaurant openings discussed below.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources:

 

The Company requires capital primarily for the development of new restaurants, the remodeling of existing restaurants and selected acquisitions. During the first six months of 2005, the Company’s principal sources of working capital were cash provided by operating activities ($62.8 million) and proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options ($4.0 million). For the first six months of 2005, the principal uses of working capital were capital expenditures ($39.1 million) related to new and improved facilities and the purchase of common stock for treasury ($19.9 million).

 

The Company intends to open 27 LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants, three The Capital Grille restaurants and three Bugaboo Creek Steak House restaurants in fiscal year 2005. The Company estimates that its capital expenditures for fiscal year 2005 will be approximately $95 to $105 million. During the first six months of 2005, the Company opened 15 LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants, two The Capital Grille restaurants and one Bugaboo Creek Steak House restaurant. Management believes that available cash, cash provided by operations, and available borrowings under the Company’s $100.0 million revolving credit facility will provide sufficient funds to finance the Company’s expansion plans.

 

The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time through open market transactions, block purchases or in privately negotiated transactions. On April 20, 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to use up to $29.0 million to purchase shares of its common stock. During the second quarter of 2005, the Company repurchased 690,000 shares of its common stock at an average price of $28.88 for an aggregate cost of $19,930,000. As of June 26, 2005, approximately $9,070,000 remained available under the Company’s $29.0 million share repurchase authorization.

 

On July 22, 2005, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $30.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock from time-to-time through May 1, 2007. This new share-repurchase authorization supplements the $29.0 million authorization made on April 20, 2005, which also expires on May 1, 2007.

 

Since substantially all sales in the Company’s restaurants are for cash, and accounts payable are generally due in seven to 30 days, the Company operates with little or negative working capital.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Statements contained in this report concerning liquidity and capital resources and future operating results contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and members of its management team, as well as assumptions on which such statements are based. All forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q are based upon information available to the Company as of the date of this report. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and in addition to the factors discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, other factors that could cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements include the following: failure of facts to conform to necessary management estimates and assumptions regarding financial and operating matters; the Company’s ability to identify and secure suitable locations for new restaurants on acceptable terms, open the anticipated number of new restaurants on time and within budget, achieve anticipated rates of same store sales, hire and train additional restaurant personnel and integrate new restaurants into its operations; the continued implementation of the Company’s business discipline over a large and growing restaurant base; unexpected increases in cost of sales or employees, pre-opening or other expenses; the economic conditions in the new markets into which the Company expands and possible uncertainties in the customer base in these areas; fluctuations in quarterly operating results; seasonality; unusual weather patterns or events; changes in customer dining patterns; the impact of any negative publicity or public attitudes related to the consumption of beef; unforeseen increases in commodity pricing; disruption of established sources of product supply or distribution; competitive pressures from other national and regional restaurant chains; legislation affecting the restaurant industry; business conditions, such as inflation or a recession, or other negative effect on dining patterns, or some other negative effect on the economy, in general, including (without limitation) war, insurrection and/or terrorist attacks on United States soil; growth in the restaurant industry and the general economy; changes in monetary and fiscal policies, laws and regulations; and the risks identified from time to time in the Company’s SEC reports, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2004, registration statements and public announcements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

The Company may be exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on debt.

 

As of June 26, 2005, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under its $100.0 million revolving credit facility. Amounts outstanding under such credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.75% (the “applicable margin” depending on the Company’s leverage ratio), or the administrative agent’s prime rate of interest at the Company’s option. Accordingly, the Company may be exposed to the impact of interest rate movements. To achieve the Company’s objective of managing its exposure to interest rate changes, the Company may from time to time use interest rate swaps.

 

On July 22, 2005, the Company entered into an amendment to its revolving credit facility, to extend the facility’s maturity through July 22, 2010, and improve its costs and terms. The total amount the Company may borrow under the new facility remains at $100.0 million and amounts outstanding under the amended credit facility would bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 0.50% to 1.25% depending on the Company’s leverage ratio or the Administrative Agent’s prime rate of interest at the Company’s option.

 

Investment Portfolio

 

The Company invests portions of its excess cash, if any, in highly liquid investments. At June 26, 2005, the Company had $21.2 million in high-grade overnight repurchase agreements, and $13.3 million in short-term investments in the form of Federal, state, and municipal bonds and commercial paper. As of June 26, 2005, the Company has classified all short-term investments as trading securities. The market risk on such investments is minimal due to their short-term nature.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

In accordance with the Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15, the Company’s management, under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and instructions for Form 10-Q. During the Company’s last fiscal quarter, there were no changes in internal controls over financial reporting or in other factors that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect internal controls over financial reporting.

 

 

Part II - Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

None

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

 

Purchases of Equity Securities

 

 

 

(a)

(c)

(b)

(d)

 

 

 

 

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 (1)

Period

 

 

 

 

March 28, 2005 through April 24, 2005

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

$29,000,000

April 25, 2005 through May 22, 2005

 

690,000

 

$28.88

 

$28.88

 

$9,070,000

May 23, 2005 through June 26, 2005

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

$9,070,000

 

(1)      On April 20, 2005, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $29.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock from time-to-time through May 1, 2007. The Company’s prior share-repurchase authorization expired on May 1, 2005. On July 22, 2005, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $30.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock from time-to-time through May 1, 2007. This new share-repurchase authorization supplements the $29.0 million authorization made on April 20, 2005, which also expires on May 1, 2007.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders

 

The 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company was held on May 9, 2005 at which the following proposals were voted upon by the shareholders: (i) election of three Class I directors to serve until the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders; (ii) approval of the RARE Hospitality International, Inc. Executive Officer Performance Incentive Plan; and (iii) ratification of the selection of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to serve for the fiscal year ending December 25, 2005. Holders of 34,373,156 shares of the Company’s common stock were entitled to vote at that meeting. The shareholders elected three Class I directors with a term expiring at the 2008 Annual Meeting. As to each of the following named individuals, the holders of the indicated number of shares of the Company’s common stock voted for his election, and the holders of the indicated number of shares withheld authority to vote for election. There were no broker non-votes.

 

 

Shares

Voting For:

Shares Withholding

Authority:

Class I

Roger L. Boeve

31,850,955

1,313,613

Don L. Chapman

30,527,543

2,637,025

Lewis H. Jordan

31,855,450

1,309,118

 

 

Carolyn H. Byrd, Philip J. Hickey, Jr., Dick R. Holbrook, Eugene I. Lee, Ronald W. San Martin and James D. Dixon continued their terms as directors. The RARE Hospitality International, Inc. Executive Officer Performance Incentive Plan was approved as follows: 30,269,895 shares voted in favor of approval; 2,888,881 shares voted against approval; 5,791 shares abstained; and there was 1 broker non-vote. The selection of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 25, 2005 was ratified as follows: 30,908,921 shares voted in favor of ratification; 2,245,309 shares voted against the ratification; 10,338 shares abstained; and there were no broker non-votes.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibits Filed.

3(1)    --

Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended.

31(1)  --

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.

31(2)  --

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.

32(1)  --

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (1).

32(2)  --

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (1).

 

(1)  These exhibits are deemed to accompany this report and are not “filed” as part of the report.

 

 


 

 

Signatures

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

                                                                                                                     

 

Date:__________

_____________________________________

 

W. Douglas Benn

Executive Vice President, Finance

and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 


 

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Philip J. Hickey, Jr., certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of RARE Hospitality International, Inc.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

Date:__________

_____________________________________

 

Philip J. Hickey, Jr.

Chairman of the Board and

Chief Executive Officer

 

 


 

EXHIBIT 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, W. Douglas Benn, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of RARE Hospitality International, Inc.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

Date:__________

_____________________________________

 

W. Douglas Benn

Executive Vice President, Finance

and Chief Financial Officer

 

 


 

EXHIBIT 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

RULE 13a-14(b) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

AND 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

 

In connection with the quarterly report of RARE Hospitality International, Inc. (the “Registrant”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 26, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Philip J. Hickey, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, certify, in accordance with Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that to the best of my knowledge:

 

(1) The Report, to which this certification is attached as Exhibit 32.1, fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

 

 

 

Date:__________

_____________________________________

 

Philip J. Hickey, Jr.

Chief Executive Officer

 


 

EXHIBIT 32.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

RULE 13a-14(b) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

AND 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

 

In connection with the quarterly report of RARE Hospitality International, Inc. (the “Registrant”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 26, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, W. Douglas Benn, Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, certify, in accordance with Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that to the best of my knowledge:

 

(1) The Report, to which this certification is attached as Exhibit 32.1, fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

 

 

Date:__________

_____________________________________

 

W. Douglas Benn

Chief Financial Officer

 

 


GRAPHIC 3 img1.gif GRAPHIC begin 644 img1.gif M1TE&.#EA=P('`'?ZSO?^#PP*A\2B\8A,*A\%`#L_ ` end EX-3 4 exh3.htm AMENDED BYLAWS Exhibit 3(1)

EXHIBIT 3(1)

 

RARE HOSPITALITY INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

BYLAWS, AS AMENDED

 

 

RARE HOSPITALITY INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

BYLAWS

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

ARTICLE ONE – OFFICES AND AGENT

 

Section 1.1

Registered Office and Agent

Section 1.2

Other Offices

 

 

ARTICLE TWO - SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETINGS

Section 2.1

Place of Meetings

 

Section 2.2

Annual Meetings

 

Section 2.3

Special Meetings

 

Section 2.4

Notice of Meetings

 

Section 2.5

Voting Group

 

Section 2.6

Quorum

 

Section 2.7

Vote Required for Action

 

Section 2.8

Voting of Shares

 

Section 2.9

Proxies

 

Section 2.10

Presiding Officer

 

Section 2.11

Adjournments

 

Section 2.12

Action of Shareholders Without a Meeting

ARTICLE THREE - THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 3.1

General Powers

 

Section 3.2

Number of Directors and Term of Office

Section 3.3

Removal

 

Section 3.4

Vacancies

 

Section 3.5

Compensation

 

ARTICLE FOUR - MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 4.1

Regular Meetings

 

Section 4.2

Special Meetings

 

Section 4.3

Place of Meetings

 

Section 4.4

Notice of Meetings

 

Section 4.5

Quorum

 

Section 4.6

Vote Required for Action

 

Section 4.7

Participation by Conference Telephone

 

Section 4.8

Action by Directors Without a Meeting

Section 4.9

Adjournments

 

Section 4.10

Committees of the Board of Directors

 

 

ARTICLE FIVE - MANNER OF NOTICE AND WAIVER AS TO SHAREHOLDERS

AND DIRECTORS

 

Section 5.1

Procedure

Section 5.2

Waiver

 

 

ARTICLE SIX – OFFICERS

 

Section 6.1

Number

 

Section 6.2

Election and Term

 

Section 6.3

Compensation

 

Section 6.4

Chairman; Vice Chairman

Section 6.5

Chief Executive Officer

 

Section 6.6

President

 

Section 6.7

Vice Presidents

 

Section 6.8

Secretary

 

Section 6.9

Treasurer

 

Section 6.10

Bonds

 

 

ARTICLE SEVER – DISTRIBUTIONS AND SHARE DIVIDENDS

 

Section 7.1

Authorization or Declaration

 

Section 7.2

Record Date with Regard to Distributions

 

And Share Dividends

 

ARTICLE EIGHT – SHARES

 

Section 8.1

Authorization or Declaration

 

Section 8.2

Share Certificates

 

Section 8.3

Rights of Corporation with Respect

 

 

To Registered Owners

 

Section 8.4

Transfers of Shares

 

Section 8.5

Duty of Corporation to Register Transfer

Section 8.6

Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates

 

Section 8.7

Fixing of Record Date with regard to Shareholder Action

 

ARTICLE NINE – INDEMNIFICATION

 

Section 9.1

Certain Definitions

 

Section 9.2

Basic Indemnification Arrangement

 

Section 9.3

Advances for Expenses

 

Section 9.4

Authorization of and Determination of

 

 

Entitlement to Indemnification

 

Section 9.5

Court-Ordered Indemnification and

 

 

Advances for Expenses

 

Section 9.6

Indemnification of Employees and Agents

Section 9.7

Limitations on Indemnification

 

Section 9.8

Liability Insurance

 

Section 9.9

Witness Fees

 

Section 9.10

Report to Shareholders

 

Section 9.11

Security for Indemnification Obligations

 

Section 9.12

No Duplication of Payments

 

Section 9.13

Subrogation

 

Section 9.14

Contract Rights

 

Section 9.15

Specific Performance

 

Section 9.16

Non-exclusivity, Etc.

 

Section 9.17

Amendments

 

Section 9.18

Severability

 

 

ARTICLE TEN – MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 10.1

Inspection of Books and Records

 

Section 10.2

Fiscal Year

 

Section 10.3

Corporate Seal

 

Section 10.4

Annual Financial Statements

 

Section 10.5

Conflict with Articles of Incorporation

 

ARTICLE ELEVEN – AMENDMENTS

 

Section 11.1

Power to Amend Bylaws

 

ARTICLE TWELVE – RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

WITH INTERESTED SHAREHOLDERS

 

Section 12.1

Business Combinations


 

 

ARTICLE ONE

 

Offices and Agent

Section 1.1. Registered Office and Agent. The corporation shall maintain a registered office in the State of Georgia and shall have a registered agent whose business office is identical to the registered office.

Section 1.2. Other Offices. In addition to its registered office, the corporation may have offices at any other place or places, within or without the State of Georgia, as the Board of Directors may from time to time select or as the business of the corporation may require or make desirable.

 

ARTICLE TWO

 

Shareholders’ Meetings

Section 2.1.            Place of Meetings. Meetings of shareholders may be held at any place within or without the State of Georgia as set forth in the notice thereof or in the event of a meeting held pursuant to waiver of notice, as set forth in the waiver, or if no place is so specified, at the principal office of the corporation.

Section 2.2.            Annual Meetings. The annual meeting of shareholders shall be held during the month of April or May on a date determined by the Board of Directors, for the purpose of electing directors and transacting any and all business that may properly come before the meeting. If the annual meeting of shareholders is not held on the day designated as provided in this Section 2.2, any business, including the election of directors, that might properly have been acted upon at that meeting may be acted upon at a special meeting in lieu of the annual meeting held pursuant to these bylaws or held pursuant to a court order.

Section 2.3.            Special Meetings. Special meetings of shareholders or a special meeting in lieu of the annual meeting of shareholders may be called at any time by the Board of Directors, the Chairman, or the President. The shareholders of the Corporation shall not have the right to call a special meeting of shareholders, including but not limited to, a special meeting in lieu of the annual meeting of shareholders.

Section 2.4.            Notice of Meetings. Unless waived as contemplated in Section 5.2, a notice of each meeting of shareholders stating the date, time and place of the meeting shall be given not less than ten (10) days nor more than sixty (60) days before the date thereof, by or at the direction of the President, the Secretary, or the officer or persons calling the meeting, to eachshareholder entitled to vote at that meeting. In the case of an annual meeting, the notice need not state the purpose or purposes of the meeting unless the articles of incorporation or the Georgia Business Corporation Code (the “Code”) requires the purpose or purposes to be stated in the notice of the meeting. In the case of a special meeting, including a special meeting in lieu of an annual meeting, the notice of meeting shall state the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called.

Section 2.5              Voting Group. Voting group means all shares of one or more classes or series that are entitled to vote and be counted together collectively on a matter at a meeting of shareholders. All shares entitled to vote generally on the matter are for that purpose a single voting group.

Section 2.6              Quorum. With respect to shares entitled to vote as a separate voting group on a matter at a meeting of shareholders, the presence, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter by the voting group shall constitute a quorum of that voting group for action on that matter unless the articles of incorporation or the Code provides otherwise. Once a share is represented for any purpose at a meeting, other than solely to object to holding the meeting or to transacting business at the meeting, it is deemed present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the meeting and for any adjournment of the meeting unless a new record date is or must be set for the adjourned meeting pursuant to Section 8.7 of these bylaws.

Section 2.7              Vote Required for Action. If a quorum exists, action on a matter (other than the election of directors) by a voting group is approved if the votes cast within the voting group favoring the action exceed the votes cast opposing the action, unless the articles of incorporation, provisions of these bylaws validly adopted by the shareholders, or the Code requires a greater number of affirmative votes. If the articles of incorporation or the Code provide for voting by two or more voting groups on a matter, action on that matter is taken only when voted upon by each of those voting groups counted separately. Action may be taken by one voting group on a matter even though no action is taken by another voting group entitled to vote on the matter. Except as provided in Section 3.4, a director shall be elected by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares represented at the meeting of shareholders at which the director stands for election and entitled to elect such director.

Section 2.8              Voting of Shares. Unless the articles of incorporation or the Code provides otherwise, each outstanding share having voting rights shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of shareholders. Voting on all matters shall be by voice vote or by show of hands unless any qualified voter, prior to the voting on any matter, demands vote by ballot, in which case each ballot shall state the name of the shareholder voting and the number of shares voted by him, and if the ballot be cast by proxy, it shall also state the name of the proxy.

Section 2.9              Proxies. A shareholder entitled to vote pursuant to Section 2.8 may vote in person or by proxy pursuant to an appointment of proxy executed in writing by the shareholder or by his attorney in fact. An appointment of proxy shall be valid for only one meeting to be specified therein, and any adjournments of such meeting, but shall not be valid for more than eleven months unless expressly provided therein. Appointments of proxy shall be dated and filed with the records of the meeting to which they relate. If the validity of any appointment of proxy is questioned, it must be submitted to the secretary of the meeting of shareholders for examination or to a proxy officer or committee appointed by the person presiding at the meeting. The secretary of the meeting or, if appointed, the proxy officer or committee, shall determine the validity or invalidity of any appointment of proxy submitted and reference by the secretary in the minutes of the meeting to the regularity of an appointment of proxy shall be received as prima facie evidence of the facts stated for the purpose of establishing the presence of a quorum at the meeting and for all other purposes.

Section 2.10           Presiding Officer. The Chairman shall serve as the chairman of every meeting of shareholders unless another person is elected by shareholders to serve as chairman at the meeting. The chairman shall appoint any persons he deems required to assist with the meeting.

Section 2.11           Adjournments. Whether or not a quorum is present to organize a meeting, any meeting of shareholders (including an adjourned meeting) may be adjourned by the holders of a majority of the voting shares represented at the meeting to reconvene at a specific time and place, but no later than 120 days after the date fixed for the original meeting unless the requirements of the Code concerning the selection of a new record date have been met. At any reconvened meeting within that time period, any business may be transacted that could have been transacted at the meeting that was adjourned. If notice of the adjourned meeting was properly given, it shall not be necessary to give any notice of the reconvened meeting or of the business to be transacted, if the date, time and place of the reconvened meeting are announced at the meeting that was adjourned and before adjournment; provided, however, that if a new record date is or must be fixed, notice of the reconvened meeting must be given to persons who are shareholders as of the new record date.

Section 2.12           Action of Shareholders Without a Meeting. Action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of shareholders may be taken without a meeting if the action is taken by all shareholders entitled to vote on the action. The action must be evidenced by one or more written consents describing the action taken, signed by all shareholders and delivered to the corporation for inclusion in the minutes or filing with the corporate records.

Section 2.13           Advance Notice of Shareholder Proposed Business at Annual Meeting. At an annual meeting of the shareholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting. To be properly brought before an annual meeting, business must be either (a) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, (b) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, or (c) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a shareholder. In addition to any other applicable requirements, for business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a shareholder, the shareholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the corporation. To be timely, a shareholder’s notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the corporation, not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of shareholders; provided, that if no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the date of the annual meeting has been changed to be more than 30 calendar days earlier than or 30 calendar days after the anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting, notice by the shareholder, to be timely, must be so received not later than the later of (i) 60 days prior to the annual meeting or (ii) the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or public disclosure of such date was made, whichever first occurs. A shareholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth as to each matter the shareholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting, (ii) the name and record address of the shareholder proposing such business, (iii) the class and number of shares of the corporation which are beneficially owned by the shareholder, and (iv) any material interest of the shareholder in such business.

Notwithstanding anything in the Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at the annual meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.13; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 2.13 shall be deemed to preclude discussion by any shareholder of any business properly brought before the annual meeting in accordance with said procedure.

The chairman of an annual meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.13, and if he should so determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and any such business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.

ARTICLE THREE

The Board of Directors

Section 3.1              General Powers. All corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the authority of, and the business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon it by these bylaws, the Board of Directions may exercise all such lawful acts and things as are not by law, by the articles of incorporation or by these bylaws directed or required to be exercised or done by the shareholders.

Section 3.2              Number of Directors and Term of Office. The number of directors of the corporation shall not be less than three (3) nor more than eleven (11), the precise number to be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors from time to time. The directors shall be divided into three classes, each consisting, as nearly equal in number as possible, of one-third of the total number of directors constituting the entire Board of Directors. At the first election of directors occurring following the date of approval of amended and restated articles of incorporation of the corporation containing a provision comparable to this Section 3.2 by the shareholders of the corporation, the first class of directors (Class I) shall be elected for a term expiring upon the next following annual meeting of shareholders and upon the election and qualification of their respective successors, the second class of directors (Class II) shall be elected for a term expiring upon the second next annual meeting of shareholders and upon the election and qualification of their respective successors, and the third class of directors (Class III) shall be elected for a term expiring upon the third next annual meeting of shareholders and upon the election and qualification of their respective successors. At each succeeding annual meeting of shareholders, successors to the class of directors whose term expires at the annual meeting of shareholders shall be elected for a three-year term. Except as provided in Section 3.4, a director shall be elected by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares represented at the meeting of shareholders at which the director stands for election and entitled to elect such director.

The number of directors may be increased or decreased from time to time as provided herein or by amendment to these bylaws and the articles of incorporation; provided, however, that the total number of directors at any time shall not be less than three (3); and provided further, that no decrease in the number of directors shall have the effect of shortening the term of an incumbent director. In the event that preferred stock of the corporation is issued and authorizes the election of one or more directors by the holders of such preferred stock, the number of directors may be increased in accordance with the terms of the preferred stock. In the event of any increase or decrease in the authorized number of directors, each director then serving shall continue as a director of the class of which he is a member until the expiration of his current term, or his earlier resignation, removal from office or death, and the newly created or eliminated directorships resulting from such increase or decrease shall be apportioned by the Board of Directors among the three classes of directors so as to maintain such classes as nearly equal as possible; provided, however, that there shall be no classification of additional directors elected by the Board until the next meeting of the shareholders called for the purpose of electing directors. Each director shall serve until his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office, or death.

Section 3.3              Removal. The entire Board of Directors or any individual director may be removed from the office but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of at least 75% of all classes of stock of the corporation entitled to vote in the election of such director or directors, considered for purposes of this Section as one class. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that preferred stock of the corporation is issued and authorizes the election of one or more directors by the holders of such preferred stock, any individual director elected by the preferred shareholders may be removed only by the holders of the outstanding shares of the preferred stock in accordance with the terms of the preferred stock as provided therein. Removal action may be taken at any shareholders’ meeting with respect to which notice of such purpose has been given, and a removed director’s successor may be elected at the same meeting to serve the unexpired term.

Section 3.4              Vacancies. A vacancy occurring on the Board of Directors, other than by reason of removal of a director by the shareholders but including vacancies arising from resignation, death or through an increase in the number of directors, may be filled, until the next election of directors by the shareholders, by the affirmative vote of at least two thirds (2/3) of the total number of directors then remaining in office, though they constitute less than a quorum of the Board of Directors.

Section 3.5              Compensation. Unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise, the Board of Directors may determine from time to time the compensation, if any, directors may receive for their services as directors. A director may also serve the corporation in a capacity other than that of director and receive compensation, as determined by the Board of Directors, for services rendered in any other capacity.

ARTICLE FOUR

Meetings of the Board of Directors

Section 4.1              Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately after the annual meeting of shareholders or a special meeting in lieu of the annual meeting. In addition, the Board of Directors may schedule other meetings to occur at regular intervals throughout the year.

Section 4.2              Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the Chairman, the President or by any two directors in office at that time.

Section 4.3              Place of Meetings. Directors may hold their meetings at any place within or without the State of Georgia as the Board of Directors may from time to time establish for regular meetings or as set forth in the notice of special meetings or, in the event of a meeting held pursuant to waiver of notice, as set forth in the waiver.

Section 4.4              Notice of Meetings. No notice shall be required for any regularly scheduled meeting of the directors. Unless waived as contemplated in Section 5.2, each director shall be given at least one day’s notice (as set forth in Section 5.1) of each special meeting stating the date, time, and place of the meeting.

Section 4.5              Quorum. Unless a greater number is required by the articles of incorporation, these bylaws, or the Code, a quorum of the Board of Directors consists of a majority of the total number of directors that has been prescribed by resolution of shareholders or of the Board of Directors pursuant to Section 3.2.

Section 4.6

Vote Required for Action.

(a)               If a quorum is present when a vote is taken, the affirmative vote of a majority of directors present is the act of the Board of Directors unless the Code, the articles of incorporation, or these bylaws require the vote of a greater number of directors.

(b)               A director who is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors when corporate action is taken is deemed to have assented to the action taken unless:

(1)               He objects at the beginning of the meeting (or promptly upon his arrival) to holding it or transacting business at the meeting;

(2)               His dissent or abstention from the action taken is entered in the minutes of the meeting; or

(3)               He delivers written notice of his dissent or abstention to the presiding officer of the meeting before its adjournment or to the corporation immediately after adjournment of the meeting. The right of dissent or abstention is not available to a director who votes in favor of the action taken.

Section 4.7              Participation by Conference Telephone. Any or all directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee of the Board of Directors through the use of any means of communication by which all directors participating may simultaneously hear each other during the meeting.

Section 4.8              Action by Directors Without a Meeting. Unless the articles of incorporation or these bylaws provide otherwise, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or any action that may be taken at a meeting of a committee of Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting if the action is taken by all the members of the Board of Directors (or of the committee as the case may be). The action must be evidenced by one or more written consents describing the action taken, signed by each director (or each director serving on the committee, as the case may be), and delivered to the corporation for inclusion in the minutes or filing with the corporate records.

Section 4.9              Adjournments. Whether or not a quorum is present to organize a meeting, any meeting of directors (including an adjourned meeting) may be adjourned by a majority of the directors present, to reconvene at a specific time and place. At any reconvened meeting any business may be transacted that could have been transacted at the meeting that was adjourned. If notice of the adjourned meeting was properly given, it shall not be necessary to give any notice of the reconvened meeting or of the business to be transacted, if the date, time and place of the reconvened meeting are announced at the meeting that was adjourned.

Section 4.10           Committees of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors by resolution may designate from among its members an executive committee and one or more other committees, each consisting of one or more directors all of whom serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Except as limited by the Code, each committee shall have the authority set forth in the resolution establishing the committee. The provisions of this Article Four as to the Board of Directors and its deliberations shall be applicable to any committee of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE FIVE

Manner of Notice and Waiver as to Shareholders and Directors

Section 5.1              Procedure. Whenever these bylaws require notice to be given to any shareholder or director, the notice shall be given in accordance with this Section 5.1. Notice under these bylaws shall be in writing unless oral notice is reasonable under the circumstances. Any notice to directors may be written or oral. Notice may be communicated in person; by telephone, telegraph, teletype, or other form of wire or wireless communication; or by mail or private carrier. If these forms of personal notice are impracticable, notice may be communicated by a newspaper of general circulation in the area where published, or by radio, television, or other form of public broadcast communication. Written notice to the shareholders, if in a comprehensible form, is effective when mailed, if mailed with first-class postage prepaid and correctly addressed to the shareholder’s address shown in the corporation’s current record of shareholders. Except as provided above, written notice, if in a comprehensible form, is effective at the earliest of the following:

(1)               When received or when delivered, properly addressed, to the addressee’s last known principal place of business or residence;

(2)               Five days after its deposit in the mail, as evidenced by the postmark, if mailed with first-class postage prepaid and correctly addressed; or

(3)               On the date shown on the return receipt, if sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, and the receipt is signed by or on behalf of the addressee.

Oral notice is effective when communicated if communicated in a comprehensible manner.

In calculating time periods for notice, when a period of time measured in days, weeks, months, years, or other measurement of time is prescribed for the exercise of any privilege or the discharge of any duty, the first day shall not be counted but the last day shall be counted.

Section 5.2

Waiver.

(a)               A shareholder may waive any notice before or after the date and time stated in the notice. Except as provided below in (b), the waiver must be in writing, be signed by the shareholder entitled to the notice, and be delivered to the corporation for inclusion in the minutes or filing with the corporate records.

(b)               A shareholder’s attendance at a meeting (i) waives objection to lack of notice or defective notice of the meeting, unless the shareholder at the beginning of the meeting objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting; and (ii) waives objection to consideration of a particular matter at the meeting that is not within the purpose or purposes described in the meeting notice, unless the shareholder objects to considering the matter when it is presented.

(c)               Unless required by the Code, neither the business transacted nor the purpose of the meeting need be specified in the waiver.

(d)               A director may waive any notice before or after the date and time stated in the notice. Except as provided below in (e), the waiver must be in writing, signed by the director entitled to the notice, and delivered to the corporation for inclusion in the minutes or filing with the corporate records.

(e)               A director’s attendance at or participation in a meeting waives any required notice to him of the meeting unless the director at the beginning of the meeting (or promptly upon his arrival) objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting and does not thereafter vote for or assent to action taken at the meeting.

ARTICLE SIX

Officers

Section 6.1              Number. The officers of the corporation shall consist of a Chairman, a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer and any other officers as may be appointed by the Board of Directors or appointed by a duly appointed officer pursuant to this Article Six. The Board of Directors shall from time to time create and establish the duties of the other officers. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person.

Section 6.2              Election and Term. All officers shall be appointed by the Board of Directors or by a duly appointed officer pursuant to this Article Six and shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors or the appointing officers as the case may be. All officers, however appointed, may be removed with or without cause by the Board of Directors and any officer appointed by another officer may also be removed by the appointing officer with or without cause.

Section 6.3              Compensation. The compensation of all officers of the corporation appointed by the Board of Directors shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.

Section 6.4              Chairman; Vice Chairman. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors. The Chairman shall perform such other duties and have such other authority and powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe. If the Board of Directors shall designate one or more of its members as a Vice Chairman, in the absence or disability of the Chairman, or at the direction of the Chairman, the Vice Chairman shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Chairman.

Section 6.5              Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall be the chief executive officer of the corporation and shall have general supervision of the business of the corporation. He shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. the Chief Executive Officer shall perform such other duties as may from time to time be delegated to him by the Board of Directors.

Section 6.6              President. The President shall be the chief operating officer of the corporation and shall have generalsupervision of the day-to-day operations of the corporation. The President shall perform such other duties as may from time to time be delegated to him by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.

Section 6.7              Vice Presidents. In the absence or disability of the President, or at the direction of the President, the Vice President, if any, shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President. If the corporation has more than one Vice President the one designated by the Board of Directors shall act in lieu of the President. Vice Presidents shall perform whatever duties and have whatever powers the Board of Directors may from time to time assign.

Section 6.8              Secretary. The Secretary shall be responsible for preparing minutes of the acts and proceedings of all meetings of shareholders and of the Board of Directors and any committees thereof. He shall have authority to give all notices required by law or these bylaws. He shall be responsible for the custody of the corporate books, records, contracts and other documents. The Secretary may affix the corporate seal to any lawfully executed documents and shall sign any instruments as may require his signature. The Secretary shall authenticate records of the corporation. The Secretary shall perform whatever additional duties and have whatever additional powers the Board of Directors may from time to time assign him. In the absence or disability of the Secretary or at the direction of the President, any assistant secretary may perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Secretary.

Section 6.9              Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the custody of all funds and securities belonging to the corporation and for the receipt, deposit or disbursement of funds and securities under the direction of the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall cause to be maintained full and true accounts of all receipts and disbursements and shall make reports of the same to the Board of Directors and the President upon request. The Treasurer shall perform all duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Board of Directors.

Section 6.10           Bonds. The Board of Directors by resolution may require any or all of the officers, agents or employees of the corporation to give bonds to the corporation, with sufficient surety or sureties, conditioned on the faithful performance of the duties of their respective offices or positions, and to comply with any other conditions as from time to time may berequired by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE SEVEN

Distributions and Share Dividends

Section 7.1              Authorization or Declaration. Unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise, the Board of Directors from time to time in its discretion may authorize or declare distributions or share dividends in accordance with the Code.

Section 7.2              Record Date With Regard to Distributions and Share Dividends. For the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to a distribution (other than one involving a purchase, redemption, or other reacquisition of the corporation’s shares) or a share dividend the Board of Directors may fix a date as the record date. If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Code.

ARTICLE EIGHT

Shares

Section 8.1              Authorization and Issuance of Shares. In accordance with the Code, the Board of Directors may authorize shares of any class or series provided for in the articles of incorporation to be issued for any consideration valid under the provisions of the Code. To the extent provided in the articles of incorporation, the Board of Directors shall determine the preferences, limitations, and relative rights of the shares.

Section 8.2              Share Certificates. The interest of each shareholder in the corporation shall be evidenced by a certificate or certificates representing shares of the corporation which shall be in such form as the Board of Directors from time to time may adopt. Share certificates shall be numbered consecutively, shall be in registered form, shall indicate the date of issuance, the name of the corporation and that it is organized under the laws of the State of Georgia, the name of the shareholder, and the number and class of shares and the designation of the series, if any, represented by the certificate. Each certificate shall be signed by any one of the President, a Vice President, the Secretary, or the Treasurer. The corporate seal need not be affixed.

Section 8.3              Rights of Corporation with Respect to Registered Owners. Prior to due presentation for transfer of registration of its shares, the corporation may treat the registered owner of the shares as the person exclusively entitled to vote the shares, to receive any share dividend or distribution with respect to the shares, and for all other purposes; and the corporation shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in the shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by law.

Section 8.4              Transfers of Shares. Transfers of shares shall be made upon the transfer books of the corporation, kept at the office of the transfer agent designated to transfer the shares, only upon direction of the person named in the certificate, or by an attorney lawfully constituted in writing; and before a new certificate is issued, the old certificate shall be surrendered for cancellation or, in the case of a certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed, the requirements of Section 8.6 of these bylaws shall have been met.

Section 8.5              Duty of Corporation to Register Transfer. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of Section 8.4 of these bylaws, the corporation is under a duty to register the transfer of its shares only if:

(a)

the certificate is endorsed by the appropriate person or persons; and

(b)               reasonable assurance is given that the endorsement or affidavit is genuine and effective; and

(c)               the corporation either has no duty to inquire into adverse claims or has discharged that duty; and

(d)               the requirements of any applicable law,relating to the collection of taxes have been met; and

(e)

the transfer in fact is rightful or is to a bona fide purchaser.

Section 8.6              Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. Any person claiming a share certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed shall make an affidavit or affirmation of the fact in the manner required by the Board of Directors and, if the Board of Directors requires, shall give the corporation a bond of indemnity in form and amount, and with one or more sureties satisfactory to the Board of Directors, as the Board of Directors may require, whereupon an appropriate new certificate may be issued in lieu of the one alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.

Section 8.7              Fixing of Record Date with regard to Shareholder Action. For the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of a shareholders’ meeting, to demand a special meeting, to vote, or to take any other action, the Board of Directors may fix a future date as the record date, which date shall be not more than seventy (70) days prior to the date on which the particular action, requiring a determination of shareholders, is to be taken. A determination of shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a shareholders’ meeting is effective for any adjournment of the meeting unless the Board of Directors fixes a new record date, which it must do if the meeting is adjourned to a date more than 120 days after the date fixed for the original meeting. If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Code.

ARTICLE NINE

Indemnification

Section 9.1

Certain Definitions. As used in this Article, the term:

(a)               “Corporation” includes any domestic or foreign predecessor entity of this corporation in a merger or other transaction in which the predecessor’s existence ceased upon consummation of the transaction.

(b)               “Director” means an individual who is or was a director of the corporation or an individual who, while a director of the corporation, is or was serving at the corporation’s request as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other enterprise. A director is considered to be serving an employee benefit plan at the corporation’s request if his duties to the corporation also impose duties on, or otherwise involve services by, him to the plan or to participants in or beneficiaries of the plan. “Director” includes, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or personal representative of a director.

(c)

“Expenses” includes attorneys’ fees.

(d)               “Liability” means the obligation to pay a judgment, settlement, penalty, fine (including an excise tax assessed with respect to an employee benefit plan), or reasonable expenses incurred with respect to a proceeding.

(e) “Officer” means an individual who is or was an officer of the corporation or an individual who, while an officer of the corporation, is or was serving at the corporation’s request as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other enterprise. An officer is considered to be serving an employee benefit plan at the corporation’s request if his duties to the corporation also impose duties on, or otherwise involve services by, him to the plan or to participants in or beneficiaries of the plan.

(f) “Officer” includes, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or personal

 

representative of an officer.

 

(g)

(f)

“Party” includes an individual who was, is, or is threatened to be made a

 

named defendant or respondent in a proceeding.

 

(g)               “Proceeding” means any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative and whether formal or informal.

(h) “Reviewing Party” shall mean the person or persons making the entitlement determination pursuant to Section 9.4 of this Article, and shall not include a court making any determination under this Article or otherwise.

Section 9.2

Basic Indemnification Arrangement.

(a)               Except as provided in Section 9.7 and subsections 9.2(d) and 9.2(e) below, the corporation shall indemnify an individual who is made a party to a proceeding because he is or was a director or officer against liability incurred by him in the proceeding if he acted in a manner he believed in good faith to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, in the case of any criminal proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.

(b)               A person’s conduct with respect to an employee benefit plan for a purpose he believed in good faith to be in the interests of the participants in and beneficiaries of the plan is conduct that satisfies the requirement of subsection 9.2(a).

(c)               The termination of a proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not, of itself, be determinative that the proposed indemnitee did not meet the standard of conduct set forth in subsection 9.2(a).

(d)               The corporation shall not indemnify a person under this Article in connection with (i) a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation in which such person was adjudged liable to the corporation, unless, and then only to the extent that, the Reviewing Party, or a court of competent jurisdiction acting pursuant to Section 9.5 of this Article or Section 14-2-854 of the Georgia Business Corporation Code, determines that, in view of the circumstances of the case, the indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, or (ii) any proceeding in which such person was adjudged liable on the basis that he improperly received a personal benefit, unless, and then only to the extent that, a court of competent jurisdiction acting pursuant to Section 9.5 of this Article or Section 14-2-854 of the Georgia Business Corporation Code determines that, in view of the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.

(e)               Indemnification permitted under this Article in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation shall include reasonable expenses, penalties, fines (including an excise tax assessed with respect to an employee benefit plan) and amounts paid in settlement in connection with the proceeding, but, unless ordered by a court, shall not include judgments.

Section 9.3 Advances for Expenses.

(a) The corporation shall pay for or reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred by a director or officer as a party to a proceeding in advance of final disposition of the proceeding if:

(i)                Such person furnishes the corporation a written affirmation of his good faith belief that he has met the standard of conduct set forth in subsection 9.2(a) above and that his conduct does not constitute behavior of the kind described in subsections 9.7 (i)-(iv) below; and

(ii) Such person furnishes the corporation a written undertaking (meeting the qualifications set forth below in subsection 93(b)), executed personally or on his behalf, to repay any advances if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to indemnification under this Article or otherwise.

(b) The undertaking required by subsection 9.3(a)(ii) above must be an unlimited general obligation of the proposed indemnitee but need not be secured and shall be accepted without reference to financial ability to make repayment.

Section 9.4

Authorization of and Determination of Entitlement to Indemnification.

(a) The corporation acknowledges that indemnification of a director or officer under Section 9.2 has been preauthorized by the corporation in the manner described in subsection 9.4(b) below. Nevertheless, except as set forth in subsection 9.4(d) below, the corporation shall not indemnify a director or officer under Section 9.2 unless a separate determination has been made in the specific case that indemnification of such person is permissible in the circumstances because he has met the standard of conduct set forth in subsection 9.2 (a); provided, however, that regardless of the result or absence of any such determination, and unless limited by the articles of incorporation of this corporation, to the extent that a director or officer has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he was a party, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, because he is or was a director or officer, the corporation shall indemnify such person against reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection therewith.

(b) The determination referred to in subsection 9.4(a) above shall be made, at the election of the board of directors:

(i)                by the board of directors of the corporation by majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors not at the time parties to the proceeding;

(ii)               if a quorum cannot be obtained under subdivision (i), by majority vote of a committee duly designated by the board of directors (in which designation directors who are parties may participate), consisting solely of two or more directors not at the time parties to the proceeding;

(iii)

by special legal counsel:

(1) selected by the board of directors or its committee in the manner prescribed in subdivision (i) or (ii); or

(2)               if a quorum of the board of directors cannot be obtained under subdivision (i) and a committee cannot be designated under subdivision (ii), selected by a majority vote of the full board of directors (in which selection directors who are parties may participate); or

(iv)              by the shareholders; provided that shares owned by or voted under the control of directors or officers who are at the time parties to the proceeding may not be voted on the determination.

(c) As acknowledged above, the corporation has pre-authorized the indemnification of directors and officers hereunder, subject to a case-by-case determination that the proposed indemnitee met the applicable standard of conduct under subsection 9.2(a). Consequently, no further decision need or shall be made on a case-by- case basis as to the authorization of the corporation’s indemnification of directors and officers hereunder. Nevertheless, except as set forth in subsection 9.4(d) below, evaluation as to reasonableness of expenses of a director or officer in the specific case shall be made in the same manner as the determination that indemnification is permissible, as described in subsection 9.4(b) above, except that if the determination is made by special legal counsel, evaluation as to reasonableness of expenses shall be made by those entitled under subsection 9.4(b)(iii) to select counsel.

(d) Notwithstanding the requirement under subsection 9.4(a) that the Reviewing Party make a determination as to the proposed indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, the proposed indemnitee shall be deemed to have met the standard of conduct set forth in subsection 9.2(a) if the Reviewing Party fails to make such a determination within thirty (30) days following the proposed indemnitee’s written request for indemnification. Likewise, notwithstanding the requirement under subsection 9.4(c) that the Reviewing Parry evaluate the reasonableness of expenses claimed by the proposed indemnitee, any expenses claimed by the proposed indemnitee shall be deemed reasonable if the Reviewing Party fails to make the evaluation required by subsection 9.4(c) within thirty (30) days following the proposed indemnitee’s written request for indemnification for, or advancement of, expenses.

Section 9.5              Court-Ordered Indemnification and Advances for Expenses. Unless this corporation’s articles of incorporation provide otherwise, a director or officer who is a party to a proceeding may apply for indemnification or advances for expenses to the court conducting the proceeding or to another court of competent jurisdiction. For purposes of this Article, the corporation hereby consents to personal jurisdiction and venue in any court in which is pending a proceeding to which a director or officer is a party. Regardless of any determination by the Reviewing Party that the proposed indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement of expenses or as to the reasonableness of expenses, and regardless of any failure by the Reviewing Party to make a determination as to such entitlement or the reasonableness of expenses, such court’s review shall be a de novo review, and its determination shall be binding, on the questions of whether:

(i) The applicant is entitled to mandatory indemnification under the final clause of subsection 9.4(a) above (in which case the corporation shall pay the indemnitee’s reasonable expenses incurred to obtain courtordered indemnification);

(ii) The applicant is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification in view of all the relevant circumstances, whether or not he met the standard of conduct set forth in subsection 9.2(a) above or was adjudged liable as described in subsection 9.2(d) above (in which case any court-ordered indemnification need not be limited to reasonable expenses incurred by the indemnitee but may include expenses, penalties, fines, judgments, amounts paid in settlement and any other amounts ordered by the court to be indemnified, and, whether or not so ordered, the corporation shall pay the applicant’s reasonable expenses incurred to obtain court-ordered indemnification); or

(iii)              In the case of advances for expenses, the applicant is entitled pursuant to the articles of incorporation, bylaws or applicable resolution or agreement to payment for or reimbursement of his reasonable expenses incurred as a party to a proceeding in advance of final disposition of the proceeding (in which case the corporation shall pay the applicant’s reasonable expenses incurred to obtain court-ordered advancement of expenses).

Section 9.6              Indemnification of Employees and Agents. Unless this corporation’s articles of incorporation provide otherwise, the corporation may indemnify and advance expenses under this Article to an employee or agent of the corporation who is not a director or officer to the same extent as to a director or officer, or to any lesser extent (or greater extent if permitted by law) determined by the board of directors.

Section 9.7              Limitations on Indemnification. Regardless of whether a proposed indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in subsection 9.2(a), the corporation shall not indemnify a person under this Article for any liability incurred in a proceeding in which the person is adjudged liable to the corporation or is subjected to injunctive relief in favor of the corporation:

(i)                for any appropriation, in violation of his duties, of any business opportunity of the corporation;

(ii)               for acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

(iii)              for the types of liability set forth in Section 14-2-832 of the Georgia Business Corporation Code; or for any transaction from which he received an improper personal benefit.

Section 9.8              Liability Insurance. The corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of a director or officer or an individual who is or was an employee or agent of the corporation or who, while an employee or agent of the corporation, is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other enterprise against liability asserted against or incurred by him in that capacity or arising from his status as a director, officer, employee, or agent, whether or not the corporation would have power to indemnify him against the same liability under Section 9.2, Section 9.3 or Section 9.4 above.

Section 9.9              Witness Fees. Nothing in this Article shall limit the corporation’s power to pay or reimburse expenses incurred by a person in connection with his appearance as a witness in a proceeding at a time when he has not been made a named defendant or respondent in the proceeding.

Section 9.10           Report to Shareholders. If the corporation indemnifies or advances expenses to a director in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation, the corporation shall report the indemnification or advance, in writing, to the shareholders with or before the notice of the next shareholders’ meeting.

Section 9.11           Security for Indemnification Obligations. The corporation may at any time and in any manner, at the discretion of the board of directors, secure the corporation’s obligations to indemnify or advance expenses to a person pursuant to this Article.

Section 9.12           No Duplication of Payments. The corporation shall not be liable under this Article to make any payment to a person hereunder to the extent such person has otherwise actually received payment (under any insurance policy, agreement or otherwise) of the amounts otherwise payable hereunder.

Section 9.13           Subrogation. In the event of payment under this Article, the corporation shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of the indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and shall do everything that may be necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents necessary to enable the corporation effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.

Section 9.14           Contract Rights. The right to indemnification and advancement of expenses conferred hereunder to directors and officers shall be a contract right and shall not be affected adversely to any director or officer by any amendment of these bylaws with respect to any action or inaction occurring prior to such amendment; provided, however, that this provision shall not confer upon any indemnitee or potential indemnitee (in his capacity as such) the right to consent or object to any subsequent amendment of these bylaws.

Section 9.15           Specific Performance. In any proceeding brought by or on behalf of an officer or director to specifically enforce the provisions of this Article, the corporation hereby waives the claim or defense therein that the plaintiff or claimant has an adequate remedy at law, and the corporation shall not urge in any such proceeding the claim or defense that such remedy at law exists. The provisions of this Section 9.15, however, shall not prevent the officer or director from seeking a remedy at law in connection with any breach of the provisions of this Article.

Section 9.16           Non-exclusivity, Etc. The rights of a director or officer hereunder shall be in addition to any other rights with respect to indemnification, advancement of expenses or otherwise that he may have under contract or the Georgia Business Corporation Code or otherwise.

Section 9.17           Amendments. It is the intent of the Corporation to indemnify and advance expenses to its directors and officers to the full extent permitted by the Georgia Business Corporation Code, as amended from time to time. To the extent that the Georgia Business Corporation Code is hereafter amended to permit a Georgia business corporation to provide to its directors greater rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses than those specifically set forth hereinabove, this Article shall be deemed amended to require such greater indemnification or more liberal advancement of expenses to its directors and officers, in each case consistent with the Georgia Business Corporation Code as so amended from time to time. No amendment, modification or rescission of this Article, or any provision hereof, the effect of which would diminish the rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses as set forth herein shall be effective as to any person with respect to any action taken or omitted by such person prior to such amendment, modification or rescission.

Section 9.18           Severability. To the extent that the provisions of this Article are held to be inconsistent with the provisions of Part 5 of Article 8 of the Georgia Business Corporation Code, such provisions of such Code shall govern. In the event that any of the provisions of this Article (including any provision within a single section, subsection, division or sentence) is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Article shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted bylaw.

ARTICLE TEN

Miscellaneous

Section 10.1           Inspection of Books and Records. The Board of Directors shall have power to determine which accounts, books and records of the corporation shall be opened to the inspection of shareholders, except those as may by law specifically be made open to inspection, and shall have power to fix reasonable rules and regulations not in conflict with the applicable law for the inspection of accounts, books and records which by law or by determination of the Board of Directors shall be open to inspection. Without the prior approval of the Board of Directors in their discretion, the right of inspection set forth in Section 14-2-1602(c) of the Code shall not be available to any shareholder owning two (2%) percent or less of the shares outstanding.

Section 10.2           Fiscal Year. The Board of Directors is authorized to fix the fiscal year of the corporation and to change the same from time to time as it deems appropriate.

Section 10.3           Corporate Seal. If the Board of Directors determines that there should be a corporate seal for the corporation, it shall be in the form as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

Section 10.4           Annual Financial Statements. In accordance with the Code, the corporation shall prepare and provide to shareholders such financial statements as may be required by the Code.

Section 10.5           Conflict with Articles of Incorporation. In the event that any provision of these bylaws conflicts with any provision of the articles of incorporation, the articles of incorporation shall govern.

ARTICLE ELEVEN

Amendments

Section 11.1           Power to Amend Bylaws. The Board of Directors shall have power to alter, amend or repeal these bylaws or adopt new bylaws, but any bylaws adopted by the Board of Directors may be altered, amended or repealed, and new bylaws adopted, by the shareholders. The shareholders may prescribe by so expressing in the action they take in adopting or amending any bylaw or bylaws that the bylaw or bylaws so adopted or amended shall not be altered, amended or repealed by the Board of Directors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of Sections 2.3, 2.12, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, Article Nine, this Article Eleven or Article Twelve of these bylaws may be amended only by the procedure provided in the Code for the amendment of articles of incorporation.

ARTICLE TWELVE

Restrictions on Certain Business Combinations with Interested Shareholders

Section 12.1           Business Combinations. All of the requirements of Article 11, Part 3, of the Code, included in Sections 142-1131 through 1133 (and any successor provisions thereto), shall be applicable to the corporation in connection with any business combination, as defined therein, with any interested shareholder, as defined therein.

 

 

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