Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION www.edgaradvantage.com
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

/x/ Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000

OR

/ /

Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission File Number: 0-21660


PAPA JOHN'S INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware   61-1203323
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

2002 Papa John's Boulevard
Louisville, Kentucky 40299-2334

(Address of principal executive offices)

(502) 261-7272
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

(Title of Each Class)
None

(Name of each exchange on which registered)
None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $.01 par value
The NASDAQ Stock Market


Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days: Yes /x/ No / /

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

As of March 12, 2001 there were 22,741,582 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock outstanding. The aggregate market value of the shares of Registrant's Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant at such date was $327,300,663 based on the last sale price of the Common Stock on March 12, 2001 as reported by The NASDAQ Stock Market. For purposes of the foregoing calculation only, all directors and executive officers of the Registrant have been deemed affiliates.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of Part III are incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 17, 2001.





TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I        
  Item 1.   Business   2
  Item 2.   Properties   12
  Item 3.   Legal Proceedings   15
  Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders   15
PART II        
  Item 5.   Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters   19
  Item 6.   Selected Financial Data   19
  Item 7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   21
  Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk   32
  Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data   33
  Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure   58
PART III        
  Item 10.   Directors and Officers of the Registrant   58
  Item 11.   Executive Compensation   58
  Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management   58
  Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions   58
PART IV        
  Item 14.   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K   58

1



PART I

Item 1. Business

General

    Papa John's International, Inc. (referred to as the "Company", "Papa John's" or in the first person notations of "we", "us" and "our") operates and franchises pizza delivery and carry-out restaurants under the trademark "Papa John's" domestically in 49 states, the District of Columbia and ten international markets, and under the trademark "Perfect Pizza" in the United Kingdom. The first Company-owned Papa John's restaurant opened in 1985 and the first franchised restaurant opened in 1986. We acquired Perfect Pizza Holdings Limited ("Perfect Pizza") in 1999 as part of our plan to develop restaurants internationally (see Business—Expansion). At December 31, 2000, there were 2,612 Papa John's restaurants in operation, consisting of 641 Company-owned and 1,971 franchised restaurants. Additionally, there were 205 Perfect Pizza restaurants in operation, consisting of three Company-owned and 202 franchised restaurants.

    In February 2001, the Company realigned into four key groups—Operations, Administration, Development and Resource/Support, each reporting to our Chief Executive Officer. The four areas are as follows:

Strategy

    Our goal is to build the strongest brand loyalty of all pizzerias internationally. To accomplish this goal, we have developed a strategy designed to achieve high levels of customer satisfaction and repeat business, as well as to establish recognition and acceptance of the Papa John's brand. The key elements of our strategy include:

    Focused Menu.  Papa John's restaurants offer a focused menu of high-quality pizza, breadsticks and cheesesticks. Papa John's traditional crust pizza is prepared using fresh dough (never frozen), cheese made from 100% real mozzarella, fresh-packed pizza sauce made from vine-ripened tomatoes (not from concentrate) and a proprietary mix of savory spices, and a choice of high-quality meat (no artificial fillers) and vegetable toppings. Papa John's thin crust pizza is made with a prepared crust and the same high-quality toppings. We believe our focused menu creates a strong identity in the marketplace, while also simplifying operations at our restaurants.

    Efficient Operating System.  We believe our operating and distribution systems, restaurant layout and designated delivery areas result in lower restaurant operating costs and improved food quality, and promote superior customer service. Our Quality Control Center ("QC Centers") system takes advantage of volume purchasing of food and supplies, and provides consistency and efficiencies of scale in dough production. This eliminates the need for each restaurant to order food from multiple vendors and commit substantial labor and other resources to dough preparation. Because Papa John's restaurants have a focused menu and specialize in delivery and carry-out services, each team member can concentrate on a well-defined function in preparing and delivering the customer's order.

    Commitment to Team Member Training and Development.  We are committed to the development and motivation of our team members through training programs, incentive compensation and

2


opportunities for advancement. Team member training programs are conducted for corporate team members, and offered to our franchisees at training centers across the United States. We offer performance-based financial incentives to restaurant team members at various levels. Our growth also provides significant opportunities for advancement. We believe these factors create an entrepreneurial spirit throughout Papa John's, resulting in a positive work environment and motivated, customer-oriented team members.

    Marketing.  Our restaurant-level marketing programs target the delivery area of each restaurant, making extensive use of distinctive print materials in direct mail and store-to-door couponing. Local marketing efforts also include a variety of community-oriented activities with schools, sports teams and other organizations. In markets where we or our franchisees have a significant presence, local marketing efforts are supplemented with radio and television advertising. Three national television campaigns aired in 2000.

    Franchise System.  We are committed to developing a strong franchise system by attracting experienced operators, allowing them to expand in a controlled manner and monitoring their compliance with our high standards. We seek to attract franchisees with experience in multi-unit restaurant operations and with the financial resources and management capability to open multiple locations. To ensure consistent food quality, each domestic franchisee is required to purchase dough and spice mix from us and purchase all other supplies from us or our approved suppliers. QC Centers outside the U.S. may be operated by franchisees pursuant to license agreements. We devote significant resources to provide Papa John's franchisees with assistance in restaurant operations, management training, team member training, marketing, site selection and restaurant design.

Unit Economics

    We believe our unit economics are exceptional. In 2000, the 534 Company-owned restaurants included in the most recent comparable restaurant base generated average sales, based on a 53-week year, of $782,000, average cash flow (operating income plus depreciation) of $155,000 and average restaurant operating income of $127,000 (or 16.2% of average sales).

    The average cash investment for the 42 domestic company-owned restaurants opened during the 2000 fiscal year, exclusive of land, was approximately $268,000. We expect the average cash investment for Company-owned restaurants opening in 2001 to be approximately $272,000.

Expansion

    A total of 358 Papa John's restaurants were opened during 2000, consisting of 44 Company-owned (42 domestic and 2 in the United Kingdom) and 314 franchised restaurants. During 1999, we acquired Perfect Pizza, an operator and franchisor of 206 delivery and carry-out pizza restaurants in the United Kingdom (See "Note 3" of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements"). During 2000, 11 Perfect Pizza franchised restaurants were opened and we converted eight Company-owned Perfect Pizza restaurants to Papa John's units. During 2001, we plan to open approximately 15 to 20 restaurants domestically and acquire an additional 20 restaurants from our franchisees and expect franchisees to open approximately 195 to 255 restaurants both domestically and internationally. Newer domestic market expansion is planned for the West Coast, Mid-Atlantic states, and Rocky Mountain regions, in addition to building out existing markets throughout the country. International expansion in 2001 is planned primarily in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Bahamas, and the United Kingdom. The conversion of Perfect Pizza restaurants will continue during the next four or five years.

    Our ability and the ability of our franchisees to open new restaurants is affected by a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control and the control of our franchisees. These factors include, among other things, selection and availability of suitable restaurant and QC Center sites,

3


increases in food, paper or labor costs, negotiation of suitable lease or financing terms, constraints on permitting and construction of restaurants and the hiring, training and retention of management and other personnel. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we or our franchisees will be able to meet planned growth targets or open restaurants in markets now targeted for expansion.

    Our expansion strategy is to cluster restaurants in targeted markets, thereby increasing consumer awareness and enabling us to take advantage of operational, distribution and advertising efficiencies. Our experience in developing markets indicates that market penetration through the opening of multiple restaurants within a particular market results in increased average restaurant sales in that market. We have co-developed markets with some franchisees or divided markets among franchisees, and will continue to utilize market co-development in the future. In determining which new markets to develop, we consider many factors, including the size of the market, demographics and population trends, competition, and availability and costs of real estate. Before entering a new market, we analyze detailed information concerning these factors and each market is toured and evaluated by a member of our Development department.

Menu

    Papa John's restaurants offer a focused menu of high-quality pizza, breadsticks and cheesesticks, as well as canned or bottled soft drinks. Papa John's traditional crust pizza is prepared using fresh dough (never frozen), and our thin crust pizza is made with a prepared crust. Papa John's pizzas are made from hard wheat flour, cheese made from 100% real mozzarella, fresh-packed pizza sauce made with vine-ripened tomatoes (not from concentrate) and a proprietary mix of savory spices, and a choice of high-quality meat (no artificial fillers) and vegetable toppings. Fresh onions and green peppers are purchased from local produce suppliers or the QC Center system and sliced daily in the restaurants. Fresh baby portabella mushrooms are purchased from the QC Center system, which delivers twice weekly. Each traditional crust pizza is served with a container of our special garlic sauce and two pepperoncinis, and each thin crust pizza is served with a container of special seasonings and two pepperoncinis. We believe our focused menu helps create a strong identity among consumers and simplifies operations, resulting in lower restaurant operating costs, improved food quality and consistency and superior customer service. Additionally, we may from time to time test product variations or new products which are consistent with our goal of simplified operations and superior customer service.

Restaurant Design and Site Selection

    The exterior of most Papa John's restaurants is characterized by backlit awnings, neon window designs and other visible signage. A typical domestic Papa John's restaurant averages 1,200 to 1,800 square feet and a typical international Papa John's restaurant averages 800 to 1,400 square feet. Papa John's restaurants are designed to facilitate a smooth flow of food orders through the restaurant. The layout includes specific areas for order taking, pizza preparation and routing, resulting in simplified operations, lower training and labor costs, increased efficiency and improved consistency and quality of food products. The typical interior of a Papa John's restaurant has a vibrant red and white color scheme with green striping, and includes a bright menu board, custom counters and a carry-out customer area. The counters are designed to allow customers to watch the team members slap out the dough and put sauce and toppings on pizzas.

    We consider the location of a restaurant to be important and therefore devote significant resources to the investigation and evaluation of potential sites. The site selection process includes a review of trade area demographics, target population density, household income levels and competitive factors. A member of our development team inspects each potential domestic Company-owned or franchised restaurant location and the surrounding market before a site is approved. Our restaurants are typically located in strip shopping centers or free-standing buildings that provide visibility, curb appeal and

4


accessibility. Our restaurant design may be configured to fit a wide variety of building shapes and sizes, which increases the number of suitable locations for our restaurants.

    Since 1994, an increasing number of free-standing restaurants have been opened in the Papa John's system. We seek either existing buildings suitable for conversion, or locations suitable for the construction of our prototype restaurant. Free-standing buildings generally provide more signage and better visibility, accessibility and parking. We believe that these locations improve Papa John's image and brand awareness. At year-end, free-standing units represented approximately 23% of Company-owned restaurants. We expect this ratio to remain fairly constant in future years. We also have ten multi-bay units open, but we do not expect to significantly increase the number of these units.

    All of the equipment, fixtures and smallwares needed to open a Papa John's restaurant are available for purchase through us. We also provide layout and design services and recommend subcontractors, signage installers and telephone systems to Papa John's franchisees. Although not required to do so, substantially all Papa John's franchisees purchase most of their equipment from us.

Quality Control Centers; Strategic Supply Chain Management

    Our domestic QC Centers, comprised of eleven regional production and distribution centers, supply pizza dough, food products, paper products, smallwares and cleaning supplies twice weekly to each restaurant. Our system enables us to monitor and control product quality and consistency, while lowering food costs. A full-service QC Center was opened in Phoenix, Arizona in the second quarter of 2000 replacing our previous distribution center. Our other full-service QC Centers are in Louisville, Kentucky; Dallas, Texas; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Orlando, Florida; Raleigh, North Carolina; Jackson, Mississippi; Denver, Colorado; Rotterdam, New York; Portland, Oregon and Des Moines, Iowa. The primary difference between a full-service QC Center and a distribution center is that full-service QC Centers produce fresh pizza dough. The QC Center system capacity is continually evaluated in relation to planned restaurant growth, and facilities are developed or upgraded as operational or economic conditions warrant.

    Six franchised QC Centers located in Canada, Mexico, Honduras, Iceland, Saudi Arabia and Alaska were opened in 2000, and a corporate QC Center was opened in Cambridge, Canada. Other international franchised QC Centers are located in Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Venezuela, and Guatemala. We expect future international QC Centers to be licensed to franchisees; however, we may open Company-owned QC Centers at our discretion. Perfect Pizza relocated and expanded its distribution center to accommodate a full-service QC Center during 2000.

    We set quality standards for all products used in our restaurants and designate approved outside suppliers of food and paper products that meet our quality standards. In order to ensure product quality and consistency, all of our restaurants are required to purchase proprietary spice mix and dough from our QC Centers. Franchisees may purchase other goods directly from approved suppliers or our QC Centers. National purchasing agreements with most of our suppliers generally result in volume discounts to us, allowing us to sell products to our restaurants at prices which we believe are below those generally available in the marketplace. Within our domestic QC Center system, products are distributed to restaurants by refrigerated trucks leased and operated by us or transported by a dedicated logistics company.

    Effective December 27, 1999, PJ Food Service, our wholly-owned subsidiary that operates our domestic company-owned QC Centers, entered into a purchasing arrangement with a third-party entity formed at the direction of the Franchise Advisory Council (see Franchise Program—Franchise Advisory Council) for the sole purpose of reducing cheese price volatility. Under this arrangement, PJ Food Service purchases cheese at a fixed quarterly price based in part on historical average cheese prices. Gains and losses incurred by the selling entity are passed to the commissary via adjustments to the selling price over time. Ultimately PJ Food Service purchases cheese at a price approximating the

5


actual average market price, but with more predictability and less volatility than the previous purchasing method. (See "Note 12" of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.")

Marketing Programs

    Our restaurant-level marketing programs target the delivery area of each restaurant, making extensive use of distinctive print materials in direct mail and store-to-door couponing. The local marketing efforts also include a variety of community-oriented activities with schools, sports teams and other organizations. In markets in which we or Papa John's franchisees have a significant presence, local marketing efforts are supplemented with radio and television advertising.

    All Company-owned and franchised Papa John's restaurants within a developed market are required to join an advertising cooperative ("Co-op"). Each member restaurant contributes a percentage of sales to the Co-op for market wide programs, such as radio, television and print. The rate of contribution and uses of the monies collected are determined by a majority vote of the Co-op's members. The restaurant-level and Co-op marketing efforts are supported by print and electronic advertising materials that are produced by the Papa John's Marketing Fund, Inc., a non-profit corporation (the "Marketing Fund"), for use by us and our franchisees. The Marketing Fund produces Papa John's national television commercials.

    We provide both Company-owned and franchised restaurants with catalogs for the purchase of uniforms and promotional items and pre-approved print marketing materials. We also provide direct marketing services to Company-owned and franchised restaurants utilizing customer information gathered by our proprietary point-of-sale technology.

Company Operations

    Restaurant Personnel.  A typical Papa John's restaurant employs a restaurant manager, two assistant managers and approximately 20 to 25 hourly team members, most of whom work part-time. The manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the restaurant and for maintaining Company-established operating standards. The operating standards and other resources are contained in a comprehensive operations manual supplied to each restaurant and updated regularly. We seek to hire experienced restaurant managers and staff, provide comprehensive training on operations and managerial skills, and motivate and retain them by providing opportunities for advancement and performance-based financial incentives.

    We employ area supervisors, each of whom has responsibility for overseeing three to six Company-owned restaurants. We also employ operations vice presidents and district managers who oversee area supervisors and managers within their respective markets. These team members are eligible to earn performance-based financial incentives.

    Training and Education.  We have a department dedicated to training and developing team members, as well as assisting with new restaurant openings. We have at least one full-time training coordinator for each of our markets and regional training directors located strategically across the country. We provide an on-site training team three days before and three days after the opening of any Company-owned or franchised restaurant requesting assistance. Each operations vice president, district manager, area supervisor and restaurant manager completes our management training program and on-going development programs in which instruction is given on all aspects of our systems and operations. The programs include classroom instruction and hands-on training at an operating Papa John's restaurant or at Company-certified training centers. Our training includes: new team member orientation, in-store and delivery training, core management skills training, new product or program implementation and ongoing developmental programs.

6


    Point of Sale Technology.  Point of sale technology (our proprietary PROFIT System™) is in place in substantially all Company-owned and franchised restaurants. We believe this technology facilitates faster and more accurate order taking and pricing, reduces paperwork and allows the restaurant manager to better monitor and control food and labor costs. We believe the PROFIT System enhances restaurant-level marketing capabilities through the development of a data base containing information on customers and their buying habits with respect to our products. Polling capabilities allow us to obtain restaurant operating information, thereby improving the speed, accuracy and efficiency of restaurant-level reporting.

    Reporting.  Managers at Company-owned restaurants evaluate daily reports of sales, cash deposits and operating costs. Physical inventories of all food and beverage items are taken nightly. Our area supervisors prepare weekly operating projections for each of the restaurants under their supervision.

    Hours of Operations.  Our domestic restaurants are open seven days a week, typically from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 12:00 noon to 11:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Franchise Program

    General.  We continue to attract many franchisees with significant restaurant experience. We consider our franchisees to be a vital part of our system's continued growth and believe our relationship with our franchisees is excellent. As of December 31, 2000, there were 1,971 franchised Papa John's restaurants operating in 49 states, the District of Columbia, and ten international markets, and 202 franchised Perfect Pizza restaurants operating in the United Kingdom. We have development agreements with our domestic franchisees for approximately 460 additional franchised restaurants committed to open through 2007 and agreements for 343 additional international franchised restaurants to open through 2009. There can be no assurance that all of these restaurants will be opened or that the development schedule set forth in the development agreements will be achieved. Formal development agreements for franchised Perfect Pizza restaurants do not exist, although a pipeline of qualified franchisees interested in expansion is maintained. During the 2000 fiscal year, 314 (271 domestic and 43 international) franchised Papa John's restaurants were opened, and 11 Perfect Pizza franchised restaurants were opened.

    Approval.  Franchisees are approved on the basis of the applicant's business background, restaurant operating experience and financial resources. We generally seek franchisees who will enter into development agreements for multiple restaurants. We seek franchisees who have restaurant experience or, in the case of franchisees who do not have restaurant experience, we require the franchisee to hire a full-time operator who has either an equity interest or the right to acquire an equity interest in the franchise operation.

    Development and Franchise Agreements.  We enter into development agreements with our domestic franchisees for the opening of a specified number of restaurants within a defined period of time and specified geographic area. Under our current standard development agreement, the franchisee is required to pay, at the time of signing the agreement, a non-refundable fee of $5,000 per restaurant covered by the development agreement. This amount is credited against the standard $20,000 franchise fee payable to us upon signing the franchise agreement for a specific location. Generally, a franchise agreement is executed when a franchisee secures a location.

    Our current standard domestic franchise agreement provides for a term of 10 years (with one ten-year renewal option) and payment to us of a royalty fee of 4% of sales. The current agreement, as well as substantially all existing franchise agreements, permit us to increase the royalty fee up to 5% of sales after the agreement has been in effect for three years. However, the royalty fee cannot be increased to an amount greater than the percentage royalty fee then in effect for new franchisees.

7


    We have the right to terminate a franchise agreement for a variety of reasons, including a franchisee's failure to make payments when due or failure to adhere to our policies and standards. Many state franchise laws limit the ability of a franchisor to terminate or refuse to renew a franchise.

    We opened our first franchised restaurant outside the United States in 1998. In international markets, we enter into either a development agreement or a master franchise agreement with a franchisee for the opening of a specified number of restaurants within a defined period of time and specified geographic area. Under a master franchise agreement, the franchisee has the right to subfranchise a portion of the development to one or more subfranchisees approved by us. Under our current standard international development agreement, the franchisee is required to pay total fees of $25,000 per restaurant, $5,000 at the time of signing the agreement, and $20,000 when the restaurant opens or the agreed-upon development date, whichever comes first. Under our current master franchise agreement, the master franchisee is required to pay total fees of $25,000 per restaurant owned and operated by the master franchisee, under the same terms as for the development agreement, and $15,000 for each subfranchised restaurant, $5,000 at the time of signing the agreement and $10,000 when the restaurant opens or the agreed-upon development date, whichever comes first.

    Our current standard international master franchise and development agreements provide for payment to us of a royalty fee of 5% of sales (including sales by subfranchised restaurants), with no provision for increase. The remaining terms applicable to the operation of individual restaurants are substantially equivalent to the terms of our standard domestic franchise agreement.

    We franchise restaurants in the United Kingdom under Perfect Pizza franchise agreements, which were in effect at the time of our acquisition. These franchise agreements differ from our standard international franchise agreements in many respects, although with few material differences. A principal difference is the term of the agreement, which is five years. The franchisee fee is £8,000 (approximately $11,900 at an exchange rate of 1.49), and the royalty rate of 5% is the same as our standard international agreements. The Perfect Pizza system has been developed principally through franchising of individual restaurants to single location franchisees. Thus, the system has no equivalent to our development agreements or master franchise agreements.

    We have entered into a limited number of development and franchise agreements for non-traditional restaurant units. These agreements generally cover venues or areas not originally targeted for development and have terms differing from the standard agreement. These agreements have not had a significant impact on our revenues or earnings.

    Franchise Restaurant Development.  We provide assistance to Papa John's franchisees in selecting sites, developing restaurants and evaluating the physical specifications for typical restaurants. Each franchisee is responsible for selecting the location for its restaurants but must obtain our approval of restaurant design and location based on accessibility and visibility of the site and targeted demographic factors, including population, density, income, age and traffic. We provide design plans, fixtures and equipment for most franchisee locations at competitive prices.

    Franchisee Loan Program.  We have a program under which selected franchisees can borrow funds principally for use in the construction and development of their restaurants. Loans made under the program typically bear interest at fixed or floating rates (ranging from 7.0% to 12.0% at December 31, 2000), and are secured by the fixtures, equipment and signage (and where applicable, the land) of the restaurant and the ownership interests in the franchisee. In limited cases, we have obtained a purchase option with respect to the financed restaurants. At December 31, 2000, loans outstanding under the franchise loan program totaled $16.7 million, net of the estimated allowance for doubtful collection of certain notes, with commitments to lend up to an additional $6.0 million. The loans outstanding include a loan of $3.4 million to the Marketing Fund (see Marketing Programs). We do not expect to significantly expand the franchisee loan program beyond current commitment levels. See "Notes 4 and 7" of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information.

8


    Franchise Training and Support.  Every franchisee is required to have a principal operator approved by us who satisfactorily completes our required training program and who devotes his or her full business time and efforts to the operation of the franchisee's restaurants. Each franchised restaurant manager is also required to complete our Company-certified management training program. We provide an on-site training crew three days before and three days after the opening of a franchisee's first two restaurants. Ongoing supervision of training is monitored by the corporate franchise training team. Multi-unit franchisees are encouraged to hire a full-time training coordinator certified to deliver Company approved programs in order to train new team members and management candidates for their restaurants. Our franchise consultants, reporting to the Vice President of Franchise Operations, maintain open communication with the franchise community, relaying operating and marketing information and new ideas between us and franchisees.

    Franchise Operations.  All franchisees are required to operate their Papa John's restaurants in compliance with our policies, standards and specifications, including matters such as menu items, ingredients, materials, supplies, services, fixtures, furnishings, decor and signs. Each franchisee has full discretion to determine the prices to be charged to its customers.

    Franchise Advisory Council.  We have a Franchise Advisory Council that consists of Company and franchisee representatives. The Advisory Council holds quarterly meetings to discuss new marketing ideas, operations, growth and other relevant issues.

    Reporting.  We collect weekly and monthly sales and other operating information from Papa John's franchisees. We have agreements with most Papa John's domestic franchisees permitting us to electronically debit the franchisees' bank accounts for the payment of royalties, Marketing Fund contributions and QC Center purchases from Papa John's. This system significantly reduces the resources needed to process receivables, improves cash flow and virtually eliminates past-due accounts related to these items. Franchisees generally are required to purchase and install the Papa John's PROFIT System in their restaurants (see Company Operations—Point of Sale Technology).

Competition

    The restaurant industry is intensely competitive with respect to price, service, location and food quality, and there are many well-established competitors with substantially greater financial and other resources than Papa John's. Competitors include a large number of international, national and regional restaurant chains, as well as local pizza operators. Some of our competitors have been in existence for a substantially longer period than us and may be better established in the markets where our restaurants are, or may be, located. Within the pizza segment of the restaurant industry, we believe our primary competitors are the international pizza chains, including Pizza Hut, Domino's and Little Caesars, and several regional chains. A change in the pricing or other marketing strategies of one or more of our competitors could have an adverse impact on our sales and earnings.

    The restaurant business is often affected by changes in consumer tastes, national, regional or local economic conditions, demographic trends, traffic patterns and the type, number and location of competing restaurants. In addition, factors such as inflation, increased cheese and other commodity costs, fuel costs, labor and benefits costs and the lack of experienced management and hourly team members may adversely affect the restaurant industry in general and our restaurants in particular.

    With respect to the sale of franchises, we compete with many franchisors of restaurants and other business concepts. In general, there is also active competition for management personnel and attractive commercial real estate sites suitable for our restaurants.

Government Regulation

    We, along with our franchisees, are subject to various federal, state and local laws affecting the operation of our respective businesses. Each Papa John's restaurant is subject to licensing and

9


regulation by a number of governmental authorities, which include health, safety, sanitation, building and fire agencies in the state or municipality in which the restaurant is located. Difficulties in obtaining, or the failure to obtain, required licenses or approvals can delay or prevent the opening of a new restaurant in a particular area. Our full-service QC Centers and distribution facilities are licensed and subject to regulation by state and local health and fire codes, and the operation of our trucks is subject to Department of Transportation regulations. We are also subject to federal and state environmental regulations.

    We are subject to Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") regulation and various state laws regulating the offer and sale of franchises. Several state laws also regulate substantive aspects of the franchisor-franchisee relationship. The FTC requires us to furnish to prospective franchisees a franchise offering circular containing prescribed information. A number of states in which we might consider franchising also regulate the sale of franchises and require registration of the franchise offering circular with state authorities. Substantive state laws that regulate the franchisor-franchisee relationship presently exist in a substantial number of states, and bills have been introduced in Congress from time to time which would provide for federal regulation of the franchisor-franchisee relationship in certain respects. The state laws often limit, among other things, the duration and scope of non-competition provisions and the ability of a franchisor to terminate or refuse to renew a franchise. Some foreign countries also have disclosure requirements and other laws regulating franchising and the franchisor-franchisee relationship. As we expand internationally, we will be subject to applicable laws in each jurisdiction where franchised units are established.

    We are also subject to the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, which, among other things, may require renovations to restaurants to meet federally-mandated requirements. The cost of these renovations is not expected to be material. Further government initiatives could adversely affect us and our franchisees as well as the restaurant industry in general.

Trademarks

    Our rights in principal trademarks and service marks are a significant part of our business. We are the owner of the federal registration of the trademark "Papa John's." We have also registered "Pizza Papa John's and design" (our logo), "Better Ingredients. Better Pizza." and "Pizza Papa John's Better Ingredients. Better Pizza. and design" as trademarks and service marks. We also own federal registrations for several ancillary marks, principally advertising slogans. We have also applied to register our primary trademark, "Pizza Papa John's and design," in 90 foreign countries and the European Community. The "Perfect Pizza" trademark is also registered in the United Kingdom. We are aware of the use by other persons in certain geographical areas of names and marks which are the same as or similar to our marks. It is our policy to pursue registration of our marks whenever possible and to oppose vigorously any infringement of our marks. See "Item 3. Legal Proceedings" and "Note 14" of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information.

Employees

    As of December 31, 2000, we employed 17,922 persons, of whom approximately 15,582 were restaurant team members, 770 were restaurant management and supervisory personnel, 681 were corporate personnel and 889 were PJ Food Service and support services personnel. Most restaurant team members work part-time and are paid on an hourly basis. None of our team members is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our team member relations to be excellent.

Forward Looking Statements

    This Form 10-K contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"), including information within Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The following cautionary statements are

10


being made pursuant to the provisions of the Act and with the intention of obtaining the benefits of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Act. Although we believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, actual results may differ materially from those in the forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including but not limited to, the following:

11



Item 2. Properties

    As of December 31, 2000, there were 2,612 Papa John's restaurants and 205 Perfect Pizza restaurants systemwide.

Company-owned Papa John's Restaurants

 
  Number of
Restaurants

Colorado   52
Delaware   11
Florida   46
Georgia   64
Illinois   3
Indiana   40
Kentucky   42
Maryland   54
Minnesota   46
Missouri   21
New Jersey   26
New Mexico   11
North Carolina   52
Ohio   21
Pennsylvania   3
South Carolina   4
Tennessee   29
Texas   89
Virginia   17
   
  Total Domestic Company-owned Papa John's Restaurants   631
United Kingdom   10
   
  Total Company-owned Papa John's Restaurants   641
   

12


Domestic Franchised Papa John's Restaurants

 
  Number of
Restaurants

Alabama   58
Alaska   3
Arizona   52
Arkansas   14
California   170
Colorado   1
Connecticut   6
Delaware   1
Florida   183
Georgia   55
Hawaii   11
Idaho   9
Illinois   80
Indiana   81
Iowa   22
Kansas   25
Kentucky   50
Louisiana   47
Maine   2
Maryland   22
Massachusetts   6
Michigan   63
Minnesota   6
Mississippi   23
Missouri   32
Montana   8
Nebraska   15
Nevada   16
New Hampshire   7
New Jersey   6
New Mexico   6
New York   31
North Carolina   57
North Dakota   7
Ohio   136
Oklahoma   25
Oregon   24
Pennsylvania   74
Rhode Island   4
South Carolina   45
South Dakota   7
Tennessee   64
Texas   123
Utah   25
Virginia   89
Washington   39
West Virginia   20
Wisconsin   42
Wyoming   5
Washington, D.C.   5
   
  Total Domestic Franchised Papa John's Restaurants   1,902
   

13


International Franchised Papa John's Restaurants

 
  Number of
Restaurants

Canada   8
Costa Rica   8
Guatemala   4
Honduras   2
Iceland   1
Mexico   19
Puerto Rico   9
Saudi Arabia   4
Venezuela   13
United Kingdom   1
   
  Total International Franchised Papa John's Restaurants   69
   

    Most Papa John's restaurants are located in leased space. The initial term of most restaurant leases is five years or less with most leases providing for one or more options to renew for at least one additional term. Virtually all of our leases specify a fixed annual rent. Generally, the leases are triple net leases which require us to pay all or a portion of the cost of insurance, taxes and utilities. Certain leases further provide that the lease payments may be increased annually, with a small number of escalations based on changes in the Consumer Price Index.

    Approximately 144 Company-owned restaurants are located in buildings we own on land either owned or leased by us. These restaurants range from 1,200 to 1,800 square feet. Ten of the restaurants are located in multi-bay facilities we own. These multi-bay facilities contain from 2,800 to 5,000 square feet, and the space not utilized by the Papa John's restaurants in each facility is leased or held for lease to third party tenants.

    All 202 franchised and three Company-owned Perfect Pizza restaurants are located in the United Kingdom. In addition to leasing the three Company-owned restaurant sites, we lease and sublease to franchisees 168 of the 202 franchised restaurant sites. The initial lease terms on the Company and franchised sites are generally 10 to 15 years. The initial lease terms of the franchisee subleases are generally five to ten years.

    Information with respect to our leased QC Centers and other facilities as of December 31, 2000, is set forth below.

Facility

  Square Footage
Jackson, MS   30,000
Raleigh, NC   27,000
Denver, CO   32,000
Phoenix, AZ   57,000
Des Moines, IA   31,000
Rotterdam, NY   45,000
Portland, OR   37,000
Pittsburgh, PA   52,000
Cambridge, Ontario   8,900

    We own approximately five acres in Orlando on which our 63,000 square foot full-service commissary is located, and eight acres in Dallas on which our 77,500 square foot full-service commissary is located. In addition, the Company owns approximately 72 acres in Louisville, Kentucky

14


with a 42,000 square foot building housing our printing operations and a 247,000 square foot building, approximately 30 to 40% of which accommodates the Louisville QC Center operation and promotional division. The remainder of the building houses our corporate offices.

    The Perfect Pizza management team is located in 6,000 square feet of leased office space in London with a remaining lease term of 15 years. We expanded and relocated the Perfect Pizza distribution center into a 30,000 square foot owned facility in March 2000. This new facility can accommodate a full-service commissary as the conversion to Papa John's restaurants occurs.


Item 3. Legal Proceedings

    In August 1998, Pizza Hut, Inc. filed suit against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, claiming that our "Better Ingredients. Better Pizza." slogan constituted false and deceptive advertising in violation of the Lanham Trademark Act. In November 1999, the jury returned a verdict that our "Better Ingredients. Better Pizza." slogan was false and deceptive. On January 3, 2000, the court announced its judgment, awarding Pizza Hut $468,000 in damages and ordering us to cease all use of the "Better Ingredients. Better Pizza." slogan. Under the judge's order, we were to cease using the slogan in print and broadcast advertising, phase out printed promotional materials and other items containing the slogan and remove the slogan from restaurant signage, all according to deadlines specified by the court. We initially estimated that the pre-tax costs of complying with the court's order and certain related costs could have approximated $12.0 to $15.0 million, of which $6.1 million was recorded as pre-tax charges against 1999 earnings. We filed an appeal of the verdict and the court's order and a motion for stay of the court's order pending outcome of the appeal.

    On January 21, 2000, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted a stay of the District Court judgment pending our appeal. Oral arguments related to the appeal were held on April 5, 2000. On September 19, 2000, the Fifth Circuit vacated the District Court's judgment in its entirety and remanded the case to the District Court for entry of judgment in favor of Papa John's. On December 18, 2000, Pizza Hut filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari with the United States Supreme Court. On March 19, 2001, the United States Supreme Court denied Pizza Hut's Petition for Writ of Certiorari. For the 2000 fiscal year, we incurred an additional $1.0 million of pre-tax charges related to this issue.

    We are also subject to claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of our business. We believe that all such claims and actions currently pending against us are either adequately covered by insurance or would not have a material adverse effect on us if decided in a manner unfavorable to us.


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

    Not applicable.

15


EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

    Set forth below are the executive officers of Papa John's, together with their ages as of January 1, 2001, their positions and the years in which they first became an officer:

Name

  Age
  Position
  First Elected
Executive Officer


John H. Schnatter

 

39

 

Founder, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President

 

1985

Robert J. Wadell

 

45

 

President of PJ Food Service, Inc. and Chief Operating Officer

 

1990

Blaine E. Hurst*

 

44

 

Former Vice Chairman and President

 

1995

Charles W. Schnatter

 

38

 

Senior Vice President, Chief Development Officer, Secretary and General Counsel

 

1991

Mary Ann Palmer

 

43

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Resource Officer

 

1999

Julie Larner

 

41

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

 

2001

E. Drucilla Milby*

 

47

 

Former Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

1991

Michael R. Cortino

 

44

 

Senior Vice President of Corporate Operations

 

2000

Barry M. Barron*

 

44

 

Former Senior Vice President of International

 

1999

J. David Flanery

 

43

 

Vice President of Finance and Corporate Controller

 

1994

Timothy C. O'Hern

 

37

 

Vice President of Global Development

 

2001

Richard J. Emmett

 

45

 

Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel

 

1992

Hart Boesel

 

54

 

Vice President of Franchise Operations

 

1999

Syl J. Sosnowski

 

59

 

Vice President of Marketing

 

1995

Thomas C. Kish*

 

35

 

Former Vice President of Information Systems and Support Services

 

1999

*
These officers resigned from or left the Company in late 2000 or early 2001.

16


    John Schnatter created the Papa John's concept and founded Papa John's in 1985. He has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since 1990, and from 1985 to 1990, served as President, a position to which he was reappointed in January 2001. He has also been a franchisee since 1986.

    Robert Wadell was named Chief Operating Officer in February 2001. He will continue to serve as President of PJ Food Service, Inc., a position he has held since 1995, after having served as Vice President of Commissary Operations from 1990 to 1995. From 1979 to 1990, Mr. Wadell was employed with Mr. Gatti's, a pizza restaurant chain. From 1983 to 1988, Mr. Wadell was an Area Supervisor for Mr. Gatti's, and from 1979 to 1983, was a store operator for Mr. Gatti's.

    Blaine Hurst served as Vice Chairman from 1998 to December 2000 and President from 1996 to December 2000. From 1995 to 1996, Mr. Hurst served as Chief Information Officer after having joined Papa John's in January 1995 as Vice President of Information Systems. Mr. Hurst resigned from the Company in December 2000.

    Charles Schnatter was named Chief Development Officer in February 2001. He will continue to serve as Secretary and General Counsel, positions he has held since 1991; he has been a Senior Vice President since 1993. From 1988 to 1991, he was an attorney with Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC, Louisville, Kentucky, a law firm, which provides legal services to us. Charles Schnatter has been a franchisee since 1989.

    Mary Ann Palmer was named Senior Vice President and Chief Resource Officer in February 2001. She served as Vice President, People Department since the department was created in January 1999. Ms. Palmer served as Vice President of Education and Training from 1997 to 1999. From 1996 to 1997, Ms. Palmer held the position of Senior Counsel in our legal department. Prior to joining Papa John's, Ms. Palmer practiced law as a partner with the law firm, Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs.

    Julie Larner was named Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer in February 2001. She is responsible for Finance, Information Systems and Office Services. Ms. Larner has been with Papa John's since 1992 serving as controller for PJ Food Service, Inc. from 1992 to 1997 and its Vice President of Finance and Administration since 1998.

    Dru Milby served as Senior Vice President from 1996 to February 2001, and as Chief Financial Officer from 1995 to 2001 and Treasurer from 1993 to 2001. Ms. Milby held the position of Vice President—Finance from 1991 to 1995. From 1990 to 1991, Ms. Milby was Director of Financial Planning for American Air Filter. Ms. Milby left the Company in February 2001.

    Mike Cortino has served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Operations since May 2000 after having served as Vice President of Operations Support since November 1999. Prior to joining Papa John's, Mr. Cortino served five years as Vice President of Corporate Operations for AFC Enterprises—Church's Chicken Brand and ten years as a market manager and other positions with Taco Bell.

    Barry Barron served as Senior Vice President of International from 1998 to January 2001. Mr. Barron also served as Regional Vice President, Southwest Region from 1995 to 1998 serving restaurants in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Missouri and Illinois. Mr. Barron resigned from the Company in January 2001.

    David Flanery has served as Vice President of Finance since 1995 after having joined Papa John's in 1994 as Corporate Controller. From 1979 to 1994, Mr. Flanery was with Ernst & Young LLP in a variety of positions, most recently as Audit Senior Manager. Mr. Flanery is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.

    Tim O'Hern was appointed Vice President of Global Development in February 2001 after having served as Vice President of U.S. Development since March 1997. From December 1996 to March 1997, Mr. O'Hern held the position of Director of Franchise Development. Mr. O'Hern joined Papa John's in

17


November 1995 as a construction manager. Prior to joining Papa John's, Mr. O'Hern owned his own business and has been a franchisee since 1993.

    Richard Emmett was appointed Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel in March 1997, after having served as Senior Vice President of Development from August 1996 to March 1997. From 1992 to 1996, Mr. Emmett held the position of Vice President and Senior Counsel. From 1983 to 1992, Mr. Emmett was an attorney with the law firm of Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC, having become a partner of the firm in 1989. Mr. Emmett has been a franchisee since 1992.

    Hart Boesel has served as Vice President of Franchise Operations since 1995. In his capacity as Vice President, Mr. Boesel serves as the primary corporate contact for the Papa John's franchise family. Prior to joining Papa John's, Mr. Boesel had 17 years of experience in corporate, franchise and international operations with Wendy's International, Inc.

    Syl Sosnowski has served as Vice President of Marketing since 1995. Mr. Sosnowski also served as Vice President of Support Services from 1997 to 1998. From 1990 to 1995, Mr. Sosnowski served as Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Carvel Corporation.

    Tom Kish served as Vice President, Information Systems from October 1996 to February 2001 and Vice President, Support Services, from March 1998 to February 2001. From 1995 to 1996, Mr. Kish served as Director of Store Systems. Prior to joining Papa John's, Mr. Kish held several consulting positions, many of them with Fortune 500 companies. Mr. Kish has been a franchisee since 1998. Mr. Kish resigned from the Company in February 2001.

    John and Charles Schnatter are brothers. There are no other family relationships among the executive officers and other key personnel.

18



PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

    Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ National Market tier of The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol PZZA. As of March 12, 2001, there were approximately 912 record holders of common stock. The following table sets forth for the quarters indicated the high and low closing sales prices of our common stock, as reported by The NASDAQ Stock Market.

2000

  High
  Low
First Quarter   $ 34.88   $ 22.38
Second Quarter     33.16     21.63
Third Quarter     26.28     20.81
Fourth Quarter     27.38     19.63
1999
           
First Quarter   $ 47.38   $ 38.88
Second Quarter     44.13     35.25
Third Quarter     44.88     37.81
Fourth Quarter     44.50     23.31

    Since our initial public offering of common stock in 1993, we have not paid dividends on our common stock, and have no plans to do so in the foreseeable future.


Item 6. Selected Financial Data

    The selected financial data presented on the following page for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2000 was derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in Item 7 and Item 8, respectively, of this Form 10-K.

19



Selected Financial Data

 
  Year Ended(1)
 
 
  Dec. 31,
2000

  Dec. 26,
1999

  Dec. 27,
1998

  Dec. 28,
1997

  Dec. 29,
1996

 
 
  (In thousands, except per share data)

 
Systemwide Restaurant Sales                                
  Domestic: Company-owned   $ 456,637   $ 394,636   $ 344,089   $ 262,272   $ 171,457  
  Domestic: Franchised     1,212,369     1,031,277     812,005     605,337     447,739  
  International: Franchised     17,723     6,803     177          
  United Kingdom: Company-owned     4,305     455              
  United Kingdom: Franchised     60,578     5,175              
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Total   $ 1,751,612   $ 1,438,346   $ 1,156,271   $ 867,609   $ 619,196  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income Statement Data                                
  Domestic revenues:                                
    Restaurant sales   $ 456,637   $ 394,636   $ 344,089   $ 262,272   $ 171,457  
    Franchise royalties     47,145     40,567     32,120     23,875     17,688  
    Franchise and development fees     5,559     6,511     5,325     5,162     4,061  
    Commissary sales     351,255     306,909     255,083     184,407     141,654  
    Equipment and other sales     53,233     53,078     45,404     39,952     26,959  
  International revenues:                                
    Royalties and franchise and development fees     5,302     1,063     131          
    Restaurant and commissary sales     25,546     2,561              
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Total revenues     944,677     805,325     682,152     515,668     361,819  
  Operating income before special charges     82,511     78,588     53,688     35,437     22,761  
  Advertising litigation     1,017     6,104              
  Special charge     24,105                  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Operating income     57,389     72,484     53,688     35,437     22,761  
  Investment income     1,943     3,384     4,100     4,196     3,484  
  Interest expense     (7,746 )   (151 )   (643 )   (296 )   (188 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle     51,586     75,717     57,145     39,337     26,057  
  Income tax expense     19,762     28,431     22,181     15,772     10,932  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle     31,824     47,286     34,964     23,565     15,125  
  Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax(2)             (2,603 )        
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Net income   $ 31,824   $ 47,286   $ 32,361   $ 23,565   $ 15,125  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Basic earnings per common share:                                
    Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle   $ 1.29   $ 1.57   $ 1.18   $ .81   $ .54  
    Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax(2)             (.09 )        
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Basic earnings per common share   $ 1.29   $ 1.57   $ 1.09   $ .81   $ .54  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Earnings per common share—assuming dilution:                                
    Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle   $ 1.28   $ 1.52   $ 1.15   $ .79   $ .53  
    Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax(2)             (.09 )        
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Earnings per common share—assuming dilution:   $ 1.28   $ 1.52   $ 1.06   $ .79   $ .53  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Basic weighted average shares outstanding     24,703     30,195     29,537     29,044     28,138  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Diluted weighted average shares outstanding     24,907     31,080     30,455     29,720     28,798  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Data                                
  Total assets   $ 395,658   $ 372,051   $ 319,724   $ 253,413   $ 214,392  
  Total debt     146,607     6,233     8,420     5,905     5,230  
  Stockholders' equity     166,321     292,133     254,170     206,996     178,194  

(1)
We operate on a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday of December of each year. The 2000 fiscal year consisted of 53 weeks, and the 1999, 1998, 1997 and 1996 fiscal years consisted of 52 weeks.
(2)
Reflects the cumulative effect on income and earnings per share of a change in accounting principle, net of tax, as required by Statement of Position 98-5 "Reporting the Costs of Start-Up Activities" (see "Note 2" of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements").

20



Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Introduction

    Papa John's International, Inc. (referred to as the "Company," "Papa John's" or in the first person notations of "we," "us" and "our") began operations in 1985 with the opening of the first Papa John's restaurant in Jeffersonville, Indiana. At December 31, 2000, there were 2,612 Papa John's restaurants in operation, consisting of 641 Company-owned and 1,971 franchised, and 205 Perfect Pizza restaurants in the United Kingdom (consisting of 3 Company-owned and 202 franchised). Our revenues are principally derived from retail sales of pizza to the general public by Company-owned restaurants, franchise royalties, sales of franchise and development rights, sales to franchisees of food and paper products, restaurant equipment, printing and promotional items, risk management services, and information systems and related services used in their operations.

    We intend to continue to expand the number of Company-owned and franchised restaurants. Our expansion strategy is to cluster restaurants in targeted markets, thereby increasing consumer awareness and enabling us to take advantage of operational, distribution and advertising efficiencies. We believe that our expansion strategy has contributed to increases in comparable annual sales for Company-owned restaurants of 3.0% in 2000, 3.5% in 1999, and 9.0% in 1998. Average sales for the Company's most recent comparable base restaurants increased to $782,000 for 2000, based on a 53-week year, from $754,000 for 1999 and $750,000 in 1998 (based on 52-week years). This increase is attributable to continuing strong sales of maturing restaurants. Average sales volumes in new markets are generally lower than in those markets in which we have established a significant market position.

    Approximately 45% of our revenues for 2000 and 1999 were derived from the sale to franchisees of food and paper products, restaurant equipment, printing and promotional items, risk management services and information systems equipment and software and related services by us, our commissary subsidiary, PJ Food Service, Inc., our support services subsidiary, Papa John's Support Services, Inc. and Perfect Pizza. We believe that, in addition to supporting both Company and franchised growth, these subsidiaries contribute to product quality and consistency throughout the Papa John's system.

    We continually strive to obtain high-quality sites with good access and visibility, and to enhance the appearance and quality of our restaurants. We believe that these factors improve our image and brand awareness. The average cash investment for the 42 domestic Company-owned restaurants opened during 2000, exclusive of land, increased to approximately $268,000 from $224,000 for the 36 units opened in 1999. We expect the average cash investment for restaurants opening in 2001 to be approximately $272,000.

    Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December of each year. Our 2000 fiscal year consists of 53 weeks, and all other fiscal years presented consist of 52 weeks.

21


Results of Operations

    The following tables set forth the percentage relationship to total revenues, unless otherwise indicated, of certain income statement data, and certain restaurant data for the years indicated.

 
  Year Ended
 
 
  Dec. 31,
2000

  Dec. 26,
1999

  Dec. 27,
1998

 
Income Statement Data:              
Domestic revenues:              
  Restaurant sales   48.3 % 49.0 % 50.4 %
  Franchise royalties   5.0   5.0   4.7  
  Franchise and development fees   0.6   0.8   0.8  
  Commissary sales   37.2   38.2   37.4  
  Equipment and other sales   5.6   6.6   6.7  
International revenues:              
  Royalties and franchise and development fees   0.6   0.1    
  Restaurant and commissary sales   2.7   0.3    
   
 
 
 
    Total revenues   100.0   100.0   100.0  
Costs and expenses:              
  Domestic restaurant cost of sales(1)   24.4   25.4   26.9  
  Domestic restaurant operating expenses(1)   56.4   54.6   53.5  
  Domestic commissary, equipment and other expenses(2)   89.7   90.6   91.7  
  International operating expenses(3)   84.9   81.6    
  General and administrative expenses(4)   7.7   6.8   7.8  
  Advertising litigation expense(5)   0.1   0.8    
  Special charge(6)   2.6      
  Pre-opening and other general expenses(4)   0.2   0.4   0.4  
  Depreciation and amortization(4)   3.6   3.1   3.0  
   
 
 
 
    Total costs and expenses   93.9   91.0   92.1  
   
 
 
 
Operating income   6.1   9.0   7.9  
Other income (expense)   (0.6 ) 0.4   0.5  
   
 
 
 
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle   5.5   9.4   8.4  
Income tax expense   2.1   3.5   3.3  
   
 
 
 
Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle   3.4   5.9   5.1  
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax(4)       (0.4 )
   
 
 
 
  Net income   3.4 % 5.9 % 4.7 %
   
 
 
 

22


 
  Year Ended
 
 
  Dec. 31,
2000

  Dec. 26,
1999

  Dec. 27,
1998

 
Restaurant Data:                    
  Percentage increase in comparable Company-owned restaurant sales(7)     3.0 %   3.5 %   9.0 %
  Number of Company-owned restaurants included in the respective year's most recent comparable restaurant base     534     492     407  
  Average sales for Company-owned restaurants included in the year's most recent comparable restaurant base(8)   $ 782,000   $ 754,000   $ 750,000  
Papa John's Restaurant Progression:                    
U.S. Company-owned:                    
  Beginning of period     573     514     427  
  Opened     42     36     70  
  Closed     (2 )   (1 )   (1 )
  Acquired from franchisees     25     28     21  
  Sold to franchisees     (7 )   (6 )   (3 )
  Restated(9)         2      
   
 
 
 
  End of period     631     573     514  
International Company-owned:                    
  Beginning of period              
  Opened     2          
  Converted(10)     8          
   
 
 
 
  End of period     10          
U.S. franchised:                    
  Beginning of period     1,681     1,365     1,090  
  Opened     271     345     296  
  Closed     (32 )   (8 )   (3 )
  Sold to Company     (25 )   (28 )   (21 )
  Acquired from Company     7     6     3  
  Restated(9)         1      
   
 
 
 
  End of period     1,902     1,681     1,365  
International franchised:                    
  Beginning of period     26     6      
  Opened     42     20     6  
  Opened—UK     1          
   
 
 
 
  End of period     69     26     6  
   
 
 
 
Total restaurants—end of period     2,612     2,280     1,885  
   
 
 
 

23


 
  Year Ended
 
  Dec. 31, 2000
  Dec. 26, 1999
  Dec. 27, 1998
Perfect Pizza Restaurant Progression:(11)            
Company-owned            
  Beginning of period   12   15  
  Closed   (1 )  
  Sold to franchisees     (3 )
  Converted(10)   (8 )  
   
 
 
  End of period   3   12  
Franchised            
  Beginning of period   194   190  
  Opened   11   1  
  Acquired from Company     3  
  Closed   (3 )  
   
 
 
  End of period   202   194  
   
 
 
Total restaurants—end of period   205   206  
   
 
 

(1)
As a percentage of Domestic Restaurant sales.

(2)
As a percentage of Domestic Commissary sales and Equipment and other sales on a combined basis.

(3)
As a percentage of International Restaurant and commissary sales.

(4)
The 1998 operating results reflect the adoption of an accounting standard related to the costs of start-up activities (see "Note 2" of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements") which impacts the amount of depreciation and amortization, general and administrative expenses, and pre-opening and other general expenses reflected above.

(5)
Represents costs related to complying with the Court's order in the Pizza Hut litigation (see "Item 3. Legal Proceedings" and "Note 14" of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements").

(6)
See "Note 4" of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."

(7)
Includes only Company-owned restaurants open throughout the periods being compared.

(8)
Year 2000 is based on a 53-week year while 1999 and 1998 are 52-week years.

(9)
Non-traditional units previously opened but not included in restaurant progression.

(10)
Represents Perfect Pizza restaurants converted to Papa John's restaurants.

(11)
We purchased Perfect Pizza on November 29, 1999.

2000 Compared to 1999

    On November 29, 1999, we acquired Perfect Pizza Holdings Limited ("Perfect Pizza"), a company located in the United Kingdom which operated and franchised 206 restaurants (see "Note 3" of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements"). The Consolidated Statements of Income contain financial results for Perfect Pizza for the full year in 2000 which reflect total revenues of $28.7 million and operating income of $1.4 million and financial results only for the month of December in 1999, which reflect total revenues of $2.9 million and operating income of $332,000.

    Revenues.  Total revenues increased 17.3% to $944.7 million in 2000, from $805.3 million in 1999.

    Domestic restaurant sales increased 15.7% to $456.6 million in 2000, from $394.6 million in 1999. This increase was primarily due to a 13.2% increase in the number of equivalent Company-owned

24


restaurants open during 2000 as compared to 1999. "Equivalent restaurants" represents the number of restaurants open at the beginning of a given period, adjusted for restaurants opened or acquired during the period on a weighted average basis. Also, sales increased 3.0% over 1999 for Company-owned restaurants open throughout both periods.

    Domestic franchise royalties increased 16.2% to $47.1 million in 2000, from $40.6 million in 1999. This increase was due to an increase of 16.9% in the number of equivalent franchised domestic Papa John's restaurants open during 2000 as compared to 1999. Also, comparable sales increased 2.1% in 2000 over 1999 for franchised restaurants open throughout both years.

    Domestic franchise and development fees decreased 14.6% to $5.6 million in 2000, from $6.5 million in 1999 due primarily to 74 fewer domestic unit openings in 2000 compared to 1999. The decrease in franchise unit openings was partially offset by an increase in average fees per restaurant opening.

    Domestic commissary sales increased 14.4% to $351.3 million in 2000, from $306.9 million in 1999. This increase was primarily the result of the previously mentioned increase in the number of equivalent franchise restaurants and franchise comparable sales, partially offset by lower cheese sales prices.

    Domestic equipment and other sales were substantially flat in 2000 as compared to 1999.

    International revenues substantially consist of Perfect Pizza operations which is denominated in British Sterling Pounds and converted to U.S. dollars. The increase in revenues in 2000 as compared to 1999 is due to 1999 operations reflecting one month of Perfect Pizza financial results compared to a full year in 2000.

    Costs and Expenses.  Domestic restaurant cost of sales, which consists of food, beverage and paper costs, decreased as a percentage of restaurant sales to 24.4% in 2000, from 25.4% in 1999. This decrease is primarily due to a decrease in cheese costs, partially offset by an increase in certain other commodity costs. The cost of cheese, representing approximately 35% of food cost in 2000, and other commodities are subject to significant price fluctuations caused by weather, availability, demand and other factors. Most of the factors affecting the cost of cheese are beyond our control (see "Item 1. Business—Quality Control Centers: Strategic Supply Chain Management" and "Note 12" of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements").

    Domestic restaurant salaries and benefits increased as a percentage of restaurant sales to 27.9% in 2000, from 27.0% in 1999. This increase was primarily due to the higher wage rates in response to increasing labor cost pressures. Occupancy costs as a percentage of restaurant sales increased slightly to 5.1% for 2000 as compared to 5.0% in 1999, as increases in rent and utilities more than offset efficiencies from increased sales levels.

    Domestic restaurant advertising and related costs remained consistent as a percentage of restaurant sales at 9.1% for both 2000 and 1999.

    Other domestic restaurant operating expenses increased as a percentage of restaurant sales to 14.3% in 2000, from 13.5% in 1999. Other operating expenses include an allocation of commissary operating expenses equal to 3.0% of Company-owned restaurant sales in order to assess a portion of the costs of dough production and food and equipment purchasing and storage to Company-owned restaurants. The increase in other operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales was primarily due to an increase in mileage reimbursement for drivers, sponsorship fees and the provision for potentially uncollectible accounts receivable.

25


    Domestic commissary, equipment and other expenses include cost of sales, salaries and benefits, and other operating expenses associated with sales of food, paper, equipment, information systems and printing and promotional items to franchisees and other customers. These costs decreased as a percentage of combined commissary sales and equipment and other sales to 89.7% in 2000 from 90.6% in 1999. Cost of sales as a percentage of combined commissary sales and equipment and other sales decreased to 75.2% in 2000 from 76.3% in 1999, principally due to lower commodity costs, primarily resulting from lower cheese costs. Salaries and benefits increased to 6.8% of sales in 2000 from 6.6% in 1999, which primarily reflects the lower cheese prices in 2000 as compared to 1999. Other operating expenses decreased to 7.6% in 2000 compared to 7.7% in 1999, due primarily to fixed expense leverage against a higher sales base.

    International operating expenses in 2000 are substantially comprised of the Perfect Pizza operations acquired in November 1999.

    General and administrative expenses increased to 7.7% of revenues for 2000 compared to 6.8% of revenues in 1999. This increase is primarily due to the cost of additional support services, such as field marketing, training and international development, required for our expanded operations as well as the addition of Perfect Pizza.

    Advertising litigation expense represents costs associated with the lawsuit filed against us by Pizza Hut, Inc. claiming that our "Better Ingredients. Better Pizza." slogan is false and deceptive advertising. Advertising litigation expense was $1.0 million in 2000, compared to $6.1 million in 1999. These costs for 2000 consisted primarily of legal costs, and for 1999 consisted of legal costs and other costs associated with the initial verdict, which was subsequently overturned. See "Item 3. Legal Proceedings" and "Note 14" of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information.

    During the fourth quarter of 2000, the Company incurred a $24.1 million special charge. The 2000 special charge is comprised of the following non-recurring items (dollars in 000's):

 
 
  Asset
Valuation

  Accrued
Liabilities

  Total
Impairment of carrying value of 52 restaurants   $ 6,751   $   $ 6,751
Impairment or write-off of certain assets, principally technology assets     6,728         6,728
Reserve for franchise notes receivable     4,200         4,200
Closure of 13 restaurants     1,866     1,247     3,113
Closing of 20 field offices, severance and exit costs     635     1,928     2,563
Settlement of vendor litigation         750     750
     
 
 
Total   $ 20,180   $ 3,925   $ 24,105
     
 
 

    Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of" (SFAS No. 121), requires impairment losses to be recognized for long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the estimate of undiscounted cash flows is not sufficient to recover asset carrying amounts. SFAS No. 121 also requires long-lived assets held for disposal to be carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value, less costs of disposal, once management has committed to a plan of disposal or closure.

    The Company determined that certain domestic restaurants were impaired due to specific operational performance indicators. Certain domestic restaurants' operational performance declined during 2000 due to increased competition and increased operating expenses, such as salaries, reflecting general operating conditions. In addition, the performance of certain acquired markets did not meet expectations in 2000, which indicated that some of the acquired restaurants were impaired. During our

26


review for potentially impaired restaurants, we considered several indicators, including individual restaurant profitability, annual comparable sales, operating trends, as well as actual operating results. In accordance with SFAS No. 121, we estimated the undiscounted cash flows over the estimated lives of the assets for each of our restaurants that met certain impairment indicators and compared these estimates to the carrying values of the underlying assets.

    The forecasted cash flows were based on our assessment of the individual store's future profitability which is based on the restaurant's historical results, the maturity of the restaurant's market as well as our future plans for the restaurant and its market. In estimating forecasted cash flows, we used a discount rate of 12% which approximates the return we would expect on those types of investments. Based on our analysis, we determined that 52 restaurants were impaired by a total of $6.8 million.

    The impairment or write-off of certain assets was principally comprised of technology assets, including the development of our on-line ordering capabilities. The Company reviewed the future use of certain technological and other assets and determined that the assets were no longer beneficial to the Company or the carrying value of the assets was impaired due to lower future cash flows based on our updated strategy to focus on our primary business activities. Based on an asset analysis and an analysis of estimated future cash flows in accordance with SFAS No. 121, a charge of $6.7 million was recorded.

    We established a reserve of $4.2 million for franchisee notes receivable. We concluded the reserve was necessary due to certain franchisees' deteriorating economic performance and underlying collateral value. Substantially all of the reserve, approximately $4.1 million, relates to notes receivable with a related party franchisee.

    Prior to year-end, we identified and committed to close 13 restaurants in 2001 due to deteriorating economic performance and poor outlook for improvement. A charge of $3.1 million was recorded.

    During the fourth quarter of 2000, the Company decided to close 20 field offices to reduce future costs and to allow our operations area supervisors and district managers to spend more time in our restaurants. We also eliminated certain positions in the fourth quarter to reduce future administrative costs. These actions resulted in a charge of $2.6 million in the fourth quarter.

    In December 2000, the Company agreed to pay $750,000 to settle a lawsuit with a vendor.

    The special charge resulted in a write-down of asset carrying value of $20.2 million and the establishment of accrued liabilities for cash payments of $3.9 million. We paid approximately $200,000 during the fourth quarter 2000 related to these liabilities. We anticipate paying a majority of the remaining liabilities associated with this special charge during 2001. The payments are expected to be made from operating cash flow.

    The impairment of the restaurant and other corporate assets in 2000 will reduce depreciation and amortization in 2001 approximately $2.1 million as compared to 2000. The closing of the 20 field offices and the severance and exit costs will reduce salaries and operating expenses approximately $900,000 in 2001 as compared to 2000.

    Pre-opening and other general expenses decreased to $2.2 million in 2000 from $3.4 million in 1999. Pre-opening costs of $1.1 million, relocation costs of $1.3 million and net gains on restaurant and other asset dispositions of $200,000 were included in the 2000 amount, as compared to pre-opening costs of $759,000, relocation costs of $1.3 million and net losses on restaurant and other asset dispositions of $1.4 million in 1999.

    Depreciation and amortization was 3.6% of revenues in 2000 compared to 3.1% for 1999, due primarily to a full year of depreciation on the corporate headquarters facility, a full year of goodwill amortization on the Perfect Pizza acquisition in 2000 as compared to only a partial year impact of each

27


of these items in 1999, as well as the goodwill amortization related to restaurants purchased during 2000. The purchase of Perfect Pizza in November 1999 resulted in $30.9 million of goodwill. Total goodwill amortization for the Company was $2.6 million in 2000 compared to $1.1 million in 1999.

    Net Interest.  Net interest expense was $5.8 million in 2000 compared to net interest income of $3.2 million in 1999, due to the cash used and debt incurred to fund the stock repurchase program.

    Income Tax Expense.  The effective income tax rate increased to 38.3% in 2000 compared to 37.6% for 1999, due primarily to the sale of certain tax-exempt investments during the fourth quarter of 1999 to fund the Perfect Pizza acquisition and to begin funding of the stock repurchase program.

    Operating Income and Earnings Per Common Share.  Operating income in 2000 was $57.4 million, or 6.1% of total revenues, as compared to $72.5 million or 9.0% of total revenues. Excluding the special charge in 2000 and the advertising litigation expense in both years, operating income in 2000 was $82.5 million, or 8.7% of total revenues, compared to $78.6 million, or 9.8% of total revenues, in 1999. The decline in 2000 operating income as a percentage of sales as compared to 1999 was principally due to a decrease in the restaurant operating margin and the previously mentioned increase in general and administrative expenses.

    Diluted earnings per share in 2000 was $1.28 compared to $1.52 in 1999. Excluding the special charge and advertising litigation, diluted earnings per share in 2000 was $1.90 compared to $1.64 in 1999. In December 1999, the Company began a repurchase program of its common stock. Through December 31, 2000, a total of 7.6 million shares were repurchased under this program. The repurchase of the Company's common shares resulted in a $0.11 increase in the diluted earnings per share for 2000 as compared to 1999.

1999 Compared to 1998

    Revenues.  Total revenues increased 18.1% to $805.3 million in 1999, from $682.2 million in 1998.

    Domestic restaurant sales increased 14.7% to $394.6 million in 1999, from $344.1 million in 1998. This increase was primarily due to a 12.6% increase in the number of equivalent Company-owned restaurants open during 1999 as compared to 1998. Also, comparable sales increased 3.5% in 1999 over 1998 for Company-owned restaurants open throughout both years, in large part due to reduced price discounting.

    Domestic franchise royalties increased 26.3% to $40.6 million in 1999, from $32.1 million in 1998. This increase was primarily due to a 25.6% increase in the number of equivalent franchised restaurants open during 1999 as compared to 1998. Also, comparable sales increased 6.4% in 1999 over 1998 for franchised restaurants open throughout both years.

    Domestic franchise and development fees increased 22.3% to $6.5 million in 1999, from $5.3 million in 1998. This increase was primarily due to the 345 franchised restaurants opened during 1999, as compared to 296 opened during 1998, an increase of 16.6%. The remainder of the increase is due to the mix of restaurant openings.

    Commissary sales increased 20.3% to $306.9 million in 1999, from $255.1 million in 1998. This increase was primarily due to the increases in equivalent franchised restaurants and comparable sales for franchised restaurants noted above, partially offset by the impact of lower 1999 cheese costs which resulted in lower cheese pricing and sales relative to 1998 levels.

    Equipment and other sales increased 16.9% to $53.1 million in 1999, from $45.4 million in 1998. This increase was primarily due to ongoing equipment, smallwares, uniforms and print materials related to the increase in equivalent franchised restaurants open during 1999 as compared to 1998, and the

28


increase in the number of new restaurant equipment packages sold to franchisees that opened restaurants in 1999 as compared to 1998.

    The international revenues of $3.6 million in 1999 are principally comprised of Perfect Pizza ($2.9 million of the 1999 revenues) which was purchased on November 29, 1999.

    Costs and Expenses.  Domestic restaurant cost of sales, which consists of food, beverage and paper costs, decreased as a percentage of restaurant sales to 25.4% in 1999, from 26.9% in 1998. The primary reason for the decrease is attributable to reduced restaurant menu price discounting and a decrease in the average cheese block price. The cost of cheese, representing approximately 40% of food cost in 1999, and other commodities are subject to significant price fluctuations caused by weather, availability, demand and other factors. Most of the factors affecting the cost of cheese are beyond our control (see "Item 1. Business—Quality Control Centers; Strategic Supply Chain Management" and "Note 12" of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements").

    Domestic restaurant salaries and benefits increased as a percentage of restaurant sales to 27.0% in 1999, from 26.8% in 1998. This increase was primarily due to higher staffing levels after our 14th Anniversary promotion to support the demands of new customers and enhanced employee benefits to select restaurant personnel. Occupancy costs as a percentage of restaurant sales remained consistent at 5.0% for both 1999 and 1998.

    Restaurant advertising and related costs increased as a percentage of restaurant sales to 9.1% in 1999, from 8.7% in 1998. The increase in 1999 was primarily the result of increased promotional activities in the second quarter in response to significant promotional activities by our competitors and increased activities in the fourth quarter in response to overall market conditions and sales trends.

    Other restaurant operating expenses increased as a percentage of restaurant sales to 13.6% in 1999, from 13.0% in 1998. Other operating expenses include an allocation of commissary operating expenses equal to 3.0% of Company-owned restaurant sales in order to assess a portion of the costs of dough production and food and equipment purchasing and storage to Company-owned restaurants. The increase in other operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales was primarily due to increased costs associated with our 14th Anniversary promotion and increased repair and maintenance costs. Repair and maintenance costs are expected to increase as existing units mature.

    Commissary, equipment and other expenses include cost of sales, salaries and benefits, and other operating expenses associated with sales of food, paper, equipment, information systems and printing and promotional items to franchisees and other customers. These costs decreased as a percentage of combined commissary sales and equipment and other sales to 90.6% in 1999 from 91.7% in 1998. Cost of sales as a percentage of combined commissary sales and equipment and other sales decreased to 76.3% in 1999 from 78.5% in 1998, principally due to the timing of certain favorable commodity price changes (primarily cheese) and the change in classification of certain expenses to salaries and benefits previously reported as cost of sales. Salaries and benefits increased to 6.6% in 1999 from 5.7% in 1998 due to the change in classification of certain expenses previously reported in cost of sales and general and administrative expenses. Other operating expenses increased to 7.7% in 1999 compared to 7.5% in 1998 due primarily to higher delivery costs related to the transition to a new distribution vendor and higher costs related to the 14th Anniversary promotion, partially offset by a reduction in rent expense due to the opening of the Dallas, Texas and relocation of the Louisville, Kentucky commissaries. Additionally, delivery costs as a percentage of sales will fluctuate with cheese prices. Although the change in cheese price has an effect on sales, the costs to deliver remain relatively consistent regardless of cheese prices.

    The international operating expenses in 1999 relate to Perfect Pizza which was acquired on November 29, 1999.

29


    General and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of total revenues to 6.8% in 1999 from 7.8% in 1998. This decrease was due to the following: (1) leveraging expenses on a higher sales base; (2) the resolution of certain economic incentives related to the construction of the new corporate headquarters facility; (3) reduction in payroll processing fees due to bringing payroll processing in-house; and (4) the change in classification of certain expenses to commissary, equipment and other salaries and benefits previously reported as general and administrative expenses. The change in classification represented approximately 0.2% of the total improvement.

    Advertising litigation expense represents costs associated with the lawsuit filed against us by Pizza Hut, Inc. claiming that our "Better Ingredients. Better Pizza." slogan is false and deceptive advertising. The $6.1 million in advertising litigation expense consists primarily of legal costs and costs to discontinue the "Better Ingredients. Better Pizza." slogan. See "Item 3. Legal Proceedings" and "Note 14" of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information.

    Pre-opening and other general expenses were $3.4 million in 1999, compared to $2.8 million in 1998. The increase is primarily due to an increase in the net losses on restaurant and other asset dispositions in 1999, as compared to 1998.

    Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of total revenues remained consistent at 3.1% in 1999, compared to 3.0% in 1998.

    Operating income was $72.5 million, or 9.0% of total revenues, compared to $53.7 million, or 7.9% of total revenues, for the comparable period in 1998.

    Investment Income.  Investment income decreased to $3.4 million in 1999 from $4.1 million in 1998 due to a lower average balance of franchise loans and a decrease in our average investment portfolio balance.

    Interest Expense.  Interest expense was $151,000 in 1999 compared to $643,000 in 1998. Interest expense for both periods relates to debt assumed from the acquisition of Minnesota Pizza.

    Income Tax Expense.  Income tax expense (exclusive of the cumulative effect of accounting change and related taxes) reflects a combined federal, state and local effective tax rate of 37.6% for 1999, compared to 38.8% in 1998. The effective income tax rate for 1998, including an income tax benefit for the treatment of Minnesota Pizza as a C Corporation (see "Note 3" of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements"), was 37.0%. The effective income tax rate in 1999 increased as compared to the 1998 rate as a result of a continued decrease in the relative level of tax-exempt investment income to total pre-tax income.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

    Cash flow from operations for 2000 decreased to $76.7 million from $89.6 million in 1999 primarily due to an increase in working capital requirements, principally increases in inventory levels (including accumulation of hot bag inventory for continued installation in franchise restaurants during 2001), changes in accounts payable and accrued expense levels and a decrease in tax benefits related to the exercise of non-qualified stock options.

    Cash flow from operations increased $24.6 million in 1999 compared to 1998. This increase is primarily due to increased net income in 1999 as compared to 1998.

    Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA), excluding advertising litigation and the special charge, increased 12.8% in 2000 to $116.7 million, compared to $103.4 million in 1999. EBITDA, excluding advertising litigation cost, increased 39.4% in 1999 to $103.4 million from $74.2 million in 1998.

30


    We require capital primarily for the development and acquisition of restaurants, the addition of new QC Centers and support services facilities and equipment, the enhancement of corporate systems and facilities and the funding of franchisee loans. Additionally, we began a common stock repurchase program in December 1999. During 2000, common stock share repurchases of $156.2 million, capital expenditures of $59.4 million, acquisitions of $6.6 million, and net loans to franchisees of $9.0 million were primarily funded by net advances of $145.0 million on a $200.0 million unsecured revolving line of credit, liquidation of investments of $15.1 million and cash flow from operations.

    Total 2001 capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $30 million to $35 million, about one-half of which is for the development, relocation or remodeling of restaurants, and about one-half of which is for QC Centers, Support Services and corporate requirements. During 2001, we plan to open approximately 15 to 20 new Company-owned restaurants and relocate an additional 15 to 20 restaurants.

    Additionally, during 2001 we may fund up to $5 to $6 million in additional loans under existing franchisee loan program commitments. Approximately $16.7 million, net of allowance for potential uncollectible balances, was outstanding under this program as of December 31, 2000. At this time, we do not expect to significantly expand the program beyond existing commitments.

    The Board of Directors has authorized up to $275 million for the share repurchase program through 2001 year-end. Through December 31, 2000, a total of 7.6 million shares have been repurchased for $187.9 million at an average price of $24.67 per share since the repurchase program started in 1999 (approximately 6.3 million shares in 2000 and 1.3 million shares in 1999). These repurchases were funded by a revolving line of credit, cash flow from operations, and liquidation of available investments, cash and cash equivalents. Subsequent to year end (through March 12, 2001), we acquired an additional 319,500 shares at an aggregate cost of $7.2 million. As of March 12, 2001, approximately $79.9 million of common stock remains available for repurchase under this authorization.

    The Company expects to fund the planned capital expenditures, acquisition of franchised restaurants, disbursements under the franchise loan program and additional share repurchases for the next twelve months from operating cash flow and the remaining availability under the Company's unsecured revolving line of credit. The Company's debt at December 31, 2000 was $146.6 million compared to $6.2 million at December 26, 1999. The increase in debt is due to the common stock repurchase program.

    Through December 2000, we earned approximately $6.0 million ($1.1 million in 2000, $2.9 million in 1999 and $2.0 million in 1998) of an expected $13.0 million in incentives under the Kentucky Jobs Development Act in connection with the relocation of the corporate offices. We expect to earn the remaining $7.0 million of such incentives through 2007.

Impact of Inflation

    We do not believe inflation has materially affected earnings during the past three years. Substantial increases in costs, particularly labor, benefits, food, utilities and fuel costs, could have a significant impact on us. Thus far in 2001, we have continued to experience higher than normal utility and fuel costs and ongoing wage rate pressures. Our restaurant and commissary margins continue to be impacted by these cost factors. Cheese costs appear to be returning to more historical levels, after being unusually low throughout most of 2000; however, this increase in costs will not begin to impact our restaurant margins until the third quarter of 2001 due to our existing cheese purchasing arrangement (See "Note 12" of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements").

31


Forward Looking Statements

    Certain information contained in this annual report, particularly information regarding future financial performance and plans and objectives of management, is forward looking. Certain factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, our ability and the ability of our franchisees to obtain suitable locations and financing for new restaurant development; the hiring, training, and retention of management and other personnel; competition in the industry with respect to price, service, location, and food quality; an increase in food cost due to seasonal fluctuations, weather, and demand; changes in consumer tastes and demographic trends; changes in federal and state laws, such as increases in minimum wage; and risks inherent to international development, including operational or market risks associated with the planned conversion of Perfect Pizza restaurants to Papa John's in the United Kingdom.


Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

    The Company's debt at December 31, 2000 is principally comprised of a $145.0 million outstanding principal balance on the $200.0 million unsecured revolving line of credit. The interest rate on the revolving line of credit is variable and is based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). An increase in interest rate of 100 basis points would increase interest expense approximately $1.5 million annually. The weighted average interest rate on the revolving line of credit was 7.13% in 2000 and 7.25% as of December 31, 2000. In March 2000, we entered into a $100.0 million interest rate collar, which is effective until March 2003. The collar establishes a 6.36% floor and a 9.50% ceiling on the LIBOR base rate on a no-fee basis.

    Substantially all of our business is transacted in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, foreign exchange rate fluctuations do not have a significant impact on the Company.

    Cheese, representing approximately 35 to 40% of our food cost, is subject to seasonal fluctuations, weather, availability, demand and other factors that are beyond our control. We have entered into a purchasing arrangement with a third-party entity formed at the direction of the Franchise Advisory Council for the sole purpose of reducing cheese price volatility. Under this arrangement, we are able to purchase cheese at a fixed quarterly price, based in part on historical average cheese prices. Gains and losses incurred by the selling entity will be used as a factor in determining adjustments to the selling price over time. Ultimately, we will purchase cheese at a price approximating the actual average market price, but with less short-term volatility. See "Note 12" of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for further information.

32



Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Papa John's International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income

 
  Year Ended
 
 
  December 31,
2000

  December 26,
1999

  December 27,
1998

 
 
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
Domestic revenues:                    
  Restaurant sales   $ 456,637   $ 394,636   $ 344,089  
  Franchise royalties     47,145     40,567     32,120  
  Franchise and development fees     5,559     6,511     5,325  
  Commissary sales     351,255     306,909     255,083  
  Equipment and other sales     53,233     53,078     45,404  
International revenues:                    
  Royalties and franchise and development fees     5,302     1,063     131  
  Restaurant and commissary sales     25,546     2,561      
   
 
 
 
Total revenues     944,677     805,325     682,152  
Costs and expenses:                    
Domestic restaurant expenses:                    
  Cost of sales     111,609     100,261     92,612  
  Salaries and benefits     127,318     106,713     92,372  
  Advertising and related costs     41,729     36,008     29,846  
  Occupancy costs     23,248     19,541     17,138  
  Other operating expenses     65,074     53,463     44,685  
   
 
 
 
      368,978     315,986     276,653  
Domestic commissary, equipment and other expenses:                    
  Cost of sales     304,338     274,613     235,934  
  Salaries and benefits     27,682     23,719     16,981  
  Other operating expenses     30,736     27,702     22,560  
   
 
 
 
      362,756     326,034     275,475  
International operating expenses     21,700     2,090      
General and administrative expenses     72,402     54,386     53,008  
Advertising litigation expense     1,017     6,104      
Special charge     24,105          
Pre-opening and other general expenses     2,158     3,414     2,838  
Depreciation and amortization     34,172     24,827     20,490  
   
 
 
 
Total costs and expenses     887,288     732,841     628,464  
   
 
 
 
Operating income     57,389     72,484     53,688  
Other income (expense):                    
  Investment income     1,943     3,384     4,100  
  Interest expense     (7,746 )   (151 )   (643 )
   
 
 
 
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle     51,586     75,717     57,145  
Income tax expense     19,762     28,431     22,181  
   
 
 
 
Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle     31,824     47,286     34,964  
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax             (2,603 )
   
 
 
 
Net income   $ 31,824   $ 47,286   $ 32,361  
   
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share:                    
  Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle   $ 1.29   $ 1.57   $ 1.18  
  Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax             (.09 )
   
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share   $ 1.29   $ 1.57   $ 1.09  
   
 
 
 
Earnings per common share — assuming dilution:                    
  Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle   $ 1.28   $ 1.52   $ 1.15  
  Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax             (.09 )
   
 
 
 
Earnings per common share — assuming dilution   $ 1.28   $ 1.52   $ 1.06  
   
 
 
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding     24,703     30,195     29,537  
   
 
 
 
Diluted weighted average shares oustanding     24,907     31,080     30,455  
   
 
 
 
Supplemental data:                    
  Revenues — affiliates   $ 116,770   $ 102,863   $ 85,137  
  Other income — affiliates     920     314     570  

See accompanying notes.

33


Papa John's International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets

 
  December 31,
2000

  December 26,
1999

 
 
  (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
Assets              
Current assets:              
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 6,141   $ 3,698  
  Short-term investments     5,745      
  Accounts receivable     20,259     18,113  
  Accounts receivable-affiliates     2,805     3,302  
  Inventories     18,321     10,637  
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets     7,422     7,378  
  Deferred income taxes     4,822     2,977  
   
 
 
Total current assets     65,515     46,105  
Investments         22,086  
Net property and equipment     245,874     227,813  
Notes receivable-franchisees     9,862     8,153  
Notes receivable-affiliates     6,813     3,590  
Intangibles     49,394     47,669  
Other assets     16,527     16,635  
Deferred income taxes     1,673      
   
 
 
Total assets   $ 395,658   $ 372,051  
   
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders' equity              
Current liabilities:              
  Accounts payable   $ 23,586   $ 24,947  
  Accrued expenses     45,266     38,516  
  Current portion of debt     897     5,308  
   
 
 
Total current liabilities     69,749     68,771  
Unearned franchise and development fees     6,033     6,222  
Long-term debt, net of current portion     145,710     925  
Deferred income taxes         2,109  
Other long-term liabilities     2,659     1,891  
Common equity put options     5,186      
Stockholders' equity:              
  Preferred stock ($.01 par value per share; authorized 5,000,000 shares, no shares issued)          
  Common stock ($.01 par value per share; authorized 50,000,000 shares, issued 30,652,701 in 2000 and 30,504,185 in 1999)     307     305  
  Additional paid-in capital     193,029     189,920  
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (277 )   (390 )
  Retained earnings     166,316     134,492  
  Treasury stock (7,655,479 shares in 2000 and 1,298,495 shares in 1999, at cost)     (193,054 )   (32,194 )
   
 
 
Total stockholders' equity     166,321     292,133  
   
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 395,658   $ 372,051  
   
 
 

See accompanying notes.

34


Papa John's International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

 
  Common
Stock

  Additional
Paid-In
Capital

  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

  Retained
Earnings

  Treasury
Stock

  Total
Stockholders'
Equity

 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Balance at December 28, 1997   $ 292   $ 151,349   $ 321   $ 55,515   $ (481 ) $ 206,996  
Comprehensive income:                                      
  Net income                 32,361         32,361  
  Unrealized gain on investments, net of tax of $354             367             367  
                                 
 
  Comprehensive income                                   32,728  
Exercise of stock options     5     11,668                 11,673  
Tax benefit related to exercise of non-qualified stock options         2,953                 2,953  
Other     1     239         (420 )       (180 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 27, 1998     298     166,209     688     87,456     (481 )   254,170  
Comprehensive income:                                      
  Net income                 47,286         47,286  
  Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax of $357             (553 )           (553 )
  Other, net                 (525 )               (525 )
                                 
 
  Comprehensive income                                   46,208  
Exercise of stock options     7     14,452                 14,459  
Tax benefit related to exercise of non-qualified stock options         3,945                 3,945  
Deferred tax asset—pooling of interests business combination         5,245                 5,245  
Acquisition of treasury stock (1,262,000 shares)                     (31,713 )   (31,713 )
Other         69         (250 )       (181 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 26, 1999     305     189,920     (390 )   134,492     (32,194 )   292,133  
Comprehensive income:                                      
  Net income                 31,824         31,824  
  Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax of $84             (135 )           (135 )
  Other, net             248             248  
                                 
 
  Comprehensive income                                   31,937  
Exercise of stock options     2     2,160                 2,162  
Tax benefit related to exercise of non-qualified stock options         542                 542  
Acquisition of treasury stock (6,356,984 shares)                     (156,230 )   (156,230 )
Common equity put options                     (4,630 )   (4,630 )
Other         407                 407  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2000   $ 307   $ 193,029   $ (277 ) $ 166,316   $ (193,054 ) $ 166,321  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

    At December 31, 2000, the accumulated other comprehensive loss of $277,000 was comprised of unrealized foreign currency translation losses.

See accompanying notes.

35


Papa John's International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 
  Year Ended
 
 
  December 31,
2000

  December 26,
1999

  December 27,
1998

 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Operating activities                    
Net income   $ 31,824   $ 47,286   $ 32,361  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                    
  Special charge, net of cash payments     23,901          
  Advertising litigation, net of cash payments     286     4,083      
  Depreciation and amortization     34,172     25,156     21,009  
  Deferred income taxes     (5,609 )   1,757     (1,443 )
  Tax benefit related to exercise of non-qualified stock options     542     3,945     2,953  
  Other     2,037     2,580     903  
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                    
    Accounts receivable     (1,627 )   (1,802 )   (2,125 )
    Inventories     (7,698 )   (275 )   (551 )
    Deferred pre-opening costs             3,827  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     (611 )   (2,343 )   (2,382 )
    Other assets and liabilities     (1,140 )   (1,574 )   (1,324 )
    Accounts payable     (1,439 )   4,784     2,265  
    Accrued expenses     2,269     6,323     7,632  
    Unearned franchise and development fees     (189 )   (339 )   1,873  
   
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities     76,718     89,581     64,998  
Investing activities                    
Purchase of property and equipment     (59,437 )   (82,560 )   (72,069 )
Purchase of investments         (22,908 )   (34,107 )
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investments     15,070     46,632     44,289  
Loans to franchisees     (15,426 )   (6,614 )   (4,834 )
Loan repayments from franchisees     6,464     2,955     5,265  
Acquisitions     (6,623 )   (32,703 )   (1,902 )
Other     968     (19 )   403  
   
 
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities     (58,984 )   (95,217 )   (62,955 )
Financing activities                    
Net proceeds from line of credit facility     145,000          
Payments on long-term debt     (6,716 )   (9,815 )   (6,450 )
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt         2,510     7,720  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options     2,162     14,459     11,673  
Acquisition of treasury stock     (156,230 )   (31,713 )    
Other     794     55     (7 )
   
 
 
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities     (14,990 )   (24,504 )   12,936  
   
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     (301 )   24      
   
 
 
 

Change in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

2,443

 

 

(30,116

)

 

14,979

 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year     3,698     33,814     18,835  
   
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year   $ 6,141   $ 3,698   $ 33,814  
   
 
 
 

See accompanying notes.

36


Papa John's International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

1. Description of Business

    Papa John's International, Inc. (referred to as the "Company," "Papa John's" or in the first person notations of "we," "us" and "our") operates and franchises pizza delivery and carry-out restaurants under the trademark "Papa John's," currently in 49 states, the District of Columbia, and 10 international markets. We also operate and franchise pizza delivery and carry-out restaurants under the trademark "Perfect Pizza" in the United Kingdom. Substantially all revenues are derived from retail sales of pizza to the general public by Company-owned restaurants, franchise royalties, sales of franchise and development rights, and sales to franchisees of food and paper products, restaurant equipment, printing and promotional items, risk management services, and information systems and related services used in their operations.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

    The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Papa John's and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Fiscal Year

    Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December of each year. Our 2000 fiscal year consists of 53 weeks, and all other fiscal years presented consist of 52 weeks.

Use of Estimates

    The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Revenue Recognition

    Franchise fees are recognized when a franchised restaurant begins operations, at which time we have performed our obligations related to such fees. Fees received pursuant to development agreements which grant the right to develop franchised restaurants in future periods in specific geographic areas are deferred and recognized on a pro rata basis as the franchised restaurants, subject to the development agreements, begin operations. Both franchise and development fees are nonrefundable. Franchise royalties, which are based on a percentage of franchised restaurants' sales, are recognized as earned.

    Domestic production and distribution revenues are comprised of food, equipment and supplies sales to franchised restaurants located in the United States and are recognized as revenue upon shipment of the related products to the franchisees.

    International revenues are comprised of restaurant sales, royalties and fees received from foreign franchisees and the sale and distribution of food to foreign franchisees, and are recognized consistently with the policies applied for revenues generated in the United States.

37


Cash Equivalents

    Cash equivalents consist of all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at date of purchase. These investments are carried at cost which approximates fair value.

Investments

    We determine the appropriate classification of investment securities at the time of purchase and reevaluate such designation as of each balance sheet date. Substantially all investment securities held at December 31, 2000, have been classified as trading securities since it is our intention and ability to liquidate the investments in early 2001. Trading securities are stated at fair value as determined primarily through quoted market prices. Unrealized gains and losses for trading securities are included in the statement of income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.

    Available-for-sale securities held at December 26, 1999, are stated at fair value as determined primarily through quoted market prices. Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity and are included in comprehensive income.

Accounts Receivable

    Substantially all accounts receivable are due from franchisees for purchases of food and paper products, restaurant equipment, printing and promotional items, risk management services, information systems and related services, and for royalties from December sales. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of the franchisee's financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required. We consider substantially all accounts receivable to be collectible; however, a reserve for uncollectible accounts is established as deemed necessary based upon overall accounts receivable aging levels and a specific review of accounts for franchisees with known financial difficulties.

Inventories

    Inventories, which consist of food products, paper goods and supplies, smallwares, store equipment and printing and promotional items, are stated at the lower of cost, determined under the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or market.

Property and Equipment

    Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (generally five to ten years for restaurant, commissary and other equipment, and 20 to 40 years for buildings and improvements). Leasehold improvements are amortized over the terms of the respective leases, including the first renewal period (generally five to ten years).

    Depreciation expense was $30.1 million in 2000, $22.3 million in 1999 and $18.4 million in 1998.

Long-Lived and Intangible Assets

    The recoverability of long-lived and intangible assets is evaluated annually at an operating unit level basis (e.g. an individual restaurant) when impairment indicators exist. We consider several indicators in assessing impairment including historical financial performance, operating trends as well as

38


management's future operating plans. If impairment indicators exist, we evaluate whether impairment exists on the basis of undiscounted expected future cash flows before interest for the expected remaining useful life of the operating unit. Recorded values that are not expected to be recovered through undiscounted future cash flows are written down to current fair value, which is generally determined from estimated discounted future net cash flows (assets held for use) or net realizable value (assets held for sale).

    Intangible assets principally represent costs in excess of net assets of companies acquired (i.e., goodwill). Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis ranging from 15 to 25 years. Accumulated amortization was $6.2 million at December 31, 2000 and $3.6 million at December 26, 1999 (see Note 4).

Systems Development Costs

    We defer certain systems development and related costs which meet established criteria. Amounts deferred are amortized principally over periods not exceeding five years beginning in the month subsequent to completion of the related systems project. Total costs deferred were approximately $2.3 million in 2000, $1.4 million in 1999, and $1.2 million in 1998.

Advertising and Related Costs

    Advertising and related costs include the costs of Company-owned restaurant activities such as mail coupons, door hangers and promotional items and contributions to the Papa John's Marketing Fund, Inc. (the "Marketing Fund") and local market cooperative advertising funds. Contributions by Company-owned and franchised restaurants to the Marketing Fund and the cooperative advertising funds are based on an established percentage of monthly restaurant revenues. The Marketing Fund is responsible for developing and conducting marketing and advertising for the Papa John's system. The local market cooperative advertising funds are responsible for developing and conducting advertising activities in a specific market, including the placement of electronic and print materials developed by the Marketing Fund. We recognize Company-owned restaurant contributions to the Marketing Fund and to those local market cooperative advertising funds deemed to be controlled by us (collectively, the "Controlled Funds"), and funds advanced to the Marketing Fund as loans (see Note 7), as advertising and related costs at the time the Controlled Funds actually incur such expenses.

Foreign Currency Translation

    The local currency is the functional currency for our foreign subsidiary, Perfect Pizza. Earnings are translated into U.S. dollars using monthly average exchange rates, while balance sheet accounts are translated using year-end exchange rates. The resulting translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Earnings per Share

    The calculations of basic earnings per common share and earnings per common share—assuming dilution before the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle for the years ended

39


December 31, 2000, December 26, 1999, and December 27, 1998 are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
Basic earnings per common share:                  
Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle   $ 31,824   $ 47,286   $ 34,964
Weighted average shares outstanding     24,703     30,195     29,537
   
 
 
Basic earnings per common share   $ 1.29   $ 1.57   $ 1.18
   
 
 

Earnings per common share—assuming dilution:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle   $ 31,824   $ 47,286   $ 34,964
Weighted average shares outstanding     24,703     30,195     29,537
Dilutive effect of outstanding common stock options     204     885     918
   
 
 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding     24,907     31,080     30,455
   
 
 
Earnings per common share—assuming dilution   $ 1.28   $ 1.52   $ 1.15
   
 
 

    Options to purchase common stock with an exercise price greater than the average market price were not included in the computation of the dilutive effect of common stock options because the effect would have been antidilutive. The number of antidilutive options was 3.7 million in 2000, 986,000 in 1999, and 213,000 in 1998.

Accounting Changes

    In April 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities" (the "SOP"), which requires that costs related to start-up activities be expensed as incurred. Prior to 1998, we capitalized our start-up costs incurred primarily in connection with opening new restaurant and commissary locations and amortized these costs on a straight-line basis over a period of one year from the facility's opening date. We adopted the provisions of the SOP in our financial statements for the year ended December 27, 1998. The adoption resulted in a charge in the first quarter of 1998 for the cumulative effect of an accounting change of $2.6 million, net of taxes of $1.5 million, to expense costs that had been previously capitalized prior to 1998. Excluding the one-time cumulative effect, the adoption of the new accounting standard did not have a material impact on 1998 operating results.

    In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (SFAS 133), "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," which is required to be adopted in years beginning after June 15, 2000. The Statement requires the Company to recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through income. If the derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives are either offset against the change in fair value of assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of derivatives change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings. The adoption of Statement No. 133 on January 1,

40


2001 will result in a charge approximating $1.7 million in accumulated other comprehensive income (no impact on income) due to our no-fee interest rate collar (see Note 5).

Prior Year Data

    Certain prior year data has been reclassified to conform to the 2000 presentation.

3. Business Combinations

    In early fiscal 2000, we acquired PJNJ Foods, Inc., a franchisee of 19 Papa John's restaurants in New Jersey, for $7.4 million ($5.8 million in cash, net of cash acquired, and $1.6 million of assumed net liabilities).

    During 2000, we also acquired five additional Papa John's restaurants from franchisees for $1.2 million ($800,000 in cash and forgiveness of $400,000 of notes payable to us).

    On August 23, 1999, we acquired Great American Pizza, Inc., a franchisee which operated 18 Papa John's restaurants in the Cleveland, Ohio market for total consideration of $6.5 million, consisting of $1.5 million in cash and a $5.0 million short-term note payable which was paid in 2000.

    On November 29, 1999, we acquired Perfect Pizza Holdings Limited ("Perfect Pizza"), a company which operated and franchised 206 restaurants (12 Company-owned and 194 franchised) in the United Kingdom, for $32.3 million in cash. The allocation for this acquisition resulted in goodwill of $30.9 million, which is being amortized over 20 years.

    During 1999, we acquired an additional 10 Papa John's restaurants from franchisees for $4.5 million in cash.

    The business combinations in the previous paragraphs were each accounted for by the purchase method of accounting, whereby operating results subsequent to the acquisition date are included in our consolidated financial statements.

    On March 28, 1999, we acquired Minnesota Pizza Company, LLC ("Minnesota Pizza"), a franchisee that operated 37 Papa John's restaurants in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota market. We issued 128,119 shares of our common stock having a value of $5.4 million in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding ownership interests of Minnesota Pizza. The transaction was accounted for as a pooling of interests for financial reporting purposes and as a taxable transaction for income tax purposes.

    Also see Note 12, Related Party Transactions, for a discussion of other business combinations involving related parties.

41


4. Special Charge

    During the fourth quarter of 2000, the Company incurred a $24.1 million special charge. The 2000 special charge is comprised of the following non-recurring items (dollars in 000's):

 
   
  Asset
Valuation

  Accrued
Liabilities

  Total
  Impairment of carrying value of 52 restaurants   $ 6,751   $   $ 6,751
  Impairment or write-off of certain assets, principally technology assets     6,728         6,728
  Reserve for franchise notes receivable     4,200         4,200
  Closure of 13 restaurants     1,866     1,247     3,113
  Closing of 20 field offices, severance and exit costs     635     1,928     2,563
  Settlement of vendor litigation         750     750
       
 
 
  Total   $ 20,180   $ 3,925   $ 24,105
       
 
 

    Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of" (SFAS No. 121), requires impairment losses to be recognized for long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the estimate of undiscounted cash flows is not sufficient to recover asset carrying amounts. SFAS No. 121 also requires long-lived assets held for disposal to be carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value, less costs of disposal, once management has committed to a plan of disposal or closure.

    The Company determined that certain domestic restaurants were impaired due to specific operational performance indicators. Certain domestic restaurants' operational performance declined during 2000 due to increased competition and increased operating expenses, such as salaries, reflecting general operating conditions. In addition, the performance of certain acquired markets did not meet expectations in 2000, which indicated that some of the acquired restaurants were impaired. During our review for potentially impaired restaurants, we considered several indicators, including individual restaurant profitability, annual comparable sales, operating trends, as well as actual operating results. In accordance with SFAS No. 121, we estimated the undiscounted cash flows over the estimated lives of the assets for each of our restaurants that met certain impairment indicators and compared these estimates to the carrying values of the underlying assets.

    The forecasted cash flows were based on our assessment of the individual store's future profitability which is based on the restaurant's historical results, the maturity of the restaurant's market as well as our future plans for the restaurant and its market. In estimating forecasted cash flows, we used a discount rate of 12% which approximates the return we would expect on those types of investments. Based on our analysis, we determined that 52 restaurants were impaired by a total of $6.8 million.

    The impairment or write-off of certain assets was principally comprised of technology assets, including the development of our on-line ordering capabilities. The Company reviewed the future use of certain technological and other assets and determined that the assets were no longer beneficial to the Company or the carrying value of the assets was impaired due to lower future cash flows based on our updated strategy to focus on our primary business activities. Based on an asset analysis and an

42


analysis of estimated future cash flows in accordance with SFAS No. 121, a charge of $6.7 million was recorded.

    We established a reserve of $4.2 million for franchisee notes receivable. We concluded the reserve was necessary due to certain franchisees' deteriorating economic performance and underlying collateral value. Substantially all of the reserve, approximately $4.1 million, relates to notes receivable with a related party franchisee.

    Prior to year-end, we identified and committed to close 13 restaurants in 2001 due to deteriorating economic performance and poor outlook for improvement. A charge of $3.1 million was recorded.

    During the fourth quarter of 2000, the Company decided to close 20 field offices to reduce future costs and to allow our operations area supervisors and district managers to spend more time in our restaurants. We also eliminated certain positions in the fourth quarter to reduce future administrative costs. These actions resulted in a charge of $2.6 million in the fourth quarter.

    In December 2000, the Company agreed to pay $750,000 to settle a lawsuit with a vendor.

    The special charge resulted in a write-down of asset carrying value of $20.2 million and the establishment of accrued liabilities for cash payments of $3.9 million. We paid approximately $200,000 during the fourth quarter 2000 related to these liabilities. We anticipate paying a majority of the remaining liabilities associated with this special charge during 2001. The payments are expected to be made from operating cash flow.

5. Debt and Credit Arrangements

    Debt and credit arrangements consist of the following:

 
  2000
  1999
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Revolving line of credit   $ 145,000   $  
Note payable from acquisition         5,103  
Other     1,607     1,130  
   
 
 
      146,607     6,233  
Current portion of debt     (897 )   (5,308 )
   
 
 
Long-term debt   $ 145,710   $ 925  
   
 
 

    In connection with the authorization of a common stock share repurchase program (see Note 15), we entered into a $200.0 million revolving line of credit facility with an expiration date of March 17, 2003. Outstanding balances for this facility accrue interest at 50.0 to 87.5 basis points over LIBOR or other bank developed rates at our option. The committed fee on the unused balance ranges from 12.5 to 20.0 basis points. The increment over LIBOR and the commitment fee are determined quarterly based upon the ratio of total indebtedness to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA). At December 31, 2000, $145.0 million was outstanding under this facility and the average interest rate for borrowing under this facility during 2000 was 7.13%. The fair value of our outstanding debt approximates carrying value.

43


    In connection with the line of credit facility, Papa John's entered into a no-fee interest rate collar ("Collar") with a notional amount of $100.0 million, a 30-day LIBOR rate range of 6.36% (floor) to 9.50% (ceiling) and an expiration date of March, 2003. The purpose of the Collar is to provide a hedge against the effects of rising interest rates. Papa John's makes payments under the terms of the Collar when the 30-day LIBOR rate is below the floor to raise the effective rate to 6.36%, and receives payments when the 30-day LIBOR rate is above the ceiling, to lower the effective rate to 9.50%, thus assuring that Papa John's effective 30-day LIBOR rate is always within the above stated range. When the 30-day LIBOR rate is within the range, no payments are made or received under the Collar. Amounts payable or receivable under the Collar are accounted for as adjustments to interest expense. No amounts are accrued at December 31, 2000. The fair value of the Collar, based on quoted rates, is a liability of $1.7 million at December 31, 2000.

    Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized, during fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998 was $6.9 million, $93,000 and $647,000, respectively.

6. Net Property and Equipment

    Net property and equipment consists of the following (in thousands):

 
  2000
  1999
 
Land   $ 30,449   $ 25,798  
Buildings and improvements     78,970     66,494  
Leasehold improvements     70,838     60,763  
Equipment and other     136,410     121,414  
Construction in progress     12,642     23,089  
   
 
 
      329,309     297,558  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization     (83,435 )   (69,745 )
   
 
 
Net property and equipment   $ 245,874   $ 227,813  
   
 
 

    We capitalized interest costs of $507,000 in 2000, $169,000 in 1999 and $69,000 in 1998.

7. Franchisee Loan Program

    We have a program under which selected franchisees may borrow funds principally for use in the construction and development of their restaurants. Loans outstanding to franchisees were approximately $16.7 million, net of allowance for doubtful collection (see Note 4, Special Charge), as of December 31, 2000, and $11.7 million as of December 26, 1999. The outstanding franchise loan balance as of December 31, 2000, includes a loan of $3.4 million to the Marketing Fund (see Note 2). As of December 31, 2000, commitments to lend up to an additional $6.0 million to our franchisees have been made. Such loans bear interest at fixed or floating rates (ranging from 7.0% to 12.0% at December 31, 2000), and are generally secured by the fixtures, equipment, signage and, where applicable, land of each restaurant and the ownership interests in the franchisee. Interest earned on franchisee loans was approximately $1.5 million in 2000, $762,000 in 1999 and $986,000 in 1998, and is reported in investment income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

44


    Approximately $6.8 million of the loans outstanding, including interest, as of December 31, 2000 and $3.6 million as of December 26, 1999 were to franchisees in which we or certain of our directors or officers had an ownership interest (see Note 12).

8. Accrued Expenses

    Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):

 
  2000
  1999
Income taxes   $ 8,189   $ 9,205
Other taxes     7,746     5,498
Accrued salaries and benefits     5,319     4,466
Insurance     3,903     4,451
Special charge     3,721    
Rent     1,951     1,649
Accrued purchases     1,811     1,784
Deferred proceeds on sale of restaurants     1,588    
Marketing     1,499     1,136
Accrued interest     981     85
Restaurant relocations     679     157
Utilities     516     597
Facility costs     382     1,418
Advertising litigation     191     4,083
Other     6,790     3,987
   
 
Total   $ 45,266   $ 38,516
   
 

9. Investments

    Investments at December 31, 2000 total $5.7 million based on the fair value of the securities. The investments are classified as trading securities at December 31, 2000 since we have the intention and ability to sell the securities in early 2001. Investments were classified as available-for-sale as of December 26, 1999. The carrying value of the investments at December 26, 1999, $22.1 million, was comprised of amortized cost of $21.7 million, gross unrealized gains of $964,000 and gross unrealized losses of $535,000.

45


10. Income Taxes

    A summary of the provision for income taxes (exclusive of the tax effect related to the cumulative effect of accounting change) follows (in thousands):

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
Current                  
  Federal   $ 23,380   $ 22,893   $ 18,849
  State and local     1,991     3,781     3,247
Deferred (federal and state)     (5,609 )   1,757     85
   
 
 
Total   $ 19,762   $ 28,431   $ 22,181
   
 
 

    Significant deferred tax assets (liabilities) follow (in thousands):

 
  2000
  1999
 
Unearned development fees   $ 2,398   $ 2,324  
Accrued expenses and other     10,549     4,069  
Acquired franchise rights     4,870     5,245  
Other     23     74  
   
 
 
Total deferred tax assets   $ 17,840   $ 11,712  
   
 
 
Deferred expenses     (3,218 )   (3,696 )
Accelerated depreciation     (6,680 )   (5,599 )
Other     (1,447 )   (1,549 )
   
 
 
Total deferred tax liabilities     (11,345 )   (10,844 )
   
 
 
Net deferred tax asset   $ 6,495   $ 868  
   
 
 

    The reconciliation of income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory rate to income tax expense (exclusive of the tax effect related to the cumulative effect of accounting change) for the years ended December 31, 2000, December 26, 1999 and December 27, 1998 is as follows (in thousands):

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
Tax at U.S. federal statutory rate   $ 18,055   $ 26,501   $ 20,001  
State and local income taxes     1,728     2,450     1,845  
Tax exempt investment income         (551 )   (761 )
Losses on pooled entity             1,037  
Other     (21 )   31     59  
   
 
 
 
Total   $ 19,762   $ 28,431   $ 22,181  
   
 
 
 

    Income taxes paid were $23.8 million in 2000, $19.4 million in 1999 and $15.9 million in 1998.

46


11. PJ America, Inc. Stock Warrant

    PJ America, Inc. ("PJ America"), a franchisee of Papa John's, completed an initial public offering ("IPO") of its common stock in October, 1996. In connection with the IPO, PJ America issued a warrant to us to purchase 225,000 shares of its common stock. The warrant is exercisable in whole or in part at any time within five years from the closing date of the IPO, and the purchase price of each share of common stock pursuant to the warrant is $11.25 per share (90% of the IPO price of $12.50 per share). The warrant was issued by PJ America to Papa John's in consideration for the grant of rights to enter into development agreements for certain specified territories and the waiver by us of certain market transfer fees. Our agreement with PJ America anticipates that PJ America will pay standard development and franchise fees in connection with opening restaurants in the specified territories.

    We did not recognize income in connection with receipt of the warrant. The warrant is classified as an available-for-sale security, and accordingly, is stated at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets, with unrealized gains, net of tax, reported within comprehensive income.

    The fair value of the warrant was zero on December 31, 2000 and $956,000 on December 26, 1999, based upon the closing price per share of $5.56 and $15.50 for PJ America common stock on those respective dates, and is reported in investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The intrinsic value of the warrant (market value of PJ America common stock less the exercise price of the warrant) is considered a reasonable approximation of the fair value of the warrant. The warrant expires in October 2001.

    One of our directors is also a director of PJ America.

12. Related Party Transactions

    Certain of our officers and directors own equity interests in entities that operate and/or have rights to develop franchised restaurants. Certain of these affiliated entities have agreements to acquire area development rights at reduced development fees and also pay reduced initial franchise fees when restaurants are opened. Following is a summary of transactions and balances with affiliated entities (in thousands):

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
Revenues from affiliates:                  
  Commissary sales   $ 91,237   $ 80,336   $ 64,977
  Equipment and other sales     12,085     10,423     10,721
  Franchise royalties     12,493     10,530     8,067
  Franchise and development fees     955     1,574     1,372
   
 
 
Total   $ 116,770   $ 102,863   $ 85,137
   
 
 
Other income from affiliates   $ 920   $ 314   $ 570
   
 
 
Accounts receivable—affiliates   $ 2,805   $ 3,302   $ 2,273
   
 
 
Notes receivable—affiliates   $ 6,813   $ 3,590   $ 4,741
   
 
 

47


    We paid $695,000 in 2000, $1.3 million in 1999 and $966,000 in 1998 for charter aircraft services provided by entities owned by certain directors and officers, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Papa John's.

    We advanced $183,000 in 2000, 1999 and 1998, in premiums for split-dollar life insurance coverage on the CEO for the purpose of funding estate tax obligations. Papa John's and the officer share the cost of the premiums. The premiums advanced by us will be repaid out of the cash value or proceeds of the policies.

    The Marketing Fund made payments to an advertising agency, who in turn, made payments to an advertising agency who made payments to the CEO, for the use of his image and services in the production and use of certain electronic and print advertisements. In 2000, 1999 and 1998, the CEO earned $169,000, $189,000 and $24,000, respectively, for these services.

    The Company and two directors are parties to consulting agreements under which $203,000 in 2000, $120,000 in 1999 and $90,000 in 1998 were paid to the directors.

    During 2000, we acquired one restaurant from Superior Pizza, LLC in exchange for forgiveness of a $270,000 note payable to us. Prior to the acquisition, we were a 49% owner of Superior Pizza, LLC. This transaction was accounted for by the purchase method of accounting, whereby operating results subsequent to the acquisition date are included in our consolidated financial statements.

    During the fourth quarter of 1999, we sold five restaurants to Capital Pizza, Inc., for total consideration of $1.6 million ($1.4 million in cash and $200,000 as a note receivable) and acquired one restaurant from Capital Pizza, Inc. for total consideration of $190,000, in which we forgave a note payable to us. Capital Pizza, Inc. is owned by certain of our officers, including our former Vice Chairman and President who resigned in December 2000. This transaction was accounted for by the purchase method of accounting.

    During 1999, we were reimbursed a total of $626,000 by a franchise owned by the CEO and his wife, for advances made by the Company toward construction, design and equipment costs of a new prototype restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky. The advances were made during the design and construction phase of the project in consideration of the franchisee's willingness to permit the Company to test certain experimental and prototypical construction, design and equipment ideas in the restaurant. Construction of the restaurant was completed in February 1999. Following the final completion of the project and a replication of the facility in a second location in 1999, the franchisee repaid the actual costs that would have been incurred to construct the restaurant had final design and construction plans been available at the beginning of the project. The Company absorbed the remaining $245,000 in development costs associated with the project.

    Papa John's Franchise Advisory Council has initiated a program that allows the cost of cheese to Papa John's restaurants to be established on a quarterly basis. An independent franchisee-owned corporation, BIBP Commodities, Inc. ("BIBP"), was established effective December 27, 1999, through which the program is administered. BIBP purchases cheese at the market price and sells it to our distribution subsidiary, PJ Food Service, Inc. ("PJFS"), at a fixed quarterly price based in part upon historical average market prices. PJFS in turn sells cheese to Papa John's restaurants (Company-owned and franchised) at a set quarterly price. Gains or losses incurred by BIBP, due to differences in the actual market price of cheese purchased and the established quarterly sales price, are a factor used to determine the price for subsequent quarters. We have agreed to provide a $17.6 million loan facility to

48


BIBP to fund cash deficits that may arise. No amounts were advanced under this facility as of December 31, 2000.

    During 2000, we purchased $136.6 million of cheese from BIBP (none in 1999 or 1998).

13. Lease Commitments

    We lease office, retail and commissary space under operating leases with terms generally ranging from three to five years and providing for at least one renewal. Certain leases further provide that the lease payments may be increased annually based on the Consumer Price Index. We also lease certain equipment under operating leases with terms ranging from three to seven years. Future minimum lease payments are as follows: 2001—$19.1 million; 2002—$16.8 million; 2003—$14.6 million; 2004—$12.1 million; 2005—$9.1 million and thereafter—$29.5 million. Total rent expense was $14.5 million in 2000, $12.4 million in 1999, and $11.2 million in 1998.

14. Advertising Litigation

    In August 1998, Pizza Hut, Inc. filed suit against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, claiming that our "Better Ingredients. Better Pizza." slogan constituted false and deceptive advertising in violation of the Lanham Trademark Act. In November 1999, the jury returned a verdict that our "Better Ingredients. Better Pizza." slogan was false and deceptive. On January 3, 2000, the court announced its judgment, awarding Pizza Hut $468,000 in damages and ordering us to cease all use of the "Better Ingredients. Better Pizza." slogan. Under the judge's order, we were to cease using the slogan in print and broadcast advertising, phase out printed promotional materials and other items containing the slogan and remove the slogan from restaurant signage, all according to deadlines specified by the court. We initially estimated that the pre-tax costs of complying with the court's order and certain related costs could have approximated $12.0 to $15.0 million, of which $6.1 million was recorded as pre-tax charges against 1999 earnings. We filed an appeal of the verdict and the court's order and a motion for stay of the court's order pending outcome of the appeal.

    On January 21, 2000, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted a stay of the District Court judgment pending our appeal. Oral arguments related to the appeal were held on April 5, 2000. On September 19, 2000, the Fifth Circuit vacated the District Court's judgment in its entirety and remanded the case to the District Court for entry of judgment in favor of Papa John's. On December 18, 2000, Pizza Hut filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari with the United States Supreme Court. On March 19, 2001, the United States Supreme Court denied Pizza Hut's Petition for Writ of Certiorari. For the 2000 fiscal year, we incurred an additional $1.0 million of pretax charges related to this issue.

    We are also subject to claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of business. We believe that all such claims and actions currently pending against us are either adequately covered by insurance or would not have a material adverse effect on us if decided in a manner unfavorable to us.

15. Share Repurchase and Common Equity Put Options

    The Papa John's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $275.0 million of common stock under a share repurchase program that began December 9, 1999, and runs through December 30, 2001. Funding for the share repurchase program is provided through a $200.0 million

49


credit facility, operating cash flows and the liquidation of available investments, cash and cash equivalents.

    Through December 31, 2000, a total of 7.6 million shares with an aggregate cost of $187.9 million and an average price of $24.67 per share were repurchased under this program and placed in treasury. Subsequent to year-end, an additional 319,500 shares with an aggregate cost of $7.2 million were repurchased.

    At December 31, 2000, 250,000 common equity put options were outstanding, all of which were sold in the third quarter 2000. The options expire at various dates through July 2001 and have exercise prices between $19.50 and $21.99. The $5.2 million total exercise price of the options outstanding is reflected in the balance sheet in common equity put options at December 31, 2000, and the related offset, net of premiums received, is recorded in treasury stock.

16. Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement

    On February 14, 2000, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement (the "Rights Plan"). Under the terms of the Rights Plan, one preferred stock purchase right was distributed as a dividend on each outstanding share of Papa John's common stock held of record as of the close of business on March 1, 2000. The rights generally will not become exercisable until a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the Company's common stock in a transaction that is not approved in advance by the Board of Directors. The Company's Founder and CEO, John Schnatter, who currently owns more than 25% of the outstanding common stock, will be excluded from operation of the Rights Plan unless (together with his affiliates and family members) he acquires more than 40% of the Company's common stock.

    If the rights are triggered, then each right owned by a stockholder other than the unapproved acquirer entitles its holder to purchase shares of Company common stock at 50% of its market price. In addition, after the rights are triggered, if the Company is acquired by an unapproved acquirer in a merger or other business combination transaction, each right that has not previously been exercised will entitle its holder to purchase, at the right's current exercise price, common shares of such other entity having a value of twice the right's exercise price. The Company may redeem the rights for a nominal amount at any time prior to an event that causes the rights to become exercisable.

17. Stock Options

    In accordance with SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (SFAS 123), we have elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB 25), and related Interpretations in accounting for our employee stock options because, as discussed below, the alternative fair value accounting provided for under SFAS 123 requires the use of option valuation models that were not developed for use in valuing employee stock options. Under APB 25, because the exercise price of our employee stock options equals or exceeds the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized.

    We award stock options from time to time under the Papa John's International, Inc. 1993 Stock Ownership Incentive Plan (the "1993 Plan"), the Papa John's International, Inc. 1993 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan (the "Directors Plan") and the Papa John's International, Inc. 1999 Team Member Stock Ownership Plan (the "1999 Plan"). Shares of common stock authorized for issuance are

50


6,400,000 under the 1993 Plan, 370,000 under the Directors Plan and 1,000,000 under the 1999 Plan. Options granted under all plans generally expire ten years from the date of grant and vest over one-to five-year periods, except for certain options awarded under a previous, multi-year operations compensation program that vested immediately upon grant.

    Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by SFAS 123, which also requires that the information be determined as if we have accounted for our employee stock options granted subsequent to December 25, 1994 under the fair value method of that Statement. The fair value for these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, which was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because our employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of our employee stock options.

    For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. Our pro forma information follows, along with the indicated weighted average assumptions used:

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
Pro forma net income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle (in thousands)   $ 25,806   $ 39,349   $ 26,457  
Pro forma earnings per share:                    
  Basic   $ 1.04   $ 1.30   $ .90  
  Assuming dilution   $ 1.04   $ 1.27   $ .87  
Assumptions (weighted average):                    
  Risk-free interest rate     5.3 %   6.0 %   4.8 %
  Expected dividend yield     0.0 %   0.0 %   0.0 %
  Expected volatility     0.49     0.47     0.47  
  Expected life (in years)     4.6     4.0     4.0  

    Because SFAS 123 is applicable only to options granted subsequent to December 25, 1994, our pro forma effect was not fully reflected until 2000 when the complete five years of vesting occurred for 1995 option awards.

51


    Information pertaining to options for 2000, 1999 and 1998 is as follows (number of options in thousands):

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
  Number of Options
  Weighted-Average Exercise Price
  Number of Options
  Weighted-Average Exercise Price
  Number of Options
  Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding—beginning of year     5,740   $ 28.55     5,782   $ 28.54     5,197   $ 25.28
Granted     197     24.59     1,216     26.68     1,535     37.90
Exercised     149     14.50     636     22.72     545     21.41
Cancelled     519     32.18     622     32.83     405     29.53
   
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding—end of year     5,269   $ 28.53     5,740   $ 28.55     5,782   $ 28.54
   
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable—end of year     3,394   $ 28.06     2,638   $ 27.30     2,232   $ 25.64
   
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year   $ 9.02         $ 9.22         $ 13.43      
   
       
       
     

    The number, weighted-average exercise price and weighted-average remaining contractual life of options outstanding as of December 31, 2000, and the number and weighted average exercise price of options exercisable as of December 31, 2000 follow (number of options in thousands):

 
  Range of
Exercise Prices

  Number of
Options

  Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

  Weighted-Average
Remaining Life

Outstanding options:   $ 5.78 - $9.99   22   $ 7.25   2.82
      10.00 - 19.99   544     16.34   4.72
      20.00 - 29.99   2,381     25.33   7.27
      30.00 - 45.56   2,322     34.87   7.07
   
 
 
 
  Total         5,269   $ 28.53   6.90
   
 
 
 
Exercisable options:   $ 5.78 - $9.99   22   $ 7.25    
      10.00 - 19.99   478     16.08    
      20.00 - 29.99   1,408     25.78    
      30.00 - 45.56   1,486     34.39    
   
 
 
 
  Total         3,394   $ 28.06    
   
 
 
 

    Plan provisions provide that excess available shares under the 1993 Plan may be transferred to the 1999 Plan. As of December 31, 2000, 816,000 shares were available for future issuance under the 1993 and 1999 plans and 92,000 shares under the Directors Plan.

18. Defined Contribution Benefit Plan

    We have established the Papa John's International, Inc. 401(k) Plan (the "Plan"), as a defined contribution benefit plan, in accordance with Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Plan is open to all employees who meet certain eligibility requirements and allows participating employees to defer receipt of a portion of their compensation and contribute such amount to one or more

52


investment funds. Effective July 1, 1999, we began contributing up to 1.5% of a participating employee's earnings. Costs of the Plan recognized in 2000 and 1999 were $402,000 and $146,000, respectively. Administrative costs of the Plan are paid by us and are not significant.

19. Segment Information

    We have defined four reportable segments: domestic restaurants, domestic commissaries, domestic franchising and international operations. In the prior year, international operations were not identified as a separate reportable segment. However, the acquisition of Perfect pizza in late 1999 (see Note 3), and the continued growth of our other international operations, resulted in the addition of international operations as a separate reportable segment in 2000. Prior year segment information has been restated to conform to the current year presentation.

    The domestic restaurant segment consists of the operations of all domestic Company-owned restaurants and derives its revenues from retail sales of pizza, breadsticks, cheesesticks and soft drinks to the general public. The domestic commissary segment consists of the operations of our regional dough production and product distribution centers and derives its revenues from the sale and distribution of food and paper products to domestic Company-owned and franchised restaurants. The domestic franchising segment consists of our franchise sales and support activities and derives its revenues from sales of franchise and development rights and collection of royalties from our domestic franchisees. The international operations segment consists of our Company-owned restaurants located in the United Kingdom, our Company-owned commissary operations located outside of the United States and our franchise sales and support activities, which derive revenues from sales of franchise and development rights and the collection of royalties from our international franchisees. All other business units that do not meet the quantitative thresholds for determining reportable segments consist of operations that derive revenues from the sale, principally to Company-owned and franchised restaurants, of restaurant equipment, printing and promotional items, risk management services, and information systems and related services used in restaurant operations.

    Generally, we evaluate performance and allocate resources based on profit or loss from operations before income taxes and eliminations. Certain administrative and capital costs are allocated to segments based upon predetermined rates or actual estimated resource usage. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies (see Note 2). We account for intercompany sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties and eliminate the related profit in consolidation.

    Our reportable segments are business units that provide different products or services. Separate management of each segment is required because each business unit is subject to different operational issues and strategies. No single external customer accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated revenues.

53


    Segment information is as follows:

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Revenues from external customers:                    
  Domestic restaurants   $ 456,637   $ 394,636   $ 344,089  
  Domestic commissaries     351,255     306,909     255,083  
  Domestic franchising     52,704     47,078     37,445  
  International     30,848     3,624     131  
  All others     53,233     53,078     45,404  
   
 
 
 
Total revenues from external customers   $ 944,677   $ 805,325   $ 682,152  
   
 
 
 
Intersegment revenues:                    
  Domestic commissaries   $ 129,640   $ 118,507   $ 108,218  
  Domestic franchising     165     139     128  
  International     2,372          
  All others     19,884     15,431     15,570  
   
 
 
 
Total intersegment revenues   $ 152,061   $ 134,077   $ 123,916  
   
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization:                    
  Domestic restaurants   $ 16,728   $ 13,880   $ 12,001  
  Domestic commissaries     5,890     4,190     3,296  
  International     2,242     319      
  All others     707     645     883  
  Unallocated corporate expenses     8,605     5,793     4,310  
   
 
 
 
Total depreciation and amortization   $ 34,172   $ 24,827   $ 20,490  
   
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes:(2)                    
  Domestic restaurants   $ 842   $ 15,081   $ 9,549  
  Domestic commissaries     23,184     21,632     17,893  
  Domestic franchising     47,241     42,365     33,187  
  International     1,243     (10 )   (1,000 )
  All others     4,842     3,945     4,383  
  Unallocated corporate expenses (3)     (25,388 )   (7,061 )   (6,585 )
  Elimination of intersegment profits     (378 )   (235 )   (282 )
   
 
 
 
Total income before income taxes   $ 51,586   $ 75,717   $ 57,145 (1)
   
 
 
 
Fixed assets:                    
  Domestic restaurants   $ 155,513   $ 144,033   $ 124,390  
  Domestic commissaries     63,468     55,999     42,503  
  International     3,993     3,530      
  All others     7,724     5,153     4,368  
  Unallocated corporate assets     98,611     88,843     51,599  
  Accumulated depreciation and amortization     (83,435 )   (69,745 )   (49,988 )
   
 
 
 
Net fixed assets   $ 245,874   $ 227,813   $ 172,872  
   
 
 
 
Expenditures for fixed assets:                    
  Domestic restaurants   $ 27,857   $ 24,662   $ 30,401  
  Domestic commissaries     8,227     15,296     14,873  
  International     2,073     160      
  All others     3,236     777     290  
  Unallocated corporate     18,044     41,665     26,505  
   
 
 
 
Total expenditures for fixed assets   $ 59,437   $ 82,560   $ 72,069  
   
 
 
 

54



(1)
Excludes the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle (see Note 2).

(2)
The special charge and advertising litigation charge for 2000 and 1999 were included in the following segments:

 
  2000
  1999
Domestic restaurants   $ 12,920   $
Domestic commissaries     750     136
All others     256     197
Unallocated corporate expenses     11,196     5,771
   
 
  Total   $ 25,122   $ 6,104
   
 
(3)
The increase in unallocated corporate expense in 2000 is primarily due to an increase in net interest expense of $9.3 million, $2.8 million in depreciation and amortization and $5.4 million related to the special charge.

20. Quarterly Data (unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)

 
  Quarter

 
  1st
  2nd
  3rd
  4th
 
  2000
  1999
  2000
  1999
  2000
  1999
  2000
  1999
Total revenues   $ 227,049   $ 187,351   $ 231,535   $ 200,384   $ 224,803   $ 202,080   $ 261,290   $ 215,510
Operating income (loss)     19,247     17,651     22,143     18,898     20,182     18,955     (4,183 )   16,980
Net income (loss)     11,541     11,383     12,976     12,334     11,461     12,366     (4,154 )   11,203
Basic earnings (loss) per common share   $ 0.43   $ 0.38   $ 0.51   $ 0.41   $ 0.48   $ 0.41   $ (0.18 ) $ 0.37
Earnings (loss) per common share—assuming dilution   $ 0.43   $ 0.37   $ 0.51   $ 0.40   $ 0.48   $ 0.40   $ (0.18 ) $ 0.36

    All quarterly information above is presented in 13 week periods, except for the fourth quarter of 2000 which is presented in a 14 week period.

55


Report of Management

    The consolidated financial statements appearing in this Annual Report have been prepared by management, which is responsible for their preparation, integrity and fair presentation. The statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and necessarily include some amounts that are based on management's best estimates and judgments.

    Management is responsible for the system of internal controls over financial reporting at Papa John's International, Inc. and its subsidiaries, a system designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the preparation of reliable published financial statements. This system is augmented by written policies and procedures and the selection and training of qualified personnel. Management believes that its system of internal controls over financial reporting provides reasonable assurance that the financial records are reliable for preparing financial statements.

    The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors meets with the independent auditors and management periodically to discuss internal controls over financial reporting and other auditing and financial reporting matters. The Committee reviews with the independent auditors the scope and results of the audit effort. The Committee also meets with the independent auditors without management present to ensure that the independent auditors have free access to the Committee. The independent auditors are recommended by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and selected by the Board of Directors. Based upon their audit of the consolidated financial statements, the independent auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, have issued their Report of Independent Auditors, which follows.

56


Report of Independent Auditors

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Papa John's International, Inc.

    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Papa John's International, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000 and December 26, 1999, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 14(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

    We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

    In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above (appearing on pages 33 through 55 of this annual report) present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Papa John's International, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2000 and December 26, 1999, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

    As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, effective for fiscal year 1998, the Company adopted SOP 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities."

Louisville, Kentucky
February 27, 2001, except for Note 14
as to which the date is March 19, 2001

57



Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

    None.


PART III

Items 10, 11, 12 and 13. Directors and Officers of the Registrant; Executive Compensation; Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management; and Certain Relationships and Related Transactions:

    The information required by these items, other than the information set forth in this Report under Part I, "Executive Officers of the Registrant," is omitted because we are filing a definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report which includes the required information. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.


PART IV

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

    (a)(1) Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule:

    The following consolidated financial statements, notes related thereto and report of independent auditors are included in Item 8 of this Report:

    (a)(2) Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule:

    (a)(3) Exhibits:

3.1   Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Exhibit 3.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-61366) is incorporated herein by reference.

3.2

 

Our Restated By-Laws. Exhibit 3.2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-61366) is incorporated herein by reference.

3.3

 

Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Papa John's International, Inc. Exhibit 3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 29, 1997, is incorporated herein by reference.

4.1

 

Specimen Common Stock Certificate. Exhibit 4.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 (Commission File No. 0-21660) is incorporated herein by reference.


 

 

58



4.2

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Restated By-Laws (See 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 above) is incorporated herein by reference.

10.1*

 

Separation Agreement and Release between Papa John's International, Inc. and E. Drucilla Milby.

10.2*

 

Consulting Agreement dated March 29, 1991, between Papa John's and Richard F. Sherman. Exhibit 10.4 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-61366) is incorporated herein by reference.

10.3*

 

1996 Papa John's International, Inc. Executive Option Program. Exhibit 10.26 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference.

10.4*

 

Papa John's International, Inc. 1993 Stock Ownership Incentive Plan. Exhibit 10.2 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 1996 is incorporated herein by reference.

10.5*

 

Amendment to Papa John's International, Inc. 1993 Stock Ownership Incentive Plan. Exhibit 10 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 1997 is incorporated herein by reference.

10.6*

 

Amendment to Papa John's International, Inc. 1993 Stock Ownership Incentive Plan. Exhibit 10 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 1998 is incorporated herein by reference.

10.7*

 

Amendment to Papa John's International, Inc. 1993 Stock Ownership Incentive Plan. Exhibit 10.1 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 27, 1999 is incorporated herein by reference.

10.8*

 

Papa John's International, Inc. 1993 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Exhibit 10.3 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 1996 is incorporated herein by reference.

10.9*

 

Amendment to Papa John's International, Inc. 1993 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan. Exhibit 10.2 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 27, 1999 is incorporated herein by reference.

10.10*

 

Papa John's International, Inc. 1999 Team Member Stock Ownership Plan Amended and Restated as of October 20, 1999. Exhibit 10.9 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 1999 is incorporated herein by reference.

10.11

 

Loan Agreement among Mississippi Business Finance Corporation (acting for and on behalf of the State of Mississippi), Bank of Mississippi (as Servicing Trustee) and PJFS of Mississippi, Inc. Exhibit 10.1 to our quarterly report on Form  10-Q for the quarter ended March 27, 1994 is incorporated herein by reference.

10.12

 

Lease dated May 14, 1993, between PJ Food Service, Inc. and Sample Properties relating to our commissary facility in Raleigh, North Carolina. Exhibit 10.16 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-61366) is incorporated herein by reference.

10.13

 

Lease dated November 1, 1993, between PJ Food Service, Inc. and Jackson Developers, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company, relating to our commissary and distribution facility in Jackson, Mississippi. Exhibit 10.18 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-73530) is incorporated herein by reference.


 

 

59



10.14

 

Lease dated January 3, 1996, between PJ Food Service, Inc. and Fraser, L.L.C. relating to our commissary and distribution facility in Denver, Colorado. Exhibit 10.29 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference.

10.15

 

Sublease dated January 16, 1997, between PJ Food Service, Inc. and Distribution Unlimited, Inc. relating to our commissary and distribution facility opened in Rotterdam, New York. Exhibit 10.26 to our Annual Report on Form  10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1997 is incorporated herein by reference.

10.16

 

Lease dated August 30, 1996, between PJ Food Service, Inc. and A. Terry Moss and Ira E. White relating to our commissary and distribution facility opened in Des Moines, Iowa. Exhibit 10.29 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 1996 is incorporated herein by reference.

10.17

 

Lease dated November 27, 1997 by and between Papa John's and SF Property Investments, LLC, an Oregon limited liability corporation, relating to our commissary and distribution facility in Portland, Oregon. Exhibit 10.31 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1997 is incorporated herein by reference.

10.18

 

First Lease Modification Agreement to Lease dated May 14, 1993 between PJ Food Service, Inc., and Sample Properties relating to our commissary and distribution facility in Raleigh, North Carolina. Exhibit 10.34 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1997 is incorporated herein by reference.

10.19

 

Lease dated December 6, 1998, between PJ Food Service, Inc. and The Buncher Company relating to our commissary and distribution facility to be opened in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Exhibit 10.38 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 1998, is incorporated herein by reference.

10.20

 

Acquisition Agreement dated March 29, 1999, with the Minnesota Pizza Company. Exhibit 10.1 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 1999 is incorporated herein by reference.

10.21

 

Agreement for the Sale and Purchase of the Entire Issued Share Capital of Perfect Pizza Holdings Limited Between Geoffrey Street and Others and Papa John's (UK) Limited and Papa John's International, Inc. dated November 29, 1999. Exhibit  10.24 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 1999 is incorporated herein by reference.

10.22

 

Credit Agreement by and among Papa John's International, Inc. and The Banks Party Hereto and Bank One, Indiana, NA, As Syndication Agent and PNC Bank, National Association, As Lender Arranger and Administrative Agent dated as of March 17, 2000. Exhibit 10.25 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 1999 is incorporated by reference.

10.23

 

Second Amendment to Credit Agreement by and among Papa John's International, Inc. and The Guarantors Party Hereto and the Banks Party Hereto and Bank One, Indiana, NA, as Syndication Agent and PNC Bank, National Association, as Lead Arranger and Administrative Agent and dated as of October 30, 2000. Exhibit 10.1 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 24, 2000 is incorporated herein by reference.

10.24

 

Letter between Papa John's International, Inc. and Bank One, Indiana, N.A. governed by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement dated February 22, 2000. Exhibit 10.26 to our Annual Report on Form  10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 1999 is incorporated herein by reference.


 

 

60



10.25

 

Secured Loan Agreement entered into as of December 27, 1999, by and between BIBP Commodities, Inc. and Capital Delivery, Ltd. Exhibit 10.1 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 26, 2000 is incorporated herein by reference.

10.26

 

Promissory Note dated December 27, 1999, by BIBP Commodities, Inc. Exhibit 10.2 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 26, 2000 is incorporated herein by reference.

10.27

 

Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement dated February 14, 2000, by and between Papa John's International, Inc. and National City Bank, as Rights Agent (including the form of Certificate of Designation of Preferences and Rights and the form of Rights Certificate). Exhibit 4 of our Form 8-A dated February 16, 2000 is incorporated herein by reference.

21

 

Subsidiaries of the Company:

 

 

(a) Papa John's USA, Inc., a Kentucky corporation

 

 

(b) PJ Food Service, Inc., a Kentucky corporation

 

 

(c) PJFS of Mississippi, Inc., a Mississippi corporation

 

 

(d) PJ Food Service Canada, Inc., a Canadian corporation

 

 

(e) Papa John's Support Services, Inc., a Kentucky corporation

 

 

(f) Risk Services Corp., a Kentucky corporation

 

 

(g) Capital Delivery, Ltd., a Kentucky corporation

 

 

(h) RSC Insurance Services Ltd., a Bermuda corporation

 

 

(i) Papa John's Online LLC, a Kentucky corporation

 

 

(j) Papa John's (U.K.) Ltd., a United Kingdom corporation

 

 

(k) Perfect Pizza Ltd., a United Kingdom corporation

 

 

(l) Perfect Pizza Holdings, Ltd., a United Kingdom corporation

23

 

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.

99.1

 

Cautionary Statements.

*Compensatory plan required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.

61



SIGNATURES

    Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

    PAPA JOHN'S INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Date: March 23, 2001

 

By:

 

/s/ 
JOHN H. SCHNATTER   
John H. Schnatter
Founder, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
  Title
  Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ JOHN H. SCHNATTER   
John H. Schnatter
  Founder, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director (Principal Executive Officer)   March 23, 2001

/s/ 
CHARLES W. SCHNATTER   
Charles W. Schnatter

 

Senior Vice President, Chief Development Officer, Secretary, General Counsel and Director

 

March 23, 2001

/s/ 
O. WAYNE GAUNCE   
O. Wayne Gaunce

 

Director

 

March 23, 2001

/s/ 
JACK A. LAUGHERY   
Jack A. Laughery

 

Director

 

March 23, 2001

/s/ 
MICHAEL W. PIERCE   
Michael W. Pierce

 

Director

 

March 23, 2001

/s/ 
WADE S. ONEY   
Wade S. Oney

 

Director

 

March 23, 2001

/s/ 
RICHARD F. SHERMAN   
Richard F. Sherman

 

Director

 

March 23, 2001

/s/ 
J. DAVID FLANERY   
J. David Flanery

 

Vice President of Finance and Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

March 23, 2001

62



EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number

  Description of Exhibit
  Sequentially
Numbered
Page


10.1

 

Separation Agreement and Release between Papa John's International, Inc.
and E. Drucilla Milby

 

 

21

 

Subsidiaries of the Company

 

 

23

 

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

 

 

99.1

 

Cautionary Statements

 

 

63


Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Papa John's International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

(In thousands)

Classification

  Balance at
Beginning of
Year

  Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

  Additions /
(Deductions)

  Balance at
End of
Year

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2000:                        
  Deducted from asset accounts:                        
    Reserve for uncollectible accounts   $ 432   $ 1,669   $ (83) (1) $ 2,018
    Reserve for franchise notes receivable     121     4,200     (121) (1)   4,200
   
 
 
 
    $ 553   $ 5,869   $ (204 ) $ 6,218
   
 
 
 
  Reserves included in liability accounts:                        
    Reserve for advertising litigation   $ 4,083   $ 1,017   $ (4,909) (2) $ 191
    Reserve for special charge         3,925 (3)   (204) (3)   3,721
   
 
 
 
    $ 4,083   $ 4,942   $ (5,113 ) $ 3,912
   
 
 
 

Fiscal year Ended December 26, 1999:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Deducted from asset accounts:                        
    Reserve for uncollectible accounts   $ 395   $ 257   $ (220) (1) $ 432
    Reserve for franchise notes receivable     121             121
   
 
 
 
    $ 516   $ 257   $ (220 ) $ 553
   
 
 
 
  Reserves included in liability accounts:                        
    Reserve for advertising litigation   $   $ 6,104   $ (2,021) (2) $ 4,083
   
 
 
 

Fiscal year Ended December 27, 1998:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Deducted from asset accounts:                        
    Reserve for uncollectible accounts   $ 145   $ 748   $ (498) (1) $ 395
    Reserve for franchise notes receivable         121         121
   
 
 
 
    $ 145   $ 869   $ (498 ) $ 516
   
 
 
 

(1)
Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.

(2)
Amounts paid during the year. See "Note 14" of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for further information.

(3)
The amount charged to the Consolidated Statements of Income related to the Special Charge was $24.1 million, of which, $20.2 million was a reduction to assets and $3.9 million was reserved for future cash payments. The amount reserved was reduced by $204,000 for cash payments made in 2000. See "Note 4" of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for further information.

64




QuickLinks

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
PART II
PART III
PART IV
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Papa John's International, Inc. and Subsidiaries (In thousands)

EXHIBIT 10.1 SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE This Separation Agreement and Release is made by and between Papa John's International, Inc. (hereinafter "Papa John's") and E. Drucilla Milby (hereinafter "Milby"). WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, Milby has been employed by Papa John's; and WHEREAS, Papa John's and Milby have agreed to terminate Milby's employment; and WHEREAS, Milby acknowledges that she was given this agreement on February 20, 2001, and informed that she has twenty-one (21) days to consider it and she has voluntarily agreed to its terms; and WHEREAS, the parties wish to clarify and memorialize certain agreements made between them in regard to Milby's employment and the termination of her employment from Papa John's; NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the terms stated herein, it is mutually agreed between the parties as follows: 1. Milby's employment with Papa John's will terminate effective April 30, 2001 at 5:00 p.m., or upon Milby's commencement of employment with another employer, whichever is earlier (the "Separation Date"). Milby agrees she will inform Papa John's in a timely manner, by notice to Caroline Oyler, Senior Counsel, if she commences employment with another employer prior to April 30, 2001. 1

2. As specific consideration for the release and waiver contained in Paragraph 3 of this Separation Agreement and Release, Papa John's shall provide Milby the following benefits, to which Milby is not otherwise entitled: A. For the period between the execution of this Separation Agreement and Release and the Separation Date (the "Continuation Period"), Papa John's shall pay Milby her regular salary at the rate of pay in effect on the date of the execution of this Separation Agreement and Release ($225,000 annually), less all applicable withholdings (her "regular salary"). B. During the Continuation Period, Milby shall receive from Papa John's the continuation of all health and life benefits, as described in the Papa John's plan and any amendments or modifications to that plan during the Continuation Period. Milby shall continue to pay her portion of the costs for those benefits through payroll deductions. C. Within fifteen (15) business days after the Separation Date, Papa John's shall pay to Milby an additional lump sum payment equaling Milby's regular salary, less all applicable withholdings, inclusive of any vacation days, through December 31, 2001. Should Milby's termination date be prior to April 30, 2001, Milby shall also receive, within fifteen (15) business days after the Separation Date, a lump sum payment equaling Milby's regular salary, less all applicable withholdings, from the Separation Date through April 30, 2001. D. Within fifteen (15) business days after the Separation Date, Papa John's shall pay to Milby an additional gross sum of $4,000, less all applicable withholdings, representing unpaid car allowance for the year 2001. 2

E. All other benefits cease effective the date of termination set forth in Paragraph One above; provided, however, any amounts held in trust in the Papa John's 401(k) Plan for the benefit of Milby shall continue to be held in trust for Milby within the parameters of the existing plan. In addition, the stock options held by Milby that are vested as of the Separation Date shall remain exercisable pursuant to the terms of the Papa John's International, Inc. 1993 and 1999 Team Member Stock Ownership Plan. Milby will be eligible for COBRA benefits as required by law. 3. Milby, for herself and her heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns, does hereby release and forever discharge Papa John's, its successors, assigns, agents, representatives, employees, officers, directors, trustees, and shareholders, insurers, and any affiliated corporations or entities of any type or nature, from any and all causes of action, claims, demands, suits, damages, sums of money and/or judgments (hereinafter "damages") arising at any time prior to and through the date of the execution of this Agreement and Release which might have been asserted against Papa John's, its successors, agents, representatives, employees, officers, directors, trustees, shareholders, insurers, and any affiliated corporations or entities by Milby, or on her behalf, including but not limited to any which may have been asserted against Papa John's by or on behalf of Milby relating to her employment by Papa John's or the termination of her employment, including accrued vacation pay, profit sharing plans, stock option plans, retirement plans or any benefit plans of any type or nature, and any claims for discrimination of any type under any federal, state or local law or regulation, including, but not limited to, claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 3

the Civil Rights Act of 1991, and the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, except for any claims arising under this Agreement and Release. 4. Milby understands and agrees that should any amount of the payments made to Milby by Papa John's under this Agreement and Release be deemed taxable, Milby is solely liable for any taxes of whatever kind due by reason of this payment of money, and should any state or federal tax authority determine that any or all of such payment constitutes income subject to federal or state taxes, including but not limited to income tax, or social security laws, then Milby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Papa John's for any and all liability of whatever kind incurred by it on this payment, including, but not limited to taxes, levies, assessments, fines, interest, and penalties. 5. Milby agrees she will abide by all covenants and agreements contained in her September 25, 1996 Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement with Papa John's, which is attached and incorporated by reference as Exhibit 1 hereto, specifically including but not limited to the covenants not-to-compete, not to appropriate and disclose confidential information, and not to solicit customers or employees contained in Paragraph one of the agreement. 6. Milby agrees that during the Continuation Period, she will make herself available for any questions from Papa John's, provide any information requested by Papa John's, conduct herself in a professional manner consistent with the best interests of Papa John's, and take no action detrimental to Papa John's or which will place Papa John's in jeopardy. Failure to comply with any of these obligations will result in immediate 4

termination of Milby's employment and immediate forfeiture of the consideration described in Paragraph two above. 7. Papa John's acknowledges that, during the course of her employment, Milby was exposed to information confidential and proprietary to Papa John's, and information confidential, private and personal to John H. Schnatter and/or his family and/or other officers or employees of Papa John's. Milby agrees that, unless otherwise required by law, she will not disclose to any third party any information that is confidential or proprietary to Papa John's or confidential, private or personal to John H. Schnatter and/or his family and/or other officers or employees of Papa John's, and that she has returned to Papa John's all documents containing any confidential or proprietary information relating to Papa John's or John H. Schnatter and/or his family and/or other officers or employees of Papa John's, including all documents and electronic files, and any other mediums whatsoever. In the event Milby is notified she may be required by law to disclose any such information to a third party, Milby agrees to contact Papa John's General Counsel in writing at least three business days prior to the date of the proposed disclosure so that Papa John's may take any steps it deems necessary to evaluate and protect against such disclosure. 8. Milby further warrants that within 15 days of the execution of this Agreement, she will return any and all property of Papa John's, including but not limited to her laptop computer, cell phone and accessories, desktop computer, key card, key fob, garage door opener, corporate credit card and telephone credit card. Milby also agrees she will submit any outstanding expense reports within 15 days of the execution of this Agreement to Caroline Oyler. 5

9. Milby agrees to cooperate fully with Papa John's in all its business dealings and make herself available to Papa John's for participation in all business and/or legal proceedings, as needed by Papa John's. Milby agrees she will not voluntarily participate or testify in any proceeding adverse to Papa John's, except to the extent required by law. Milby further agrees not to disparage or make derogatory comments about Papa John's, its successors, agents, representatives, employees, officers, directors, trustees, shareholders, insurers, and any affiliated corporations or entities, or John H. Schnatter and/or his family and/or other officers or employees of Papa John's at any time during or after her employment with Papa John's ceases. Papa John's and its representatives agree not to disparage or make derogatory comments about Milby. 10. Milby acknowledges and agrees that, in return for a portion of the consideration described above, Milby will not be eligible for future employment with Papa John's and that, should Milby apply for employment, Papa John's shall have no obligation to consider Milby for any position. 11. Papa John's and its representatives, hereby agree not to publish, discuss or release any information to any person concerning Milby's employment by Papa John's or the termination of her employment, except as required by law, and except that upon request for employment information, Papa John's will verify Milby's employment dates and position held. Papa John's and Milby, their agents and representatives, agree to keep the fact and terms of this agreement in strict confidence, and not to disclose this document, its contents, or the subject matter to any person other than their attorneys, spouses, income tax preparers, or accountants, except as required by law. 6

12. The parties declare each has carefully read this Agreement and Release. Milby was informed, and both parties understand they have the right to and should consult with an attorney prior to executing this Separation Agreement and Release. After appropriate consultation, both parties agree to the terms of this Separation Agreement and Release for purposes of making a full and final adjustment and resolution of the matters contained herein. 13. It is understood and agreed this Separation Agreement and Release does not and shall not constitute an admission by Papa John's of any violation of any law or right of Milby. 14. This Agreement and Release constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between the parties as to the subject matter hereof and the terms of this Agreement and Release may not be waived, modified or supplemented except in writing by all parties hereto. The parties further acknowledge that this Agreement and Release may be revoked within seven (7) days from the execution hereof, and that the Agreement and Release shall not become effective or enforceable until after the revocation period has ended. Milby agrees that any revocation shall be submitted to Papa John's in writing to the attention of its General Counsel. 15. Should this Separation Agreement and Release be held invalid or unenforceable (in whole or in part) with respect to any particular claims or circumstances, it shall remain fully valid and enforceable as to all other claims and circumstances. 16. This Separation Agreement and Release shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 7

17. This Separation Agreement and Release is hereby executed by signature of E. Drucilla Milby this 9th day of March 2001. /s/ E. Drucilla Milby E. Drucilla Milby Date: 3/9/01 Papa John's International, Inc. By: Caroline S. Oyler, Senior Counsel Date: 3/12/01 8

Exhibit 21 Subsidiaries of the Company: (a) Papa John's USA, Inc., a Kentucky corporation (b) PJ Food Service, Inc., a Kentucky corporation (c) PJFS of Mississippi, Inc., a Mississippi corporation (d) PJ Food Service Canada, Inc., a Canadian corporation (e) Papa John's Support Services, Inc., a Kentucky corporation (f) Risk Services Corp., a Kentucky corporation (g) Capital Delivery, Ltd., a Kentucky corporation (h) RSC Insurance Services Ltd., a Bermuda corporation (i) Papa John's Online LLC, a Kentucky corporation (j) Papa John's (U.K.) Ltd., a United Kingdom corporation (k) Perfect Pizza Ltd., a United Kingdom corporation (l) Perfect Pizza Holdings, Ltd., a United Kingdom corporation

Exhibit 23 Consent of Independent Auditors We consent to the incorporation by reference in (i) the Registration Statements (Forms S-8 No. 333-27823, No. 333-16447, No. 33-67472 and No. 333-86537) pertaining to the Papa John's International, Inc. 1993 Stock Ownership Incentive Plan, (ii) the Registration Statements (Forms S-8 No. 33-67470 and No. 333-86539) pertaining to the Papa John's International, Inc. 1993 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, (iii) the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-86535) pertaining to the Papa John's International, Inc. 1999 Team Member Stock Ownership Plan and (iv) the Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 33-96552) of Papa John's International, Inc. of our report dated February 27, 2001, except for Note 14 as to which the date is March 19, 2001, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Papa John's International, Inc. and subsidiaries included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Louisville, Kentucky March 26, 2001

Exhibit 99.1 - Cautionary Statements Information provided herein by Papa John's contains, and from time to time we may disseminate materials and make statements which contain "forward looking" information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"), including information within Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The following cautionary statements are being made pursuant to the provisions of the Act and with the intention of obtaining the benefits of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Act. Although we believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, actual results may differ materially from those in the forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including but not limited to, the following: 1. Our ability and the ability of our franchisees to continue to expand through the opening of new restaurants is affected by a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control and our franchisees' control. These factors include, among other things, selection and availability of suitable restaurant locations, increases in food, paper and labor costs, negotiation of suitable lease or financing terms, constraints on permitting and construction of other restaurants, higher than anticipated construction costs, and the hiring, training and retention of management and other personnel. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we or the Papa John's franchisees will be able to meet planned growth targets, open restaurants in markets now targeted for expansion, or continue to operate in existing markets. 2. The restaurant industry is intensely competitive with respect to price, service, location and food quality, and there are many well-established competitors with substantially greater financial and other resources than Papa John's and our franchisees. Some of these competitors have been in existence for a substantially longer period than us or our franchisees and may be better established in the markets where restaurants operated by Papa John's or our franchisees are, or may be, located. A change in the pricing or other marketing or promotional strategies of one or more of our major competitors could have an adverse impact on sales and earnings at restaurants operated by us and our franchisees. 3. An increase in the cost of cheese or other commodities could adversely affect the profitability of our restaurant operations. Cheese, representing approximately 35 to 40% of our food cost, and other commodities are subject to seasonal fluctuations, weather, availability, demand and other factors that are beyond our control. Additionally, sustained increases in fuel costs could adversely affect profitability of our restaurant and QC Center businesses. 4. Changes in consumer taste, demographic trends, traffic patterns and the type, number and location of competing restaurants could adversely affect our restaurant business. 5. Our restaurant operations are subject to federal and state laws governing such matters as wages, working conditions, citizenship requirements and overtime. A significant number of hourly personnel employed by us and our franchisees are paid at rates related to the federal minimum wage. Accordingly, further increases in the minimum wage will increase labor costs for us and our franchisees. Additionally, labor shortages in various markets could result in higher required wage rates.

6. Our international operations are subject to a number of additional factors, including international economic and political conditions, currency regulations and fluctuations, differing cultures and consumer preferences, diverse government regulations and structures, availability and cost of land and construction, and differing interpretation of the obligations established in franchise agreements with international franchisees. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that our international operations will achieve or maintain profitability or meet planned growth rates. 7. Our planned conversion of Perfect Pizza restaurants to Papa John's restaurants over the next four to five years represents the first time we have attempted to expand the Papa John's brand in this manner. There can be no assurance that all conversion issues will be identified and successfully addressed in a timely and cost-effective manner or that the existing Perfect Pizza market share can be successfully converted to Papa John's.