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ITEM 7A: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK The following discussion of market risks contains forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from the following discussion based on general conditions in the financial and commodity markets. We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on funded debt. This exposure relates to our $35 million revolving credit and term loan facility (the Credit Facility). There were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility during fiscal 2001, 2002, 2003 and fiscal 2004 through March 4, 2004. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at variable rates based on either the prime rate of interest, the lending institution's cost of funds plus 0.75% or LIBOR plus 0.75%. A hypothetical 1% interest rate change would not have any current impact on our results of operations. A change in market prices also exposes us to market risk related to our investments in marketable securities. As of December 30, 2003, we held $121.8 million in available-for-sale marketable securities. A hypothetical 10% decline in the market value of those securities would result in a $12.2 million unrealized loss and a corresponding decline in their fair value. This hypothetical decline would not affect our cash flows until the securities were disposed of. We purchase food and other commodities for use in our operations, based upon market prices established with our suppliers. Many of the commodities purchased by us can be subject to volatility due to market supply and demand factors outside of our control. To manage this risk in part, we attempt to enter into fixed price purchase commitments, with terms typically up to one year, for many of our commodity requirements. However, we are currently unable to contract for substantially all of our fresh commodities such as produce, poultry, fish and dairy items for periods longer than 30 days. Dairy costs can also fluctuate due to government regulation. We believe that substantially all of our food and supplies are available from several sources, which helps to diversify our overall commodity cost risk. We also believe that we have the ability to increase certain menu prices, or vary certain menu items offered, in response to food commodity price increases. Some of our commodity purchase arrangements may contain contractual features that limit the price paid by establishing certain price floors or caps. The Company does not use financial instruments to hedge commodity prices, since our purchase arrangements with suppliers, to the extent that we can enter into such arrangements, help control the ultimate cost that we pay. |
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