KURA SUSHI USA, INC.

Previous wording

During the three months ended November 30, 2024, we opened six restaurants and expanded our restaurant base to 70 restaurants in twenty states and Washington, DC. We expect to open a total of 14 new restaurants in fiscal year 2025 and therefore, we expect our revenue and restaurant operating costs to increase in fiscal year 2025. We also expect our general and administrative expenses to increase on a dollar basis in fiscal 2025 to support the growth of the company.

Current wording

During the six months ended February 28, 2025, we opened nine restaurants and expanded our restaurant base to 73 restaurants in twenty states and Washington, DC. Subsequent to February 28, 2025, we opened two additional restaurants totaling 75 restaurants. We expect to open a total of 14 new restaurants in fiscal year 2025 and therefore, we expect our revenue and restaurant operating costs to increase in fiscal year 2025. We also expect our general and administrative expenses to increase on a dollar basis in fiscal 2025 to support the growth of the company.

Previous wording

Interest income. Interest income includes income earned on our money market funds.

Current wording

Interest income. Interest income includes income earned on our money market funds and investments.

Previous wording

The following tables present selected comparative results of operations for the three months ended November 30, 2024 and 2023. Our financial results for these periods are not necessarily indicative of the financial results that we will achieve in future periods. Certain totals for the tables below may not recalculate or sum to 100% due to rounding.

Current wording

The following tables present selected comparative results of operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2025 and February 29, 2024. Our financial results for these periods are not necessarily indicative of the financial results that we will achieve in future periods. Certain totals for the tables below may not recalculate or sum to 100% due to rounding.

Previous wording

Sales. Sales were $64.5 million for the three months ended November 30, 2024 compared to $51.5 million for the three months ended November 30, 2023, representing an increase of $13.0 million, or 25.2%. The increase in sales was primarily driven by the sales resulting from sixteen new restaurants opened subsequent to November 30, 2023, as well as increases in menu prices during the same period. Comparable restaurant sales increased 1.8% for the three months ended November 30, 2024, as compared to the three months ended November 30, 2023.

Current wording

Sales. Sales were $64.9 million for the three months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $57.3 million for the three months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $7.6 million, or 13.3%. The increase in sales was primarily driven by the sales resulting from fourteen new restaurants opened subsequent to February 29, 2024, as well as increases in menu prices during the same period. Comparable restaurant sales decreased 5.3% for the three months ended February 28, 2025, as compared to the three months ended February 29, 2024 primarily due to a reduction in traffic.

Previous wording

Food and beverage costs. Food and beverage costs were $18.7 million for the three months ended November 30, 2024 compared to $15.4 million for the three months ended November 30, 2023, representing an increase of $3.3 million, or 21.5%. The increase in food and beverage costs was primarily driven by costs associated with sales from sixteen new restaurants opened subsequent to November 30, 2023. As a percentage of sales, food and beverage costs decreased to 29.0% in the three months ended November 30, 2024 as compared to 29.8% in the three months ended November 30, 2023, primarily due to increases in menu prices, which was partially offset by food cost inflation.

Current wording

Food and beverage costs. Food and beverage costs were $18.6 million for the three months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $16.9 million for the three months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $1.7 million, or 10.0%. The increase in food and beverage costs was primarily driven by costs associated with sales from fourteen new restaurants opened subsequent to February 29, 2024. As a percentage of sales, food and beverage costs decreased to 28.7% in the three months ended February 28, 2025 as compared to 29.6% in the three months ended February 29, 2024, primarily due to increases in menu prices and supply chain initiatives, which was partially offset by food cost inflation.

Previous wording

Labor and related costs. Labor and related costs were $21.2 million for the three months ended November 30, 2024 compared to $16.4 million for the three months ended November 30, 2023, representing an increase of $4.8 million, or 29.4%. This increase in labor and related costs was primarily driven by additional labor costs incurred from sixteen new restaurants opened subsequent to November 30, 2023. As a percentage of sales, labor and related costs increased to 32.9% in the three months ended November 30, 2024 as compared to 31.9% in the three months ended November 30, 2023. The increase in cost as a percentage of sales was primarily due to increases in wage rates subsequent to November 30, 2023.

Current wording

Labor and related costs. Labor and related costs were $22.6 million for the three months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $18.9 million for the three months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $3.7 million, or 19.4%. This increase in labor and related costs was primarily driven by additional labor costs incurred from fourteen new restaurants opened subsequent to February 29, 2024. As a percentage of sales, labor and related costs increased to 34.8% in the three months ended February 28, 2025 as compared to 33.0% in the three months ended February 29, 2024. The increase in cost as a percentage of sales was primarily due to increases in wage rates subsequent to February 29, 2024.

Previous wording

Occupancy and related expenses. Occupancy and related expenses were $4.8 million for the three months ended November 30, 2024 compared to $3.9 million for the three months ended November 30, 2023, representing an increase of $0.9 million, or 21.6%. The increase was primarily a result of additional lease expense related to the opening of sixteen new restaurants subsequent to November 30, 2023. As a percentage of sales, occupancy and related expenses decreased to 7.4% in the three months ended November 30, 2024 as compared to 7.6% in the three months ended November 30, 2023, primarily driven by lower pre-opening lease expenses related to restaurants not yet open.

Current wording

Occupancy and related expenses. Occupancy and related expenses were $5.1 million for the three months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $4.0 million for the three months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $1.1 million, or 29.0%. The increase was primarily a result of additional lease expense related to the opening of fourteen new restaurants subsequent to February 29, 2024. As a percentage of sales, occupancy and related expenses increased to 7.9% in the three months ended February 28, 2025 as compared to 6.9% in the three months ended February 29, 2024, primarily driven by sales deleverage.

Previous wording

Depreciation and amortization expenses. Depreciation and amortization expenses incurred as part of restaurant operating costs were $3.1 million for the three months ended November 30, 2024 compared to $2.5 million for the three months ended November 30, 2023, representing an increase of $0.6 million, or 24.8%. The increase consists of depreciation of property and equipment related to the sixteen new restaurants that opened subsequent to November 30, 2023. As a percentage of sales, depreciation and amortization expenses at the restaurant level was 4.8% for the three months ended November 30, 2024 and November 30, 2023. Depreciation and amortization expenses incurred at the corporate level were $0.1 million for both the three months ended November 30, 2024 and November 30, 2023, and as a percentage of sales were both 0.2%, respectively.

Current wording

Depreciation and amortization expenses. Depreciation and amortization expenses incurred as part of restaurant operating costs were $3.3 million for the three months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $2.7 million for the three months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $0.6 million, or 22.0%. The increase consists of depreciation of property and equipment related to the fourteen new restaurants that opened subsequent to February 29, 2024. As a percentage of sales, depreciation and amortization expenses at the restaurant level was 5.1% for the three months ended February 28, 2025 as compared to 4.7% in the three months ended February 29, 2024. Depreciation and amortization expenses incurred at the corporate level were $0.1 million for both the three months ended February 28, 2025 and February 29, 2024, and as a percentage of sales were both 0.2%, respectively.

Previous wording

Other costs. Other costs were $9.3 million for the three months ended November 30, 2024 compared to $7.4 million for the three months ended November 30, 2023, representing an increase of $1.9 million, or 25.5%. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in costs related to the sixteen new restaurants that opened subsequent to November 30, 2023. As a percentage of sales, other costs remained consistent at 14.5% in the three months ended November 30, 2024 and November 30, 2023.

Current wording

Other costs. Other costs were $8.8 million for the three months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $8.2 million for the three months ended February 29, 2024, representing an increase of $0.6 million, or 7.1%. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in costs related to the fourteen new restaurants that opened subsequent to February 29, 2024. As a percentage of sales, other costs decreased to 13.5% in the three months ended February 28, 2025 as compared to 14.3% in the three months ended February 29, 2024, primarily driven by lower marketing, recruiting and travel expenses.

Previous wording

Interest expense. Interest expense was $13 thousand for the three months ended November 30, 2024 compared to $8 thousand for the three months ended November 30, 2023, respectively.

Current wording

Interest expense. Interest expense was $13 thousand for the three months ended February 28, 2025 compared to $12 thousand for the three months ended February 29, 2024, respectively.

Previous wording

Income tax expense. Income tax expense was $39 thousand for the three months ended November 30, 2024 compared to an income tax expense of $38 thousand for the three months ended November 30, 2023. For further discussion of our income taxes, see “Note 9. Income Taxes” in the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.

Current wording

Income tax expense. Income tax expense was $38 thousand for the three months ended February 28, 2025 compared to an income tax expense of $50 thousand for the three months ended February 29, 2024. For further discussion of our income taxes, see “Note 9. Income Taxes” in the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.

Previous wording

EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest, income taxes and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA plus stock-based compensation expense, non-cash lease expense and asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments, as well as certain items, such as litigation that we believe are not indicative of our core operating results. Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by sales. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP measures which are intended as supplemental measures of our performance and are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, GAAP. We believe that EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin provide useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to our financial condition and operating results. However, these measures may not provide a complete understanding of the operating results of the Company as a whole and such measures should be reviewed in conjunction with our GAAP financial results.

Current wording

EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest, income taxes and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA plus stock-based compensation expense, non-cash lease expense and asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments, as well as certain items, such as litigation that we believe are not indicative of our core operating results. Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by sales. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP measures which are intended as supplemental measures of our performance and are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, GAAP. We believe that EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin provide useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to our financial condition and operating results.

Previous wording

Stock-based compensation expense includes non-cash stock-based compensation, which is comprised of restaurant-level stock-based compensation included in labor and related costs and of corporate-level stock-based compensation included in general and administrative expenses in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss. For further details of stock-based compensation, see “Note 5. Stock-based Compensation” in the notes to condensed financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Current wording

Stock-based compensation expense includes non-cash stock-based compensation, which is comprised of restaurant-level stock-based compensation included in labor and related costs and of corporate-level stock-based compensation included in general and administrative expenses in the condensed statements of operations and comprehensive loss. For further details of stock-based compensation, see “Note 5. Stock-based Compensation” in the notes to condensed financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Previous wording

Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) is defined as operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization; stock-based compensation expense; pre-opening costs and general and administrative expenses which are considered normal, recurring, cash operating expenses and are essential to support the development and operations of our restaurants; non-cash lease expense; asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments; less corporate-level stock-based compensation expense recognized within general and administrative expenses. Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) margin is defined as Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) divided by sales. Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) and Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) margin are non-GAAP measures which are intended as supplemental measures of our performance and are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, GAAP. We believe that Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) and Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) margin provide useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to our financial condition and operating results, as this measure depicts normal, recurring cash operating expenses essential to supporting the development and operations of our restaurants. However, these measures may not provide a complete understanding of the operating results of the Company as a whole and such measures should be reviewed in conjunction with our GAAP financial results. We expect Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) to increase in proportion to the number of new restaurants we open and our comparable restaurant sales growth.

Current wording

Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) is defined as operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization; stock-based compensation expense; pre-opening costs and general and administrative expenses which are considered normal, recurring, cash operating expenses and are essential to support the development and operations of our restaurants; non-cash lease expense; asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments; less corporate-level stock-based compensation expense recognized within general and administrative expenses. Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) margin is defined as Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) divided by sales. Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) and Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) margin are non-GAAP measures which are intended as supplemental measures of our performance and are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, GAAP. We believe that Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) and Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) margin provide useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to our financial condition and operating results, as this measure depicts normal, recurring cash operating expenses essential to supporting the development and operations of our restaurants. However, these measures may not provide a complete understanding of the operating results of the

Previous wording

However, you should be aware that Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) and Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) margin are financial measures that are not indicative of overall results for the Company, and Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss)

Current wording

However, you should be aware that Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) and Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) margin are financial measures that are not indicative of overall results for the Company, and Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) and Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss) margin do not accrue directly to the benefit of stockholders because of corporate-level expenses excluded from such measures.

Previous wording

Stock-based compensation expense includes non-cash stock-based compensation, which is comprised of restaurant-level stock-based compensation included in labor and related costs and of corporate-level stock-based compensation included in general and administrative expenses in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss. For further details of stock-based compensation, see “Note 5. Stock-based Compensation” in the notes to condensed financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Current wording

Stock-based compensation expense includes non-cash stock-based compensation, which is comprised of restaurant-level stock-based compensation included in labor and related costs and of corporate-level stock-based compensation included in general and administrative expenses in the condensed statements of operations and comprehensive loss. For further details of stock-based compensation, see “Note 5. Stock-based Compensation” in the notes to condensed financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Previous wording

Comparable restaurant sales performance refers to the change in year-over-year sales for the comparable restaurant base. We include restaurants in the comparable restaurant base that have been in operation for at least 18 full calendar months prior to the start of the accounting period presented due to new restaurants experiencing a period of higher sales upon opening. For restaurants that were temporarily closed for consecutive days, which primarily occurs during renovations, the comparative period was also adjusted.

Current wording

Comparable restaurant sales performance refers to the change in year-over-year sales for the comparable restaurant base. We include restaurants in the comparable restaurant base that have been in operation for at least 18 full calendar months prior to the start of the accounting period presented due to new restaurants experiencing a period of higher sales upon opening. For restaurants that were temporarily closed the comparative period was also adjusted.

Previous wording

The significant components of our working capital are liquid assets such as cash, cash equivalents, and receivables reduced by accounts payable and accrued expenses. Our working capital position benefits from the fact that we generally collect cash from sales to guests the same day or, in the case of credit or debit card transactions, within several days of the related sale, while we typically have longer payment terms with our vendors.

Current wording

Our primary sources of liquidity and cash flows are cash and cash equivalents on hand and cash provided by operating activities. Our primary uses of cash are for operational expenditures and capital investments, including new restaurants, costs incurred for restaurant remodels and restaurant fixtures. The significant components of our working capital are liquid assets such as cash, cash equivalents and receivables reduced by accounts payable and accrued expenses. Our working capital position benefits from the fact that we generally collect cash from sales to guests the same day or, in the case of credit or debit card transactions, within several days of the related sale, while we typically have longer payment terms with our vendors.

Previous wording

We believe that cash provided by operating activities, cash, and cash equivalents on hand will be sufficient to fund our lease obligations, capital expenditures and working capital needs for at least the next 12 months. We also maintain a Revolving Credit Agreement with Kura Japan, which is currently set to expire on April 10, 2025.

Current wording

We believe that cash provided by operating activities, cash, and cash equivalents on hand will be sufficient to fund our lease obligations, capital expenditures and working capital needs for at least the next 12 months. We also maintain a Revolving Credit

Previous wording

During the three months ended November 30, 2024, we had no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement and have $45.0 million of availability remaining. As of November 30, 2024, we did not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements.

Current wording

During the six months ended February 28, 2025, we had no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement and have $45.0 million of availability remaining. As of February 28, 2025, we did not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements.

Previous wording

Net cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended November 30, 2024 was $4.4 million, primarily due to a net loss of $1.0 million, non-cash charges of $3.2 million for depreciation and amortization, $1.1 million for stock-based compensation, and $1.3 million in non-cash lease expense, and net cash outflows of $0.3 million from changes in operating assets and liabilities.

Current wording

Net cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended February 28, 2025 was $8.6 million, primarily due to a net loss of $4.7 million, non-cash charges of $6.6 million for depreciation and amortization, $2.2 million for stock-based compensation, and net cash outflows of $4.4 million from changes in operating assets and liabilities.

Previous wording

Net cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended November 30, 2023 was $2.4 million, primarily due to a net loss of $2.0 million, non-cash charges of $2.6 million for depreciation and amortization, $1.0 million for stock-based compensation, and $1.1 million in non-cash lease expense, and net cash outflows of $0.2 million from changes in operating assets and liabilities.

Current wording

Net cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended February 29, 2024 was $6.2 million, primarily due to a net loss of $3.0 million, non-cash charges of $5.4 million for depreciation and amortization, $2.0 million for stock-based compensation and net cash outflows of $1.9 million from changes in operating assets and liabilities.

Previous wording

Net cash used in investing activities during the three months ended November 30, 2024 was $12.5 million, primarily due to $11.6 million in purchases of property and equipment and $0.8 million in purchases of liquor licenses. The increase in purchases of property and equipment in the three months ended November 30, 2024 is primarily related to capital expenditures for current and future restaurant openings and renovations, maintaining our existing restaurants and other projects.

Current wording

Net cash used in investing activities during the six months ended February 28, 2025 was $39.4 million, primarily due to $25.3 million in purchases of long-term investments, $23.1 million in purchases of property and equipment and $0.9 million in purchases of liquor licenses offset by $10.0 million of redemptions of long-term investments. The increase in purchases of property and equipment in the six months ended February 28, 2025 is primarily related to capital expenditures for future restaurant openings, maintaining our existing restaurants and other projects.

Previous wording

Net cash used in investing activities during the three months ended November 30, 2023 was $8.0 million, primarily due to $3.0 million in purchases of short-term investments, $9.4 million in purchases of property and equipment and $0.1 million in purchases of liquor licenses offset by $4.5 million of redemption of short-term investments. The increase in purchases of property and equipment in the three months ended November 30, 2023 is primarily related to capital expenditures for current and future restaurant openings and renovations, maintaining our existing restaurants and other projects.

Current wording

Net cash used in investing activities during the six months ended February 29, 2024 was $20.6 million, primarily due to $3.5 million in purchases of short-term investments, $22.8 million in purchases of property and equipment and $0.1 million in purchases of liquor licenses offset by $5.9 million of redemption of short-term investments. The increase in purchases of property and equipment in the six months ended February 29, 2024 is primarily related to capital expenditures for future restaurant openings, maintaining our existing restaurants and other projects.

Previous wording

Net cash provided by financing activities during the three months ended November 30, 2024 was $64.8 million and is primarily due to aggregate net proceeds from the issuance of stock of $64.4 million after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable and $0.5 million of proceeds from exercise of stock options.

Current wording

Net cash provided by financing activities during the six months ended February 28, 2025 was $65.0 million and is primarily due to aggregate net proceeds from the issuance of stock of $64.4 million after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, $0.9 million of proceeds from exercise of stock options offset by $0.3 million in taxes paid on vested RSUs.

Previous wording

Net cash provided by financing activities during the three months ended November 30, 2023 was $56 thousand and is primarily due to $110 thousand of proceeds from exercise of stock options offset by $54 thousand in repayments of principal on finance leases.

Current wording

Net cash provided by financing activities during the six months ended February 29, 2024 was $1.5 million and is primarily due to $1.9 million of proceeds from exercise of stock options offset by $0.4 million in taxes paid on vested RSUs.

Previous wording

As of November 30, 2024, we had $9.7 million in contractual obligations relating to the construction of new restaurants and purchase commitments for goods related to restaurant operations. All contractual obligations are expected to be paid during the next 12 months utilizing cash and cash equivalents on hand and provided by operations. For operating and finance lease obligations, see “Note 3. Leases” in the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Current wording

As of February 28, 2025, we had $7.8 million in contractual obligations relating to the construction of new restaurants and purchase commitments for goods related to restaurant operations. All contractual obligations are expected to be paid during the next 12 months utilizing cash and cash equivalents on hand and provided by operating activities. For operating lease obligations, see “Note 3. Leases” in the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Previous wording

For a description of our recently adopted accounting pronouncement, including the respective date of adoption and expected effect on our results of operations and financial condition, see “Part I, Item 1, Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation” of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Current wording

For a description of our recently issued or adopted accounting pronouncements, including the respective date of adoption and expected effect on our results of operations and financial condition, see “Part I, Item 1, Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation” of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.