Noble Romans' Net Loss Widens to $1.06M Amid 70% Revenue Drop
Ticker: NROM · Form: 10-K · Filed: Jun 9, 2025 · CIK: 709005
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company | Noble Romans INC (NROM) |
| Form Type | 10-K |
| Filed Date | Jun 9, 2025 |
| Risk Level | high |
| Sentiment | bearish |
Sentiment: bearish
Topics: Restaurant Industry, Franchising, Financial Performance, Net Loss, Revenue Decline, Small Cap, Going Concern
TL;DR
**NROM's massive revenue plunge and widening losses make it a clear sell; the acquisition is a Hail Mary.**
AI Summary
NOBLE ROMANS INC (NROM) reported a net loss of $1,059,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, a significant increase from the $21,000 net loss in 2023. This deterioration was primarily driven by a substantial decrease in revenue, which fell to $1,000,000 in 2024 from $3,400,000 in 2023, representing a 70.6% decline. The company's strategic outlook includes the acquisition of R.H. Roanoke, Inc. by December 31, 2024, which is expected to impact future operations. Key risks highlighted include the company's reliance on franchise agreements and potential fluctuations in initial franchisee fees and equipment commissions. The company also recognized $1,000,000 in ERC Program income in 2024, compared to $0 in 2023, which partially offset the revenue decline. Despite this, the company's financial position weakened, with a negative retained earnings balance of $22,215,512 as of December 31, 2024.
Why It Matters
Noble Romans' substantial revenue decline of 70.6% and widening net loss to $1.06 million in 2024 signals significant operational challenges for investors. This performance raises concerns about the company's ability to compete effectively in the highly competitive retail eating places sector, especially against larger, more diversified chains. Employees may face job insecurity if the company continues to struggle, while customers could see reduced service or fewer locations. The acquisition of R.H. Roanoke, Inc. is a critical strategic move, but its impact on NROM's financial health and market position remains to be seen, potentially affecting the broader quick-service restaurant market.
Risk Assessment
Risk Level: high — The risk level is high due to a 70.6% revenue decrease from $3,400,000 in 2023 to $1,000,000 in 2024, coupled with a net loss widening from $21,000 to $1,059,000. The company also carries a significant accumulated deficit of $22,215,512 as of December 31, 2024, indicating severe financial distress and potential going concern issues.
Analyst Insight
Investors should consider divesting from NROM given the dramatic revenue decline and widening net losses, which signal fundamental business challenges. The acquisition of R.H. Roanoke, Inc. introduces uncertainty and may not be sufficient to reverse the negative financial trajectory, warranting extreme caution.
Financial Highlights
- revenue
- $1,000,000
- net Income
- -$1,059,000
- revenue Growth
- -70.6%
Revenue Breakdown
| Segment | Revenue | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $1,000,000 | -70.6% |
Key Numbers
- $1,000,000 — Total Revenue (Decreased by 70.6% from $3,400,000 in 2023 to $1,000,000 in 2024.)
- $1,059,000 — Net Loss (Widened from $21,000 in 2023 to $1,059,000 in 2024.)
- $22,215,512 — Accumulated Deficit (As of December 31, 2024, indicating significant historical losses.)
- $1,000,000 — ERC Program Income (Recognized in 2024, compared to $0 in 2023, partially offsetting revenue decline.)
- 70.6% — Revenue Decrease Percentage (Percentage decline in revenue from 2023 to 2024.)
Key Players & Entities
- NOBLE ROMANS INC (company) — filer of the 10-K
- R.H. Roanoke, Inc. (company) — acquired by Noble Romans
- Paul Mobley (person) — mentioned in relation to company activities
- SEC (regulator) — recipient of the 10-K filing
- Bloomberg (company) — publisher of this analysis
FAQ
What were Noble Romans' key financial results for 2024?
Noble Romans Inc. reported a net loss of $1,059,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, a significant increase from the $21,000 net loss in 2023. Total revenue for 2024 was $1,000,000, down 70.6% from $3,400,000 in 2023.
How did Noble Romans' revenue change from 2023 to 2024?
Noble Romans' revenue decreased substantially from $3,400,000 in 2023 to $1,000,000 in 2024, representing a 70.6% decline. This significant drop indicates severe operational challenges during the period.
What was the impact of the ERC Program on Noble Romans' 2024 financials?
Noble Romans recognized $1,000,000 in income from the ERC Program in 2024. This income was a notable factor, as no ERC Program income was reported in 2023, and it partially offset the substantial decline in the company's core revenue.
What is Noble Romans' strategic outlook regarding acquisitions?
Noble Romans completed the acquisition of R.H. Roanoke, Inc. by December 31, 2024. This strategic move is expected to influence the company's future operations and financial performance, though the full impact is yet to be realized.
What are the primary risks highlighted in Noble Romans' 10-K filing?
The primary risks include the company's reliance on franchise agreements, which can be subject to fluctuations in initial franchisee fees and equipment commissions. The significant accumulated deficit of $22,215,512 also poses a substantial financial risk.
What is Noble Romans' accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2024?
As of December 31, 2024, Noble Romans Inc. reported an accumulated deficit of $22,215,512. This large negative balance in retained earnings reflects the company's history of losses.
How does Noble Romans' 2024 performance compare to 2023?
Noble Romans' performance deteriorated significantly in 2024 compared to 2023. Revenue dropped from $3,400,000 to $1,000,000, and the net loss widened from $21,000 to $1,059,000, indicating a challenging year for the company.
What is the significance of the 70.6% revenue decline for Noble Romans?
The 70.6% revenue decline for Noble Romans is highly significant as it indicates a severe contraction in the company's core business operations. This substantial drop raises concerns about market demand, competitive pressures, or internal operational issues.
What is the business address for Noble Romans Inc.?
The business address for Noble Romans Inc. is One Virginia Ave, Suite 800, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Their business phone number is 317-634-3377.
Who is Paul Mobley in relation to Noble Romans?
Paul Mobley is identified as a member in the context of Noble Romans' financial statements, specifically in relation to certain financial activities and reporting periods within the 10-K filing.
Risk Factors
- Reliance on Franchise Agreements [high — operational]: The company's business model is heavily dependent on franchise agreements. Fluctuations in initial franchisee fees and equipment commissions directly impact revenue and profitability, as seen in the significant revenue decline in 2024.
- Deteriorating Financial Performance [high — financial]: The company reported a net loss of $1,059,000 for fiscal year 2024, a substantial increase from $21,000 in 2023. This is coupled with a negative retained earnings balance of $22,215,512 as of December 31, 2024, indicating ongoing financial challenges.
- Revenue Decline [high — financial]: Total revenue decreased by 70.6% from $3,400,000 in 2023 to $1,000,000 in 2024. This sharp decline poses a significant risk to the company's ability to cover its operating expenses and achieve profitability.
- Acquisition Integration Risk [medium — operational]: The planned acquisition of R.H. Roanoke, Inc. by December 31, 2024, introduces integration risks. Successful assimilation of operations, personnel, and financial systems will be critical to realizing any expected benefits from the acquisition.
- ERC Program Income Volatility [medium — financial]: The company recognized $1,000,000 in ERC Program income in 2024, which partially offset the revenue decline. Reliance on such one-time or variable income sources can create uncertainty in future financial planning.
Industry Context
Noble Romans Inc. operates in the highly competitive restaurant industry, specifically focusing on pizza and casual dining. The sector is characterized by fluctuating consumer spending, rising food costs, and intense competition from both large chains and independent operators. Trends towards delivery, digital ordering, and value offerings continue to shape the landscape.
Regulatory Implications
The company's operations are subject to standard food service regulations, health and safety standards, and labor laws. Any changes in these regulations, particularly those impacting labor costs or operational requirements, could affect profitability. The recognition of ERC Program income also implies adherence to specific tax program guidelines.
What Investors Should Do
- Monitor R.H. Roanoke, Inc. acquisition integration.
- Analyze revenue drivers beyond franchise fees and commissions.
- Assess the sustainability of ERC Program income.
- Evaluate the company's path to profitability.
Key Dates
- 2024-12-31: Acquisition of R.H. Roanoke, Inc. — This strategic acquisition is expected to significantly impact future operations and financial performance, though details on its immediate impact are pending.
- 2024-12-31: Fiscal Year End — Marked by a substantial net loss of $1,059,000 and a 70.6% decrease in revenue, highlighting significant financial challenges.
- 2023-12-31: Fiscal Year End — Reported a net loss of $21,000 and total revenue of $3,400,000, indicating a less severe financial position compared to 2024.
Glossary
- ERC Program Income
- Income recognized from the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) program, a government stimulus initiative designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll. (This income was a significant factor in 2024, partially offsetting a severe revenue decline and impacting the net loss reported.)
- Accumulated Deficit
- The cumulative net losses of a company over its lifetime that have not been offset by net income. (A negative retained earnings balance of $22,215,512 as of December 31, 2024, indicates that the company has historically incurred more losses than profits.)
- Franchise Agreements
- Contracts between a franchisor and a franchisee that allow the franchisee to operate a business under the franchisor's brand and system. (The company's reliance on these agreements makes its revenue streams, particularly initial franchisee fees and equipment commissions, susceptible to market conditions and franchisee success.)
Year-Over-Year Comparison
Noble Romans Inc. has experienced a significant financial downturn compared to the previous fiscal year. Total revenue plummeted by 70.6% from $3,400,000 in 2023 to $1,000,000 in 2024. This revenue drop led to a substantial increase in net loss, widening from $21,000 in 2023 to $1,059,000 in 2024. While the company recognized $1,000,000 in ERC Program income in 2024, which was absent in 2023, it was insufficient to offset the severe revenue decline. The company's accumulated deficit also grew, indicating a worsening historical financial performance.
Filing Details
This Form 10-K (Form 10-K) was filed with the SEC on June 9, 2025 by Paul Mobley regarding NOBLE ROMANS INC (NROM).