Dine Brands Global, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2018 Results

Dine Brands Global, Inc.
Published: October 31st, 2018

• Applebee's Same-Restaurant Sales Increase of 7.7% Sets 14-Year Record
• Domestic Quarterly Reported System-Wide Sales Increase 5.1%
• IHOP Same-Restaurant Sales Increase 1.2%
• Quarterly Reported System-Wide Sales Increase 3.9%

GLENDALE, Calif. - Oct. 31, 2018 // PRNewswire // - Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), the parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar® and IHOP® restaurants, today announced financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2018.

"Dine Brands continues to make strong progress in its transition to a growth company. We are very pleased with our third quarter performance, as we achieved double-digit growth across key metrics and margin expansion. Applebee's and IHOP continued to build on their positive sales momentum, outperforming their respective categories. Both brands made considerable strides in their off-premise platforms with the launch of nationwide delivery programs with DoorDash, which we believe will drive sustainable positive sales and traffic," said Steve Joyce, Chief Executive Officer of Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Mr. Joyce continued, "To remain the leaders in our categories, we are executing on a data-driven enhanced guest-centric strategy. We remain focused on investing in our brands, providing our guests with traffic-driving culinary innovation and exploiting new opportunities to increase market share."

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2018 Financial Highlights

• GAAP net income available to common stockholders was $22.8 million, or earnings per diluted share of $1.29, for the third quarter of 2018. This compares to a net loss available to common stockholders of $441.9 million, or a net loss per diluted share of $24.91, for the third quarter of fiscal 2017. The increase in net income was primarily due to non-cash impairment charges totaling $531.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 related to the write-downs of Applebee's goodwill and other intangible assets. There was no impairment of goodwill and intangible assets in the third quarter of fiscal 2018.
• Adjusted net income available to common stockholders was $27.2 million, or adjusted earnings per diluted share of $1.53, for the third quarter of fiscal 2018. This compares to adjusted net income available to common stockholders of $17.5 million, or adjusted earnings per diluted share of $0.98, for the third quarter of fiscal 2017. The increase in adjusted net income was mainly due to higher segment profit as the result of a 7.7% increase in Applebee's domestic system-wide comparable same-restaurant sales and a decline in income taxes due to a lower corporate tax rate. These items were partially offset by an increase in general and administrative expenses. (See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.)
• General and administrative expenses were $40.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to $38.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2017. The increase was primarily due to higher personnel-related costs, partially offset by a decline in relocation and recruiting expenses.

First Nine Months of Fiscal 2018 Financial Highlights

• GAAP net income available to common stockholders was $51.6 million, or earnings per diluted share of $2.90, for the first nine months of fiscal 2018. This compares to a net loss available to common stockholders of $405.8 million, or a net loss per diluted share of $22.90, for the first nine months of fiscal 2017. The increase in net income was primarily due to non-cash impairment charges totaling $531.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 related to the write-downs of Applebee's goodwill and other intangible assets. There was no impairment of goodwill and intangible assets in the first nine months of fiscal 2018.
• Adjusted net income available to common stockholders was $65.2 million, or adjusted earnings per diluted share of $3.66, for the first nine months of fiscal 2018. This compares to adjusted net income available to common stockholders of $64.0 million, or adjusted earnings per diluted share of $3.61, for the first nine months of fiscal 2017. The increase in adjusted net income was mainly due to lower income taxes, partially offset by a decline in segment profit primarily as the result of $30.0 million in franchisor contributions to the Applebee's national advertising fund in the first nine months of 2018 compared to a franchisor contribution of $4.0 million in the same period of 2017. (See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.)
• General and administrative expenses were $121.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2018 compared to $125.7 million for the same period of fiscal 2017. The decrease was primarily due to lower costs for professional services, partially offset by higher personnel-related costs. General and administrative expenses for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 were inclusive of approximately $9 million of non-recurring cash severance and equity compensation charges and approximately $8 million of costs associated with Applebee's stabilization initiatives that did not recur in the first nine months of fiscal 2018.

Cash flows from operating activities were approximately $61.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2018 compared to approximately $31.0 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2017. Adjusted free cash flow was $62.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2018. This compares to $29.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2017. (See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.)

Same-Restaurant Sales Performance

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2018

• Applebee's domestic system-wide comparable same-restaurant sales increased 7.7% for the third quarter of 2018.
• IHOP's domestic system-wide comparable same-restaurant sales increased 1.2% for the third quarter of 2018.

First Nine Months of Fiscal 2018

• Applebee's domestic system-wide comparable same-restaurant sales increased 5.5% for the first nine months of 2018.
• IHOP's domestic system-wide comparable same-restaurant sales increased 1.0% for the first nine months of 2018.

GAAP Effective Tax Rate

Our effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were 24.5% and 32.1%, respectively. The effective tax rates were impacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") enacted in December 2017, which lowered the federal statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, beginning in 2018.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we increased our tax provision by $5.7 million related to adjustments resulting from IRS audits for tax years 2011 through 2013. This adjustment increased our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, offsetting the lower federal statutory corporate tax rate resulting from the Tax Act. Completion of the IRS audits for tax years 2011 through 2013 will allow us to accelerate the collection of certain tax benefits recognized in prior years. As a result, we expect to receive a cash refund of approximately $12 million within the next 12 months.

Financial Performance Guidance for Fiscal 2018

Dine Brands reiterates its financial performance guidance for fiscal 2018 contained in the press release issued on October 31, 2018 and the Form 8-K filed on the same day, except for the revisions noted below.

• Revised expectations for Applebee's domestic system-wide comparable same-restaurant sales performance to range between positive 4.5% and positive 5.25%. This compares to previous expectations of between positive 3.5% and positive 4.5%.
• Revised expectations for IHOP's domestic system-wide comparable same-restaurant sales performance to range between positive 0.5% and positive 1.5%. This compares to previous expectations of between positive 0.5% and positive 2.0%.
• Revised expectations for Applebee's franchisees to develop between 5 and 10 new restaurants globally, the majority of which are expected to be international openings. This compares to previous expectations of between 10 and 15 new restaurants developed globally.
• Reiterates expectations for the closure of approximately 80 to 90 domestic Applebee's restaurants. The expected closures will be based on several criteria, including meeting our brand and image standards as well as operational results.
• Revised expectations for the closure of approximately 20 international Applebee's restaurants. This compares to previous expectations of approximately 10 international Applebee's restaurants.
• Revised expectations for IHOP franchisees and its area licensee to develop between 75 and 85 restaurants globally, the majority of which are expected to be domestic openings. This compares to previous expectations between 85 and 100 restaurants developed globally. We expect the closure of approximately 30 to 40 restaurants, or on a full-year net development basis, a range of 35 to 55 incremental restaurants.
• Revised expectations for Franchise segment profit to be between approximately $304 million and $310 million. Included in this amount is a one-time $30 million franchise expense that was contributed to the Applebee's national advertising fund in the first half of 2018. This is in addition to the 2017 contribution of $9.5 million. This compares to previous expectations for segment profit to range between approximately $289 million and $307 million.
• Reiterates expectations for Rental and Financing segments to generate approximately $37 million in combined profit
• Revised expectations for general and administrative expenses to range between $158 million and $162 million, including non-cash stock-based compensation expense and depreciation of approximately $21 million. This compares to previous expectations of between $147 million and $156 million. The upwardly revised projection for general and administrative expenses is primarily due to higher performance-driven personnel-related costs and an increase in litigation expenses
• Revised expectations for interest expense to be approximately $62 million. Approximately $4 million is projected to be non-cash interest expense. This compares to previous expectations for interest expense of approximately $61 million, of which approximately $3 million was projected to be non-cash
• Reiterates expectations for weighted average diluted shares outstanding to be approximately 18 million shares.
• Reiterates expectations for the income tax rate to be approximately 26%.
• Revised expectations for cash flows provided by operating activities to range between $105 million and $120 million. This compares to previous expectations of between $100 million and $120 million.
• Revised expectations for capital expenditures to be approximately $14 million. This compares to previous expectations of approximately $16 million.
• Revised expectations for adjusted free cash flow (See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below) to range between $106 million and $121 million. This compares to previous expectations for adjusted free cash flow to range between $99 million and $119 million.
• Revised expectations for GAAP earnings per diluted share to range between $4.08 and $4.23. This compares to previous expectations of between $4.31 and $4.61.
• Revised expectations for adjusted earnings per diluted share (See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below) to range from $5.10 to $5.25. This compares to previous expectations of between $4.95 and $5.25.

Third Quarter Fiscal 2018 Results Conference Call Today

The Company will host a conference call to discuss its results on the same day at 6:00 a.m. Pacific Time/9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To participate on the call, please dial (888) 771-4371 and reference passcode 47647097. International callers, please dial (847) 585-4405 and reference passcode 47647097.

A live webcast of the call will be available on www.dinebrands.com and may be accessed by visiting Events and Presentations under the site's Investors section. Participants should allow approximately ten minutes prior to the call's start time to visit the site and download any streaming media software needed to listen to the webcast. A telephonic replay of the call may be accessed from 8:30 a.m. Pacific Time/11:30 a.m. Eastern Time on October 31, 2018 through 8:59 p.m. Pacific Time/11:59 p.m.

Eastern Time on November 7, 2018 by dialing (888) 843-7419 and referencing passcode 47647097#. International callers, please dial (630) 652-3042 and reference passcode 47647097#. An online archive of the webcast will also be available on Events and Presentations under the Investors section of the Company's website.

About Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Based in Glendale, California, Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), through its subsidiaries, franchises restaurants under both the Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and IHOP brands. With approximately 3,700 restaurants combined in 18 countries and approximately 380 franchisees, Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world. For more information on Dine Brands, visit the Company's website located at www.dinebrands.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. You can identify these forward-looking statements by words such as "may," "will," "would," "should," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "goal" and other similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied in such statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions; our level of indebtedness; compliance with the terms of our securitized debt; our ability to refinance our current indebtedness or obtain additional financing; our dependence on information technology; potential cyber incidents; the implementation of restaurant development plans; our dependence on our franchisees; the concentration of our Applebee's franchised restaurants in a limited number of franchisees; the financial health our franchisees; our franchisees' and other licensees' compliance with our quality standards and trademark usage; general risks associated with the restaurant industry; potential harm to our brands' reputation; possible future impairment charges; the effects of tax reform; trading volatility and fluctuations in the price of our stock; our ability to achieve the financial guidance we provide to investors; successful implementation of our business strategy; the availability of suitable locations for new restaurants; shortages or interruptions in the supply or delivery of products from third parties or availability of utilities; the management and forecasting of appropriate inventory levels; development and implementation of innovative marketing and use of social media; changing health or dietary preference of consumers; risks associated with doing business in international markets; the results of litigation and other legal proceedings; third-party claims with respect to intellectual property assets; our ability to attract and retain management and other key employees; compliance with federal, state and local governmental regulations; risks associated with our self-insurance; natural disasters or other series incidents; our success with development initiatives outside of our core business; the adequacy of our internal controls over financial reporting and future changes in accounting standards; and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company's Annual and Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q and in the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not intend to, nor does it assume any obligation to, update or supplement any forward-looking statements after the date hereof to reflect actual results or future events or circumstances.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes references to the Company's non-GAAP financial measure "adjusted net income available to common stockholders, "adjusted earnings per diluted share (Adjusted EPS)" and "Adjusted free cash flow." Adjusted EPS is computed for a given period by deducting from net income or loss available to common stockholders for such period the effect of any closure and impairment charges, any gain or loss related to debt extinguishment, any intangible asset amortization, any non-cash interest expense, any gain or loss related to the disposition of assets, and other items deemed not reflective of current operations. This is presented on an aggregate basis and a per share (diluted) basis. "Adjusted free cash flow" for a given period is defined as cash provided by operating activities, plus receipts from notes and equipment contracts receivable, less capital expenditures. Management may use certain of these non-GAAP financial measures along with the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures to evaluate the performance of the business and to make certain business decisions. Management uses adjusted free cash flow in its periodic assessments of, among other things, the amount of cash dividends per share of common stock and repurchases of common stock and we believe it is important for investors to have the same measure used by management for that purpose. Adjusted free cash flow does not represent residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes. Additionally, adjusted EPS is one of the metrics used in determining payouts under the Company's annual cash incentive plan. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide additional meaningful information that should be considered when assessing the business and the Company's performance compared to prior periods and the marketplace. Adjusted EPS and adjusted free cash flow are supplemental non-GAAP financial measures and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contacts:

Ken Diptee
Executive Director
Investor Relations
Dine Brands Global, Inc.
818-637-3632

Thien Ho
Executive Director
Communications
Dine Brands Global, Inc.
818-549-4238

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SOURCE Dine Brands Global, Inc.