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Sonic Doubles Earnings Per Share for Second Fiscal Quarter 2013

By: SONIC Drive-In |  4 Shares     106 Reads

OKLAHOMA CITY - March 26, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ: SONC), the nation's largest chain of drive-in restaurants, today announced results for the second fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2013.

Key highlights of the company's second quarter report included:

• The company's net income per diluted share increased 100% to $0.06 in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 compared with net income per diluted share of $0.03 in the second quarter of fiscal 2012;
• With one less day than prior year as a result of leap year, system-wide same-store sales were flat during the second quarter, with an increase of 1.9% at company drive-ins; excluding the impact of the extra day in 2012, system-wide same-store sales increased 1.3% and company drive-in same-store sales increased 3.3%;
• Company drive-in margins improved by 140 basis points; and
• The company purchased over $6 million of stock representing approximately 1% of its outstanding stock.

“Given more than a 1% negative impact from the loss of leap year day, we are pleased with our system-wide same-store sales performance,” said Clifford Hudson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We are especially pleased with the growth in same-store sales at our company drive-ins which led to a 140 basis point improvement in drive-in margins. Our innovative product pipeline and shift from local to national media expenditures are having a positive impact across our core, developing and new markets.

“In the second quarter we repaid $23.7 million of debt and increased our current share repurchase program by $15 million to $55 million. Since authorization of the current program in August of 2012, we have repurchased $25.6 million of stock representing approximately 4% of our outstanding shares.” added Hudson. “As we have done in the recent past, we will utilize the strength and flexibility of our business model to grow operating income and use our free cash flow1 to invest in our brand, opportunistically repurchase stock and pay down debt.

“In addition, over the next one to three years, initiatives such as our new point-of-sale system will complement our same-store sales initiatives to increase sales and profits. This, combined with a new lower-cost, small building prototype, will improve the return on investment of new drive-ins, encouraging increased development in fiscal 2014 and subsequent years. Our multi-layered growth strategy, comprised of same-store sales growth, operating leverage, new unit growth and effective deployment of free cash flow, is expected to drive double-digit earnings growth in the near and long term.”

Financial Overview

For the second fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2013, the company's net income totaled $3.6 million or $0.06 per diluted share compared with net income of $1.7 million or $0.03 per diluted share in the same period prior year. Excluding a $0.9 million tax benefit that includes the retroactive reinstatement of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and resolution of certain tax matters, as well as a $0.5 million ($0.3 million after-tax) charge from the write-off of debt origination costs associated with the $20.0 million early extinguishment of debt, net income per diluted share was $0.05 for the second quarter of fiscal 2013.

The following non-GAAP adjustments are intended to supplement the presentation of the company's financial results in accordance with GAAP. The company believes that the presentation of these items provides useful information to investors and management regarding the underlying business trends and the performance of the company's ongoing operations and is helpful for period-to-period and company-to-company comparisons, which management believes will assist investors in analyzing the financial results of the company and predicting future performance.

Quarter Ended							Quarter Ended
	February 28, 2013							February 29, 2012
	Net			Diluted				Net		Diluted			Net Income						Diluted EPS
	Income			EPS				Income		EPS			$	Change		% Change			$	Change		% Change
	$	3,577		$	0.06			$	1,677	$	0.03		$	1,900		113	%		$	0.03		100	%
Reported - GAAP
After-tax loss from early extinguishment of debt
		315			0.01				-		-
Retroactive tax benefit of WOTC and resolution of tax matters
		(857	)		(0.02	)			-		-
Adjusted - Non-GAAP	$	3,035		$	0.05			$	1,677	$	0.03		$	1,358		81	%		$	0.02		67	%

Company drive-in sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 decreased by $3.5 million compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2012 primarily as a result of the refranchising of 34 company drive-ins during the second fiscal quarter of 2012, partially offset by an increase in same-store sales.

For the first six months of fiscal 2013, net income totaled $9.7 million or $0.17 per diluted share compared with net income of $7.2 million or $0.12 per diluted share for the same period in 2012. Excluding the items outlined below, net income and net income per diluted share increased 29% and 33%, respectively.

	Six Months Ended							Six Months Ended
	February 28, 2013							February 29, 2012
	Net			Diluted				Net		Diluted			Net Income						Diluted EPS
	Income			EPS				Income		EPS			$	Change		% Change			$	Change		% Change
	$	9,710		$	0.17			$	7,176	$	0.12		$	2,534		35	%		$	0.05		42	%
Reported - GAAP
After-tax loss from early extinguishment of debt
		315			0.01				-		-
Retroactive tax benefit of WOTC and resolution of tax matters
		(743	)		(0.02	)			-		-
Adjusted - Non-GAAP	$	9,282		$	0.16			$	7,176	$	0.12		$	2,106		29	%		$	0.04		33	%

Company drive-in sales for the first six months of fiscal 2013 decreased by $6.8 million compared to the same period prior year primarily as a result of the refranchising of 34 company drive-ins during the second fiscal quarter of 2012 partially offset by an increase in same-store sales.

Same-Store Sales

For the second quarter ended February 28, 2013, system-wide same-store sales were flat, which was comprised of a 1.9% increase at company drive-ins and essentially flat same-store sales at franchise drive-ins. System-wide same-store sales were negatively impacted due to one less operating day in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 as a result of leap day in last year’s results. Excluding the extra day in 2012, system-wide same-store sales increased 1.3% and company drive-in same-store sales increased 3.3%.

Development

Three new franchise drive-ins were opened in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 versus 10 new franchise drive-in openings during the second quarter of fiscal 2012.

Fiscal Year 2013 Outlook

The company expects its initiatives to drive sales improvements going forward. However, uncertainty with regard to the macroeconomic environment and its impact on consumer confidence may result in sales volatility. The outlook for fiscal 2013 anticipates the following elements:

• Positive same-store sales in the low single digit range;
• Drive-in level margins to improve between 50 to 100 basis points;
• Slightly more franchise drive-in openings than fiscal 2012;
• Selling, general and administrative expenses of $17.5 to $18 million for each of the third and fourth quarters, respectively;
• Depreciation and amortization of $10 to $10.5 million for each of the third and fourth quarters, respectively;
• Net interest expense of approximately $28 to $28.5 million excluding the impact of the debt origination cost write-off from the $20 million early extinguishment of debt;
• An income tax rate of between 37% and 38% for each of the third and fourth fiscal quarters, respectively;
• Capital expenditures of $30 to $35 million which includes partial implementation of the point-of-sale system in company drive-ins and the supply chain management system; and
• Free cash flow of $45 to $50 million for fiscal 2013.

About Sonic

Sonic, America's Drive-In, originally started as a hamburger and root beer stand in 1953 in Shawnee, Oklahoma called Top Hat Drive-In, and then changed its name to Sonic in 1959. The first drive-in to adopt the Sonic name is still serving customers in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Sonic has more than 3,500 drive-ins coast to coast, where approximately three million customers eat every day. For more information about Sonic Corp. and its subsidiaries, visit Sonic at www.sonicdrivein.com.

Earnings Conference Call

The company will host a conference call and online web simulcast this afternoon beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET. The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing (888) 690-2878 or (913) 312-1296 for international callers. A replay will be available one hour after the call and can be accessed by dialing (877) 870-5176 or (858) 384-5517 for international callers; the conference ID is 6986684. The replay will be available until Monday, April 1, 2013. An online replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the live broadcast. A link to this event will be available on the investor section of the company's website, www.sonicdrivein.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect management's expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or underlying, these forward-looking statements are detailed in the company's annual and quarterly report filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unforeseen events, except as required to be reported under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The tables that follow provide information regarding the number of company drive-ins, franchise drive-ins and system drive-ins in operation as of the end of the periods indicated. In addition, these tables provide information regarding franchise sales, system growth in sales, and both franchise and system average drive-in sales and change in same-store sales. System information includes both company and franchise drive-in information, which we believe is useful in analyzing the growth of our brand. While we do not record franchise drive-in sales as revenues, we believe this information is important in understanding our financial performance since we calculate and record franchise royalties based on a percentage of franchise sales. This information also is indicative of the financial health of our franchisees.

1 Free cash flow is defined as net income plus depreciation, amortization and stock compensation expense, less capital expenditures.

SONC-G

SONIC CORP.
Unaudited Supplemental Information
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
			Second Quarter Ended										Six Months Ended
			February 28,					February 29,					February 28,				February 29,
				2013					2012					2013				2012
Statement of Operations
Revenues:
	Company Drive-In sales		$	83,706				$	87,185				$	177,162			$	183,967
	Franchise Drive-Ins:
		Franchise royalties and fees		25,996					25,954					55,916				55,030
		Lease revenue		949					1,261					2,435				2,549
	Other			490					684					1,636				1,817
				111,141					115,084					237,149				243,363
Costs and expenses:
	Company Drive-Ins:
		Food and packaging		23,546					24,686					50,178				52,411
		Payroll and other employee benefits		31,448					32,740					64,913				67,824
		Other operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and
	amortization included below			18,811					20,727					40,787				43,638
				73,805					78,153					155,878				163,873
Selling, general and administrative				15,467					16,084					31,597				31,501
Depreciation and amortization				10,069					10,510					20,664				20,976
Provision for impairment of long-lived assets				-					173					-				173
Other operating income, net				(218	)				(384	)				(211	)			(462	)
				99,123					104,536					207,928				216,061
Income from operations				12,018					10,548					29,221				27,302
Interest expense				7,448					7,930					15,123				15,971
Interest income				(168	)				(139	)				(309	)			(303	)
Loss from early extinguishment of debt				492					-					492				-
Net interest expense				7,772					7,791					15,306				15,668
Income before income taxes				4,246					2,757					13,915				11,634
Provision for income taxes				669					1,080					4,205				4,458
Net income			$	3,577				$	1,677				$	9,710			$	7,176
Net income per share:
	Basic		$	0.06				$	0.03				$	0.17			$	0.12
	Diluted		$	0.06				$	0.03				$	0.17			$	0.12
Weighted average shares used in calculation:
	Basic			55,798					60,579					56,735				61,136
	Diluted			56,423					60,602					57,254				61,170

SONIC CORP.
Unaudited Supplemental Information
			Second Quarter Ended										Six Months Ended
			February 28,					February 29,					February 28,					February 29,
				2013					2012					2013					2012
Drive-Ins in Operation
	Company:
		Total at beginning of period		409					446					409					446
		Opened		-					-					-					-
		Sold to franchisees		-					(34	)				-					(34	)
		Closed (net of re-openings)		(4	)				-					(4	)				-
		Total at end of period		405					412					405					412
	Franchise:
		Total at beginning of period		3,140					3,109					3,147					3,115
		Opened		3					10					4					12
		Acquired from company		-					34					-					34
		Closed (net of re-openings)		(22	)				(15	)				(30	)				(23	)
		Total at end of period		3,121					3,138					3,121					3,138
	System-wide:
		Total at beginning of period		3,549					3,555					3,556					3,561
		Opened		3					10					4					12
		Closed (net of re-openings)		(26	)				(15	)				(34	)				(23	)
		Total at end of period		3,526					3,550					3,526					3,550
			Second Quarter Ended										Six Months Ended
			February 28,					February 29,					February 28,					February 29,
				2013					2012					2013					2012
			($ in thousands)										($ in thousands)
Sales Analysis
	Company Drive-Ins:
		Total sales	$	83,706				$	87,185				$	177,162				$	183,967
		Average drive-in sales		207					201					437					419
		Change in same-store sales		1.9	%				3.1	%				3.1	%				1.4	%
	Franchised Drive-Ins:
		Total sales	$	712,934				$	712,903				$	1,527,736				$	1,494,126
		Average drive-in sales		232					229					494					480
		Change in same-store sales		-0.3	%				3.6	%				1.3	%				1.7	%
	System-wide:
		Change in total sales		-0.5	%				3.6	%				1.6	%				2.0	%
		Average drive-in sales	$	229				$	225				$	487				$	472
		Change in same-store sales		0.0	%				3.5	%				1.5	%				1.7	%
Note: Change in same-store sales based on restaurants open for a minimum of 15 months.

 

SONIC CORP.
Unaudited Supplemental Information
			Second Quarter Ended									Six Months Ended
			February 28,					February 29,				February 28,				February 29,
				2013					2012				2013				2012
Revenues (in thousands)
	Company Drive-In sales		$	83,706				$	87,185			$	177,162			$	183,967
	Franchise Drive-Ins:
		Franchise royalties		25,821					25,590				55,736				54,381
		Franchise fees		175					364				180				649
		Lease revenue		949					1,261				2,435				2,549
	Other			490					684				1,636				1,817
			$	111,141				$	115,084			$	237,149			$	243,363
			Second Quarter Ended									Six Months Ended
			February 28,					February 29,				February 28,				February 29,
				2013					2012				2013				2012
Margin Analysis (percentage of Company Drive-In sales)
	Company Drive-Ins:
		Food and packaging		28.1	%				28.3	%			28.3	%			28.5	%
		Payroll and employee benefits		37.6	%				37.5	%			36.6	%			36.9	%
		Other operating expenses		22.5	%				23.8	%			23.1	%			23.7	%
				88.2	%				89.6	%			88.0	%			89.1	%
												February 28,				August 31,
													2013				2012
Balance Sheet Data												(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents												$	42,487			$	52,647
Current assets													96,108				107,151
Property, equipment and capital leases, net													397,883				443,008
Total assets													624,663				680,760
Current liabilities, including capital lease obligations and long-term debt due within one year													63,482				80,516
Obligations under capital leases due after one year													25,004				27,377
Long-term debt due after one year													439,744				466,613
Total liabilities													575,908				621,513
Stockholders' equity												$	48,755			$	59,247

SOURCE Sonic

Contact:

Claudia San Pedro
Vice President of Investor Relations
Communications and Treasurer
405-225-4846

 

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