Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, Inc. Reports Third Quarter and Year-to-Date 2011 Financial Results

Company Updates 2011 Outlook; Provides Preliminary View on 2012


COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 2, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:BBRG), owner and operator of the BRAVO! Cucina Italiana (BRAVO!) and BRIO Tuscan Grille (BRIO) restaurant concepts, today reported financial results for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended September 25, 2011. In addition, the Company updated its 2011 outlook and narrowed its guidance range for modified pro forma earnings on a per diluted share basis, revenues and comparable sales. The Company also provided a preliminary view on 2012.

Selected Highlights for the Third Quarter 2011 as Compared to the Third Quarter 2010 Include the Following:

  • Revenues increased 6.1% to $88.8 million from $83.7 million.
  • Total comparable restaurant sales increased 1.3%.
  • BRIO comparable restaurant sales increased 2.0% and BRAVO! comparable restaurant sales increased 0.5%.
  • Restaurant-level operating profit increased 3.2% to $14.9 million from $14.4 million.
  • GAAP net income attributed to common shareholders was $3.6 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, compared to GAAP net loss attributed to common shareholders of $(0.3) million, or $(0.04) per diluted share.
  • Modified pro forma net income was $2.6 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, compared to modified pro forma net income of $3.0 million, or $0.14 per diluted share. Please see the reconciliation from GAAP to modified pro forma (non-GAAP) net income in the accompanying financial tables.

Selected Highlights for the Year-to-Date 2011 as Compared to the Year-Ago Period Include the Following:

  • Revenues increased 7.4% to $273.6 million from $254.7 million.
  • Total comparable restaurant sales increased 1.7%.
  • BRIO comparable restaurant sales increased 3.0% and BRAVO! comparable restaurant sales increased 0.2%.
  • Restaurant-level operating profit increased 5.5% to $47.6 million from $45.1 million.
  • GAAP net income attributed to common shareholders was $71.5 million, or $3.48 per diluted share, compared to GAAP net income attributed to common shareholders of $1.5 million, or $0.21 per diluted share.
  • Modified pro forma net income was $10.7 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, compared to modified pro forma net income of $10.0 million, or $0.48 per diluted share. Please see the reconciliation from GAAP to modified pro forma (non-GAAP) net income in the accompanying financial tables.

"Despite considerable macro-economic headwinds, the third quarter met our expectations from both a revenue and profitability standpoint, and we were pleased to have generated positive comparable sales at both BRIO and BRAVO! and positive traffic overall. As always, we take considerable pride in ensuring that our guests are provided with an exceptional experience at every dining occasion, and by doing so, are proving successful in forging deep, long-term relationships with them," said Saed Mohseni, Chief Executive Officer and President, Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, Inc.

"In anticipation of the upcoming Holiday season, we have planned some exciting and innovative marketing initiatives that should create additional enthusiasm for our brands, foster guest loyalty, and position us for a strong finish to the year. Lastly, our 2011 development remains on track with eight new restaurant openings, and we are also well underway in preparing for 2012 expansion of our distinct restaurant concepts," concluded Mr. Mohseni.

Third Quarter 2011 Financial Results

Revenues increased $5.1 million, or 6.1%, to $88.8 million in the third quarter of 2011, from $83.7 million in the third quarter of 2010. The increase in revenues was primarily due to an additional 53 operating weeks provided by four new restaurants, three BRIOs and one BRAVO!, opened in the first three quarters of 2011 and one BRIO restaurant opened in the fourth quarter of 2010. Total comparable restaurant sales increased 1.3%, which was driven by a 2.4% increase in guest counts.

Total restaurant operating costs increased $4.6 million, or 6.7%, to $73.9 million in the third quarter of 2011, from $69.3 million in the same period last year. Total restaurant-level operating profit increased 3.2% to $14.9 million from $14.4 million in the same period last year. As a percentage of revenues, total restaurant-level operating profit decreased to 16.8% in the third quarter of 2011 from 17.2% in the third quarter of 2010, which was primarily attributable to the year-over-year increase in commodity costs and higher labor costs, partially offset by lower operating and occupancy costs.

GAAP net income attributed to common shareholders in the third quarter of 2011 was $3.6 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, compared to GAAP net loss attributed to common shareholders of $(0.3) million, or $(0.04) per diluted share, in the same period last year.

On a modified pro forma basis, a measure that we believe offers a more useful year-over-year performance comparison, modified pro forma net income for the third quarter of 2011 was $2.6 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, compared to modified pro forma net income of $3.0 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, in the same period last year. Please see the accompanying financial tables for a reconciliation from GAAP net income attributed to common shareholders to modified pro forma (non-GAAP) net income.

Third Quarter 2011 Brand Operating Highlights

Comparable restaurant sales at BRIO increased 2.0% in the third quarter of 2011 and average weekly sales were $92,000. Comparable restaurant sales at BRAVO! increased 0.5% and average weekly sales were $63,900.

During the third quarter, we opened BRIO restaurants in Tucson, Arizona; and Salt Lake City, Utah.

As of September 25, 2011, we owned and operated 47 BRAVO!, 42 BRIO and one Bon Vie restaurant across 30 states.

Outlook

Based upon our year-to-date results as of September 25, 2011 and projections for the fourth quarter, we are updating our 2011 outlook as follows:

  • Revenues are expected in the $368 million to $370 million range (previously $365 million to $370 million).
  • Total comparable restaurant sales are expected to increase 1.3% to 1.7% (previously 1.0% to 3.0%).
  • Development of six BRIO and two BRAVO! restaurants for a total of eight new restaurants.
  • Preopening costs of approximately $5.0 million (previously $4.7 million to $5.0 million).
  • Modified pro forma earnings of $0.75 to $0.78 per diluted share (previously $0.75 to $0.80 per diluted share).
  • Capital expenditures of $21 million to $23 million (previously $22 million to $24 million).
  • Diluted share count of approximately 20.6 million.

We are also providing a preliminary view for 2012, which is a 53-week year. Revenues are expected in the $415 million to $420 million range while diluted earnings per share are expected between $0.92 and $0.97. We also anticipate developing seven to nine new restaurants.

Investor Conference Call and Webcast

The Company will host an investor conference call to discuss third quarter and year-to-date 2011 financial results today at 5:00 PM ET. Hosting the call will be Saed Mohseni, Chief Executive Officer, Jim O'Connor, Chief Financial Officer and Brian O'Malley, Chief Operating Officer.

The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing (888) 282-4570, or for international callers (719) 785-1759. 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 1044206. The replay will be available until Wednesday, November 16, 2011.

The call will be webcast live from the Company's investor relations website at http://investors.bbrg.com.

About Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, Inc.

Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, Inc. is a leading owner and operator of two distinct Italian restaurant brands, BRAVO! Cucina Italiana and BRIO Tuscan Grille. BBRG has positioned its brands as multifaceted culinary destinations that deliver the ambiance, design elements and food quality reminiscent of fine dining restaurants at a value typically offered by casual dining establishments, a combination known as the upscale affordable dining segment. Each of BBRG's brands provides its guests with a fine dining experience and value by serving affordable cuisine prepared using fresh flavorful ingredients and authentic Italian cooking methods, combined with attentive service in an attractive, lively atmosphere. BBRG strives to be the best Italian restaurant company in America and is focused on providing its guests an excellent dining experience through consistency of execution.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this release contain forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including "anticipates," "believes," "can," "continue," "could," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "may," "plans," "potential," "predicts," "should" or "will" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2011.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable based on our current knowledge of our business and operations, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We assume no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change.

BRAVO BRIO RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS --   
GAAP PRESENTATION WITH RECONCILIATION TO MODIFIED PRO FORMA  
THIRTEEN AND THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED SEPTEMBER 25, 2011 AND SEPTEMBER 26, 2010  
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  
                 
                 
  Thirteen Weeks
Ended
  Thirteen Weeks
Ended
   Thirty-Nine Weeks
Ended 
   Thirty-Nine Weeks
Ended 
 
  September 25,
2011
  September 26, 
2010
  September 25,
2011
  September 26, 
2010
 
                 
                 
Revenues  $ 88,774    $ 83,704    $ 273,592    $ 254,700  
                 
Costs and expenses                
 Cost of sales  23,617 26.6%  21,735 26.0%  73,008 26.7%  66,124 26.0%
 Labor  30,730 34.6%  28,404 33.9%  92,893 34.0%  86,504 34.0%
 Operating  13,958 15.7%  13,465 16.1%  42,388 15.5%  40,025 15.7%
 Occupancy  5,587 6.3%  5,672 6.8%  17,747 6.5%  16,982 6.7%
 General and administrative expenses  5,185 5.8%  4,870 5.8%  16,067 5.9%  13,857 5.4%
 Restaurant preopening costs  1,281 1.4%  207 0.2%  2,882 1.1%  1,892 0.7%
 Depreciation and amortization  4,303 4.8%  4,272 5.1%  12,555 4.6%  12,607 4.9%
                 
 Total costs and expenses  84,661 95.4%  78,625 93.9%  257,540 94.1%  237,991 93.4%
                 
Income from operations  4,113 4.6%  5,079 6.1%  16,052 5.9%  16,709 6.6%
                 
Net interest expense  394 0.4%  1,779 2.1%  1,315 0.5%  5,322 2.1%
                 
Income before income taxes  3,719 4.2%  3,300 3.9%  14,737 5.4%  11,387 4.5%
                 
Income tax expense (benefit)  121 0.1%  44 0.1%  (56,806) -20.8%  148 0.1%
                 
Net income  3,598 4.1%  3,256 3.9%  71,543 26.1%  11,239 4.4%
                 
Undeclared preferred dividends  --    (3,522)    --     (9,701)  
                 
Net income (loss) attributed to common shareholders  $ 3,598    $ (266)    $ 71,543    $ 1,538  
                 
Basic shares  19,330    7,234    19,286    7,234  
Basic earnings (loss) per share  $ 0.19    $ (0.04)    $ 3.71    $ 0.21  
Diluted shares  20,551    7,234    20,545    7,234  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share  $ 0.18    $ (0.04)    $ 3.48    $ 0.21  
                 
Certain percentage amounts may not sum due to rounding.                
                 
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE GAAP TO MODIFIED PRO FORMA RESULTS    
                 
Management Fees (1)  --     358    --     1,251  
Incremental Public Company Costs (2)  --     (306)    --     (918)  
Stock Compensation Costs (3)  --     (450)    --     (1,350)  
Interest Expense (4)  --     1,327    --     3,882  
Income Tax Expense (5)  (995)    (1,225)    (4,232)    (4,128)  
Reduction in Valuation Allowance (6)  --     --     (57,175)    --   
Undeclared Preferred Dividends (7)  --     3,522    --     9,701  
Secondary Offering Costs (8)  --     --     600    --   
                 
Total Adjustments  (995)    3,226    (60,807)    8,438  
                 
Modified Pro Forma Net Income  $ 2,603    $ 2,960    $ 10,736    $ 9,976  
                 
Basic Shares - Pro Forma  19,330    19,250    19,286    19,250  
Basic Earnings Per Share - Pro Forma  $ 0.13    $ 0.15    $ 0.56    $ 0.52  
                 
Diluted Shares - Pro Forma  20,551    20,600    20,545    20,600  
Diluted Earnings Per Share - Pro Forma  $ 0.13    $ 0.14    $ 0.52    $ 0.48  
                 
                 
Notes to adjustments shown above:                
                 
1. Represents management fees and expenses paid to our private equity sponsors which were incurred prior to our initial public offering.
2. Represents the estimate, in 2010, of additional recurring incremental legal, accounting, insurance and other compliance costs we expected to incur as a public company.
3. Represents the estimate, in 2010, of recurring stock compensation expense related to the restricted shares issued pursuant to the Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan which was approved by our board of directors and shareholders in October 2010.
4. Represents an adjustment to interest expense, in 2010, assuming the receipt of proceeds from our initial public offering and the use of such proceeds to pay down debt at the beginning of fiscal 2009.
5. This adjustment reflects a tax rate of 30.0%, which reflects our estimate of our long-term effective tax rate. 
6. This adjustment reflects the reduction of a significant portion of our valuation allowance in the second quarter of 2011 as it was deemed more likely than not that the Company would utilize its future net deferred tax assets.
7. Our Series A preferred shares plus cumulative undeclared dividends thereon were converted to common shares pursuant to the exchange agreement executed in connection with our initial public offering in October 2010. 
8. Reflects the non-recurring costs, incurred by us, associated with the secondary offering of our common shares by certain of the Company's existing shareholders, completed on April 1, 2011. We did not receive any proceeds from the offering.
 
BRAVO BRIO RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF SEPTEMBER 25, 2011 AND DECEMBER 26, 2010
(Dollars in thousands)
     
  September 25,
2011
December 26,
2010
Assets (Unaudited)  
     
Current assets    
 Cash and cash equivalents  $ 4,740   $ 2,460 
 Accounts receivable  5,043   4,754 
 Tenant improvement allowance receivable  2,647   632 
 Inventories  2,238   2,415 
 Deferred income taxes  2,630   -- 
 Prepaid expenses and other current assets  1,668   2,229 
     
 Total current assets  18,966   12,490 
     
Property and equipment — net  159,374   147,621 
     
Deferred income taxes — net  55,275   -- 
     
Other assets — net  3,201   3,342 
     
Total assets  $ 236,816   $ 163,453 
     
Liabilities and stockholders' equity    
     
Current liabilities    
 Trade and construction payables  $ 11,967   $ 9,920 
 Accrued expenses  23,051   21,150 
 Current portion of long-term debt  1,714   2,050 
 Current portion of deferred lease incentives  5,412   4,979 
 Deferred gift card revenue  5,678   9,725 
     
 Total current liabilities  47,822   47,824 
     
Long-term portion of deferred lease incentives  60,518   54,594 
     
Long-term debt  31,286   38,950 
     
Other long-term liabilities  17,467   15,682 
     
Commitments and contingencies    
     
Stockholders' equity    
 Common shares, no par value per share - authorized, 100,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 19,368,344 at September 25, 2011 and 19,250,500 at December 26, 2010  193,074   191,297 
 Retained deficit  (113,351)  (184,894)
     
 Total stockholders' equity  79,723   6,403 
     
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $ 236,816   $ 163,453 


            

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