Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter & Fiscal Year 2013 Results

Company Provides Outlook for Fiscal Year 2014


SOUTHLAKE, Texas, Feb. 26, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:DFRG), the owner and operator of the Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House, Sullivan's Steakhouse, and Del Frisco's Grille restaurant concepts, reported financial results today for the 17-week fourth quarter and 53-week fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. The Company also provided its outlook for the 2014 fiscal year.

Key highlights from the fourth quarter 2013 compared to the fourth quarter 2012 include:

  • Consolidated revenues increased 20.5% to $97.5 million from $80.9 million. The 17th week in the fourth quarter 2013 contributed $5.8 million to consolidated revenues.
  • Comparable restaurant sales (on a 16-week comparable basis) increased 5.2% at Del Frisco's Double Eagle. This follows a comparable restaurant sales increase of 5.9% in the fourth quarter of the previous year and represented its 16th consecutive quarter of positive comparable restaurant sales.
  • Comparable restaurant sales (on a 16-week comparable basis) decreased 0.7% at Sullivan's. This follows a comparable restaurant sales decrease of 1.5% in the fourth quarter of the previous year.
  • Blended comparable restaurant sales (on a 16-week comparable basis) increased 2.8% across all three concepts and benefited from one additional operating day versus the prior year.
  • Cost of sales, as a percentage of consolidated revenues, decreased to 30.3% from 30.4%.
  • Net income of $4.6 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, compared to net income of $7.6 million, or $0.32 per diluted share.
  • Adjusted net income*, a non-GAAP measure, of $8.6 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, compared to $7.5 million, or $0.31 per diluted share.
  • Restaurant-level EBITDA**, a non-GAAP measure, increased 13.2% to $23.2 million from $20.5 million.

Key highlights from the fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012 include:

  • Consolidated revenues increased 16.9% to $271.8 million from $232.4 million. The 53rd week in the 2013 fiscal year contributed $5.8 million to consolidated revenues.
  • Comparable restaurant sales (on a 52-week comparable basis) increased 4.4% at Del Frisco's Double Eagle. This follows a comparable restaurant sales increase of 6.6% in the 2012 fiscal year and represented its fourth consecutive year of positive comparable restaurant sales.
  • Comparable restaurant sales (on a 52-week comparable basis) decreased 3.0% at Sullivan's. This follows a comparable restaurant sales increase of 1.2% in the 2012 fiscal year.
  • Blended comparable restaurant sales (on a 52-week comparable basis) increased 1.3% across all three concepts and benefited from one additional operating day versus the prior year.
  • Cost of sales, as a percentage of consolidated revenues, decreased to 30.2% from 30.6%.
  • Net income of $12.2 million, or $0.51 per diluted share (on a share base of 23.9 million shares), compared to net income of $13.8 million, or $0.67 per diluted share (on a share base of 20.4 million shares).
  • Adjusted net income*, a non-GAAP measure, of $20.7 million, or $0.87 per diluted share, compared to $19.3 million, or $0.94 per diluted share. The 53rd week during 2013 provided approximately $0.03 per diluted share.
  • Restaurant-level EBITDA**, a non-GAAP measure, increased 9.9% to $62.1 million from $56.5 million.

* Adjusted net income, a non-GAAP measure, represents pre-tax income from continuing operations plus asset advisory agreement termination fees, management fees and accounting expenses paid to a related party, write-off of debt issuance costs, secondary public offering costs public offering transaction bonuses, and non-cash impairment charges, minus income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 30%. For a reconciliation of adjusted net income to the most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with GAAP and a discussion of why we consider it useful, see the financial information accompanying this release.

** Restaurant-level EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, represents net income before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization plus the sum of certain non-operating expenses, including pre-opening costs, management fees and accounting expenses paid to a related party, secondary public offering costs, public offering transactions bonuses, non-cash impairment charges, and general and administrative expenses. For a reconciliation of restaurant-level EBITDA to the most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with GAAP and a discussion of why we consider it useful, see the financial information accompanying this release.

Mark S. Mednansky, Chief Executive Officer of Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, Inc., said, "Quarterly results fell short of our expectations due to a combination of factors -- inefficiencies at four newly opened Grille restaurants, slightly later new restaurant openings within the quarter, lower operating leverage on the 17th week than we had anticipated, and weather issues during our very profitable holiday season. Still, Del Frisco's Double Eagle delivered impressive, industry-leading sales and traffic gains, while at Sullivan's, trends improved sequentially as brand enhancements began to take hold. Looking ahead, we are very optimistic that our guests will be eager to dine out in 2014 and we will continue to focus on reducing new unit inefficiencies."

Mednansky concluded, "After more than two years and 11 successful openings across multiple geographies, we are more confident than ever that Del Frisco's Grille has earned its place as our dominant expansion vehicle. The Grille's ability to attract a broad demographic of upwardly mobile and affluent guests -- millennials, generation x, and even baby boomers, is quite extraordinary and truly 'next generation'. Discerning guests of all ages appreciate the Grille's casual atmosphere and upscale experience and it has quickly become a dining and social destination in every market that it serves. We will open five Del Frisco's Grilles this year as we expand our footprint in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Florida, and California. We will also be opening a Del Frisco's Double Eagle in Washington, DC, at CityCenter, one of the most exciting development projects in our nation's capital in some time."

Review of Fourth Quarter 2013 Operating Results

Consolidated revenues increased $16.6 million, or 20.5%, to $97.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 from $80.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. This increase was due to 113 additional operating weeks resulting from eight restaurant openings subsequent to the third quarter of the previous year along with one additional operating week in the recent fiscal period. The additional 17th week in the fourth quarter 2013 contributed $5.8 million to consolidated revenues. The fourth quarter benefited from the favorable comparison against lost revenues related to Hurricane Sandy during the fourth quarter of 2012; however, this benefit was significantly offset by lost operating days in December 2013 resulting from ice and snow storms.

Total operating weeks for all concepts during the fourth quarter of 2013 increased 21.4% to 640 from 527 in the fourth quarter of 2012. Total comparable restaurant sales increased 2.8% (on a 16-week comparable basis) following a total comparable restaurant sales increase of 2.7% in the fourth quarter of the previous year.

Cost of sales increased $4.9 million, or 19.9%, to $29.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 from $24.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. As a percentage of consolidated revenues, cost of sales decreased to 30.3% from 30.4%.

Restaurant-level EBITDA** increased $2.7 million, or 13.2%, to $23.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 from $20.5 million in the third quarter of 2012. As a percentage of consolidated revenues, restaurant-level EBITDA decreased to 23.8% from 25.4%.

General and administrative costs increased $0.5 million, or 11.5%, to $5.3 million, or 5.4% of consolidated revenues, from $4.8 million, or 5.9% of consolidated revenues. In addition to the extra week during the quarter, this net increase was due to growth in corporate level personnel and management training expenses to support recent and anticipated growth along with increased non-cash stock compensation expense.  These increases during the quarter were significantly offset by reduced incentive bonus compensation.

Net income in the fourth quarter of 2013 was $4.6 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, compared to net income of $7.6 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2012. Adjusted net income*, a non-GAAP measure, was $8.6 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2013, compared to $7.5 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of the previous year. The share base was 23.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to 23.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. 

Segment Results

We operate the Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House, Sullivan's Steakhouse, and Del Frisco's Grille brands as operating segments. 

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House

  • Revenues increased $7.5 million, or 17.4%, to $51.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 from $43.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. This increase was primarily due to an additional 22 operating weeks during the quarter (to 170 from 148) inclusive of the 17th operating week in the recent fiscal period, along with a 5.2% increase in comparable restaurant sales (on a comparable 16-week basis). The growth in comparable restaurant sales was comprised of a 4.5% increase in entrée counts and a 0.7% increase in average check and marked the 16th consecutive quarter of positive comparable restaurant sales. In the fourth quarter of the previous year, comparable restaurant sales increased 5.9%. 
     
  • Restaurant-level EBITDA** increased 15.7%, or $2.1 million, to $15.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 from $13.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2012 as the brand experienced higher cost of sales and restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of revenues. 
     
  • For the full year, revenues increased $19.9 million, or 16.0%, to $144.6 million from $124.7 million in 2012. The improvement was primarily due to a 4.4% increase in comparable restaurant sales, comprised of a 3.9% increase in entrée counts and a 0.5% increase in average check. This increase follows a comparable restaurant sales increase of 6.6% in the previous year. Operating weeks for the year increased to 530 from 472. For the full fiscal year, the average unit volume of Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House increased 5.3% to $14.5 million.

Sullivan's Steakhouse

  • Revenues increased $1.6 million, or 5.8%, to $28.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 from $27.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2012.  The increase was entirely due to an additional 19 operating weeks during the quarter (to 323 from 304) resulting from the 17th operating week that were partially offset by a 0.7% decline in comparable restaurant sales (on a comparable 16-week basis). The decrease in comparable restaurants sales was comprised of a 3.0% decrease in entrée counts, coupled with a 2.3% increase in average check. In the fourth quarter of the previous year, comparable restaurant sales decreased 1.5%.  
     
  • Restaurant-level EBITDA** decreased 7.1%, or $0.4 million to $5.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 from $5.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, as the concept experienced higher restaurant operating expenses as well as marketing and advertising costs as a percentage of revenues.
     
  • For the full year, revenues were $83.0 million compared to $83.8 million in 2012. Comparable restaurant sales decreased 3.0% and were comprised of a 0.7% decrease in average check and a 2.3% decrease in entrée counts. This decrease follows a comparable restaurant sales increase of 1.2% in the previous year. Operating weeks for the year increased to 1,007 from 988. For the full fiscal year, the average unit volume held steady at $4.4 million.

Del Frisco's Grille

  • Revenues increased 73.3%, or $7.5 million, to $17.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 from $10.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. The increase was primarily due to 72 additional operating weeks (to 147 from 75) stemming from seven openings subsequent to the third quarter of 2012 and the 17th operating week in the recent fiscal period, as well as positive comparable restaurant sales.
     
  • Restaurant-level EBITDA** increased 55.8%, or $1.0 million, to $2.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 from $1.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. The increase was primarily due to operating week growth as the concept experienced higher restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of revenues due to new restaurant inefficiencies.
     
  • For the full year, revenues increased $20.2 million, or 84.1%, to $44.1 million compared to $24.0 million in 2012. Operating weeks for the year increased to 359 from 168. 

Restaurant Portfolio

As of December 31, 2013, Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, Inc. owned and operated 40 restaurants across 20 states and Washington, DC, including ten Del Frisco's, 19 Sullivan's, and eleven Del Frisco's Grille locations. During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company opened Del Frisco's Grille locations in Palm Beach, FL; Fort Worth and Southlake, TX; and Chestnut Hill, MA.

Stock Repurchase

During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company repurchased 196,500 shares of common stock for approximately $3.7 million under the $10 million authority provided by our Board of Directors. As previously communicated, this authority for up to $10 million will be utilized for the repurchase of our common stock in order to offset dilution caused by the issuance and exercise of stock options and other equity compensation. 

Outlook

The following statements are not guarantees of future performance, and therefore, undue reliance should not be placed upon them. We refer all of you to our recent filings with the SEC for a more detailed discussion of the risks that could impact future operating results and financial conditions.

Based on current information, Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, Inc. is introducing the following guidance for the 52-week fiscal year 2014, which ends on December 30, 2014.

  • Total comparable restaurant sales increase of 1.5% to 2.5% (on a comparable 52-week basis)
  • One Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House opening and five Del Frisco's Grille openings
  • Cost of sales of 29.9% to 30.4% of consolidated revenues
  • Restaurant-level EBITDA** of 22.9% to 23.4% of consolidated revenues
  • Pre-opening expenses of approximately $4.9 to $5.5 million
  • General and Administrative expenses of $20.0 million to $21.0 million
  • Effective tax rate of approximately 30% to 32%
  • Earnings per diluted share of $0.94 to $0.98 based on an annual weighted average diluted common shares outstanding of approximately 24.0 million
  • Gross capital expenditures (before tenant allowances) of $38 million to $40 million

Development in the 2014 fiscal year will begin at the end of the second quarter and will be spread evenly throughout the balance of the year. It includes one Del Frisco's Double Eagle restaurant in Washington, DC (Q3), and five Del Frisco's Grille locations with currently executed leases in Burlington, MA; Rockville, MD; Irvine, CA; and Tampa, FL. 

Conference Call

We will host a conference call to discuss the financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2013 today at 7:30 AM Central Time. Hosting the conference call will be Mark S. Mednansky, Chief Executive Officer; Tom Pennison, Chief Financial Officer; and Jeff Carcara, Chief Operating Officer.

The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 888-437-9481 or for international callers by dialing 719-325-2461. A replay will be available afterwards and can be accessed by dialing 877-870-5176 or for international callers by dialing 858-384-5517; the passcode is 2661880. The replay will be available until Wednesday, March 5, 2014.

The conference call will also be webcast live from our corporate website at www.DFRG.com under the investor relations section. An archive of the webcast will also be available through the corporate website shortly after the call has concluded.

About Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, Inc.

Based in Southlake, Texas, near Dallas, Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, Inc. is a collection of 40 restaurants across 20 states and Washington, D.C., including Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House, Sullivan's Steakhouse, and Del Frisco's Grille. Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House serves up flawless cuisine that's bold and delicious, an extensive award-winning wine list and a level of service that reminds guests that they're the boss. Sullivan's Steakhouse is a great neighborhood place for a big night out on the town - with outstanding food, hand-shaken martinis, an award winning wine list, and live entertainment all under one roof. Del Frisco's Grille is modern, inviting, stylish and fun, taking the classic bar and grill to new heights, and drawing inspiration from bold flavors and market-fresh ingredients. 

For further information about our restaurants, to make reservations, or to purchase gift cards, please visit: www.DelFriscos.com, www.SullivansSteakhouse.com, and www.DelFriscosGrille.com. For more information about Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, Inc., please visit www.DFRG.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release, including statements under the heading "Outlook" are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We use words such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "should", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "predict", "project", "target", and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions, to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to us as of the date any such statements are made and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: factors that could affect our ability to achieve and manage our planned expansion, such as the availability of a sufficient number of suitable new restaurant sites and the availability of qualified employees; the uncertainty of our ability to achieve expected levels of comparable restaurant sales increases; the performance of new restaurants and their impact on existing restaurant sales; increases in the cost of food ingredients and other key supplies; the risk of food-borne illnesses and other health concerns about our food; the potential for increased labor costs or difficulty retaining qualified employees, including as a result of immigration enforcement activities; risks relating to our expansion into new markets; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations relating to our employees and the sale of food or alcoholic beverages. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements are set forth in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

DEL FRISCO'S RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements - Unaudited
(dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
         
  17 Weeks Ending 16 Weeks Ending 53 Weeks Ending 52 Weeks Ending
  December 31, December 25, December 31, December 25,
  2013 2012 2013 2012
         
Revenues  $ 97,462  $ 80,869  $ 271,806  $ 232,435
         
Costs and expenses:        
Costs of sales  29,489  24,603  82,209  71,093
Restaurant operating expenses  42,678  34,198  121,825  100,143
Marketing and advertising costs  2,072  1,550  5,663  4,682
Pre-opening costs  2,004  2,027  3,758  4,058
General and administrative costs  5,309  4,757  17,421  13,449
Management and accounting fees paid to related party  --  --  --  1,252
Asset advisory agreement termination fee  --  --  --  3,000
Secondary public offering costs  231  --  1,024  --
Public offering transaction bonuses  2,845  --  8,355  1,462
Non-cash impairment charges  2,360  --  2,360  --
Depreciation and amortization  3,663  3,054  11,300  8,675
         
Operating income  6,811  10,680  17,891  24,621
         
Other income (expense), net:        
Interest expense  (15)  (73)  (72)  (2,920)
Write-off of debt issuance costs  --  --  --  (1,649)
Other  4  62  (51)  113
         
Income from continuing operations before income taxes  6,800  10,669  17,768  20,165
         
Income tax expense  2,208  2,829  5,556  5,592
         
Income from continuing operations  $ 4,592  $ 7,840  $ 12,212  $ 14,573
         
Discontinued operations, net of income tax  --  (276)  --  (819)
         
Net income  $ 4,592  $ 7,564  $ 12,212  $ 13,754
         
Basic income (loss) per common share:        
Continuing operations  $ 0.19  $ 0.33  $ 0.51  $ 0.71
Discontinued operations  --  (0.01)  --  (0.04)
Basic income per share  $ 0.19  $ 0.32  $ 0.51  $ 0.67
         
Diluted income (loss) per common share:        
Continuing operations  $ 0.19  $ 0.33  $ 0.51  $ 0.71
Discontinued operations  --  (0.01)  --  (0.04)
Diluted income per share  $ 0.19  $ 0.32  $ 0.51  $ 0.67
         
Shares used in computing net income per common share:        
Basic  23,743,568  23,794,667  23,779,782  20,432,579
Diluted  23,858,747  23,794,667  23,852,200  20,432,579
 
DEL FRISCO'S RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
Selected Balance Sheet Data
(dollar amounts in thousands)
     
  December 31, December 31,
  2013 2012
  (unaudited)  
     
Cash and cash equivalents  $ 13,674  $ 10,763
Total assets  288,651 258,385
Long-term debt  --  --
Total stockholders' equity  196,783  177,901

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures and Segment Information

We prepare our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Within our press release, we make reference to non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income and Restaurant-level EBITDA. Adjusted Net Income represents pre-tax income from continuing operations plus the sum of the related party management fees and expenses, non-cash impairment charges, secondary public offering costs, and the public offering transaction bonuses, minus income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 30%. We believe that this measure represents a useful internal measure of performance as it excludes certain one-time expenditures associated with our public offerings as well as the discontinuation of the asset advisory agreement. Restaurant-level EBITDA is calculated by adding back to operating income depreciation and amortization plus the sum of certain non-operating expenses, including pre-opening costs, management fees and expenses, public offering expenses, public offering transaction bonuses, non-cash impairment charges, and general and administrative expenses. We believe that this measure also represents a useful internal measure of performance. Accordingly, we include these non-GAAP measures so that investors have the same financial data that management uses in evaluating performance, and we believe that it will assist the investment community in assessing our underlying performance on a quarter-over-quarter basis. However, because these measures are not determined in accordance with GAAP, such measures are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate these measures in the same manner. As a result, these measures as presented may not be directly comparable to a similarly titled measure presented by other companies. These non-GAAP measures are presented as supplemental information and not as alternatives to any GAAP measurements. The following tables include a reconciliation of pre-tax income from continuing operations to adjusted net income and a reconciliation of restaurant-level EBITDA to operating income:

  17 Weeks Ending 16 Weeks Ending 53 Weeks Ending 52 Weeks Ending
  December 31, December 25, December 31, December 25,
  2013 2012 2013 2012
Adjusted Net Income:        
Pre-tax income from continuing operations  $ 6,800  $ 10,669  $ 17,768  $ 20,165
Asset advisory agreement termination fee  --  --  --  3,000
Management and accounting fees paid to related party  --  --  --  1,252
Write-off of debt issuance costs  --  --  --  1,649
Secondary public offering costs  231  --  1,024  --
Public offering transaction bonuses  2,845  --  8,355  1,462
Non-cash impairment charges  2,360  --  2,360  --
Proforma Adjustments  5,436  --  11,739  7,363
Adjusted Pre-tax Income  12,236  10,669  29,507  27,528
Income Tax (@ 30%)  3,671  3,201  8,852  8,258
Adjusted Net Income  $ 8,565  $ 7,468  $ 20,655  $ 19,270
Basic EPS (Adjusted)  $ 0.36  $ 0.31  $ 0.87  $ 0.94
Diluted EPS (Adjusted)  $ 0.36  $ 0.31  $ 0.87  $ 0.94
 
Segment Information and Restaurant-Level EBITDA Reconciliation
   
  17 Weeks Ending December 31, 2013 (unaudited)
  Del Frisco's Sullivan's Del Frisco's Grille Consolidated
                 
Revenues  $ 50,950 100.0%  $ 28,893 100.0%  $ 17,619 100.0%  $ 97,462 100.0%
Costs and expenses:                
Cost of sales  15,835 31.1%  8,686 30.1%  4,968 28.2%  29,489 30.3%
Restaurant operating expenses  19,049 37.4%  14,137 48.9%  9,492 53.9%  42,678 43.8%
Marketing and advertising costs  749 1.4%  1,008 3.5%  315 1.8%  2,072 2.1%
Restaurant-level EBITDA  15,317 30.1%  5,062 17.5%  2,844 16.1%  23,223 23.8%
                 
Pre-opening costs              2,004 2.1%
General and administrative              5,309 5.4%
Secondary public offering costs              231 0.2%
Public offering transaction bonuses              2,845 2.9%
Non-cash impairment charges              2,360 2.4%
Depreciation and amortization              3,663 3.8%
                 
Operating income              $ 6,811 7.0%
                 
Restaurant operating weeks  170    323    147    640  
Average unit volume  $ 5,095    $ 1,521    $ 2,038    $ 2,589  
                 
                 
  16 Weeks Ending December 25, 2012 (unaudited)
  Del Frisco's Sullivan's Del Frisco's Grille Consolidated
                 
Revenues  $ 43,404 100.0%  $ 27,298 100.0%  $ 10,167 100.0%  $ 80,869 100.0%
Costs and expenses:                
Cost of sales  13,370 30.8%  8,333 30.5%  2,900 28.5%  24,603 30.4%
Restaurant operating expenses  16,117 37.1%  12,836 47.0%  5,245 51.6%  34,198 42.3%
Marketing and advertising costs  675 1.6%  678 2.5%  197 1.9%  1,550 1.9%
Restaurant-level EBITDA  13,242 30.5%  5,451 20.0%  1,825 18.0%  20,518 25.4%
                 
Pre-opening costs              2,027 2.5%
General and administrative              4,757 5.9%
Depreciation and amortization              3,054 3.8%
                 
Operating income              $ 10,680 13.2%
                 
Restaurant operating weeks  148    304    75    527  
Average unit volume  $ 4,692    $ 1,437    $ 2,169    $ 2,455  


            

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