Arcos Dorados Reports Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2013 Financial Results

Arcos Dorados Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:ARCO) (“Arcos Dorados” or the “Company”), Latin America’s largest restaurant chain and the world’s largest McDonald’s franchisee, today reported unaudited results for the fourth quarter and audited results for the full year ended December 31, 2013.

Fourth Quarter 2013 Highlights

• Revenues totaled $1.05 billion, an increase of 3.6% or 15.8% on an organic basis year-over-year, as double-digit comparable sales growth and the contribution from new restaurants more than offset local currency depreciation.
• Systemwide comparable sales increased by 10.6% year-over-year.
• Adjusted EBITDA increased by 5.7% to $118.0 million, on an as reported basis. Excluding currency translation and special items, Adjusted EBITDA was 20.0% higher year-over-year.
• Net income was $32.1 million compared to $44.2 million one year ago, mainly due to a one-time charge related to the full redemption of the 2019 Notes, included within “Net interest expense”. Organic net income grew by 25.5%.

Full Year 2013 Highlights

• Revenues amounted to $4.03 billion, a 6.2% year-over-year increase or 16.7% rise on an organic basis, as double-digit comparable sales growth and revenues from new restaurants more than offset local currency depreciation.
• Systemwide comparable sales increased by 11.2% year-over-year.
• 130 new restaurants opened in 2013 and contributed to the overall restaurant count of 2,062. Capital expenditures for the year totaled $313.5 million.
• Adjusted EBITDA improved versus the prior year and totaled $344.5 million, increasing 1.1%, or 18.7% on an organic basis.
• The Company reported net income of $53.9 million, down from $114.3 million one year ago. The results mainly reflect higher foreign currency exchange losses and higher net interest expense, primarily due to one-time charges related to the debt restructuring in both 3Q13 and 4Q13. On an organic basis, net income increased by 16.2% to $103.4 million.

“I am pleased to report double-digit growth in our consolidated operating results for both the fourth quarter and full year 2013. Despite an economic deceleration in a number of key markets, revenue growth was solidly in line with guidance. Adjusted EBITDA exceeded our annual target, due to G&A leverage and proactive currency hedging.”

“We remain the dominant player in the industry, with an unparalleled restaurant portfolio. From this position of strength, and in response to a deterioration in the operating environment, we are adjusting the pace of our unit expansion for 2014. Nevertheless, we expect double-digit top line growth in 2014 and a higher baseline level of operating profitability as we focus on expanding market share, maximizing traffic and containing costs.”

“Our 30-year history in the region equips us with tested strategies to improve operating results in challenging market conditions. As the largest franchisee of one of the world’s most iconic brands in an underpenetrated region, I remain confident in the Company’s long-term prospects,” said Woods Staton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Arcos Dorados.

Fourth Quarter 2013 Results

(4Q13 = 4Q12 + Special items + Currency translation + Organic growth). Please refer to “Definitions” section for further detail.

Arcos Dorados’ fourth quarter revenues increased by 3.6% to $1.05 billion, as organic revenue growth of 15.8% was partially offset by depreciation of local currencies, mainly in Brazil, Venezuela and Argentina. Strong organic revenue growth was driven by a 10.6% expansion in systemwide comparable sales and a contribution of $58.5 million in constant currency from the net addition of 114 restaurants during the last 12-month period. The Caribbean division and SLAD reported double-digit increases in comparable sales and organic revenues.

Marketing activities in the fourth quarter included strong promotions in the Company’s value platform across the region, and the successful launch of premium products such as the Cheddar Bacon Onion, and campaigns including Dijon and Tabasco. The Dessert category also outperformed internal targets.

Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $118.0 million, representing a 5.7% increase compared to the same period of 2012. Adjusting for special items and currency impact, organic adjusted EBITDA grew by 20.0%, supported by double-digit comparable sales growth, the contribution from new restaurants and 85 basis points of organic G&A leverage.

Special items impacting Adjusted EBITDA consisted of:

I. Please refer to 4Q12 earnings release.
II. Employee meals program in Brazil.
III. Compensation expense. Includes the result from the total equity return swap entered into 3Q12 to hedge the expense.

The reported Adjusted EBITDA margin as a percentage of total revenues increased over 20 basis points to 11.3%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2012. All divisions except the Caribbean achieved improved margins versus the previous year. Additionally, reported G&A as a percentage of revenues decreased by 105 basis points compared to the year-ago period.

Net income attributable to the Company was $32.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2013, compared to $44.2 million in the same period of 2012. The result reflects improved operating and foreign exchange results, which were more than offset by higher net interest expense, losses from derivative instruments and increased income tax recognized in the quarter.

Non-operating Results

Non-operating results for the quarter reflected (i) an increase in net interest and derivative instrument expenses, mainly attributable to a $10.8 million one-time charge related to the full redemption of the 2019 Notes, a $4.2 million loss incurred in connection with the unwind of the cross currency swap, and $2.9 million of additional interest year-over-year on incremental debt, and (ii) a foreign currency exchange loss of $3.5 million compared with a higher loss of $5.3 million in 4Q12.

Income tax expense for the quarter totaled $21.3 million, resulting in an effective tax rate of 39.8% for the quarter, compared to 26.2% in the year-ago period. The higher 4Q13 effective tax rate was mainly explained by the reversal of certain valuation allowances over deferred tax assets in 4Q12 and by a one-time charge related to the full redemption of the 2019 Notes, that reduced income before taxes in 4Q13.

The Company reported basic earnings per share (EPS) of $0.15 in the fourth quarter of 2013, compared to $0.21 in the previous corresponding period.

Analysis by Division:

Brazil Division

Brazil revenues declined by 1.1% in the fourth quarter, however, excluding an 11% year-over-year average depreciation in the Brazilian Real, organic revenues grew by 9.5%. Product mix management and menu board adjustments drove a 2.2% increase in systemwide comparable sales. Throughout the year, the Company implemented a successful marketing calendar, which in the fourth quarter included the Tabasco Campaign and the addition of the Double Bacon sandwich in the GPPP value platform.

While the Company continued to gain market share, supported by brand strength and compelling marketing initiatives, performance in Brazil was affected by a soft consumption environment.

The net addition of 81 restaurants during the last 12-month period contributed $32.8 million to revenues in constant currency during the quarter. The openings brought the year-end restaurant total to 812.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 0.3% in the fourth quarter of 2013. Reported Adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 14 basis points to 17.2% and was driven by reduced payroll costs and G&A expenses, mainly as a consequence of the reversal of the PAT provision.

Special items impacting Adjusted EBITDA in the quarter included the reversal of the PAT provision in 4Q13 (compared to a charge in 4Q12) and the recovery of tax credits from prior periods in 4Q12. Excluding currency movements and the aforementioned special items, fourth quarter organic Adjusted EBITDA increased by 13.5%, driven by revenue growth and G&A leverage.

NOLAD

NOLAD’s revenues grew by 0.9% or 1.2% on an organic basis, year-over-year. Systemwide comparable sales declined by 2.3%, mainly affected by a weak consumer environment in Mexico and Costa Rica. Additionally, the net addition of 4 restaurants during the last 12-month period contributed $3.6 million to revenues in constant currency.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by 6.0% to $9.6 million, from $9.1 million in the previous corresponding period. The reported Adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 45 basis points to 9.4%, due to lower Food and Paper and Occupancy & Other Operating Expenses as a percentage of revenues. On an organic basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased by 6.3%.

SLAD

SLAD’s revenues grew by 5.5% or 26.9% on an organic basis (excluding currency movements, mainly the devaluation of the Argentine Peso) compared to the fourth quarter of 2012. During the quarter, systemwide comparable sales increased by 21.3% on stable volumes. The Company implemented a successful marketing calendar, including the addition of the Premium Angus Burger line and Chicken McWraps to the Flavors Festival campaign, as well as the launch of McFlurry Vauquita in the Dessert category in Argentina. The net addition of 17 restaurants during the last 12-month period contributed $14.5 million to revenues in constant currency in the quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by 12.7% year-over-year, or 39.2% on an organic basis, resulting in an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 11.9%. The 76 basis points margin expansion was supported by leverage in F&P and payroll costs. These factors were partially offset by higher Occupancy and Other Operating Expenses as a percentage of revenues.

Caribbean Division

The Caribbean division reported revenue growth of 14.0% in the fourth quarter of 2013. Excluding currency movements (mainly the devaluation of the Venezuelan Bolivar), organic revenues increased by 26.1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2012. Systemwide comparable sales increased by 27.2%, driven by average check. Despite ongoing challenging conditions in Venezuela, brand preference remained strong. The Company maintained its leading market share through the execution of a strong marketing calendar, including the Cheddar Bacon Onion (beef and chicken), and the launch of McFlurry Tres Leches and McFlurry Flaquito Chocolate in the Dessert category. The net addition of 12 restaurants during the last 12-month period contributed $7.7 million to revenues in constant currency.

Adjusted EBITDA grew by 0.2% and amounted to $24.5 million in 4Q13. The Adjusted EBITDA margin declined 146 basis points to 10.6%, driven by higher payroll costs and new legislation on rents in Venezuela, which more than offset efficiencies in all other costs items in the division. Special items impacting Adjusted EBITDA included the recognition of a royalty waiver from McDonald’s Corporation of $2.0 million in 4Q13, versus $1.2 million in 4Q12. On an organic basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased by 14.0% compared to the year-ago period.

New Unit Development

*Considers company-operated and franchised restaurants at period-end
Note: Information for SLAD and Caribbean reflects the new division restructuring

The Company completed 130 restaurant openings for the year ended December 31, 2013. The openings brought the year-end total to 2,062 restaurants. Also in 2013, the Company added 317 dessert centers and 20 McCafés, bringing the total to 2,259 and 348 respectively.

Balance Sheet & Cash Flow Highlights

Cash and cash equivalents were $175.6 million at December 31, 2013. The Company’s total financial debt (including derivative instruments) was $785.0 million. Net debt was $609.4 million and the Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA ratio was 1.8x at December 31, 2013.

Cash generated from operating activities was $133.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2013, while cash used in financing activities amounted to $130.8 million. During the quarter, capital expenditures amounted to $164.3 million, including a $57.4 million real estate purchase in Venezuela.

Full Year 2013

For the full year ended December 31, 2013, the Company’s revenues reached $4.03 billion, up 6.2% or 16.7% on an organic basis. Systemwide comparable sales grew by 11.2%, supported by positive contributions from Brazil, SLAD and the Caribbean division.

Adjusted EBITDA was broadly stable year-over-year, increasing by 1.1% to $344.5 million. The Adjusted EBITDA margin contracted 43 basis points year-over-year to 8.5%, driven by higher F&P (due to the impact of the devaluation of local currencies on dollar-linked costs, mainly in Venezuela) and payroll costs as a percentage of sales, which more than offset lower G&A as a percentage of revenues.

On an organic basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased by 18.7%, driven by solid growth in Brazil and SLAD, while the organic Adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 14 basis points year-over-year, supported by 72 basis points of leverage in organic G&A.

Special items impacting the year-over-year change in Adjusted EBITDA consisted of:

I. Please refer to 4Q12 earnings release.
II. Employee meals program in Brazil.
III. Compensation expense. Includes the result from the total equity return swap entered into 3Q12 to hedge the expense.

For the full year 2013, consolidated net income attributable to the Company amounted to $53.9 million, compared with $114.3 million registered in 2012. The decline primarily reflects higher foreign currency exchange losses (explained by the depreciation of local currencies, including the devaluation of the Bolivar in Venezuela), and also higher net interest expense (primarily due to one-time charges related to the debt restructuring), all of which were partially offset by slightly lower income tax expense. The effective tax rate was 44.2% in 2013, compared to 28.8% in 2012, and was impacted by the aforementioned one-time charges affecting net interest expense, as well as the loss incurred as a result of the devaluation in Venezuela, all of which have no related tax benefits. Excluding the impact of such charges, the effective tax rate would have remained at the low end of guidance. On an organic basis, net income was $103.4 million, increasing by 16.2%.

Cash generated by operating activities was $217.0 million for the year, while cash provided by financing activities amounted to $102.3 million. Additionally, total capital expenditures amounted to $313.5 million for the year, which includes a $57.4 million real estate purchase in Venezuela.

2014 Guidance

The Company’s outlook for full year 2014 growth versus 2013 is provided on an organic basis (constant currency and excluding special items in both years). Guidance for 2014 also excludes the Venezuelan business, as explained below.

The increasingly complex operating environment in Venezuela has reduced the degree of certainty with respect to full year projections for the Venezuelan operation.

Importantly, the Company believes that its Venezuelan business will not require operating cash support during the 2014 calendar year. Please refer to the Company’s Form 6-K filed with the SEC today, which provides Venezuela’s revenue and operating income for 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Quarter Highlights & Recent Developments

Restaurant opening target for 2014-2016

The Company agreed with McDonald’s Corporation on February 11, 2014, to open a minimum of 250 restaurants during the 3-year period from 2014 to 2016.

Full redemption of 2019 Notes

In December 2013, the Company exercised its option to redeem all of the outstanding principal amount of Arcos Dorados B.V. 7.50% Senior Notes due 2019 at a redemption price equal to 109.129% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The transaction resulted in a one-time, non-operating charge of $10.8 million in net interest expense, which was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Reversal of the PAT provision in Brazil

After being notified of the confirmation of a preliminary ruling issued in October of 2013 by Brazilian authorities in favor of the Company regarding an employee meals program, also known as Programa de Alimentação do Trabalhador (PAT), in 4Q13 the Company reversed a provision that was in place from August 2012 through September 2013. The reversal amounted to $9.1 million and, combined with lower payroll costs in 4Q13 when compared to 4Q12, resulted in a 4Q13 benefit of $11.1 million year-over-year. The ruling will result in reduced payroll costs going forward.

Dividend

On January 3, 2014, the Company paid the fourth installment of its 2013 Dividends. The total amount paid was $12.5 million or $0.0596 per share on outstanding Class A and Class B shares, thus completing a total payment for the year of $50.0 million or $0.24 per share for the full year 2013.

Daniel Schleiniger Appointed as Investor Relations Director

Daniel Schleiniger joined the Company as the new Corporate Director of Investor Relations. Daniel began his career as a corporate banking relationship manager for one of Brazil’s largest banks and has held positions in equity research, investor relations, financial planning and analysis as well as treasury and portfolio management. Daniel holds a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from the University of Delaware (USA) and an MBA in Finance from the same academic institution. Daniel will be based in Miami.

Annual General Shareholders Meeting

On March 6, 2014, the Board set the date for the Company’s Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting. The AGM will be held on April 21, 2014, in Bogotá, Colombia, at 10:00 a.m. (local time), to all shareholders as of record on March 19, 2014.

Definitions:

Systemwide comparable sales growth refers to the change, measured in constant currency, in our Company-operated and franchised restaurant sales in one period from a comparable period for restaurants that have been open for thirteen months or longer. While sales by our franchisees are not recorded as revenues by us, we believe the information is important in understanding our financial performance because these sales are the basis on which we calculate and record franchised revenues, and are indicative of the financial health of our franchisee base.

Constant currency basis refers to amounts calculated using the same exchange rate over the periods under comparison to remove the effects of currency fluctuations from this trend analysis.

Organic: To better discern underlying business trends, this release uses non-GAAP financial measures that segregate year-over-year growth into three categories: (i) currency translation, (ii) special items and (iii) organic growth. (i) Currency translation reflects the impact on growth of the appreciation or depreciation of the local currencies in which we conduct our business against the US dollar (the currency in which our financial statements are prepared). (ii) Special items include the impact of events that management does not consider part of the underlying performance of the business. (iii) Organic growth reflects the underlying growth of the business excluding the effect from currency translation and special items.

About Arcos Dorados

Arcos Dorados is the world’s largest McDonald’s franchisee in terms of systemwide sales and number of restaurants, operating the largest quick service restaurant (“QSR”) chain in Latin America and the Caribbean. It has the exclusive right to own, operate and grant franchises of McDonald’s restaurants in 20 Latin American and Caribbean countries and territories, including Argentina, Aruba, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Ecuador, French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, St. Thomas, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay and Venezuela. The Company operates or franchises 2,062 McDonald’s-branded restaurants with over 90,000 employees serving approximately 4.3 million customers a day, as of December 2013. Recognized as one of the best companies to work for in Latin America, Arcos Dorados is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ARCO). To learn more about the Company, please visit the Investors section of our website: www.arcosdorados.com

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein include statements about the Company’s business prospects, its ability to attract customers, its affordable platform, its expectation for revenue generation and its outlook for 2013. These statements are subject to the general risks inherent in Arcos Dorados' business. These expectations may or may not be realized. Some of these expectations may be based upon assumptions or judgments that prove to be incorrect. In addition, Arcos Dorados' business and operations involve numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Arcos Dorados, which could result in Arcos Dorados' expectations not being realized or otherwise materially affect the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Arcos Dorados. Additional information relating to the uncertainties affecting Arcos Dorados' business is contained in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and Arcos Dorados does not undertake any obligation to (and expressly disclaims any obligation to) update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date such statements were made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to financial measures prepared in accordance with the general accepted accounting principles (GAAP), within this press release and the accompanying tables, we use a financial measure titled ‘Adjusted EBITDA’. We use Adjusted EBITDA to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as our operating income plus depreciation and amortization plus/minus the following losses/gains included within other operating expenses, net and within general and administrative expenses in our statement of income: gains from sale of property and equipment, write-off of property and equipment, contract termination losses, and impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, and stock-based compensation and bonuses incurred in connection with the Company’s initial public listing.

(1) Includes "Other receivables", "Inventories", "Prepaid expenses and other current assets", "Derivative instruments", "McDonald´s Corporation´ indemnification for contingencies" and "Deferred income taxes".

(2) Includes "Miscellaneous", "Collateral deposits", "Derivative instruments" and "McDonald´s Corporation´ indemnification for contingencies".

(3) Includes "Income taxes payable" and "Other taxes payable".

(4) Includes "Royalties payable to McDonald´s Corporation" and "Interest payable".

(5) Includes "Short-term debt", "Long-term debt" and "Derivative instruments"

(i) Total financial debt includes short-term debt, long-term debt and derivative instruments (including the asset portion of derivatives amounting to $0.5 million and $1.7 million as a reduction of financial debt as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively).

(ii) Total financial debt less cash and cash equivalents.