Dine Brands Global, Inc. Reports Strong Second Quarter 2019 Results

Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), the parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar® and IHOP® restaurants, today announced financial results for the second quarter of 2019.

“Our strategy continues to drive significant improvements across key metrics. We have made important decisions over the last two years that have improved our fundamentals and enhanced our ability to deliver sustainable growth. We successfully completed a $1.3 billion refinancing of our securitized debt, replacing our 2014 fixed rate senior secured notes. We are also pleased to announce that Applebee’s franchisees agreed to extend the increase in the advertising contribution rate to 4.25% through the end of next year,” said Steve Joyce, Chief Executive Officer of Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Mr. Joyce continued, “Our performance reflects the strength and stability of our highly franchised business model. While comparable same-restaurant sales at Applebee’s were lower than expected, these results are not indicative of a shift in Applebee’s fundamentals or brand relevance, both of which remain intact. As we enter the back half of the year, we are executing against our plan with a sharpened focus on operating fundamentals, which will help us continue to grow and create shareholder value.”

Key Highlights

• IHOP’s reported system-wide sales for the second quarter of 2019 increased 3.2% year-over-year to $863.4 million.
• The refinancing of fixed rate senior secured notes and variable funding senior notes was completed on June 5th.
  • Series 2019-1 Class A-2-I, Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes in an initial principal amount of $700 million; bear interest at a fixed coupon rate of 4.194% per annum and have an expected term of five years.
  • Series 2019-1 Class A-2-II, Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes in an initial principal amount of $600 million; bear interest at a fixed coupon rate of 4.723% per annum and have an expected term of seven years.
  • $225 million of Class A-1 Variable Funding Senior Notes.
• In July, Applebee’s franchisees agreed to extend the increase in the advertising contribution rate to 4.25% through December 31, 2020.
• Total revenues for the second quarter of 2019, excluding advertising revenues, increased 24.3% year-over-year to $156.3 million.
• Gross profit for the second quarter of 2019 increased 20.7% year-over-year to $94.9 million.
• The Company restaurants segment contributed approximately $2.5 million of gross profit in the second quarter of 2019.
• GAAP earnings per diluted share for the second quarter of 2019 increased 71.0% year-over-year to $1.18.
• Adjusted earnings per diluted share for the second quarter of 2019 increased 66.0% year-over-year to $1.71. (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.)
• Net income for the second quarter of 2019 increased 68.3% year-over-year to $21.4 million.
• Consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter increased 35.3% to $68.0 million compared to $50.2 million for the second quarter of 2018. (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and reconciliation of GAAP net income to consolidated adjusted EBITDA.)
• During the second quarter of 2019, the Company repurchased 392,132 shares of its common stock for a total cost of approximately $35.3 million and paid quarterly cash dividends totaling approximately $12.2 million.
• Cash flows from operating activities for the first six months of 2019 increased 168.8% to ­$69.3 million compared to $25.8 million for the same period of 2018.
• Adjusted free cash flow for the first six months of 2019 increased 134.9% to approximately $66.0 million compared to approximately $28.1 million for the same period of 2018. (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and reconciliation of the Company’s cash provided by operating activities to adjusted free cash flow.)

Financial Summary

(1) See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and reconciliation of the Non-GAAP financial measure to the respective GAAP financial measure.

(2) Does not conform to the definition of Covenant Adjusted EBITDA as found in the Base Indenture.

Domestic System-Wide Comparable Same-Restaurant Sales Performance

Second Quarter of 2019

• Applebee’s comparable same-restaurant sales decreased 0.5% for the second quarter of 2019.
• IHOP’s comparable same-restaurant sales increased 2.0% for the second quarter of 2019, achieving the sixth consecutive quarter of sales growth.

First Six Months of 2019

• Applebee’s comparable same-restaurant sales increased 0.6% for the six months of 2019.
• IHOP’s comparable same-restaurant sales increased 1.7% for the first six months of 2019.

Second Quarter of 2019 Financial Highlights

• GAAP net income available to common stockholders was $20.7 million, or earnings per diluted share of $1.18, for the second quarter of 2019. This compared to net income available to common stockholders of $12.3 million, or earnings per diluted share of $0.69, for the second quarter of 2018. The increase in net income was primarily due to higher gross profit as the result of $16.5 million in franchisor contributions to the Applebee’s national advertising fund made in the second quarter of 2018 that did not recur in 2019. Additionally, our effective tax rate of 26.4% for the second quarter of 2019 was lower than the effective tax rate of 48.3% for the comparable period of 2018 due to tax adjustments taken in 2018 that were not taken in 2019. These items were partially offset by a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $8.3 million related to the refinancing of our long-term debt, which was completed on June 5, 2019. This loss represented the remaining unamortized issuance costs associated with our previous outstanding long-term debt issued in 2014.
• Adjusted net income available to common stockholders was $30.0 million, or adjusted earnings per diluted share of $1.71, for the second quarter of 2019. This compares to adjusted net income available to common stockholders of $18.3 million, or adjusted earnings per diluted share of $1.03, for the second quarter of 2018. (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.)
• General and administrative expenses were $39.4 million for the second quarter of 2019 compared to $38.8 million for the second quarter of 2018. The increase was primarily due to higher personnel-related costs.

First Six Months of 2019 Financial Highlights

• GAAP net income available to common stockholders was $51.2 million, or earnings per diluted share of $2.91, for the first six months of 2019. This compared to net income available to common stockholders of $28.8 million, or earnings per diluted share of $1.61, for the first six months of 2018. The increase in net income was primarily due to higher gross profit as the result of $30.0 million in franchisor contributions to the Applebee’s national advertising fund made in the first six months of 2018 that did not recur in 2019. This was partially offset by approximately $8.3 million in debt extinguishment costs related to the refinancing of our long-term debt, which was completed on June 5, 2019.
• Adjusted net income available to common stockholders was $63.7 million, or adjusted earnings per diluted share of $3.61, for the first six months of 2019. This compares to adjusted net income available to common stockholders of $38.0 million, or adjusted earnings per diluted share of $2.13, for the first six months of 2018. (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.)
• General and administrative expenses were $82.2 million for the first six months of 2019 compared to $80.7 million for the same period of 2018. The increase was primarily due to higher personnel-related costs.

GAAP Effective Tax Rate

Our effective tax rate of 26.4% for the second quarter of 2019 was lower than the effective tax rate of 48.3% for the comparable period of 2018. During the three months ended June 30, 2018, we increased our tax provision by $5.7 million related to adjustments resulting from IRS audits for tax years 2011 through 2013. These adjustments increased our effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2018. During the three months ended June 30, 2019, the IRS audits for tax years 2011 through 2013 concluded and allowed us to accelerate the collection of certain tax benefits recognized in prior years. As a result, the Company received a refund of $13.3 million, inclusive of interest income of $0.9 million.

Financial Performance Guidance for 2019

Dine Brands revises its financial performance guidance for 2019 contained in the press release issued on February 21, 2019 and the Form 8-K filed on the same day, as follows.

The projections are as of this date and do not take into consideration any transactions the Company may enter into after such date that may impact this guidance. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement these estimates.

• Revised expectations for Applebee’s domestic system-wide comparable same-restaurant sales performance to range between 0.0% and positive 1.5%. This compares to previous expectations of between positive 2.0% and positive 4.0%.
• Revised expectations for IHOP’s domestic system-wide comparable same-restaurant sales performance to range between positive 1.0% and positive 3.0%. This compares to previous expectations of positive 2.0% and positive 4.0%.
• Reiterates development activity by Applebee’s franchisees, which is expected to result in net closures between 20 and 30 restaurants globally, the majority of which are expected to be domestic closures.
• Revised expectations for development activity by IHOP franchisees and area licensees, which is now expected to result in between 20 and 30 net new restaurants globally, the majority of which are expected to be domestic openings. This compares to previous expectations for the net development of between 35 and 55 restaurants globally.
• Revised expectations for total segment profit, excluding the company restaurants segment, which is now expected to be between approximately $370 million and $380 million. This compares to previous expectations for total segment profit to range between $373 million and $394 million.
• Revised expectations for general and administrative expenses, which are now expected to range between approximately $163 million and approximately $166 million, including non-cash stock-based compensation expense and depreciation totaling approximately $40 million. This projection includes approximately $6 million of general and administrative expenses related to the company restaurants segment. This compares to previous expectations for general and administrative expenses to range between approximately $165 million and $170 million.
• Revised expectations for GAAP net income, which is now to range between approximately $97 million and approximately $106 million. This compares to previous expectations for GAAP net income to range between approximately $104 million and approximately $113 million.
• Reiterates consolidated adjusted EBITDA, which is expected to range between approximately $268 million and approximately $277 million. This projection includes company restaurants segment EBITDA, which is expected to be between approximately $9 million and approximately $11 million. (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and reconciliation of GAAP net income to consolidated adjusted EBITDA.)
• Revised expectations for GAAP earnings per diluted share, which are now expected to range from $5.75 to $6.00. This compares to previous expectations for GAAP earnings per diluted share to range from $6.15 to $6.45.
• Revised expectations for adjusted earnings per diluted share, which are now expected to range from $6.80 to $7.05. This compares to previous expectations for adjusted earnings per diluted share to range from $6.90 to $7.20. (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and reconciliation of GAAP earnings per diluted share to adjusted earnings per diluted share.)

(1) The adjustments to net income available to common stockholders per diluted share are midpoint estimates.

(1) The adjustments to net income are midpoint estimates.

Second Quarter of 2019 Results Conference Call Details

Dine Brands will host a conference call to discuss its results on July 31, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time/12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. please dial (888) 771-4371 and reference passcode 48827895. International callers, please dial (847) 585-4405 and reference passcode 48827895.

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 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time on July 31, 2019 through 8:59 p.m. Pacific Time on August 7, 2019 by dialing (888) 843-7419 and referencing passcode 48827895#. International callers, please dial (630) 652-3042 and reference passcode 48827895#. 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 3,650 restaurants combined in 18 countries and approximately 370 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)”, “Adjusted EBITDA” 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 EBITDA is computed for a given period by deducting from net income or loss for such period the effect of any closure and impairment charges, any interest charges, any income tax provision or benefit, any non-cash stock-based compensation, any depreciation and amortization, any gain or loss related to the disposition of assets and other items deemed not reflective of current operations. “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.

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Reconciliation of net income available to common stockholders to net income available to common stockholders, as adjusted for the following items: closure and impairment charges; amortization of intangible assets; non-cash interest expense; gain or loss on disposition of assets; loss on extinguishment of debt; nonrecurring restaurant costs; and the combined tax effect of the preceding adjustments, as well as related per share data:

(1) Charges related to adjustments resulting from IRS audits for tax years 2011 through 2013

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(Unaudited)

Reconciliation of the Company's cash provided by operating activities to “adjusted free cash flow” (cash provided by operating activities, plus receipts from notes and equipment contracts receivable, less additions to property and equipment). Management uses this liquidity measure in its periodic assessments of, among other things, the amount of cash dividends per share of common stock and repurchases of common stock. 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.

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)

Reconciliation of the Company's net income to “adjusted EBITDA.” The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as net income, adjusted for the effect of any interest charges, any income tax provision or benefit, any depreciation and amortization, any non-cash stock-based compensation, any closure and impairment charges or credits, any gain or loss related to the extinguishment of debt and disposition of assets, other non-income based taxes and other items deemed not reflective of current operations. Management may use certain non-GAAP measures along with the corresponding U. S. GAAP measures to evaluate the performance of the company and to make certain business decisions.

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Restaurant Data
(Unaudited)

The following table sets forth, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, the number of “Effective Restaurants” in the Applebee’s and IHOP systems and information regarding the percentage change in sales at those restaurants compared to the same periods in the prior year and, as such, the percentage change in sales at Effective Restaurants is based on non-GAAP sales data. Sales at restaurants that are owned by franchisees and area licensees are not attributable to the Company. However, we believe that presentation of this information is useful in analyzing our revenues because franchisees and area licensees pay us royalties and advertising fees that are generally based on a percentage of their sales, and, where applicable, rental payments under leases that partially may be based on a percentage of their sales. Management also uses this information to make decisions about future plans for the development of additional restaurants as well as evaluation of current operations.

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Restaurant Data

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Restaurant Data
(Unaudited)

The following table summarizes our restaurant development activity:

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