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Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2020 Results

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Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. ("Fiesta" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: FRGI), parent company of the Pollo Tropical® and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands, today reported results for the 14-week fourth quarter 2020, which ended on January 3, 2021 and provided a business update related to current operations. The Company uses a 52 or 53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest to December 31. The fourth quarter of 2019 included 13 weeks.

Fiesta President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Stockinger said, "Both of our brands showed improvement in comparable restaurant sales from the third quarter to the fourth quarter. Pollo Tropical comp sales accelerated from -11.1% in the third quarter of 2020 to -8.2% in the fourth quarter of 2020 and improved to -6.4% in December. After adjusting for the impact of named storms in the third and fourth quarters, Pollo Tropical's sales growth in the fourth quarter would have been even stronger, with adjusted fourth quarter 2020 comp sales approximately 40 basis points higher. Taco Cabana also improved its comparable restaurant sales trend from -14.2% in the third quarter of 2020 to -10.0% in the fourth quarter of 2020. January 2021 comp sales trends showed growth compared to the fourth quarter at both brands. In February 2021, we began to open additional dining rooms at both brands based on what we believe to be an increase in consumer demand for dine-in visits."

Stockinger added, "As we closed 2020, we were pleased with the progress we made against our priorities identified in March when the pandemic began: We continue to place the safety of our guests and employees first, we maximized liquidity through increased restaurant EBITDA margins, working capital efficiency and property sales, and we made important investments in our digital platform that we expect will contribute to strong sales growth in 2021. In addition, we made progress in aggressively growing all off-premise sales channels in an effort to offset our pre-COVID estimated dine-in sales mix of approximately 25% for both brands. In the fourth quarter, both brands generated drive-thru comparable restaurant sales growth of at least 24% compared to the same period last year and we more than tripled our delivery sales compared to the same period last year."

Stockinger continued, "In the fourth quarter of 2020, we improved Adjusted EBITDA margins at both brands compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. Net income was $0.9 million and pre-tax income was $1.5 million for the quarter, which included total gains on the sale or sale-leaseback of properties of $2.2 million. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure(1), increased 42% compared to the same period last year to $14.6 million. After excluding the extra week in the 2020 fiscal year, estimated fourth quarter Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA grew 13.4% compared to 2019. The impact of the extra week in fiscal 2020 on Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is estimated at $2.9 million. Our overall financial position improved from the start of the pandemic, with a reduction in total debt from $148.4 million as of March 18, 2020 at the start of the pandemic to $73.3 million as of January 3, 2021 and net debt, a non-GAAP financial measure(2), of $23.3 million as of January 3, 2021. In addition, we generated full year cash flow provided by operating activities of $40.3 million."

Stockinger concluded, "In 2021 we will continue to concentrate on non-dine-in trade channels to match the evolving changes in customer behavior, and will focus on creating a great guest experience across all channels. We are planning to make further enhancements to our digital platform and improvements in the speed and ease of use for off-premise sales channels such as an enhanced digital drive-thru experience, geofencing technology designed to improve curbside speed and infrastructure changes designed to improve order cycle times for drive-thru and delivery orders. We also intend to continue to drive traffic and check through differentiated new menu introductions, effective LTO's and improved marketing. We are optimistic about 2021 and believe that our growth initiatives will build momentum and accelerate sales over the course of 2021."

_____________________________

(1)

 

See non-GAAP reconciliation table below.

(2)

 

We define net debt as long-term debt, including current portion of long-term debt, as reported in our balance sheet less unrestricted cash as reported in our balance sheet, which were $73.3 million and $50.0 million, respectively, as of January 3, 2021. We define net revolver debt as outstanding revolving credit facility borrowings under our former credit facility plus outstanding letters of credit less unrestricted cash balance as defined in our former credit agreement (generally cash in bank less outstanding payments), which were $146.4 million, $3.5 million and $75.5 million, respectively, as of March 18, 2020. Net revolver debt and net debt are non-GAAP measures which we believe assist investors in understanding of our management of our overall liquidity and financial flexibility.

Fourth Quarter 2020 Financial Summary

  • Total revenues decreased 6.6% to $148.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 from $159.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2019;
  • Comparable restaurant sales at Pollo Tropical decreased 8.2%;
  • Comparable restaurant sales at Taco Cabana decreased 10.0%;
  • Net income of $0.9 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2020, which includes a pre-tax gain on the sale of properties of $2.2 million, compared to net loss of $21.1 million, or ($0.82) per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2019;
  • Adjusted net income (a non-GAAP financial measure) of $1.8 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to adjusted net loss of $1.1 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2019 (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below);
  • Adjusted EBITDA for Pollo Tropical of $12.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to $10.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2019;
  • Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) for Pollo Tropical of $19.1 million, or 21.8% of Pollo Tropical restaurant sales, in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to $17.2 million, or 19.2% of Pollo Tropical restaurant sales, in the fourth quarter of 2019 (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below);
  • Adjusted EBITDA for Taco Cabana of $2.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to $(0.3) million in the fourth quarter of 2019;
  • Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) for Taco Cabana of $8.3 million, or 13.6% of Taco Cabana restaurant sales, in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to $5.5 million, or 8.0% of Taco Cabana restaurant sales, in the fourth quarter of 2019 (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below); and
  • Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) of $14.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $10.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2019 (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below).

Fourth Quarter 2020 Comparable Restaurant Sales Summary

 

 

Third Quarter

2020

Fiscal October

Fiscal

November

Fiscal

December

Fourth Quarter

2020

 

Pollo Tropical

-11.1%

-9.7%

-8.2%

-6.4%

-8.2%

 

Taco Cabana

-14.2%

-12.4%

-6.4%

-10.2%

-10.0%

  • As a reminder, third quarter 2020 comparable restaurant sales at Pollo Tropical benefited from the estimated negative impact of Hurricane Dorian in 2019 of approximately 140 basis points.
  • Fiscal November 2020 comparable restaurant sales at Pollo Tropical were negatively impacted by Tropical Storm Eta in 2020. After adjusting for the estimated impact of that named storm, fiscal November 2020 comparable restaurant sales would have been approximately 130 basis points higher, and fourth quarter 2020 comparable restaurant sales would have been approximately 40 basis points higher.
  • The fiscal year and fourth quarter ended January 3, 2021 contained 53 weeks and 14 weeks, respectively. Fourth quarter 2020 comparable restaurant sales exclude the extra week in fiscal fourth quarter 2020 and are reported on a 13-week basis.

Cash and Liquidity

  • On November 23, 2020, we entered into a new senior credit facility consisting of a $75 million term loan and $10 million revolver, which replaced our prior senior credit agreement with a more flexible and longer-term loan maturing in 2025 that provides greater liquidity during the remainder of this challenging period and beyond.
  • At the end of the fourth quarter of 2020, we had $50.0 million in cash, $3.6 million in restricted cash and $73.3 million in debt, which includes $71.5 million of term loan borrowings under our new senior credit facility and $1.9 million in finance lease obligations. Our outstanding term loan borrowings under our new senior credit facility are net of unamortized debt issuance costs and original issue discount totaling $3.5 million.
  • Total debt and net debt decreased significantly from the beginning of the pandemic to January 3, 2021. Total debt decreased from $148.4 million as of March 18, 2020 at the start of the pandemic to $73.3 million on January 3, 2021 and net revolver debt at March 18, 2020 compared to net debt at January 3, 2021, both, non-GAAP financial measures(2), decreased from net revolver debt of $74.4 million as of March 18, 2020 to net debt of $23.3 million on January 3, 2021.
  • We sold nine properties in sale or sale-leaseback transactions for total proceeds of $17.6 million and net gains of $2.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Fourth Quarter 2020 Brand Results

Total Pollo Tropical restaurant sales decreased 2.5% to $87.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to $89.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2019 primarily due to a comparable restaurant sales decrease of 8.2%, partially offset by sales in the extra week in the fourth quarter of 2020. Comparable restaurant sales for Pollo Tropical improved through the fourth quarter, from a decrease of 9.7% in fiscal October to a decrease of 6.4% in fiscal December. Pollo Tropical dine-in and counter take out comparable restaurant sales decreased 52% from the fourth quarter of 2019 to the fourth quarter of 2020 due primarily to the negative impact of the pandemic on dine-in traffic and closures of our dining rooms during most of the fourth quarter of 2020. The decrease in dine in channel sales was partially offset by off-premise channel growth. Fourth quarter drive thru comparable restaurant sales increased 24% compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, while fourth quarter delivery comparable restaurant sales more than tripled compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. The decrease in comparable restaurant sales resulted from a 19.3% decrease in comparable restaurant transactions and an 11.1% increase in the net impact of product/channel mix and pricing. The increase in product/channel mix and pricing was driven primarily by increases in delivery, online and drive-thru average check and sales channel penetration, and menu price increases of 1.1%.

 

 

Comparable Restaurant Sales Mix by Channel - Pollo Tropical

Channel

 

Fourth Quarter 2020(1)

 

% of Total

 

Fourth Quarter 2019

 

% of Total

($, thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Counter(2)

 

$

20,090

 

 

25

%

 

$

42,112

 

 

49

%

Drive Thru

 

49,340

 

 

62

%

 

39,923

 

 

46

%

Delivery

 

7,104

 

 

9

%

 

2,178

 

 

2

%

Online

 

2,396

 

 

3

%

 

1,553

 

 

2

%

Catering

 

751

 

 

1

%

 

1,049

 

 

1

%

Total

 

$

79,681

 

 

100

%

 

$

86,815

 

 

100

%

(1) Fourth quarter 2020 comparable restaurant sales exclude the extra week in fiscal fourth quarter 2020 and are reported on a 13-week basis.

(2) Counter sales include dine-in and counter take out sales.

Adjusted EBITDA for Pollo Tropical increased to $12.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 from $10.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, an increase of 14%. The increase was primarily due to the impact of lower cost of sales and restaurant wages and related expenses as a percentage of Pollo Tropical restaurant sales, the extra week of sales in the fourth quarter of 2020 and lower other restaurant operating expenses. This was partially offset by the impact of lower comparable restaurant sales. Lower insurance and repair and maintenance expense was partially offset by higher delivery fees within other restaurant operating expenses. Rent expense increased as a percentage of restaurant sales—driven in large part by the impact of lower comparable restaurant sales as well as lease renewals at higher rates. Pollo Tropical incurred incremental costs related to COVID-19 of $0.3 million for the quarter including quarantine pay and costs related to COVID testing. Restaurant wages and related expenses decreased as a percentage of restaurant sales, primarily driven by efficiency initiatives. Driven by operating model optimization and cost management efforts and the extra week in 2020, fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues increased from 11.8% in 2019 to 13.8% in 2020 and Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of restaurant sales increased from 19.2% in 2019 to 21.8% in 2020. The impact of the extra week in the fourth quarter of 2020 is estimated at $5.8 million in restaurant sales and $1.7 million in Adjusted EBITDA. Fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA would have been $10.4 million and 12.7% of sales excluding the extra week in the fourth quarter.

Taco Cabana restaurant sales decreased 11.9% to $60.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 from $69.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2019 due primarily to a comparable restaurant sales decrease of 10.0% along with a decrease in sales related to closed restaurants, partially offset by the extra week in the fourth quarter of 2020. Taco Cabana dine-in and counter take out comparable restaurant sales decreased 72% from the fourth quarter of 2019 to the fourth quarter of 2020 due to the negative impact of the pandemic on dine-in traffic and closures of our dining rooms during most of the fourth quarter. The decrease in dine-in channel sales was partially offset by significant off-premise channel growth. Fourth quarter drive thru comparable restaurant sales increased 26% compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, while fourth quarter delivery comparable restaurant sales more than tripled compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. The decrease in comparable restaurant sales resulted from a 20.3% decrease in comparable restaurant transactions and a 10.3% increase in the net impact of product/channel mix and pricing. The increase in product/channel mix and pricing was driven primarily by increases in drive-thru and delivery sales channel penetration, growth in average check for drive-thru versus last year due in part to an increase in transactions that include alcohol, and menu price increases of 2.1%.

 

 

Comparable Restaurant Sales Mix by Channel - Taco Cabana

Channel

 

Fourth Quarter 2020(1)

 

% of Total

 

Fourth Quarter 2019

 

% of Total

($, thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Counter(2)

 

$

7,041

 

 

12

%

 

$

24,833

 

 

40

%

Drive Thru

 

43,437

 

 

78

%

 

34,566

 

 

56

%

Delivery

 

3,199

 

 

6

%

 

828

 

 

1

%

Online

 

1,438

 

 

3

%

 

1,248

 

 

2

%

Catering

 

697

 

 

1

%

 

523

 

 

1

%

Total

 

$

55,812

 

 

100

%

 

$

61,998

 

 

100

%

(1) Fourth quarter 2020 comparable restaurant sales exclude the extra week in fiscal fourth quarter 2020 and are reported on a 13-week basis.

(2) Counter sales include dine-in and counter take out sales.

Adjusted EBITDA for Taco Cabana increased to $2.5 million from $(0.3) million in the fourth quarter of 2019. The increase was primarily due to lower cost of sales and restaurant wages and related expenses as a percentage of Taco Cabana restaurant sales, the extra week of sales in the fourth quarter of 2020 and lower other restaurant operating expenses. This was partially offset by the impact of lower comparable restaurant sales. Lower insurance and repair and maintenance expense was partially offset by higher delivery fees within other restaurant operating expenses. Taco Cabana incurred incremental costs related to COVID-19 of $0.2 million for the quarter including quarantine pay and costs related to COVID testing. Restaurant wages and related expenses decreased as a percentage of restaurant sales, primarily driven by efficiency initiatives. Driven by operating model optimization and cost management efforts and the extra week in 2020, fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues increased from (0.4)% in 2019 to 4.1% in 2020 and Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of restaurant sales increased from 8.0% in 2019 to 13.6% in 2020. The impact of the extra week in the fourth quarter of 2020 is estimated at $4.1 million in sales and $1.2 million in Adjusted EBITDA. Fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA would have been $1.3 million and 2.3% of sales excluding the extra week in the fourth quarter.

Full Year 2020 Financial Summary

Total revenues decreased 16.1% in 2020 to $554.8 million from $660.9 million in 2019, driven primarily by a decrease in comparable restaurant sales at both brands (including as a result of the impact of COVID-19), and the impact of closing 19 underperforming Taco Cabana restaurants in the first quarter of 2020, partially offset by sales for the extra week in our 2020 fiscal year. Comparable restaurant sales decreased 14.7% for our Pollo Tropical restaurants resulting from a decrease in comparable restaurant transactions of 22.1% and an increase in the net impact of product/channel mix and pricing of 7.4%. Comparable restaurant sales decreased 14.4% for our Taco Cabana restaurants resulting from a decrease in comparable restaurant transactions of 22.1% and an increase in the net impact of product/channel mix and pricing of 7.7%.

We recognized a net loss of $10.2 million in 2020, or $0.40 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $84.4 million, or $3.18 per diluted share in 2019, due in part to a $67.9 million goodwill impairment charge for the Taco Cabana reporting unit and a $13.5 million charge to establish a valuation allowance on our deferred income tax assets in 2019 as well as an income tax benefit in 2020 related to adjusting our deferred tax asset valuation allowance and reclassifying certain assets as qualified improvement property and other changes to depreciation methods for certain assets in conjunction with filing our 2019 federal income tax return in 2020. Lower advertising and repair and maintenance expense in 2020 and the extra week in our 2020 fiscal year contributed to the reduction in net loss in 2020, partially offset by the impact of declines in comparable restaurant sales at both brands in 2020, higher delivery fees in 2020 and additional costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, gains from the sale-leaseback and sale of property, lower general and administrative expenses and other impairment charges, as well as favorable operating and labor efficiencies at both brands in 2020, positively contributed to the reduction of the net loss in 2020. Total gains on the sale or sale-leaseback of properties were $3.8 million in 2020.

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $45.0 million in 2020 from $58.4 million in 2019 (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below). The impact of the extra week in fiscal 2020 on Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is estimated at $2.9 million.

Consolidated Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $91.0 million or 16.5% of restaurant sales in 2020 compared to $108.9 million or 16.6% of restaurant sales in 2019 (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below). The impact of the extra week in fiscal 2020 on Consolidated Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA is estimated at $3.4 million.

Restaurant Portfolio

As of January 3, 2021, there were 138 Company-owned Pollo Tropical restaurants, 143 Company-owned Taco Cabana restaurants, 29 franchised Pollo Tropical restaurants in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Panama, Guyana, Ecuador and the Bahamas, and six franchised Taco Cabana restaurants in the U.S.

Texas Winter Storm

Due to the severe winter storm that impacted Texas from February 14, 2021 through February 21, 2021, Taco Cabana February revenue and profit is expected to be negatively impacted compared to 2020 results. All units were closed for a number of days during that period, with significant reductions in traffic due to poor road conditions. We estimate the lost restaurant sales over the weather-impacted period to be in the range of $2.5 million to $3.0 million. Approximately 125 units were impacted at some level by the storm including issues ranging from minor repairs to pipe, water and equipment damages. All Taco Cabana units are now open. Taco Cabana is in the process of filing insurance claims for costs related to the winter storm.

2021 Outlook

Comparable restaurant sales are expected to be positive for the year, driven by the Company's 2021 growth initiatives and expected increases in overall segment dine-in traffic as the pandemic impact abates.

Food costs are projected to remain stable in 2021 compared to 2020 based on current supply commitments we have in place for calendar 2021 across key commodities.

Capital expenditures in 2021 are expected to be in the range of $33 million to $38 million, with the increase compared to 2020 levels primarily driven by investments in our digital platforms, including digital drive thru upgrades.

Investor Conference Call Today

We will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET today. The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 1-631-891-4304. A replay will be available after the call until Thursday, March 11, 2021 and can be accessed by dialing 1-412-317-6671. The passcode is 10012670. The conference call will also be webcast live and archived on the corporate website at www.frgi.com, under the Investor Relations section. A replay of the webcast will be available through the corporate website shortly after the call has concluded.

About Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises the Pollo Tropical® and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering. For more information about Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., visit the corporate website at www.frgi.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release and in our public disclosures, whether written, oral or otherwise made, relating to future events or future performance, including any discussion, express or implied regarding our anticipated growth, plans, objectives and the impact of our initiatives designed to strengthen our liquidity and cash position, including those related to working capital efficiency initiatives and sales of real property, our investments in strategic and sales building initiatives, including those relating to advertising and marketing, operations improvements, menu development and simplification, digital ordering and online sales, catering and third-party delivery and the impact of the recent COVID-19 outbreak and our initiatives designed to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak on future sales, margins, earnings and liquidity, contain 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. These statements are often identified by the words "may," "might," "believes," "thinks," "anticipates," "plans," "positioned," "target," "continue," "expects," "look to," "intends" and other similar expressions, whether in the negative or the affirmative, that are not statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Our actual results and timing of certain events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. All forward-looking statements and the internal projections and beliefs upon which we base our expectations included in this release are made only as of the date of this release and may change. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 3, 2021 AND DECEMBER 29, 2019

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended (a)

 

Twelve Months Ended (a)

 

January 3, 2021

 

December 29, 2019

 

January 3, 2021

 

December 29, 2019

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant sales

$

148,345

 

 

$

158,780

 

 

$

552,797

 

 

$

658,263

 

Franchise royalty revenues and fees

 

559

 

 

 

682

 

 

 

2,006

 

 

 

2,680

 

Total revenues

 

148,904

 

 

 

159,462

 

 

 

554,803

 

 

 

660,943

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

44,678

 

 

 

51,129

 

 

 

170,513

 

 

 

207,453

 

Restaurant wages and related expenses (b)

 

39,358

 

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About FRGI

fiesta restaurant group, inc. is the parent company of the pollo tropical and taco cabana restaurant brands. the brands specialize in the operation of fast-casual, ethnic restaurants that offer distinct and unique caribbean and mexican inspired flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. the brands feature made-from-scratch cooking, fresh salsa bars, and drive-thru service and catering. for more information about fiesta restaurant group, inc., visit the corporate website at www.frgi.com.