Bloomin Brands Inc (BLMN) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Challenges with ...

In This Article:

  • Total Revenue: $1 billion, down 4% from 2023.

  • US Comparable Restaurant Sales: Negative 150 basis points.

  • Traffic: Negative 440 basis points.

  • Average Check Increase: 2.9% in Q3 versus 2023.

  • Off-Premises Sales: 23% of total US sales.

  • Third-Party Delivery Sales: 13% of total US sales, up from 12% in Q3 2023.

  • GAAP Diluted EPS: $0.08 versus $0.45 in 2023.

  • Adjusted Diluted EPS: $0.21 versus $0.41 in 2023.

  • Adjusted Operating Margins: 3% versus 5.3% last year.

  • Labor Wage Inflation: 3.8% for the quarter.

  • Cost of Goods: 50 basis points favorable.

  • Total Debt Net of Cash: $1 billion at the end of Q3.

  • Share Repurchase: 10.1 million shares for approximately $266 million.

  • Quarterly Dividend: $0.24 per share.

  • Full Year 2024 Adjusted EPS Guidance: $1.72 to $1.82.

  • Commodity Inflation Guidance: Approximately 1%.

  • Adjusted Tax Rate Guidance: Between 6% and 7%.

  • Brazil Operations Enterprise Value: BRL2.06 billion.

Release Date: November 08, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Bloomin Brands Inc (NASDAQ:BLMN) has iconic brands with strong growth potential, particularly in the steak and Italian casual dining categories.

  • The company has a strategic partnership with Vinci Partners for its Brazil operations, retaining a 33% ownership, which is expected to drive future growth.

  • Despite challenges, the company has a good balance sheet with ample cash flows, providing financial stability.

  • The company is focused on improving the guest experience and operational excellence, which is expected to drive traffic and profitability.

  • Bloomin Brands Inc (NASDAQ:BLMN) has demonstrated resilience and community support, notably donating $500,000 to the American Red Cross for hurricane recovery efforts.

Negative Points

  • Total revenues in Q3 2024 were down 4% from 2023, primarily due to a decline in comparable restaurant sales and FX translation impacts.

  • US comparable restaurant sales were negative 150 basis points, with traffic down 440 basis points, reflecting broader industry challenges.

  • Q3 adjusted diluted earnings per share decreased to $0.21 from $0.41 in 2023, impacted by asset impairment and closure-related charges.

  • Restaurant-level margins declined by 150 basis points, driven by labor wage inflation and higher operating expenses.

  • The company is not satisfied with its 2024 performance and acknowledges the need for improvement in execution and traffic growth.

Q & A Highlights

Q: In terms of operations and guest experience at Outback, where do you think improvements are needed to boost repeat traffic? Are there any immediate actions planned? A: Michael Spanos, CEO, noted that Outback has been experiencing declining same-store sales and traffic, losing share in the steak category. He emphasized the need to enhance the guest experience by offering a great meal and value in a fun environment. Spanos is personally involved in accelerating strategic work to improve Outback's performance, focusing on operational excellence and simplifying the menu.