Group 1 - BJ's Restaurants is adapting to a market where consumers are increasingly looking for bargains, indicating a shift in consumer behavior [1] - The company is facing challenges in driving traffic to its locations, suggesting that the competitive landscape is tough [1] Group 2 - The analysis is conducted by a specialized firm focused on restaurant stocks, covering various segments including QSR, fast casual, casual dining, fine dining, and family dining [1] - Advanced analytical models and specialized valuation techniques are employed to provide insights and strategies for investors [1]

Group 1 - BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: BJRI) is identified as a strong player in the competitive restaurant industry, with an attractive combination of valuation and growth potential [1] - The current market conditions are challenging for the restaurant sector, yet BJRI's shares are perceived to have significant upside potential [1] Group 2 - The investment strategy promoted emphasizes a blended approach to trading and income, aiming to enhance savings and retirement timelines [1]

Core Insights - BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (BJRI) reported strong fourth-quarter fiscal 2024 results, with earnings and revenues exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate, showing year-over-year growth [1][4] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter were 47 cents, surpassing the consensus estimate of 35 cents, and up from 45 cents in the same quarter last year [4] - Total revenues reached $344.3 million, exceeding the consensus mark of $337 million by 2.1%, and increased by 6.4% year over year [4] - Comparable restaurant sales rose by 5.5% year over year, compared to a 0.6% increase in the prior-year quarter [5] Operational Efficiency - Restaurant-level operating profit margin improved by 100 basis points year over year to 15.4%, compared to 14.4% in the previous year [7] - Labor costs as a percentage of sales decreased to 35.8% from 36.5% year over year, while occupancy and operating costs also improved to 22.9% from 23.6% [6] Balance Sheet - As of December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents totaled $26.1 million, down from $29.1 million at the end of fiscal 2023, while total debt decreased to $66.5 million from $68 million [8] Fiscal 2024 Highlights - Total revenues for fiscal 2024 were $1.36 billion, up from $1.33 billion in fiscal 2023, while net income decreased to $16.7 million from $19.7 million [9] - Adjusted EPS for fiscal 2024 was $1.47, compared to $1.08 in the previous year [9] 2025 Outlook - For fiscal 2025, the company expects comparable restaurant sales to increase by 2% to 3% year over year, with restaurant-level operating profit projected between $205 million and $215 million [11] - Adjusted EBITDA is forecasted to be between $127 million and $137 million, with capital expenditures expected to range from $65 million to $75 million [11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable same-restaurant sales increased by 5.5%, driven primarily by guest traffic, with strength across all dayparts and channels [13][50]. - Restaurant-level margins improved to 15.4%, a 100 basis points increase from the previous year, with restaurant-level operating profit reaching $52.9 million, a 14% increase year-over-year [14][52]. - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $33.1 million, representing a 21% increase from the prior year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 9.6%, a 120 basis points improvement [14][53]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Pizookie Meal Deal and holiday large party offerings were highlighted as successful promotions that resonated with guests, contributing to sales performance [21][90]. - The company engaged in significant brand positioning initiatives, which are expected to enhance operational efficiency and guest experience [15][28]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comp sales outperformed the industry by 3.7 percentage points, and traffic outperformed by 6.8 percentage points, indicating strong market share growth [50][61]. - The company noted that weather impacts and consumer conservatism affected sales trends in early 2025, with expectations for Q1 comp sales near 2% [62][96]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on brand refresh and growth initiatives, with four strategic priorities: team member experience, handcrafted food and beverage, delivering WOW hospitality, and keeping the atmosphere fresh [29][40]. - Plans include remodeling up to 30 existing locations and opening one new restaurant in 2025, with a targeted pipeline for future growth [44][46]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's ability to build on recent achievements and strengthen financial metrics moving forward [11][12]. - The outlook for 2025 anticipates comparable restaurant sales growth in the range of 2% to 3%, with expectations for margin expansion and continued investment in brand positioning [61][63]. Other Important Information - The company reported a net loss of $5.3 million for Q4, influenced by extraordinary items including asset impairment charges [54][55]. - The company ended Q4 with net debt of $40.4 million, reflecting a $7.7 million reduction from the previous quarter [60]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on restaurant level profit guidance and margin implications - Management indicated a path to expand margins across various categories, with expectations for both dollar and percentage growth [71][72]. Question: Thoughts on marketing spend to drive traffic in fiscal '25 - The company plans to maintain a targeted marketing strategy, focusing on core markets and efficient spending [85][87]. Question: Assessment of value delivery and future promotional strategies - Management believes there is more potential with the Pizookie Meal Deal and plans to comprehensively review the value strategy to enhance guest satisfaction [90][92]. Question: Impact of weather and consumer behavior on Q1 performance - Management noted that weather has impacted results, estimating a loss of over 100 basis points due to adverse conditions [96][97]. Question: Simplification efforts on the menu - The company sees opportunities to streamline the menu, focusing on removing underperforming items to enhance execution and innovation [104][107].

Core Insights - BJ's Restaurants reported revenue of $344.34 million for the quarter ended December 2024, a year-over-year increase of 6.4% [1] - The EPS for the same period was $0.47, compared to $0.34 a year ago, indicating a significant improvement [1] - The reported revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $337.4 million by 2.06%, and the EPS surpassed the consensus estimate of $0.35 by 34.29% [1] Performance Metrics - Comparable restaurant sales increased by 5.5%, outperforming the average estimate of 3.8% from seven analysts [4] - The number of restaurants remained stable at 218, matching the average estimate from six analysts [4] - Restaurant operating weeks totaled 2,834, slightly above the average estimate of 2,833 based on four analysts [4] Stock Performance - Shares of BJ's Restaurants returned +2.1% over the past month, compared to a +2.6% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

BJ's Restaurants (BJRI) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.47 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.35 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.34 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 34.29%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this restaurant chain would post earnings of $0.03 per share when it actually produced a loss of $0.13, delivering a surprise of -533.33%.Over the last four quarters, th ...

Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2024 Compared to Fourth Quarter 2023, as applicable Fiscal 2024 Compared to Fiscal 2023, as applicable EXHIBIT 99.1 BJ's Restaurants, Inc. Reports Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Results Provides 2025 Financial Outlook; Announces $50 Million Increase in Share Repurchase Authorization HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: BJRI) today reported financial results for its fiscal 2024 fourth quarter and year ended Tuesday, Dece ...

Financial Performance - The company reported a 6.4% increase in revenue for Q4 2024, totaling $344.3 million, and a 1.8% increase in total revenue for fiscal 2024, reaching $1.4 billion [5][8] - Comparable restaurant sales increased by 5.5% in Q4 2024 and 1.2% for the fiscal year [5][8] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was $33.1 million, a 21.1% increase from $27.3 million, and for the fiscal year, it was $117.1 million, marking a 12.8% increase from $103.8 million [5][8] Profitability Metrics - The diluted net loss per share for Q4 2024 was $0.23, down from a diluted net income per share of $0.34 in Q4 2023 [8] - Adjusted diluted net income per share increased by 5.1% to $0.47 in Q4 2024, compared to $0.45 in Q4 2023 [8] - Restaurant level operating profit was $52.9 million in Q4 2024, a 13.8% increase, with a margin of 15.4%, up 100 basis points year-over-year [5][8] Share Repurchase Program - The company repurchased approximately 234,000 shares for about $8.0 million in Q4 2024 and a total of approximately 757,000 shares for about $25.1 million during the fiscal year [9][8] - An increase of $50 million in the share repurchase authorization was announced, with approximately $83 million remaining available under the program as of February 20, 2025 [9] 2025 Financial Outlook - For fiscal 2025, the company anticipates comparable restaurant sales growth of 2% to 3%, restaurant level operating profit between $205 million to $215 million, and Adjusted EBITDA of $127 million to $137 million [14]

The restaurant industry continues to navigate a dynamic environment shaped by digital transformation, shifting consumer preferences and economic headwinds. Companies in the broader Retail-Wholesale sector, such as Shake Shack Inc. (SHAK) , BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (BJRI) and Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (TXRH) , are set to report their fourth-quarter earnings on Feb. 20.See the Zacks Earnings Calendar to stay ahead of market-making news.The restaurant industry is likely to have experienced notable gains from marketi ...

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: BJRI) today announced that it will release its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 results after the market closes on Thursday, February 20, 2025. The Company will host an investor conference call at 1:30 p.m. (Pacific) that same day. The conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet. To listen to the conference call, please visit the “Investors” page of the Company’s website located at http://www.bjsresta ...