Franchise Business Model
Search documents
What to Know Before Buying Domino's Stock
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-06 13:36
Core Insights - Domino's Pizza is the largest pizza chain globally and has recently gained recognition as a Warren Buffett stock, indicating its potential as a solid investment opportunity [1] Company Overview - Domino's operates 21,700 stores across 90 markets, making it a leader in the pizza industry. The business model is characterized by low setup costs and a simple menu, making it suitable for developed markets [2] - 99% of Domino's stores are franchised, generating most of its revenue from franchise fees rather than direct pizza sales. The company continues to expand, opening 214 new stores in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, primarily internationally [3] Financial Performance - In the third quarter, global retail sales rose by 6.3% year-over-year, with U.S. comparable sales increasing by 5.3%. Overall company sales grew by 6.2%, and operating income saw a 12.2% increase, largely driven by higher food delivery prices and franchise fees [6][4] - The U.S. market showed stronger performance with comparable sales up 5.2%, while international comparable sales increased by 1.7%, but total international sales grew by 5.7% due to new store openings [7] Stock Performance - Domino's stock has underperformed the market in the current year but has outperformed over the past decade. The current stock price is $416.55, with a market cap of $14 billion [5][8] - The company offers a growing dividend with a yield of 1.6%, which is considered high for Domino's, reflecting its stable market position and potential as a reliable investment [10]
European Wax Center, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Results
Globenewswire· 2025-11-12 11:00
Core Insights - European Wax Center, Inc. reported solid third-quarter performance, focusing on traffic growth, franchisee profitability, and disciplined expansion [3][6][9] - The company ended the quarter with 1,053 centers, a 1.0% decrease from the previous year [6][7] - System-wide sales were $238.2 million, down 0.8% from $240.2 million in the prior year [6][7] - Total revenue decreased by 2.2% to $54.2 million compared to $55.4 million in the prior year [6][7] - Same-store sales increased by 0.2% [6][7] - GAAP net income rose 164.4% to $5.4 million, while adjusted net income increased by 14.2% to $10.7 million [6][7] - Adjusted EBITDA grew by 9.6% to $20.2 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 37.2% [6][7] Financial Performance - Year-to-date system-wide sales were flat at $721.7 million compared to the prior year-to-date period [7] - Total revenue for the first three quarters decreased by 3.4% to $161.5 million [7] - Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by 25.4% to $13.0 million [7] - Interest expense increased slightly to $6.5 million from $6.3 million in the prior year [7] - The effective tax rate decreased to 27.4% from 28.7% in the prior year [7] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - The company ended the quarter with $73.6 million in cash and cash equivalents and $6.4 million in restricted cash [8] - Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $17.3 million during the quarter [8] - The company repurchased approximately 1.2 million shares for $4.6 million, with cumulative repurchases reaching $45.9 million under a $50 million authorization [7][8] Fiscal 2025 Outlook - The company reiterated its fiscal 2025 outlook for system-wide sales between $940 million and $950 million [9] - Franchisees are expected to open 12 new centers while closing 35 to 40 centers, resulting in a net decrease of 23 to 28 centers for the fiscal year [10]
Love Domino's Pizza Stock? Here's a Restaurant Stock That May Be a Better Buy Today
The Motley Fool· 2025-09-28 08:17
Company Overview - Domino's Pizza operates over 21,000 locations globally, with 99% being franchise-owned, generating revenue through royalties and franchise fees, resulting in a high-margin business model [2] - Wingstop has over 2,800 locations worldwide, with 98% franchise ownership, also benefiting from a high-margin, asset-light business model [7] Revenue Generation - Domino's generates 60% of its revenue from its supply chain, providing equipment and food to franchisees, sharing half of its pre-tax supply chain profit with them [3][4] - Wingstop does not operate a supply chain but has strong demand for new franchise locations due to attractive unit economics, with U.S. locations averaging $2.1 million in annual revenue [9][10] Growth Potential - Wingstop is opening over 400 new locations this year, with a record pipeline for future openings, and aims to grow from 2,400 to 6,000 locations in the U.S. [11][14] - Wingstop has increased same-store sales for 21 consecutive years, with potential to grow average annual sales volume per location to $3 million [14] Market Performance - Wingstop is currently experiencing a decline in stock price, down over 40% from its highs, trading at a low price-to-earnings (P/E) valuation [16] - In contrast, Domino's is growing revenue at a single-digit growth rate, while Wingstop is expected to sustain double-digit growth [15]
Driven Brands (DRVN) - 2025 FY - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-09-04 18:50
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Driven Brands reported approximately $6.5 billion in system-wide sales and $2 billion in revenue, primarily from non-discretionary services [4][5] - The company aims for mid-30% EBITDA margins, with some quarter-over-quarter variations noted [42][43] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Take 5 Oil Change has grown from 40 units in 2016 to 1,300 locations today, with system-wide sales projected to reach $1.4 billion [9] - Same-store sales growth for Take 5 has been consistent in the mid to high single-digit range, driven by store maturation, advertising, and premiumization of services [12][14] - Non-oil change revenue currently accounts for about 20% of total revenue, with an attach rate in the upper 40% [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The collision repair industry is facing a 10% year-over-year decline in estimate counts due to claim avoidance and high total loss rates, but Driven Brands is gaining market share [49][50] - The average age of vehicles in the U.S. is at an all-time high, benefiting vehicle maintenance services like Meineke [55] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Driven Brands plans to open over 150 new locations annually, with a focus on franchise growth, aiming for a two-to-one ratio of franchise to company-operated stores [25][36] - The company is committed to maintaining its promise of a 10-minute oil change experience while exploring new service offerings that fit operational and financial criteria [26][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management reiterated a positive outlook for the second half of the year despite some headwinds, particularly in discretionary spending [70] - The company believes it can thrive in the automotive service market through the 2020s and 2030s, even with the rise of electric vehicles [31] Other Important Information - Driven Brands' franchise segment generates robust cash flow with EBITDA margins exceeding 60%, which supports growth in other areas like Take 5 [44][58] - The company is leveraging its position in the fragmented auto glass market, focusing on insurance and commercial opportunities for growth [63][66] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the core consumer in the second half of the year? - Management reiterated their outlook for the second half, noting some headwinds but feeling comfortable with their projections [70] Question: How do you see pricing elasticity affecting your business? - The company noted that they operate in a non-discretionary market, allowing them to pass along prices if necessary, but they have not had to do so significantly [73][74] Question: What are your expectations for market consolidation in the industry? - Management expects the trend of consolidation among a few players to continue, without significant acceleration or deceleration [75]
Xponential Fitness(XPOF) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-07 21:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American system-wide sales reached $474 million, up 12% year over year [11][28] - North American quarterly run rate average unit volumes increased by 3% to 659,000 [11][28] - Total members at quarter end stood at 863,000, reflecting an 8% year-over-year increase [11] - Same store sales increased by 1% [11][28] - Consolidated revenue for the quarter was $76.2 million, down 1% from the prior year [28] - Adjusted net income for the second quarter was $14.5 million, or $0.26 per basic share [37] - Adjusted EBITDA was $28.1 million, up 14% compared to the prior year period [37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Franchise revenue for the quarter was $45.4 million, up 5% year over year, driven by an 8% increase in actively paying memberships [29] - Equipment revenue declined by 26% year over year to $9.5 million, primarily due to a 39% decrease in global installations [29] - Merchandise revenue was down 8% year over year to $5.6 million [30] - Franchise marketing fund revenue increased by 13% year over year to $9.5 million [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Club Pilates reached record high utilization, with plans to enhance monetization strategies [17] - Pure Barre is planning major marketing campaigns for its 25th anniversary, anticipating further growth [18] - Yoga Six continues to perform well with new teacher training programs and innovative class offerings [19] - StretchLab is exploring solutions to support franchisees and improve average unit volumes [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on strengthening its core brands, including Club Pilates, Pure Barre, Yoga Six, and StretchLab, while divesting from underperforming brands like Cycle Bar and Rumble [12][10] - A new retail partnership with Fit Commerce aims to enhance service and reduce costs, with expected benefits starting in 2026 [14][30] - The company is committed to increasing marketing spend, particularly for Club Pilates and StretchLab, to drive growth [39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term potential of the company and the fitness industry, highlighting the momentum in boutique fitness [8][9] - The company anticipates a more conservative revenue outlook due to recent brand divestitures and macroeconomic headwinds [39] - Management expects to see improvements in overall portfolio health and a reduction in closure rates with a more focused brand strategy [12] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with 3,327 global open studios, with 86 new openings during Q2 [25] - There were 57 global studio closures in the second quarter, with nearly half attributed to Cycle Bar and Rumble [25] - The company has over 1,400 studios in North America and over 1,000 international master franchise obligations [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the change in same store sales trend? - Management noted that same store sales decreased from 4% in Q1 to 1% in Q2, primarily due to performance in Club Pilates and StretchLab [47][48] Question: What is the status of the 40% backlog behind schedule? - The backlog includes brands like Rumble and Cycle Bar, with some contributions from Club Pilates, StretchLab, and Yoga Six [49][50] Question: What are the plans for pricing at Club Pilates? - Management confirmed intentions to implement pricing and monetization strategies to drive same store sales growth [51] Question: When should we expect the closure rate to stabilize? - Management anticipates the closure rate to trend down to around 5% by the end of 2025, with improvements expected in 2026 [52][53] Question: Can you elaborate on the four items impacting profitability in 2025? - Management discussed the impact of brand divestitures, system-wide sales adjustments, increased marketing spend, and the new CEO's strategic alignment [56][60] Question: What is the outlook for the FDD renewal process? - Management expects to resume license sales in the second half of the year following necessary amendments due to the CEO transition [64][66] Question: What is the strategy for non-core brands like Lindora and BFT? - Management confirmed ongoing evaluation of Lindora while expressing confidence in BFT's international growth [68][69] Question: What is the expected impact of the FitCommerce partnership? - The partnership is expected to provide significant cost savings and cash flow benefits starting in 2026 [95][96]
Best Stock to Buy Right Now: Coca-Cola vs. McDonald's
The Motley Fool· 2025-07-10 10:22
Core Insights - Coca-Cola and McDonald's are two iconic consumer goods companies with a long history, but their future positioning and investment potential differ significantly [1] Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola offers a diverse range of beverages, including sodas, water, sports drinks, and plant-based options, catering to changing consumer preferences [3] - The company has a strong global presence, making it difficult for competitors to match its brand recognition and distribution capabilities [3] - In the first quarter, Coca-Cola's revenue dropped 2% due to foreign currency exchange, but adjusted revenue grew by 6% when excluding this factor [4] - Adjusted operating income increased by 10%, driven by price changes and product mix, contributing five percentage points to revenue growth, with higher volume adding one percentage point [4] - Coca-Cola anticipates manageable cost increases from tariffs and projects a revenue growth of 5% to 6% for the year [5] - Over the past year, Coca-Cola's stock gained 11.4%, or 15.2% including dividends, outperforming the S&P 500's return of 14.3% [11] - The company's shares have a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 28, which is lower than the S&P 500's P/E of 30, indicating a relatively reasonable valuation [12] McDonald's - McDonald's operates primarily through franchising, with 95% of its restaurants franchised, generating about 60% of its annual revenue [6][7] - The company collects royalty fees based on sales percentages and rent from franchisees, making it less capital-intensive [7] - In the first quarter, same-store sales dropped 1%, with a 3.6% decline in U.S. locations, primarily due to lower customer traffic [8] - Despite a 16.9% stock gain over the past year, concerns remain about McDonald's sales challenges and the impact of price increases on customer loyalty [10] - Adjusted operating income for McDonald's fell by 1%, indicating struggles in maintaining revenue growth amid economic pressures [8][9]
SBC Medical Group Holdings (SBC) Conference Transcript
2025-06-11 13:30
Summary of SBC Medical Group Holdings Conference Call Company Overview - SBC Medical Group Holdings operates primarily in the aesthetic medicine sector, providing comprehensive management support services to franchise clinics, generating income through franchise fees [4][5] - The company achieved a significant milestone by listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange in September 2023, reflecting strong financial performance and growth potential [4] Market Position and Growth - SBC Medical serves over 6 million patients annually, making it the largest provider in Japan's aesthetic medicine market [6] - The company has maintained strong growth despite increasing competition by implementing strategic pricing models and expanding its clinic network [5] - The Japanese aesthetic medicine market has a penetration rate of around 10%, indicating substantial growth opportunities, particularly among middle-aged women and male customers [14] Financial Performance - The company underwent business restructuring in early 2024, leading to a 14% year-over-year decrease in revenue; however, excluding these effects, a 5% growth was achieved [8] - SBC Medical maintains an EBITDA margin of approximately 52% and an annualized ROE of 41%, indicating strong profitability [8] - The company has a healthy cash position and minimal debt obligations, providing flexibility for strategic growth opportunities [9] Strategic Initiatives - A major overhaul of pricing was implemented in March 2025 to streamline pricing structures and improve cost efficiency [10][11] - The franchise fee structure was revised to support long-term growth and sustainability of franchise clinics, easing initial cost pressures [12] - Future growth strategies include expanding service offerings, enhancing international presence, and focusing on high-demand areas such as orthopedics and ophthalmology [13][16] International Expansion - SBC Medical is focusing on the US and Asia for international expansion, with plans to establish a presence in the rapidly growing US med spa market [17] - The acquisition of a leading provider in Singapore marks a key milestone in the company's expansion strategy across Asia [18] Capital Allocation and Shareholder Value - The company is considering measures to improve stock liquidity, including a share repurchase program of 5 million shares, reflecting confidence in the company's fundamentals [19][20] - The share buyback aims to enhance market liquidity and provide an exit mechanism for large shareholders [27][28] - Concerns about share dilution from new share issuance are acknowledged, but the company aims to implement growth-oriented capital policies [29][30] Future Outlook - Key growth drivers include franchise expansion, dermatology services, and overseas market penetration [24][25] - The company plans to continue enhancing its multi-brand strategy to meet diverse customer needs and improve accessibility [23] Conclusion - SBC Medical Group Holdings is well-positioned for sustainable growth through strategic initiatives, strong financial performance, and a focus on expanding both domestically and internationally [20][32]
Xponential Fitness(XPOF) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-08 21:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American system-wide sales reached $467 million, an 18% increase year over year [6][17] - Quarterly run rate average unit volumes in North America increased by 8% year over year to $659,000 [7][17] - Total members at the end of the quarter stood at 865,000, up 12% year over year, with same-store sales increasing by 4% [8][17] - Consolidated revenue for the quarter was $76.9 million, down 4% from $79.7 million in the prior year [17] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $27.3 million, down 9% compared to $29.9 million in the prior year [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Franchise revenue for the quarter was $43.9 million, up 5% year over year, driven by increased royalty revenue [18] - Equipment revenue declined by 20% year over year to $11.1 million, primarily due to a 22% decrease in North American installations [19] - Merchandise revenue decreased by 25% year over year to $6.3 million, attributed to lower sales volumes and price discounts [19] - Franchise marketing fund revenue increased by 18% year over year to $9.3 million, supported by growth in system-wide sales [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened 116 new studios globally during Q1, with 93 in North America and 23 internationally [14] - The total number of global open studios reached 3,298, with an annualized closure rate of 6% [14] - The company sold 21 licenses during Q1, all internationally, primarily in Club Pilates [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on optimizing operations and franchisee health while preparing for long-term success [6][12] - A new field operations function is being launched, with plans to have 12 field managers in place across North America by quarter end [10][11] - The company is actively selling in the majority of the 14 registration states under FDD registration or exemption [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management indicated that 2025 will be a year of stabilization, with no degradation in the overall financial health of the business [38][39] - The company is lowering guidance on global net new studio openings while reiterating guidance for system-wide sales and total revenue [29][30] - Management expressed confidence in the health of the franchisee and the execution of operational improvements [39] Other Important Information - The company is undergoing a transformation from an aggressive sales focus to building a foundation of efficiency and effectiveness [35] - Legal judgments and settlements have increased SG&A expenses significantly, with an additional accrual of $15 million recorded [22][23] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the overarching themes for the next few months? - Management emphasized the transformation towards efficiency and effectiveness, focusing on franchisee support and operational audits [35][36] Question: What is the outlook for studio openings? - Club Pilates is expected to account for over half of the new openings this year, with strong performance anticipated in Yoga Six and Pure Barre [40][44] Question: What is driving the increase in closure rates? - Closures are primarily concentrated in Cycle Bar and StretchLab, with expectations for similar distribution throughout the year [48] Question: How will the new field operations team impact the business? - The field ops team will focus on supporting struggling franchisees and ensuring adherence to operational standards [55][100] Question: What is the impact of tariffs on the business? - The direct impact of tariffs is minimal, affecting only 20% of revenue, with ongoing efforts to mitigate costs [85][86] Question: What changes were made in the franchise disclosure documents? - The company has made adjustments to build-out costs, which have been positively received by franchisees [94][95]
Planet Fitness(PLNT) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-08 13:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended Q1 2025 with 20.6 million members, an increase of approximately 900,000 from the end of 2024 [5] - System-wide same club sales grew by 6.1%, with franchisee same club sales increasing by 6.2% and corporate same club sales increasing by 5.1% [20] - Revenue for Q1 was $276.7 million, an increase of 11.5% from $248 million in the previous year [21] - Adjusted EBITDA was $117 million, reflecting a 10.1% year-over-year increase, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 42.3% [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Franchise segment revenue increased by 10.7%, driven by higher royalty revenue from increased same club sales and new clubs [21] - Corporate-owned club segment revenue increased by 9.2%, primarily due to increased same club sales and sales from new clubs [22] - Equipment segment revenue increased by 28.7%, driven by higher revenue from replacement equipment sales [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Black Card penetration reached approximately 65%, a nearly 300 basis point increase from the previous year [9][21] - Members visited clubs an average of 6.7 times per month, the highest utilization in five years [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on four strategic imperatives: redefining brand promise, enhancing member experience, refining product offerings, and accelerating new club growth [7] - The company plans to open between 160 and 170 new clubs in 2025, with a focus on unit economics and franchisee sentiment [27] - The company is exploring new markets for international expansion, with positive performance noted in Spain and Australia [108] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's resilience and ability to navigate macroeconomic volatility, citing historical performance during economic downturns [6][41] - The company reiterated its growth targets for 2025, expecting continued strong performance despite potential tariff impacts [16][27] Other Important Information - The company is rolling out a "click to cancel" feature to enhance member experience, with over 50% of clubs already enabled [19] - The company is testing various promotional strategies, including a successful Black Card first month free promotion [9][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding Black Card penetration and pricing impact - Management noted that the increase in Black Card penetration is a result of a narrowed price gap and successful promotions [33][34] Question: Impact of macroeconomic conditions on business - Management indicated that the business remains resilient, with strong member growth and revenue despite macroeconomic challenges [41][45] Question: Future pricing strategies for Black Card - Management stated that pricing decisions for the Black Card will be evaluated after the Classic Card price increase anniversary [48][112] Question: Churn rates and click to cancel impact - Management confirmed that churn rates are in line with expectations and that the click to cancel feature may improve join conversions [82][56] Question: International development and franchisee sentiment - Management highlighted strong performance in international markets and positive franchisee sentiment regarding new openings [108][64]
European Wax Center(EWCZ) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-03-11 20:52
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4, system-wide sales increased by 1.1% to $229.3 million, while same-store sales rose by 0.8% [38] - Total revenue decreased by 4.6% to $49.7 million, impacted by softer retail product sales and the removal of a COVID-related surcharge [39] - Q4 gross margin improved by 190 basis points to 74.3%, primarily due to cost savings [40] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 decreased by 1.6% to $19 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin increasing by 390 basis points to 38.1% [41] - Full-year adjusted net income increased by 15.2% to $25.6 million, driven by higher operating income and lower state income taxes [46] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Franchisees opened three net new centers in Q4, resulting in 2.2% net unit growth to 1,067 centers across 45 states for the full year [42] - The company expects 10 to 12 gross new centers to open in fiscal 2025, with an estimated 40 to 60 closures [49] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - System-wide sales for fiscal 2025 are expected to be between $940 million and $960 million, representing flat year-over-year growth at the midpoint [50] - Same-store sales are projected to be flat to positive 2% [51] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to develop a robust data-rich marketing engine, cultivate a more effective service-based infrastructure, and implement a sophisticated development approach [21][28] - The focus is on thoughtful and profitable expansion, with an emphasis on franchisee success and operational excellence [27][29] - The company is committed to providing regular updates on progress and strategy [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenges posed by a declining transaction volume and profitability among franchisees, attributing it to a tougher macro environment [17] - The company views 2025 as a transitional year to solidify the foundation for sustainable growth, with expectations to reignite unit growth by the end of 2026 [33][58] Other Important Information - The company has appointed new executives, including a new CFO and Chief Commercial Officer, to strengthen its leadership team [30][31] - The company has a solid cash position with $49.7 million in cash and a fully undrawn $40 million revolver [47] Q&A Session Summary Question: Store closure guidance for 2025 and performance in California - Management is comfortable with the range of 40 to 60 closures and believes that executing on priorities will lead to growth in 2026 [65][66] - California is experiencing more inflationary pressure, impacting franchisee profitability [71][74] Question: Four-wall economics and tax impact on SG&A - Mature units have strong unit economics with average unit volumes over $1 million and cash-on-cash returns around 40% [80] - An adjustment to SG&A related to franchise taxes was largely offset by state taxes, resulting in a net impact of around $60,000 [85] Question: Successful franchisee characteristics and potential for European Wax to buy stores - Successful franchisees are committed to service and detail-oriented, with a strong partnership with the franchisor needed for success [92][96] - The company is open to buying stores in the future but is currently focused on other priorities [99] Question: Pipeline of unopened units and consumer behavior - The pipeline remains unchanged with 10 to 12 new unit openings expected, and management does not see a significant shift in consumer behavior or competitive landscape [114][113] Question: Promotional strategy and pricing - The company is improving its marketing approach and data pipeline to evaluate promotional effectiveness, with a focus on smarter pricing strategies [128][129] Question: Core guest behavior and cost savings - Core guests remain stable in spending and frequency, with opportunities to re-engage lapsed guests [135] - Cost savings have been achieved through negotiations on product costs, with expectations for modest gross margin improvement in 2025 [134]