Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q2 sales of $366 million, a 4.5% increase year-over-year, with comparable restaurant sales growth of 2.9% driven by a 3.3% increase in traffic [18][19] - Restaurant level cash flow margins improved to 17%, reflecting a 150 basis point year-over-year increase, while adjusted EBITDA margins reached 11.5%, up 120 basis points [5][19] - Net income for the quarter was $22.2 million, with diluted net earnings per share of $0.97, marking a 35% increase compared to $0.72 per share last year [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Pizookie Meal Deal has been a significant driver of traffic and sales, contributing to a 42% increase in seated reservations compared to Q2 last year [8] - The company has seen a reduction in comped meals by 16%, which has positively impacted the cost of sales [21][22] - The introduction of new menu items, such as the smash burger, has also contributed to sales growth, with the Pizookie Meal Deal accounting for about 15% of weekly sales [34][45] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong performance during key celebration periods, including record-breaking sales on Mother's Day and Father's Day [7][8] - Traffic growth has been consistent across various segments, with notable performance in delivery and takeout channels [18][19] - The company reported a 2% year-over-year food cost inflation, down from 3% in Q1, indicating improved cost management [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has established four strategic priorities: enhancing team member experience, improving handcrafted food and beverages, delivering exceptional hospitality, and refreshing the restaurant atmosphere [5][12] - A revamp of the pizza platform is planned for Q4, aimed at enhancing quality and reinforcing the brand's core offerings [14][15] - The company is focusing on operational efficiencies through initiatives like the activity-based labor model, which is expected to expand to 20% of restaurants by Q4 [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining earnings expectations and comparable restaurant sales growth of approximately 2% for the remainder of the year [25] - The company is optimistic about the rollout of longer-term strategic initiatives and believes it is on track for sustainable growth [27] - Management noted that while July experienced some noise due to the holiday, performance has returned to expectations, reinforcing confidence in the business's progress [11][25] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 438,000 shares at a cost of $15.1 million during the quarter, with $57 million remaining under the share repurchase authorization [24] - Capital expenditures for 2025 are projected between $65 million and $75 million, focusing on new restaurant openings and remodels [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the next steps in refining the everyday value proposition? - Management emphasized building platforms rather than relying on limited-time offers, highlighting the success of the Pizookie Meal Deal and its potential for growth [32][34] Question: What progress has been made on training improvements? - Management reported significant progress in training and operational excellence, reflected in high NPS scores and reduced comp meals [38][40] Question: How is the alcohol mix trending? - Alcohol incidents have been declining, but new items like hard root beer have performed well, and there is a focus on total beverage growth [92][96] Question: What are the expectations for the activity-based labor model? - The model aims to improve hospitality and efficiency, with expected benefits in sales and guest experience over time [49][50] Question: How is the competitive landscape evolving? - Management noted consistency in consumer behavior and did not observe significant changes in closures or openings in the market [51][52]

"Doug is a decisive leader and has a proven track record of creating shareholder value. He is well-prepared to take on this important role and has a strong appreciation for and understanding of Southwest's history and future direction," said Bob Jordan, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Southwest. "I am immensely grateful to Rakesh for his leadership, vision, and tireless dedication. Under his guidance, the Board has challenged and inspired the Leadership Team to work wit ...

COSTA MESA, Calif., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: LOCO) today announced financial results for the 13-week period ended June 25, 2025. Highlights for the second quarter ended June 25, 2025 compared to the second quarter ended June 26, 2024 were as follows: System-wide comparable restaurant sales, restaurant contribution, adjusted net income and adjusted EBITDA are not presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of Americ ...

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: BJRI) today reported financial results for its fiscal 2025 second quarter ended Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Compared to Second Quarter 2024 (1) Adjusted diluted net income per share, restaurant level operating profit and Adjusted EBITDA are non- GAAP measures. Reconciliations to GAAP measures and further information are set forth below. "We are pleased with the continued growth and improvement o ...

Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly seeking growth stocks that demonstrate above-average growth potential, with Yum Brands identified as a strong candidate due to its favorable growth metrics and Zacks Rank [1][2]. Earnings Growth - Yum Brands has a historical EPS growth rate of 9.9%, but projected EPS growth for the current year is expected to be 10%, significantly outperforming the industry average of 6.7% [4]. Asset Utilization Ratio - The company's asset utilization ratio stands at 1.18, indicating that Yum generates $1.18 in sales for every dollar in assets, compared to the industry average of 0.97, showcasing superior efficiency [5]. Sales Growth - Yum's sales are projected to grow by 6.9% this year, which is notably higher than the industry average growth rate of 2.4% [6]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - There has been a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions for Yum, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year increasing by 0.3% over the past month, indicating favorable market sentiment [8]. Overall Assessment - Yum Brands has achieved a Growth Score of A and holds a Zacks Rank of 2, reflecting its strong growth potential and positive earnings revisions, making it a solid choice for growth investors [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - Growth stocks are appealing due to their potential for above-average financial growth, but identifying strong candidates can be challenging due to associated risks and volatility. Yum China Holdings (YUMC) is highlighted as a promising growth stock based on its favorable growth metrics and Zacks Rank. Group 1: Earnings Growth - Yum China's historical EPS growth rate is 12.2%, with projected EPS growth of 7.3% this year, surpassing the industry average of 6.7% [5][4]. Group 2: Asset Utilization - Yum China has an asset utilization ratio (sales-to-total-assets ratio) of 1, indicating it generates $1 in sales for every dollar in assets, which is higher than the industry average of 0.97 [6]. Group 3: Sales Growth - The company's sales are expected to grow by 2.9% this year, compared to the industry average of 2.4% [7]. Group 4: Earnings Estimate Revisions - The current-year earnings estimates for Yum China have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by 0.5% over the past month [9][8]. Group 5: Overall Assessment - Yum China has achieved a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a Growth Score of A, positioning it well for potential outperformance in the growth stock category [10][11].

Tom got some committee moves. Josh, you're buying some more Shake Shack. >> Yeah.Uh they reported a great quarter. The problem is the stock's up 100% going into the print from the April low. Was literally 72 and ran to almost 150.So today it's giving back some. But when you actually look at the numbers, they were really fantastic. And Rob Lynch is doing everything that this company brought him in to do.Um earnings were uh uh 44 cents per share um which beat the analyst consensus. revenue was 356.5% million ...

Starbucks is closing its pickup-only grab-and-go stores next year to better align with CEO Brian Niccol's strategic coffeehouse portfolio overhaul aimed at revitalizing traffic and restoring in-store experiences. Starbucks decided to sunset its mobile order and pickup-only concept in fiscal 2026 following an evaluation of its North American portfolio to ensure it has "the right coffeehouses in the right locations to drive profitability and deliver the Starbucks experience," Niccol said on the company's earn ...

Shake Shack shares slumped 11% in early New York trading after the company forecast third-quarter revenue that fell below expectations, pointing to inflation and cautious diners https://t.co/uNGGgncOyL ...

Shake Shack (SHAK) reported $356.47 million in revenue for the quarter ended June 2025, representing a year- over-year increase of 12.6%. EPS of $0.44 for the same period compares to $0.27 a year ago. View all Key Company Metrics for Shake Shack here>>> Shares of Shake Shack have returned -0.3% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.7% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating that it could perform in line with the broader market in the near term. Same-Shack sal ...