Dine Brands(US:DIN)2020-04-30 01:52Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EPS for Q1 2020 was $1.45, down from $1.90 in Q1 2019, attributed to lower gross profit due to decreased guest traffic [27] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2020 was $61.7 million, compared to $74.7 million in the previous year [28] - Cash from operations increased to $29.6 million from $28.9 million year-over-year [28] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q1 2020 totaled $395 million, with $345 million being unrestricted [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic system-wide off-premise sales grew by 71% from the week ended March 1 to the week ended April 26 [12] - Approximately 82% of domestic restaurants remained open for to-go and delivery services at the end of Q1 2020 [11] - IHOP's off-premise sales increased 57% compared to Q1 2019, accounting for 39% of total off-premise sales [50] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Applebee's comp sales declined from positive 3.2% year-to-date to negative 80.6% by the week ending March 29, with a gradual recovery to negative 64.4% by the week ending April 26 [34][35] - IHOP's comp sales declined 14.7% in Q1 2020, with a recovery to negative 75.4% by the week ending April 26 [45][46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on off-premise sales as a long-term growth strategy, which has been accelerated by the pandemic [12][14] - Financial support measures for franchisees include deferring royalty, advertising, and lease payments on a case-by-case basis [16] - The company has suspended stock repurchases and cash dividends due to uncertainty caused by COVID-19 [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the crisis, emphasizing the importance of health and safety for team members and guests [10][11] - The company remains optimistic about returning to normal operations and is preparing for a gradual reopening of dining rooms [56] - Management acknowledged the need for enhanced safety protocols and operational adjustments in response to changing consumer behavior [55][59] Other Important Information - The company drew down $220 million from its revolving financing facility as a precautionary measure [20] - The leverage ratio as of March 31 was 4.79 times, with a debt service ratio of 3.93 times [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Health of franchisees and leverage levels - Management indicated that franchisees are generally able to cover variable costs at current sales levels, with a breakeven point around $2,000 to $3,000 in daily sales [62][64] Question: Differences in performance between IHOP and Applebee's - Management noted that Applebee's had a longer history with off-premise sales, which contributed to its quicker recovery compared to IHOP [66] Question: Comp calculation and in-dining margins - Management clarified that comp calculations include restaurants that had sales during the week, and they are monitoring how in-dining sales will impact profitability as restaurants reopen [70][74] Question: Franchisee relief and cash collections - Management stated that most franchisees will receive some level of relief through deferrals of royalties and fees, with substantial payments expected in March and April [82][86] Question: Applebee's recovery pace compared to peers - Management acknowledged that Applebee's recovery has been slower than some peers, attributing it to various factors including consumer preferences and marketing strategies [88]