The Cheesecake Factory(CAKE) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total revenues of $927 million for Q1 2025, finishing towards the high end of guidance, with a 27% year-over-year increase in adjusted earnings per share [5][15] - Adjusted net income margin was 4.9%, exceeding the high end of the guidance range [15] - The Cheesecake Factory restaurants' total sales were $673 million, up 1% from the prior year, with comparable sales also increasing by 1% [16][17] - The four-wall restaurant margins increased to 17.4%, up 140 basis points from Q1 2024 [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North Italia's total sales were $83.4 million, up 18% from the prior year, with comparable sales declining by 1% [17][12] - Flower Child's sales totaled $43.5 million, up 26% from the prior year, with comparable sales increasing by 5% [17][13] - The company opened eight restaurants in Q1 2025, including three North Italia and three Flower Child locations [6][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The off-premise sales mix for The Cheesecake Factory was 22%, consistent with Q1 2024 [16][100] - North Italia's annualized average unit volumes (AUVs) increased to $7.75 million, while Flower Child's AUV was over $4.6 million, reflecting strong consumer demand [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to open as many as 25 new restaurants in 2025, with a focus on accelerating new unit growth [7][24] - The company has been recognized as one of Fortune Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For for the twelfth consecutive year, highlighting its commitment to employee satisfaction [7] - The company is focused on menu innovation, operational execution, and maintaining contemporary restaurant designs as key components of its strategy [8][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the operating environment feels less robust than three months ago, citing various external factors impacting performance [29] - The company anticipates total revenues for Q2 2025 to be between $935 million and $950 million, reflecting a cautious outlook due to economic conditions [21] - Management remains confident in the company's ability to absorb potential tariff impacts without changing adjusted net income margin expectations [21][39] Other Important Information - The company returned $153.8 million to shareholders during the quarter through dividends and share repurchases [15] - The company ended the quarter with total available liquidity of approximately $501.9 million [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the uncertain macro environment already impacting the business? - Management indicated that while the business remains stable, the environment feels less robust than previously expected, suggesting a prudent outlook for the remainder of the year [28][29] Question: Can you quantify the expected impact of tariffs on the P&L? - Management noted that the biggest impact would likely be in other operating expenses, with potential pricing adjustments of 50 to 75 basis points if necessary [34][39] Question: What are the same-store sales components for The Cheesecake Factory? - The Cheesecake Factory experienced 4% effective pricing, with traffic down 1.2%, indicating a mix shift due to menu changes [47] Question: How is the loyalty program performing? - The loyalty program is seeing strong member acquisition and positive guest feedback, with plans to implement more personalized offers moving forward [42][44] Question: What is the outlook for commodity inflation? - Management reported that commodity inflation was close to breakeven in Q1, with expectations of low single-digit inflation in Q2 [64] Question: Are there any planned closures affecting guidance? - Management confirmed a closure in Seattle but indicated no other planned closures at this time [66] Question: What differentiates Flower Child's performance in a slowing environment? - Flower Child's strong performance is attributed to food quality, operational stability, and effective staffing, which resonate well with consumers [70]