Dunkin’ Brands: Reports Third Quarter 2016 Results

Canton / MA. (db) Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc., parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, reported results for the third quarter ended September 24, 2016. Third quarter highlights include:

  • Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. comparable store sales growth of 2.0 percent
  • Baskin-Robbins U.S. comparable store sales decline of 0.9 percent
  • Added 115 net new restaurants worldwide, including 56 net new Dunkin’ Donuts in the U.S.
  • Revenues decreased 1.3 percent
  • Diluted EPS increased 18.8 percent to 0.57 USD
  • Diluted adjusted EPS increased 15.4 percent to 0.60 USD

«Our Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. business delivered solid comps for the quarter, fuelled by record-breaking beverage sales, with double-digit growth in the espresso and iced coffee categories. Other noteworthy achievements in the quarter included: surpassing 5 million members in our DD Perks rewards program, which remains one of the fastest growing loyalty programs in the quick-service-restaurant industry; the opening of our 12’000th Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant worldwide; the hiring of Dave Hoffmann, a leading restaurant executive, as our new Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. and Canada president; and the announcement that we will be launching a line of Dunkin’ Donuts ready-to-drink iced coffee beverages nationwide in 2017», said Nigel Travis, Dunkin’ Brands Chairman and CEO. «We are very pleased with the direction of the Company, and while we have much work to do, we are cautiously optimistic that our new five-part strategy for Dunkin’ Donuts U.S., which focuses on coffee leadership, faster innovation, targeted value offers, digital leadership and an improved restaurant experience, will position the Company to see healthy growth in the months and years ahead».

«While the sale of our remaining company-operated restaurants drove a decline in revenues in the quarter, we are pleased to announce that we are now 100 percent franchised», said Paul Carbone, Dunkin’ Brands Chief Financial Officer. «In regards to restaurant-level economics, we are particularly encouraged by first-year cash-on-cash returns that franchisees are experiencing in our high-opportunity West and Emerging markets. We will continue to focus on driving franchisee profitability by better serving the customer, building high-margin beverage sales, lowering store construction costs and simplifying store operations. Additionally, sales of Dunkin’ Donuts- branded consumer goods through locations outside our restaurants, including our recently announced ready-to-drink iced coffee line, should drive Brand awareness, provide more opportunities for consumers to drink our coffee every day, and deliver profit-sharing income for our franchisees, including in our newest markets».

Third Quarter 2016 Key Financial Highlights

(USD in millions, except per share data) Three months ended Increase (Decrease)
Amounts and%ages may not recalculate due to rounding September 24, 2016 September 26, 2015 USD / # %
Systemwide sales1 USD 2’821.0 2’653.8 167.2 6.3 %
Comparable store sales growth (decline):
DD U.S. 2.0 % 1.1 %
BR U.S. (0.9) % 7.5 %
DD International (1.4) % 0.8 %
BR International (2.9) % (2.4) %
Development data:
Consolidated global net POD development2 115 90 25 27.8 %
DD global PODs at period end 12’008 11’568 440 3.8 %
BR global PODs at period end 7’776 7’617 159 2.1 %
Consolidated global PODs at period end 19’784 19’185 599 3.1 %
Financial data:
Revenues USD 207.1 209.8 (2.7) (1.3) %
Operating income 109.4 99.8 9.6 9.6 %
Operating income margin 52.8 % 47.5 %
Adjusted operating income3 USD 114.8 106.0 8.8 8.3 %
Adjusted operating income margin3 55.4 % 50.5 %
Net income USD 52.7 46.2 6.5 14.1 %
Adjusted net income3 56.0 50.2 5.8 11.5 %
Earnings per share:
Common-basic 0.58 0.49 0.09 18.4 %
Common-diluted 0.57 0.48 0.09 18.8 %
Diluted adjusted earnings per share3 0.60 0.52 0.08 15.4 %
Weighted average number of common shares – diluted (in millions) 92.6 96.0 (3.5) (3.6) %
  1. Systemwide sales include sales at franchisee- and company-operated restaurants, including joint ventures. While we do not record sales by franchisees or licensees as revenue and such sales are not included in our consolidated financial statements, we believe that this operating measure is important in obtaining an understanding of our financial performance. We believe systemwide sales information aids in understanding how we derive royalty revenue and in evaluating our performance relative to competitors. Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, we began presenting systemwide sales rather than franchisee-reported sales, which excludes sales of company-operated restaurants, as we believe the systemwide sales information is a more complete metric in obtaining an understanding of our financial performance.
  2. Consolidated global net POD development for the three months ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015 reflects the previously-announced closing of 5 and 31 self-serve coffee stations within Speedway locations, respectively.
  3. Adjusted operating income, adjusted operating income margin, and adjusted net income are non-GAAP measures reflecting operating income and net income adjusted for amortization of intangible assets, long-lived asset impairments, and certain other items, net of the tax impact of such adjustments in the case of adjusted net income. Diluted adjusted earnings per share is a non-GAAP measure calculated using adjusted net income.

Global systemwide sales growth in the third quarter was primarily attributable to global store development and Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. comparable store sales growth (which includes stores open 78 weeks or more).

Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. comparable store sales growth in the third quarter was driven by increased average ticket offset by a decline in traffic. Growth was driven by strong beverage sales, led by iced coffee, including Cold Brew, and hot and iced espresso-based beverages, as well as breakfast sandwiches, led by the Maple Sausage and the Belgian Waffle breakfast sandwiches.

Baskin-Robbins U.S. comparable store sales were negative during the third quarter driven by a decline in traffic offset by increased average ticket. Growth in sales of cups and cones led by Warm Cookie and Donut Ice Cream Sandwiches was more than offset by declines in beverages and sundaes.

In the third quarter, Dunkin’ Brands franchisees and licensees opened 115 net new restaurants around the globe. This included 56 net new Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. locations (including the closing of 5 Speedway self-serve coffee stations), 45 net new Baskin-Robbins International locations, 11 net new Dunkin’ Donuts International locations, and 3 net new Baskin-Robbins U.S. locations. Additionally, Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. franchisees re-modelled 127 restaurants and Baskin-Robbins U.S. franchisees re-modelled 18 restaurants during the quarter.

Revenues for the third quarter decreased 2.7 million USD, or 1.3 percent, compared to the prior year period due primarily to a decrease in sales at company-operated restaurants driven by a net decrease in the number of company-operated restaurants, a decrease in franchise fees driven by declines in gross openings and renewal income, as well as a decrease in sales of ice cream and other products primarily to the Middle East. As of September 24, 2016, there were six points of distribution that were company-operated, all of which were sold subsequent to quarter end. These decreases in revenues were offset by increased royalty income as a result of systemwide sales growth. Also offsetting the decrease in total revenues were increased license fees related to the Dunkin’ K-Cup pod licensing agreement.

Operating income and adjusted operating income for the third quarter increased 9.6 million USD, or 9.6 percent, and 8.8 million USD, or 8.3 percent, respectively, from the prior year period primarily as a result of the increase in royalty income, as well as gains recognized in connection with the sale of company-operated restaurants and a reduction in general and administrative expenses driven primarily by a decrease in bad debt expense, offset by the decrease in franchise fees.

Net income and adjusted net income for the third quarter increased by 6.5 million USD, or 14.1 percent, and 5.8 million USD, or 11.5 percent, respectively, compared to the prior year period primarily as a result of the increases in operating income and adjusted operating income of 9.6 million USD and 8.8 million USD, respectively, offset by an increase in income tax expense.

Diluted earnings per share and diluted adjusted earnings per share increased by 18.8 percent to 0.57 USD and 15.4 percent to 0.60 USD, respectively, for the third quarter compared to the prior year period as a result of the increases in net income and adjusted net income, respectively, as well as a decrease in shares outstanding. The decrease in shares outstanding from the prior year period was due primarily to the repurchase of shares since the third quarter of 2015, offset by the exercise of stock options.

Third Quarter 2016 Segment Results

Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, certain segment profit amounts in the tables below have been reclassified as a result of the realignment of our organizational structure to better support our segment operations, including the allocation of previously unallocated costs. Additionally, revenues, segment profit, points of distribution information, and systemwide sales related to restaurants located in Puerto Rico were previously included in the Baskin-Robbins International segment, but are now included in the Baskin-Robbins U.S. segment based on functional responsibility. Prior period amounts in the tables below have been revised to reflect these changes for all periods presented.

Amounts and percentages may not recalculate due to rounding Three months ended Increase (Decrease)
Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. September 24, 2016 September 26, 2015 USD / # %
(USD in thousands except as otherwise noted)
Comparable store sales growth 2.0 % 1.1 %
Systemwide sales (in millions)1 USD 2’075.3 1’951.5 123.8 6.3 %
Revenues:
Royalty income USD 113’281 105’864 7’417 7.0 %
Franchise fees 9’852 12’666 (2’814) (22.2) %
Rental income 25’972 25’290 682 2.7 %
Sales at company-operated restaurants 1’611 7’293 (5’682) (77.9) %
Other revenues 1’709 3’257 (1’548) (47.5) %
Total revenues USD 152’425 154’370 (1’945) (1.3) %
Segment profit USD 119’434 113’197 6’237 5.5 %
Points of distribution 8’629 8’308 321 3.9 %
Gross openings 97 127 (30) (23.6) %
Net openings2 56 68 (12) (17.6) %
  1. Systemwide sales include sales at franchisee- and company-operated restaurants, including joint ventures. We do not record sales by franchisees or licensees as revenue and such sales are not included in our consolidated financial statements. Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, we began presenting systemwide sales rather than franchisee-reported sales, which excludes sales of company-operated restaurants.
  2. Net openings for the three months ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015 reflect the previously-announced closing of 5 and 31 self-serve coffee stations within Speedway locations, respectively.

Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. third quarter revenues of 152.4 million USD represented a decrease of 1.3 percent compared to the prior year period. The decrease was primarily a result of a decline in sales at company-operated restaurants driven by a net decrease in the number of company-operated restaurants, as well as a decrease in franchise fees due to declines in renewal income and gross openings, and a decrease in other revenues driven primarily by a decline in re-franchising gains. These decreases in revenues were offset by increased royalty income due to an increase in systemwide sales.

Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. segment profit in the third quarter increased 6.2 million USD over the prior year period to 119.4 million USD, which was driven primarily by the increase in royalty income and an increase in other operating income due primarily to gains recognized in connection with the sale of company-operated restaurants, as well as a reduction in general and administrative expenses. These increases in segment profit were offset by the decreases in franchise fees and other revenues, as well as expenses incurred to record lease-related liabilities as a result of lease terminations.

Amounts and%ages may not recalculate due to rounding Three months ended Increase (Decrease)
Dunkin’ Donuts International September 24, 2016 September 26, 2015 USD / # %
(USD in thousands except as otherwise noted)
Comparable store sales growth (decline) (1.4) % 0.8 %
Systemwide sales (in millions)1 USD 177.5 164.2 13.2 8.1 %
Revenues:
Royalty income USD 4’125 3’762 363 9.6 %
Franchise fees 323 850 (527) (62.0) %
Other revenues 1 14 (13) (92.9) %
Total revenues USD 4’449 4’626 (177) (3.8) %
Segment profit USD 705 1’000 (295) (29.5) %
Points of distribution 3’379 3’260 119 3.7 %
Gross openings 83 104 (21) (20.2) %
Net openings 11 40 (29) (72.5) %
  1. Systemwide sales include sales at franchisee- and company-operated restaurants, including joint ventures. We do not record sales by franchisees or licensees as revenue and such sales are not included in our consolidated financial statements.

Dunkin’ Donuts International third quarter systemwide sales increased 8.1 percent from the prior year period driven primarily by sales growth in the Middle East, Europe, South America, Asia, and South Korea. Sales in South Korea were positively impacted by favorable foreign exchange rates. On a constant currency basis, systemwide sales increased by approximately 7 percent.

Dunkin’ Donuts International third quarter revenues of 4.4 million USD represented a decrease of 3.8 percent from the prior year period. The decrease in revenues was primarily a result of a decline in franchise fees, offset by an increase in royalty income.

Segment profit for Dunkin’ Donuts International decreased 0.3 million USD to 0.7 million USD in the third quarter primarily as a result of the decrease in revenues and an increase in general and administrative expenses driven primarily by an increase in bad debt expense, offset by an increase in net income from our South Korea joint venture.

Amounts and percentages may not recalculate due to rounding Three months ended Increase (Decrease)
Baskin-Robbins U.S. September 24, 2016 September 26, 2015 USD / # %
(USD in thousands except as otherwise noted)
Comparable store sales growth (decline) (0.9) % 7.5 %
Systemwide sales (in millions)1 USD 178.2 179.5 (1.4) (0.8) %
Revenues:
Royalty income USD 8’499 8’529 (30) (0.4) %
Franchise fees 273 180 93 51.7 %
Rental income 787 667 120 18.0 %
Sales of ice cream and other products 805 684 121 17.7 %
Other revenues 3’417 3’520 (103) (2.9) %
Total revenues USD 13’781 13’580 201 1.5 %
Segment profit USD 11’085 9’774 1’311 13.4 %
Points of distribution 2’533 2’515 18 0.7 %
Gross openings 14 18 (4) (22.2) %
Net openings (closings) 3 (13) 16 n/m
  1. Systemwide sales include sales at franchisee- and company-operated restaurants, including joint ventures. We do not record sales by franchisees or licensees as revenue and such sales are not included in our consolidated financial statements. Additionally, the prior period has been revised to reflect a reclassification of systemwide sales generated in Puerto Rico from Baskin-Robbins International to Baskin-Robbins U.S.

Baskin-Robbins U.S. third quarter revenue increased 1.5 percent from the prior year period to 13.8 million USD due primarily to increases in rental income, sales of ice cream and other products, and franchise fees, offset by a decrease in other revenues driven by a decrease in licensing income.

Segment profit for Baskin-Robbins U.S. increased 1.3 million USD in the third quarter, or 13.4 percent, over the prior year period primarily as a result of a reduction in general and administrative expenses, due primarily to expenses incurred in the prior year period related to brand-building activities, as well as reductions in bad debt expense and incentive compensation.

Amounts and percentages may not recalculate due to rounding Three months ended Increase (Decrease)
Baskin-Robbins International September 24, 2016 September 26, 2015 USD / # %
(USD in thousands except as otherwise noted)
Comparable store sales decline (2.9) % (2.4) %
Systemwide sales (in millions)1 USD 390.0 358.5 31.5 8.8 %
Revenues:
Royalty income USD 2’081 1’913 168 8.8 %
Franchise fees 205 149 56 37.6 %
Rental income 121 129 (8) (6.2) %
Sales of ice cream and other products 25’340 28’312 (2’972) (10.5) %
Other revenues 157 104 53 51.0 %
Total revenues USD 27’904 30’607 (2’703) (8.8) %
Segment profit USD 11’154 9’416 1’738 18.5 %
Points of distribution 5’243 5’102 141 2.8 %
Gross openings 116 110 6 5.5 %
Net openings (closings) 45 (5) 50 n/m
  1. Systemwide sales include sales at franchisee- and company-operated restaurants, including joint ventures. We do not record sales by franchisees or licensees as revenue and such sales are not included in our consolidated financial statements. Additionally, the prior period has been revised to reflect a reclassification of systemwide sales generated in Puerto Rico from Baskin-Robbins International to Baskin-Robbins U.S.

Baskin-Robbins International systemwide sales increased 8.8 percent in the third quarter compared to the prior year period driven by sales growth in Japan and South Korea. Sales in both Japan and South Korea were positively impacted by favorable foreign exchange rates. On a constant currency basis, systemwide sales increased by approximately 2 percent.

Baskin-Robbins International third quarter revenues decreased 8.8 percent from the prior year period to 27.9 million USD due primarily to a decrease in sales of ice cream products to the Middle East, partially offset by an increase in royalty income. Systemwide sales and sales of ice cream products are not directly correlated within a given period due to the lag between shipment of products to licensees and retail sales at franchised restaurants, as well as the overall timing of deliveries between fiscal quarters.

Third quarter segment profit increased 18.5 percent from the prior year period to 11.2 million USD as a result of a decrease in general and administrative expenses driven by a reduction in bad debt expense, an increase in net income from our Japan joint venture, and an increase in royalty income. These increases in segment profit were offset by a decrease in net margin on ice cream driven primarily by a decline in sales volume.

Company Updates

  • The Company today announced that the Board of Directors declared a fourth quarter cash dividend of 0.30 USD per share, payable on November 30, 2016, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 21, 2016.
  • The Company announced on September 22, 2016, that David Hoffmann was named president of Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. and Canada, effective October 3, 2016. Mr. Hoffmann joins Dunkin’ Brands after 22 years with McDonald’s Corporation, where he most recently served as President, High Growth Markets, which included China, South Korea, Russia and several additional European markets. Mr. Hoffmann replaces Paul Twohig who, as previously announced, is retiring and will stay with the Company through the end of the first quarter 2017 to ensure a smooth transition. In his new position, Mr. Hoffmann is responsible for Dunkin’ Donuts operations and marketing in the U.S. and Canada, as well as global franchising and store development for both Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins.
  • The Company announced on September 29, 2016, that it will launch a line of Dunkin’ Donuts branded ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee beverages in the United States in early 2017. The Coca-Cola Company will manufacture, distribute and sell the product. This marks Dunkin’ Donuts’ first entry into the RTD coffee category, which has enjoyed very strong growth over the past five years and represents 2.3 billion USD Dollars in annual sales according to Nielsen.

Fiscal Year 2016 Targets

As described below, the Company is reiterating and updating certain targets regarding its 2016 expectations.

  • The Company continues to expect Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. comparable store sales growth of 0 to 2 percent. It now expects Baskin-Robbins U.S. comparable store sales growth to be slightly positive, as compared to previous guidance of 1 to 3 percent.
  • The Company now expects Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. net development to be at the low end of the previously-provided range of 430 to 460 net new restaurants, excluding Speedway self-serve coffee station closures. The Company continues to expect Baskin-Robbins U.S. will add between 5 and 10 net new restaurants.
  • Internationally, the Company continues to target opening approximately 200 net new restaurants across the two brands.
  • The Company now expects net income of equity method investments to be slightly higher than 2015 full-year results of 12.6 million USD, as compared to previous guidance of slightly lower than 2015 full-year results. The update is primarily driven by the reduction of depreciation and amortization of its Japan joint venture as a result of the impairment charge recorded in fiscal year 2015.
  • The Company now expects revenue growth to be approximately 2 percent on a 53-week basis with the last week being worth approximately 100 basis points. The update is primarily driven by weaker-than-expected sales of ice cream products related to its Baskin-Robbins International segment.
  • The Company continues to expect GAAP operating income growth of between 27 and 30 percent and GAAP diluted earnings per share of 2.02 USD to 2.08 USD on a 53-week basis.
  • The Company continues to expect adjusted operating income growth of between 8 and 10 percent and diluted adjusted earnings per share of 2.20 USD to 2.22 USD on a 53-week basis.
  • The Company continues to expect full-year weighted-average shares outstanding of approximately 93 million and a 38.5 percent effective tax rate.
  • Fiscal year 2016 is a 53-week year for the Company. The target ranges for GAAP operating income growth and adjusted operating income growth are applicable on both a 52- and 53-week basis. The impact of the 53rd week on GAAP diluted earnings per share and diluted adjusted earnings per share is approximately 0.03 USD.