EX-99.1 2 exhibit991q32018pressrelea.htm PRESS RELEASE Exhibit


Exhibit 99.1



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Investor Relations Contact:
Raphael Gross
203-682-8253
investors@frgi.com

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2018 Results


DALLAS, Texas - (Business Wire) - November 5, 2018 - Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. ("Fiesta" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: FRGI), parent company of the Pollo Tropical® and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands, today reported results for the 13-week third quarter of 2018, which ended on September 30, 2018.

Fiesta President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Stockinger said, "Pollo Tropical extended its positive comparable restaurant sales trend to three consecutive quarters and ten consecutive months through September. Taco Cabana has now reported two consecutive quarters and six consecutive months of positive comparable restaurant sales growth through September. We attribute our momentum to the successful implementation of our Strategic Renewal Plan that has elevated important aspects of the guest experience including improved food quality, hospitality and an enhanced restaurant environment. While our prior year period results are distorted by the effects of the hurricanes last year and make comparison less meaningful, we are pleased with the continuation of our overall trajectory."

Mr. Stockinger continued, "We have completed significant development of our digital platforms and are now proceeding to launch comprehensive catering plans and pilot new loyalty and delivery programs. In advance of the upcoming holiday season, we have made great progress building our catering infrastructure at Pollo Tropical. Our 'My TC' loyalty program has been rolled out systemwide at Taco Cabana with positive initial results. Also, in the coming weeks, Pollo Tropical will begin piloting our 'My Pollo' loyalty program and third-party delivery in South Florida."

Mr. Stockinger concluded, "We celebrated Taco Cabana's 40th anniversary in September and will celebrate Pollo Tropical's 30th anniversary in November, true milestones for these iconic brands. Yet, we believe we remain in the early innings of the long-term opportunity of these two brands and we are looking ahead with optimism. The success of our Crispy Pollo BitesTM at Pollo Tropical and our shareable appetizers at Taco Cabana, including our Kickin' Grande Nachos, are examples of successful new product additions that broaden the appeal of our brands. With the stabilization of the topline, we are now focused on refining the Pollo Tropical brand in non-core markets and on improving Taco Cabana sales volumes and margins to ready the brands for future expansion."

Third Quarter 2018 Financial Summary

Total revenues increased 10.1% from the prior year period to $174.6 million due primarily to comparable restaurant sales growth at both Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana;
Comparable restaurant sales at Pollo Tropical increased 6.5%, the third consecutive quarter of positive comparable restaurant sales, and included the positive impact of lapping Hurricane Irma in the prior year period;
Comparable restaurant sales at Taco Cabana increased 12.2%, the second consecutive quarter of positive comparable restaurant sales, and included the positive impact of lapping Hurricane Harvey in the prior year period;
Net income of $2.0 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, compared to the prior year period net loss of $8.3 million, or $0.31 per diluted share;
Adjusted net income of $3.0 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, compared to the prior year period adjusted net income of $1.7 million, or $0.06 per diluted share (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below); and
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $15.0 million compared to the prior year period Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $13.2 million (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below).

1




Third Quarter 2018 Brand Results

During the third quarter of 2018, we lapped the anniversaries of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma (the "Hurricanes") which occurred in the prior year period.

Pollo Tropical restaurant sales increased 6.5% to $93.6 million in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the prior year period due primarily to a comparable restaurant sales increase of 6.5%. The increase in comparable restaurant sales resulted from a 5.2% increase in average check and a 1.3% increase in comparable restaurant transactions. The increase in average check was driven primarily by menu price increases of approximately 4.9%. In the prior year period, we estimated that the Hurricanes negatively impacted comparable restaurant sales and transactions by approximately 5.5% to 6.5%.

Adjusted EBITDA for Pollo Tropical increased to $12.5 million in the third quarter of 2018 from $9.4 million in the third quarter of 2017. This was due primarily to the impact of the Hurricanes and closing unprofitable restaurants in 2017, higher comparable restaurant sales and lower advertising expenses in 2018, partially offset by an increase in cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant sales and general and administrative expenses. In the prior year period, we estimated that the Hurricanes negatively impacted Adjusted EBITDA and income (loss) from operations by approximately $3.0 million to $4.0 million.

Taco Cabana restaurant sales increased 14.5% to $80.4 million in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the prior year period due primarily to a comparable restaurant sales increase of 12.2%. The increase in comparable restaurant sales resulted from a 12.1% increase in average check and a 0.1% increase in comparable restaurant transactions. Comparable restaurant transactions were negatively impacted primarily by the elimination of deep discounting related to the repositioning of the brand, and by the reduction in overnight operating hours which negatively impacted comparable restaurant sales by 0.9%. The increase in average check was primarily driven by menu price increases of 7.7% and positive sales mix associated with higher priced promotions and new menu items related to brand repositioning. In the prior year period, we estimated that the Hurricanes negatively impacted comparable restaurant sales and transactions by approximately 2.0% to 3.0%.

Adjusted EBITDA for Taco Cabana decreased to $2.5 million in the third quarter of 2018 from $3.8 million in the third quarter of 2017 due primarily to higher cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant sales and higher advertising, operating and general and administrative expenses, partially offset by the impact of higher comparable restaurant sales in 2018 and the impact of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. In the prior year period, we estimated that the Hurricanes negatively impacted Adjusted EBITDA and income (loss) from operations by approximately $1.0 million to $1.5 million.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses were $13.3 million in the third quarter of 2018 and $12.1 million in the third quarter of 2017, and as a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses were 7.6% in the third quarter of 2018 and the third quarter of 2017. General and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2018 included $0.4 million in costs related to discontinuing certain services and $0.4 million related to a system implementation and project-oriented advisory services. General and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2017 included a reduction of $(0.2) million in board and shareholder matter costs and a net benefit of $(0.1) million related to restructuring costs.

Impairment and Other Lease Charges

Impairment and other lease charges decreased to $6.4 million in the third quarter of 2018 from $15.9 million in the third quarter of 2017. Third quarter 2018 charges related primarily to impairment of three Pollo Tropical and five Taco Cabana underperforming restaurants that we continue to operate and other lease charges, net of recoveries, of $0.7 million, due primarily to lease charges related to an office relocation in the third quarter of 2018 and other lease charges, net of recoveries, related to previously closed restaurants due to adjustments to estimates of future lease costs.

Income Taxes
 
We revalued our net deferred income tax assets at the new federal corporate statutory rate of 21.0% in 2017 as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In 2018, in conjunction with a cost segregation study conducted prior to filing our 2017 federal income tax return, we changed the depreciation method for certain assets for federal income tax purposes to accelerate tax deductions. Changes in our 2017 federal income tax return from the amounts recorded as of December 31, 2017 were primarily the result of changing the depreciable lives of assets for federal income tax purposes. These changes allowed us to record an incremental benefit of $3.9 million for the third quarter of 2018. The provision for income taxes for the third quarter of 2018 was derived using an estimated

2



annual effective tax rate of 23.4%, which excludes the discrete impact of a tax deficiency from the vesting of restricted shares of $0.2 million and an adjustment resulting from changes in our 2017 federal income tax return from the amounts recorded as of December 31, 2017 of $4.1 million, which includes the $3.9 million impact of revaluing changes in our deferred tax assets.

Restaurant Portfolio

As of September 30, 2018, there were 150 Company-owned Pollo Tropical restaurants, 171 Company-owned Taco Cabana restaurants, 30 franchised Pollo Tropical restaurants in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Guyana and Panama and eight franchised Taco Cabana restaurants in the U.S. During the third quarter of 2018, we opened one Company-owned Taco Cabana restaurant in Texas.

2018 Restaurant Development and Capital Expenditures

New restaurant development in 2018 includes seven Company-owned Pollo Tropical restaurant openings in Florida and seven Company-owned Taco Cabana restaurant openings in Texas, including five conversions from closed Pollo Tropical restaurants. All fourteen planned 2018 restaurant openings will be completed by the end of this week. We continue to anticipate capital expenditures for the development of new restaurants in 2018 to be $22.0 million to $25.0 million.

Total capital expenditures in 2018 are expected to be at the high-end of the $60.0 million to $70.0 million range due in part to additional restaurant investments being made to improve food quality and support new menu, catering and technology platforms.

Investor Conference Call Today

Fiesta will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET today. The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 201-689-8562. A replay will be available after the call until Monday, November 12, 2018, and can be accessed by dialing 412-317-6671. The passcode is 13683908. The conference call will also be webcast live from the corporate website at www.frgi.com, under the Investor Relations section. A replay of the webcast will be available through the corporate website shortly after the call has concluded.

About Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises the Pollo Tropical® and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering. For more information about Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., visit the corporate website at www.frgi.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for the historical information contained in this news release, the matters addressed are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, written, oral or otherwise made, represent Fiesta's expectation or belief concerning future events. Without limiting the foregoing, these statements are often identified by the words "may," "might," "believes," "thinks," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends" or similar expressions. In addition, expressions of Fiesta's strategies, intentions or plans are also forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect management's current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond Fiesta's control. Investors are referred to the full discussion of risks and uncertainties as included in Fiesta's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



3



FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 AND OCTOBER 1, 2017
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended (a)
 
Nine Months Ended (a)
 
September 30, 2018
 
October 1, 2017
 
September 30, 2018
 
October 1, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Restaurant sales
$
173,966

 
$
158,100

 
$
518,951

 
$
505,082

   Franchise royalty revenues and fees
682

 
591

 
2,008

 
1,840

      Total revenues
174,648

 
158,691

 
520,959

 
506,922

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Cost of sales
56,021

 
49,151

 
166,275

 
150,827

   Restaurant wages and related expenses (b)
47,943

 
44,649

 
142,103

 
139,050

   Restaurant rent expense
9,129

 
9,104

 
26,861

 
27,881

   Other restaurant operating expenses
27,294

 
24,856

 
75,398

 
73,560

   Advertising expense
6,472

 
5,885

 
18,046

 
17,716

   General and administrative expenses (b)(c)
13,284

 
12,057

 
41,023

 
46,751

   Depreciation and amortization
9,739

 
8,483

 
27,908

 
26,265

   Pre-opening costs
223

 
544

 
1,481

 
1,878

   Impairment and other lease charges (d)
6,417

 
15,905

 
6,539

 
59,081

   Other expense (income), net (e)
47

 
469

 
(3,132
)
 
1,721

      Total operating expenses
176,569

 
171,103

 
502,502

 
544,730

Income (loss) from operations
(1,921
)
 
(12,412
)
 
18,457

 
(37,808
)
   Interest expense
924

 
672

 
2,979

 
1,910

Income (loss) before income taxes
(2,845
)
 
(13,084
)
 
15,478

 
(39,718
)
   Benefit from income taxes
(4,892
)
 
(4,827
)
 
(246
)
 
(14,241
)
Net income (loss)
$
2,047

 
$
(8,257
)
 
$
15,724

 
$
(25,477
)
Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.08

 
$
(0.31
)
 
$
0.58

 
$
(0.95
)
Diluted
0.08

 
(0.31
)
 
0.58

 
(0.95
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
26,954,285

 
26,845,568

 
26,900,716

 
26,811,610

Diluted
26,958,874

 
26,845,568

 
26,905,391

 
26,811,610


(a) The Company uses a 52- or 53-week fiscal year that ends on the Sunday closest to December 31. The three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017 each included 13 and 39 weeks, respectively.

(b) Restaurant wages and related expenses include stock-based compensation of $6 and $9 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017, respectively, and $56 and $44 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017, respectively. General and administrative expenses include stock-based compensation expense of $732 and $938 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017, respectively, and $2,588 and $2,723 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017, respectively.

(c) See notes (e) through (h) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

(d) See note (b) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

(e) See note (c) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."


4



FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
   Cash
$
5,743

 
$
3,599

   Other current assets
38,612

 
37,449

   Property and equipment, net
235,609

 
234,561

   Goodwill
123,484

 
123,484

   Deferred income taxes
9,376

 
17,232

   Other assets
7,074

 
6,988

      Total assets
$
419,898

 
$
423,313

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
   Current liabilities
$
49,538

 
$
59,844

   Long-term debt, net of current portion
71,664

 
76,425

   Deferred income sale-leaseback of real estate
20,765

 
23,466

   Other non-current liabilities
30,474

 
32,062

      Total liabilities
172,441

 
191,797

Stockholders' equity
247,457

 
231,516

      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
419,898

 
$
423,313



5



FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
Supplemental Information
The following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental financial and other data for the periods indicated
(In thousands, except percentages):
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30, 2018
 
October 1, 2017
 
September 30, 2018
 
October 1, 2017
Segment revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Pollo Tropical
$
94,045

 
$
88,284

 
$
284,823

 
$
282,844

   Taco Cabana
80,603

 
70,407

 
236,136

 
224,078

      Total revenues
$
174,648

 
$
158,691

 
$
520,959

 
$
506,922

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in comparable restaurant sales (a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Pollo Tropical
6.5
%
 
(10.9
)%
 
3.6
%
 
(8.5
)%
   Taco Cabana
12.2
%
 
(12.6
)%
 
4.3
%
 
(7.2
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average sales per Company-owned restaurant:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Pollo Tropical
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparable restaurants (b)
$
644

 
$
614

 
$
1,985

 
$
1,849

New restaurants (c)
428

 
385

 
1,307

 
1,217

Total Company-owned (d)
624

 
575

 
1,915

 
1,723

   Taco Cabana
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparable restaurants (b)
$
474

 
$
420

 
$
1,416

 
$
1,335

New restaurants (c)
422

 
423

 
1,183

 
1,358

Total Company-owned (d)
470

 
420

 
1,399

 
1,336

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Pollo Tropical
$
2,976

 
$
(10,816
)
 
$
21,901

 
$
(39,414
)
   Taco Cabana
(5,821
)
 
(2,268
)
 
(6,423
)
 
(304
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Pollo Tropical
$
12,544

 
$
9,396

 
$
42,520

 
$
41,257

   Taco Cabana
2,493

 
3,776

 
9,652

 
17,252

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA (e):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Pollo Tropical
$
19,103

 
$
15,480

 
$
62,948

 
$
62,343

   Taco Cabana
8,010

 
8,984

 
27,375

 
34,159

(a) Restaurants are included in comparable restaurant sales after they have been open for 18 months or longer.
(b) Comparable restaurants are restaurants that have been open for 18 months or longer. Average sales for comparable Company-owned restaurants are derived by dividing comparable restaurant sales for such period for the applicable segment by the average number of comparable restaurants for the applicable segment for such period.
(c) New restaurants are restaurants that have been open for less than 18 months. Average sales for new Company-owned restaurants are derived by dividing new restaurant sales for such period for the applicable segment by the average number of new restaurants for the applicable segment for such period.
(d) Average sales for total Company-owned restaurants are derived by dividing restaurant sales for such period for the applicable segment by the average number of open restaurants for the applicable segment for such period.
(e) Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please see the reconciliation from net income (loss) to Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA in the table titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

6



FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
Supplemental Information
The following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental data for the periods indicated:

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30, 2018
 
October 1, 2017
 
September 30, 2018
 
October 1, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company-owned restaurant openings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Pollo Tropical

 
2

 
4

 
8

   Taco Cabana
1

 
3

 
7

 
6

      Total new restaurant openings
1

 
5

 
11

 
14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company-owned restaurant closings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Pollo Tropical

 
(6
)
 

 
(36
)
   Taco Cabana

 
(4
)
 
(2
)
 
(4
)
      Net change in restaurants
1

 
(5
)
 
9

 
(26
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of Company-owned restaurants:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Pollo Tropical
150

 
149

 
150

 
149

   Taco Cabana
171

 
168

 
171

 
168

      Total Company-owned restaurants
321

 
317

 
321

 
317

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of franchised restaurants:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Pollo Tropical
30

 
32

 
30

 
32

    Taco Cabana
8

 
7

 
8

 
7

      Total franchised restaurants
38

 
39

 
38

 
39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total number of restaurants:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Pollo Tropical
180

 
181

 
180

 
181

   Taco Cabana
179

 
175

 
179

 
175

      Total restaurants
359

 
356

 
359

 
356











7



FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
Supplemental Information
The following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental financial and other data for the periods indicated
(In thousands, except percentages):
 
Three Months Ended
 
September 30, 2018
 
October 1, 2017
 
 
(a)
 
 
(a)
Pollo Tropical:
 
 
 
 
 
   Restaurant sales
$
93,592

 
 
$
87,888

 
   Cost of sales
31,219

33.4
%
 
28,527

32.5
%
   Restaurant wages and related expenses
21,947

23.4
%
 
21,208

24.1
%
   Restaurant rent expense
4,392

4.7
%
 
4,655

5.3
%
   Other restaurant operating expenses
13,521

14.4
%
 
13,034

14.8
%
   Advertising expense
3,413

3.6
%
 
4,980

5.7
%
   Depreciation and amortization
5,438

5.8
%
 
5,187

5.9
%
   Pre-opening costs
134

0.1
%
 
230

0.3
%
   Impairment and other lease charges
3,295

3.5
%
 
13,729

15.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taco Cabana:
 
 
 
 
 
   Restaurant sales
$
80,374

 
 
$
70,212

 
   Cost of sales
24,802

30.9
%
 
20,624

29.4
%
   Restaurant wages and related expenses
25,996

32.3
%
 
23,441

33.4
%
   Restaurant rent expense
4,737

5.9
%
 
4,449

6.3
%
   Other restaurant operating expenses
13,773

17.1
%
 
11,822

16.8
%
   Advertising expense
3,059

3.8
%
 
905

1.3
%
   Depreciation and amortization
4,301

5.4
%
 
3,296

4.7
%
   Pre-opening costs
89

0.1
%
 
314

0.4
%
   Impairment and other lease charges
3,122

3.9
%
 
2,176

3.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30, 2018
 
October 1, 2017
 
 
(a)
 
 
(a)
Pollo Tropical:
 
 
 
 
 
   Restaurant sales
$
283,447

 
 
$
281,572

 
   Cost of sales
93,716

33.1
%
 
87,430

31.1
%
   Restaurant wages and related expenses
65,652

23.2
%
 
66,945

23.8
%
   Restaurant rent expense
13,024

4.6
%
 
14,502

5.2
%
   Other restaurant operating expenses
38,270

13.5
%
 
39,353

14.0
%
   Advertising expense
9,859

3.5
%
 
11,316

4.0
%
   Depreciation and amortization
16,117

5.7
%
 
16,705

5.9
%
   Pre-opening costs
699

0.2
%
 
1,013

0.4
%
   Impairment and other lease charges
3,439

1.2
%
 
56,336

20.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taco Cabana:
 
 
 
 
 
   Restaurant sales
$
235,504

 
 
$
223,510

 
   Cost of sales
72,559

30.8
%
 
63,397

28.4
%
   Restaurant wages and related expenses
76,451

32.5
%
 
72,105

32.3
%
   Restaurant rent expense
13,837

5.9
%
 
13,379

6.0
%
   Other restaurant operating expenses
37,128

15.8
%
 
34,207

15.3
%
   Advertising expense
8,187

3.5
%
 
6,400

2.9
%
   Depreciation and amortization
11,791

5.0
%
 
9,560

4.3
%
   Pre-opening costs
782

0.3
%
 
865

0.4
%
   Impairment and other lease charges
3,100

1.3
%
 
2,745

1.2
%
(a) Percent of restaurant sales for the applicable segment.

8



FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
Supplemental Non-GAAP Information
The following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental financial data for the periods indicated
(In thousands):

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings attributable to the applicable operating segments before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment and other lease charges, stock-based compensation expense, other expense (income), net, and certain significant items for each segment that are related to strategic changes and/or are not related to the ongoing operation of our restaurants as set forth in the reconciliation table below. Adjusted EBITDA for each of our segments includes an allocation of general and administrative expenses associated with administrative support for executive management, information systems and certain finance, legal, supply chain, human resources, construction and other administrative functions. Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Adjusted EBITDA excluding franchise royalty revenues and fees, pre-opening costs and general and administrative expenses (including corporate-level general and administrative expenses).

Adjusted EBITDA for each of our segments is the primary measure of segment profit or loss used by our chief operating decision maker for purposes of allocating resources to our segments and assessing their performance. In addition, management believes that Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA, when viewed with our results of operations calculated in accordance with GAAP and our reconciliation of net income (loss) to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA (i) provide useful information about our operating performance and period-over-period changes, (ii) provide additional information that is useful for evaluating the operating performance of our business, and (iii) permit investors to gain an understanding of the factors and trends affecting our ongoing earnings, from which capital investments are made and debt is serviced. However, such measures are not measures of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and, accordingly, should not be considered as alternatives to net income or cash flow from operating activities as indicators of operating performance or liquidity. Also, these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled captions of other companies.


9




Three Months Ended
 
Pollo Tropical
 
Taco Cabana
 
Consolidated
September 30, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
$
2,047

Benefit from income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
(4,892
)
Income (loss) before taxes
 
$
2,976

 
$
(5,821
)
 
$
(2,845
)
Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Non-general and administrative expense adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
          Depreciation and amortization
 
5,438

 
4,301

 
9,739

          Impairment and other lease charges
 
3,295

 
3,122

 
6,417

          Interest expense
 
448

 
476

 
924

          Other expense (income), net
 
(29
)
 
76

 
47

          Stock-based compensation expense in restaurant wages
 
4

 
2

 
6

                Total non-general and administrative expense adjustments
 
9,156

 
7,977

 
17,133

     General and administrative expense adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
          Stock-based compensation expense
 
407

 
325

 
732

          Strategic Renewal Plan restructuring costs and retention bonuses
 
5

 
12

 
17

               Total general and administrative expense adjustments
 
412

 
337

 
749

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
12,544

 
$
2,493

 
$
15,037

Restaurant-level adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
          Add: Pre-opening costs
 
134

 
89

 
223

          Add: Other general and administrative expense(1)
 
6,878

 
5,657

 
12,535

          Less: Franchise royalty revenue and fees
 
453

 
229

 
682

Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
19,103

 
$
8,010

 
$
27,113

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
October 1, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
 
 
 
 
$
(8,257
)
Benefit from income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
(4,827
)
Loss before taxes
 
$
(10,816
)
 
$
(2,268
)
 
$
(13,084
)
Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Non-general and administrative expense adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
          Depreciation and amortization
 
5,187

 
3,296

 
8,483

          Impairment and other lease charges
 
13,729

 
2,176

 
15,905

          Interest expense
 
329

 
343

 
672

          Other expense (income), net
 
574

 
(105
)
 
469

          Stock-based compensation expense in restaurant wages
 
(4
)
 
13

 
9

                Total non-general and administrative expense adjustments
 
19,815

 
5,723

 
25,538

     General and administrative expense adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
          Stock-based compensation expense
 
587

 
351

 
938

          Board and shareholder matter costs
 
(89
)
 
(66
)
 
(155
)
          Strategic Renewal Plan restructuring costs and retention bonuses
 
51

 
36

 
87

          Office restructuring and relocation costs
 
(152
)
 

 
(152
)
               Total general and administrative expense adjustments
 
397

 
321

 
718

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
9,396

 
$
3,776

 
$
13,172

Restaurant-level adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
          Add: Pre-opening costs
 
230

 
314

 
544

          Add: Other general and administrative expense(1)
 
6,250

 
5,089

 
11,339

          Less: Franchise royalty revenue and fees
 
396

 
195

 
591

Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
15,480

 
$
8,984

 
$
24,464

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

10



Nine Months Ended
 
Pollo Tropical
 
Taco Cabana
 
Consolidated
September 30, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
$
15,724

Benefit from income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
(246
)
Income (loss) before taxes
 
$
21,901

 
$
(6,423
)
 
$
15,478

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Non-general and administrative expense adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
          Depreciation and amortization
 
16,117

 
11,791

 
27,908

          Impairment and other lease charges
 
3,439

 
3,100

 
6,539

          Interest expense
 
1,467

 
1,512

 
2,979

          Other expense (income), net
 
(1,577
)
 
(1,555
)
 
(3,132
)
          Stock-based compensation expense in restaurant wages
 
23

 
33

 
56

                Total non-general and administrative expense adjustments
 
19,469

 
14,881

 
34,350

     General and administrative expense adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
          Stock-based compensation expense
 
1,458

 
1,130

 
2,588

          Board and shareholder matter costs
 
(328
)
 
(269
)
 
(597
)
          Strategic Renewal Plan restructuring costs and retention bonuses
 
187

 
333

 
520

          Legal settlements and related costs
 
(167
)
 

 
(167
)
               Total general and administrative expense adjustments
 
1,150

 
1,194

 
2,344

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
42,520

 
$
9,652

 
$
52,172

Restaurant-level adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
          Add: Pre-opening costs
 
699

 
782

 
1,481

          Add: Other general and administrative expense(1)
 
21,105

 
17,573

 
38,678

          Less: Franchise royalty revenue and fees
 
1,376

 
632

 
2,008

Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
62,948

 
$
27,375

 
$
90,323

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
October 1, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
 
 
 
 
$
(25,477
)
Benefit from income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
(14,241
)
Loss before taxes
 
$
(39,414
)
 
$
(304
)
 
$
(39,718
)
Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Non-general and administrative expense adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
          Depreciation and amortization
 
16,705

 
9,560

 
26,265

          Impairment and other lease charges
 
56,336

 
2,745

 
59,081

          Interest expense
 
873

 
1,037

 
1,910

          Other expense (income), net
 
1,624

 
97

 
1,721

          Stock-based compensation expense in restaurant wages
 
(4
)
 
48

 
44

          Unused pre-production costs in advertising expense
 
322

 
88

 
410

                Total non-general and administrative expense adjustments
 
75,856

 
13,575

 
89,431

     General and administrative expense adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
          Stock-based compensation expense
 
1,542

 
1,181

 
2,723

          Terminated capital project
 
484

 
365

 
849

          Board and shareholder matter costs
 
2,136

 
1,612

 
3,748

          Strategic Renewal Plan restructuring costs and retention bonuses
 
1,278

 
823

 
2,101

          Office restructuring and relocation costs
 
(152
)
 

 
(152
)
          Legal settlements and related costs
 
(473
)
 

 
(473
)
               Total general and administrative expense adjustments
 
4,815

 
3,981

 
8,796

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
41,257

 
$
17,252

 
$
58,509

Restaurant-level adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
          Add: Pre-opening costs
 
1,013

 
865

 
1,878

          Add: Other general and administrative expense(1)
 
21,345

 
16,610

 
37,955

          Less: Franchise royalty revenue and fees
 
1,272

 
568

 
1,840

Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
62,343

 
$
34,159

 
$
96,502

(1) Excludes general and administrative adjustments above.

11



FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
Supplemental Non-GAAP Information
The following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental financial data for the periods indicated
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts):

Adjusted net income and related adjusted diluted earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted net income is defined as net income (loss) before impairment and other lease charges, other expense (income), net, unused pre-production costs in advertising expense, terminated capital project costs, board and shareholder matter costs, Strategic Renewal Plan restructuring costs and retention bonuses, certain legal settlements and related costs and other significant items that are related to strategic changes and/or are not related to the ongoing operation of our restaurants. Management believes that adjusted net income and related adjusted earnings per diluted share, when viewed with our results of operations calculated in accordance with GAAP (i) provide useful information about our operating performance and period-over-period growth, (ii) provide additional information that is useful for evaluating the operating performance of our business, and (iii) permit investors to gain an understanding of the factors and trends affecting our ongoing earnings, from which capital investments are made and debt is serviced. However, such measures are not measures of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and, accordingly should not be considered as alternatives to net income or net income per share as indicators of operating performance or liquidity. Also, these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled captions of other companies.

12



 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
October 1, 2017
 
 
Income Before Income Taxes
 
Benefit From Income Taxes (a)
 
Net Income
 
Diluted EPS
 
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
 
Benefit From Income Taxes (a)
 
Net Income (Loss)
 
Diluted EPS
Reported - GAAP
 
$
(2,845
)
 
$
(4,892
)
 
$
2,047

 
$
0.08

 
$
(13,084
)
 
$
(4,827
)
 
$
(8,257
)
 
$
(0.31
)
Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Non-general and administrative expense adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          Income tax due to federal rate change (a)
 

 
3,861

 
(3,861
)
 
(0.14
)
 

 

 

 

          Impairment and other lease charges (b)
 
6,417

 
1,619

 
4,798

 
0.18

 
15,905

 
6,111

 
9,794

 
0.36

          Other expense (income), net (c)
 
47

 
12

 
35

 

 
469

 
180

 
289

 
0.01

               Total non-general and administrative expense
 
6,464

 
5,492

 
972

 
0.04

 
16,374

 
6,291

 
10,083

 
0.37

     General and administrative expense adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         Board and shareholder matter costs (f)
 

 

 

 

 
(155
)
 
(60
)
 
(95
)
 

         Strategic Renewal Plan restructuring costs and retention bonuses (g)
 
17

 
4

 
13

 

 
87

 
34

 
53

 

         Office restructuring and relocation costs (h)
 

 

 

 

 
(152
)
 
(58
)
 
(94
)
 

               Total general and administrative expense
 
17

 
4

 
13

 

 
(220
)
 
(84
)
 
(136
)
 
0.01

               Adjusted - Non-GAAP
 
$
3,636

 
$
604

 
$
3,032

 
$
0.11

 
$
3,070

 
$
1,380

 
$
1,690

 
$
0.06

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
October 1, 2017
 
 
Income Before Income Taxes
 
Benefit From Income Taxes (a)
 
Net Income
 
Diluted EPS
 
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
 
Benefit From Income Taxes (a)
 
Net Income (Loss)
 
Diluted EPS
Reported - GAAP
 
$
15,478

 
$
(246
)
 
$
15,724

 
$
0.58

 
$
(39,718
)
 
$
(14,241
)
 
$
(25,477
)
 
$
(0.95
)
Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Non-general and administrative expense adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          Income tax due to federal rate change (a)
 


 
3,861

 
(3,861
)
 
(0.14
)
 

 

 

 

          Impairment and other lease charges (b)
 
6,539

 
1,650

 
4,889

 
0.18

 
59,081

 
22,700

 
36,381

 
1.35

          Other expense (income), net (c)
 
(3,132
)
 
(790
)
 
(2,342
)
 
(0.09
)
 
1,721

 
662

 
1,059

 
0.04

          Unused pre-production costs in advertising expense (d)
 

 

 

 

 
410

 
158

 
252

 
0.01

               Total non-general and administrative expense
 
3,407

 
4,721

 
(1,314
)
 
(0.05
)
 
61,212

 
23,520

 
37,692

 
1.39

     General and administrative expense adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         Terminated capital project (e)
 

 

 

 

 
849

 
326

 
523

 
0.02

         Board and shareholder matter costs (f)
 
(597
)
 
(151
)
 
(446
)
 
(0.02
)
 
3,748

 
1,440

 
2,308

 
0.09

         Strategic Renewal Plan restructuring costs and retention bonuses (g)
 
520

 
131

 
389

 
0.01

 
2,101

 
807

 
1,294

 
0.05

         Office restructuring and relocation costs (h)
 

 

 

 

 
(152
)
 
(58
)
 
(94
)
 

         Legal settlements and related costs (i)
 
(167
)
 
(42
)
 
(125
)
 

 
(473
)
 
(182
)
 
(291
)
 
(0.01
)
               Total general and administrative expense
 
(244
)
 
(62
)
 
(182
)
 
(0.01
)
 
6,073

 
2,333

 
3,740

 
0.14

               Adjusted - Non-GAAP
 
$
18,641

 
$
4,413

 
$
14,228

 
$
0.52

 
$
27,567

 
$
11,612

 
$
15,955

 
$
0.59


(a) The benefit for income taxes related to the adjustments was calculated using the Company's combined federal statutory and estimated state rate of 25.2% and 38.4% for the periods ending September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017, respectively. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act"), which includes a provision that reduces the federal corporate income tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0% effective January 1, 2018, was signed into law. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the enactment of this new tax legislation required us to revalue our net deferred income tax assets at the new corporate statutory rate of 21.0% as of the enactment date in 2017. In 2018, in conjunction with a cost segregation study conducted prior to filing our 2017 federal income tax return, we changed the depreciation method for certain assets for federal income tax purposes to accelerate tax deductions. Changes in our 2017 federal income tax return from the amounts recorded as of December 31, 2017 were primarily the result of changing the depreciable lives of assets for federal income tax purposes. These changes allowed us to record an incremental benefit of $3.9 million for the third quarter of 2018.


13



(b) Impairment and other lease charges for the three months ended September 30, 2018 primarily include impairment charges of $5.7 million related to underperforming Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana restaurants and lease charges, net of recoveries, of $0.7 million related to an office relocation in the third quarter of 2018 and adjustments to estimates of future lease cost for certain previously closed restaurants. Impairment and other lease charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 also include impairment charges of $0.4 million primarily related to closed restaurants and an underperforming Taco Cabana restaurant, and a net benefit of $(0.3) million in lease charge recoveries due primarily to a lease termination, a lease assignment, subleases and other adjustments to estimates of future lease costs.

Impairment and other lease charges for the three months ended October 1, 2017 include impairment charges of $16.5 million primarily related to Pollo Tropical restaurants that closed in 2017 and an underperforming Taco Cabana restaurant, and a net benefit of $0.6 million in lease charge recoveries due to lease terminations, lease assignments, subleases and other adjustments to estimates of future lease costs net of lease charges related to the closure of underperforming restaurants. Impairment and other lease charges for the nine months ended October 1, 2017 also include impairment charges of $36.3 million primarily related to Pollo Tropical restaurants that closed in 2017 and lease charges of $6.9 million related to the closure of Pollo Tropical restaurants.

(c) Other expense (income), net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 primarily includes $0.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively, in insurance recoveries related to the Hurricanes partially offset by the write-off of site development costs of $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, and costs for the removal, transfer and storage of equipment from closed restaurants of $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively. Other expense (income), net for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 also includes total gains of $1.2 million on the sales of restaurant properties. Other expense (income), net for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2017, includes the write-off of site costs related to locations that we decided not to develop, costs for the removal of signs and equipment and equipment transfers and storage related to the closure of Pollo Tropical restaurants and severance for restaurant employees, partially offset by estimated insurance recoveries related to a Taco Cabana restaurant that was closed due to Hurricane Harvey damages, and expected business interruption insurance proceeds related to a Taco Cabana restaurant that was temporarily closed due to a fire.

(d) Unused pre-production costs for the nine months ended October 1, 2017, include costs for advertising pre-production that were not used.

(e) Terminated capital project costs for the nine months ended October 1, 2017, include costs related to the write-off of a capital project that was terminated in the first quarter of 2017.

(f) Board and shareholder matter costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 include fee reductions and final insurance recoveries related to 2017 shareholder activism costs. Board and shareholder matter costs for the three and nine months ended and October 1, 2017 include fees related to shareholder activism and CEO and board member searches.

(g) Strategic Renewal Plan restructuring costs and retention bonuses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017, include severance related to the Plan and reduction in force and bonuses paid to certain employees for retention purposes.

(h) Office restructuring and relocation costs for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2017 include a favorable adjustment associated with restructuring Pollo Tropical management in Miami, Florida and Dallas, Texas.

(i) Legal settlements and related costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017 include reductions to final settlement amounts and benefits related to litigation matters.






14