0001157523-11-005982.txt : 20111026 0001157523-11-005982.hdr.sgml : 20111026 20111026091201 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001157523-11-005982 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20111026 ITEM INFORMATION: Results of Operations and Financial Condition ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20111026 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20111026 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: Ruths Hospitality Group, Inc. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001324272 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-EATING PLACES [5812] IRS NUMBER: 721060618 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1226 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-51485 FILM NUMBER: 111158046 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 500 INTERNATIONAL PARKWAY STREET 2: SUITE 100 CITY: HEATHROW STATE: FL ZIP: 32746 BUSINESS PHONE: (407) 333-7440 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 500 INTERNATIONAL PARKWAY STREET 2: SUITE 100 CITY: HEATHROW STATE: FL ZIP: 32746 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: Ruths Chris Steak House, Inc. DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20050419 8-K 1 a50043626.htm RUTH'S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC. 8-K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 26, 2011

RUTH'S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Commission File Number:  000-51485

Delaware

72-1060618

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation)

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

1030 W. Canton Avenue, Ste. 100
Winter Park, FL 32789
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(407) 333-7440
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

400 International Parkway, Ste. 325
Heathrow, FL 32746
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

⃞ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

⃞ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On October 26, 2011, the Company issued a press release announcing its earnings results for its fiscal third quarter ended September 25, 2011. A copy of the press release is being furnished as Exhibit 99.1.

The information in this Item 2.02 in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99 hereto, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section. The information in this Item 2.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.


Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

Exhibit 99.1 Press Release issued by Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc., dated October 26, 2011.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC.

 
Date:

October 26, 2011

By:

/s/ Arne G. Haak

Arne G. Haak

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.

 

Description

99.1

Press Release issued by Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc., dated October 26, 2011.

EX-99.1 2 a50043626ex99_1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1

Exhibit 99.1

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2011 Financial Results

WINTER PARK, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--October 26, 2011--Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: RUTH) today reported unaudited financial results for its third quarter ended September 25, 2011.

Highlights for the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 were as follows:

  • Total revenues rose 2% to $80.2 million compared to $78.6 million in the prior year.
  • Net income available to preferred and common shareholders of $85 thousand, or $0.00 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $477 thousand, or ($0.01) per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2010.
  • Company-owned comparable restaurant sales for Ruth’s Chris Steak House increased 2.6%. Company-owned comparable restaurant sales for Mitchell’s Fish Market decreased 0.7%.
  • Food and beverage costs, as a percentage of restaurant sales, increased 120 basis points to 31.1%, driven primarily by unfavorable beef costs in addition to higher dairy, oil and grain-based products.
  • Restaurant operating expenses, as a percentage of restaurant sales, increased 40 basis points to 56.3%, primarily due to increased health insurance costs which offset the benefit of increased sales leverage.
  • All other operating costs were down 7% primarily due to reduced marketing expense.
  • At the end of the third quarter of 2011, the Company had $39.4 million in debt outstanding under its senior credit agreement down from $67.0 million a year ago. This contributed to a $300 thousand reduction in interest expense year-over-year.

Michael P. O'Donnell, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc., stated, “We’re pleased to have delivered our sixth consecutive quarter of comparable sales growth and our seventh consecutive quarter of traffic gains in the Ruth’s Chris brand, despite what turned out to be a challenging external environment. While our profit was modest this quarter, it was significant in that it was our first profit in four years in what is our seasonally weakest quarter from a sales perspective. I am grateful for the efforts of our team members and would like to thank them for their extraordinary effort and continued dedication. By focusing on high-level execution and creating great value for our guests, we believe we have strengthened and stabilized our brand. Our balance sheet remains strong and we continue to be prudent in evaluating our development opportunities.”

Review of Operating Results

Total revenues, which include Company-owned restaurant sales, franchise income, and other operating income were $80.2 million compared to $78.6 million in the third quarter of 2010.

Company-owned restaurant sales increased 1.9% to $77.1 million for the third quarter of 2011 from $75.7 million in the same quarter last year. Total operating weeks decreased 0.2% to 1,103 from 1,105 due to the relocation of our Portland restaurant.

Average weekly sales for Ruth’s Chris Steak House were $72 thousand in the third quarter of 2011 compared to $70 thousand in the third quarter of 2010. Average weekly sales at Mitchell’s Fish Market were $66 thousand compared to $67 thousand in the prior year third quarter.

For the third quarter of 2011, Company-owned comparable restaurant sales at Ruth’s Chris Steak House increased 2.6%, which consisted of an entrée increase of 1.2% along with an average check increase of 1.4%. Comparable restaurant sales at Mitchell’s Fish Market decreased 0.7%, which consisted of an entrée decrease of 2.4% and an average check increase of 1.8%.

Franchise income increased 10.7% to $2.9 million in the third quarter of 2011 from $2.6 million in the prior year third quarter. Comparable franchise-owned restaurant sales increased 6.1% with strong growth in the international markets. In September, we opened a franchised restaurant in Grand Rapids, MI in the historic Amway Grand Hotel.

Operating income was $1.7 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to $1.7 million in the prior year third quarter.

Net income available to preferred and common shareholders was $85 thousand, or $0.00 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $477 thousand, or ($0.01) per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2010.

Financial Outlook

The following statements are not guarantees of future performance, and therefore, undue reliance should not be placed upon them. We refer all of you to our recent filings with the SEC for a more detailed discussion of the risks that could impact future operating results and financial conditions.

Based on current information, Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc. is updating its previous 2011 outlook:

  • Cost of goods sold of 30.5% to 31.5% of restaurant sales
  • Marketing and advertising of 3.0% to 3.5% of total revenues
  • General and administrative expenses of $23 million to $25 million
  • Effective tax rate of 30% in the fourth quarter resulting in a full year rate of 13% to 15%
  • Capital expenditures of $8 to $10 million, down from $10 to $12 million in its previous outlook
  • Free cash flow of $23 to $25 million, up from $21 to $23 million in its previous outlook
  • Fully-diluted shares outstanding of 43.0 million to 44.0 million

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call to discuss third quarter 2011 financial results today at 8:00 AM Eastern Time. Hosting the call will be Mike O’Donnell, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Arne Haak, Chief Financial Officer.

The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 877-419-6590 or for international callers by dialing 719-325-4746. A replay will be available one hour after the call and can be accessed by dialing 877-870-5176 or 858-384-5517 for international callers; the password is 4774286. The replay will be available until November 2, 2011. The call will also be webcast live from the Company's website at www.rhgi.com under the investor relations section.

About Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: RUTH) is a leading restaurant company focused exclusively on the upscale dining segment. The Company owns the Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Mitchell’s Fish Market, Mitchell’s Steakhouse and Cameron’s Steakhouse concepts. With more than 150 Company- and franchisee-owned locations worldwide, Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Winter Park, Fla.

For further information about our restaurants, to make reservations, or to purchase gift cards, please visit: www.RuthsChris.com, www.MitchellsFishMarket.com, www.MitchellsSteakhouse.com and www.Camerons-Steakhouse.com. For more information about Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc., please visit www.rhgi.com.

       
RUTH'S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - Unaudited
(dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
13 Weeks Ending 39 Weeks Ending
September 26, September 25, September 26, September 25,
2010 2011 2010 2011
 
Revenues:
Restaurant sales $ 75,685 $ 77,087 $ 248,388 $ 258,198
Franchise income 2,645 2,928 8,358 8,866
Other operating income   282     171     3,226     2,868  
Total revenues 78,612 80,186 259,972 269,932
 
Costs and expenses:
Food and beverage costs 22,658 23,953 73,261 79,396
Restaurant operating expenses 42,286 43,419 132,197 134,770
Marketing and advertising 2,754 1,605 8,108 7,701
General and administrative costs 5,380 5,783 16,304 17,013
Depreciation and amortization expenses 3,839 3,616 11,583 10,976
Pre-opening costs 38 150 384 192
Restructuring benefit   -     -     (1,683 )   (502 )
Operating income 1,657 1,660 19,818 20,386
 
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net (1,000 ) (719 ) (3,318 ) (2,289 )
Other   2     (58 )   (142 )   (442 )
 
Income from continuing operations before income tax 659 883 16,358 17,655
 
Income tax expense   260     114     3,821     1,145  
 
Income from continuing operations 399 769 12,537 16,510
 

Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit
(expense)

  165     (28 )   1,211     (425 )
 
Net income $ 234   $ 797   $ 11,326   $ 16,935  
Preferred stock dividends $ 623 $ 623 $ 1,555 $ 1,870
Accretion of preferred stock redemption value $ 88   $ 89   $ 220   $ 265  
Net income (loss) available to preferred and common shareholders $ (477 ) $ 85   $ 9,551   $ 14,800  
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations $ (0.01 ) $ - $ 0.27 $ 0.34
Discontinued operations   -     -     (0.03 )   0.01  
Basic earnings (loss) per share $ (0.01 ) $ -   $ 0.24   $ 0.35  
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations $ (0.01 ) $ - $ 0.27 $ 0.33
Discontinued operations   -     -     (0.03 )   0.01  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ (0.01 ) $ -   $ 0.24   $ 0.34  
 
Shares used in computing net income per common share:
Basic   33,975,061     34,147,353     32,025,538     34,074,330  
Diluted   33,975,061     43,338,599     39,380,308     43,239,431  
   
RUTH'S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC
Selected Balance Sheet Data - Unaudited
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
December 26, September 25,
2010 2011
Cash and cash equivalents 5,018 2,548
Total assets 249,069 237,677
Long-term debt 51,000 39,400
Total shareholders' equity 80,361 97,083

CONTACT:
For Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.
Media
Alecia Pulman, 203-682-8224
apulman@icrinc.com
or
Investor Relations
Tom Ryan, 203-682-8200
tryan@icrinc.com