0001157523-12-005495.txt : 20121030 0001157523-12-005495.hdr.sgml : 20121030 20121030070030 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001157523-12-005495 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20121030 ITEM INFORMATION: Results of Operations and Financial Condition ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20121030 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20121030 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: 121167845 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 a50458545.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 30, 2012

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)


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 30, 2012, the Company issued a press release announcing its earnings results for its fiscal third quarter ended September 23, 2012. 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 30, 2012.



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 30, 2012

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 30, 2012.



EX-99.1 2 a50458545ex99-1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1

Exhibit 99.1

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2012 Financial Results

-Ruth’s Chris Steak House comparable sales increase 5.9% for 10th straight quarterly gain-
-Mitchell’s Fish Market comparable sales increase 4.6%-

WINTER PARK, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--October 30, 2012--Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: RUTH) today reported unaudited financial results for its third quarter ended September 23, 2012.

Highlights for the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011 were as follows:

The Company reported net income of $802 thousand or $0.02 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2012, compared to net income available to preferred and common shareholders of $85 thousand or $0.00 per diluted share in the comparable period of 2011.

Total revenues in the third quarter rose 5.7% to $84.8 million compared to $80.2 million in the prior year.

  • Company-owned comparable restaurant sales for Ruth’s Chris Steak House increased 5.9%.
  • Company-owned comparable restaurant sales for Mitchell’s Fish Market increased 4.6%.

Total operating costs in the third quarter increased by 5.7% or $4.4 million, compared to the third quarter of 2011.

  • Food and beverage costs, as a percentage of restaurant sales, increased 70 basis points in the third quarter to 31.8% and continue to be driven by unfavorable beef costs.
  • Restaurant operating expenses, as a percentage of restaurant sales, decreased 80 basis points in the third quarter to 55.5% due to cost management and the effect of higher sales on fixed costs.
  • Marketing and advertising costs, as a percentage of total revenues, increased 60 basis points to 2.6% in the third quarter largely due to a timing shift in advertising from the second quarter to the third and fourth quarters of 2012.
  • General and administrative expenses increased $0.2 million to $6.0 million in the quarter.

At the end of the third quarter of 2012, the Company had $69.0 million in debt outstanding under its senior credit facility, a decrease of $2.0 million from $71.0 million at the end of the second quarter of 2012.

Michael P. O'Donnell, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc., stated, “Our third quarter results reflect a combination of comparable traffic and sales growth along with a continued high-level-execution of the business. Our Ruth’s Chris brand generated its 10th straight quarter of positive comparable sales and we remain pleased with the significant progress at Mitchell’s that resulted in a second straight quarter of top-line improvement. Additionally, with an attention to thoughtful expense management, our teams generated meaningful leverage of our restaurant-level expenses during our seasonally slowest quarter of the year. Our development activity continues to bear fruit and we expect new unit activity to increasingly contribute to our growth going forward and our ability to create value for our shareholders.”

Development Update

To date in 2012, five new Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses have opened. A Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House opened in Cincinnati, OH on October 15, 2012. In August 2012, franchisees opened new Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses in Singapore and El Salvador. As previously announced, a new Ruth's Chris Steak House located at Harrah's casino in Cherokee, NC opened in May 2012 and a second franchise-owned restaurant located in Dubai was opened in April 2012.

The Company continues to work towards developing new Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses in the future. Currently, the Company expects one additional franchise restaurant to open in late 2012. In 2013, the Company’s development plans include opening a new company-owned restaurant in Denver, CO, relocating its Houston, TX location, and opening a new location at Harrah’s casino in Las Vegas under a licensing agreement. The company also expects its franchise partners to open an additional 4-5 restaurants in 2013.

Review of Third Quarter 2012 Operating Results

Total revenues, which include Company-owned restaurant sales, franchise income, and other operating income, were $84.8 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $80.2 million in the same quarter last year.

Company-owned restaurant sales increased 5.5% to $81.4 million for the third quarter of 2012 from $77.1 million in the same quarter last year. Excluding discontinued operations, total operating weeks for all brands during the third quarter increased to 1,105 from 1,103.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Sales

  • 63 Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants were open at the end of the third quarter of 2012 compared to 63 at the end of the prior year third quarter.
  • Total operating weeks for the quarter increased to 819 from 817.
  • Average weekly sales for Ruth’s Chris Steak House were $76.4 thousand in the third quarter of 2012, an increase of 5.8% compared to $72.2 thousand in the third quarter of 2011.
  • For the third quarter of 2012, Company-owned comparable restaurant sales at Ruth’s Chris Steak House increased 5.9%, which consisted of a traffic increase of 3.6% along with an average check increase of 2.2%.

Mitchell’s Fish Market Sales

  • 19 Company-owned Mitchell’s Fish Market restaurants were open at the end of the third quarter of 2012 compared to 19 at the end of the prior year third quarter.
  • Total operating weeks for the quarter were flat year-over-year at 247, and exclude discontinued operations.
  • Average weekly sales at Mitchell’s Fish Market were $68.6 thousand in the third quarter of 2012, an increase of 4.6% compared to $65.5 thousand in the third quarter of 2011.
  • Comparable restaurant sales at Mitchell’s Fish Market increased 4.6%, which consisted of a traffic increase of 5.2% and an average check decrease of 0.6%.

Franchise Income

  • 71 franchise-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants were open at the end of the third quarter of 2012 compared to 67 at the end of the prior year third quarter.
  • Franchise income increased 11.2% to $3.3 million in the third quarter of 2012 from $2.9 million in the prior year period, driven by the increase in comparable franchise restaurant sales and new franchised unit development during the last 12 months.
  • Comparable franchise-owned restaurant sales increased 3.1% in the third quarter of 2012, which included a 2.9% increase in domestic comparable franchise-owned restaurant sales and a 3.9% increase in international comparable franchise-owned restaurant sales.

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 reiterating its full year 2012 outlook:

  • Cost of goods sold of 31.5% to 32.5% of restaurant sales
  • Restaurant operating expenses of 51.0% to 52.0% of restaurant sales
  • Marketing and advertising of 3.0% to 3.5% of total revenues
  • General and administrative expenses of $25 million to $26 million
  • Effective tax rate of 28% to 32%
  • Capital expenditures of $10 to $12 million
  • Basic shares outstanding of 34.0 million to 34.5 million
  • Fully-diluted shares outstanding of 35.0 million to 36.0 million

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call to discuss third quarter 2012 financial results today at 8:30 AM Eastern Time. Hosting the call will be Mike O’Donnell, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Arne Haak, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 719-325-2428. A replay will be available one hour after the call and can be accessed by dialing 858-384-5517; the password is 5443111. The replay will be available until November 6, 2012. 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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that reflect, when made, the Company’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include all statements other than those made solely with respect to historical facts and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s outlook on earnings, cash flow and operational flexibility. Actual results could differ materially from those projected, implied or anticipated by these forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ include the risk factors identified in the reports the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2011 and subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, all of which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release after the date hereof.

 
RUTH'S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) - Unaudited
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
           
13 Weeks Ended 39 Weeks Ended
September 23, September 25, September 23, September 25,
2012 2011 2012 2011
 
Revenues:
Restaurant sales $ 81,360 $ 77,087 $ 270,466 $ 258,198
Franchise income 3,256 2,928 9,955 8,866
Other operating income   179     171     3,089     2,868  
 
Total revenues 84,795 80,186 283,510 269,932
 
Costs and expenses:
Food and beverage costs 25,883 23,953 86,546 79,396
Restaurant operating expenses 45,182 43,419 139,614 134,770
Marketing and advertising 2,214 1,605 6,373 7,701
General and administrative costs 5,969 5,783 19,082 17,013
Depreciation and amortization expenses 3,577 3,616 10,923 10,976
Pre-opening costs 145 150 266 192
Restructuring benefit   -     -     -     (502 )
 
Total costs and expenses 82,970 78,526 262,804 249,546
 
Operating income 1,825 1,660 20,706 20,386
 
Other expense:
Interest expense, net (680 ) (719 ) (1,759 ) (2,289 )
Debt issuance costs written-off - - (807 ) -
Other   (51 )   (58 )   (110 )   (442 )
 
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense 1,094 883 18,030 17,655
Income tax expense (benefit)   285     114     5,268     1,145  
 
Income from continuing operations 809 769 12,762 16,510
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit (expense)   7     (28 )   32     (425 )
 
Net income $ 802 $ 797 $ 12,730 $ 16,935
 
Preferred stock dividends - 623 514 1,870
Accretion of preferred stock redemption value - 89 73 265
 
Excess of redemption value over carrying value of preferred shares redeemed   -     -     35,776     -  
Net income (loss) applicable to preferred and common shareholders $ 802   $ 85   $ (23,633 ) $ 14,800  
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations $ 0.02 $ 0.00 $ (0.69 ) $ 0.34
Discontinued operations   -     -     -     0.01  
Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.02   $ 0.00   $ (0.69 ) $ 0.35  
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations $ 0.02 $ 0.00 $ (0.69 ) $ 0.33
Discontinued operations   -     -     -     0.01  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.02   $ 0.00   $ (0.69 ) $ 0.34  
 
Shares used in computing net income (loss) per common share:
Basic 34,373,629 34,147,353 34,283,068 34,074,330
Diluted 35,185,209 43,338,599 34,283,068 43,239,431
 
RUTH'S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC
Selected Balance Sheet Data
(dollar amounts in thousands)
    (Unaudited)    
September 23, December 25,
  2012   2011
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,912 $ 3,925
Total assets 230,989 240,220
Long-term debt 69,000 22,000
Total shareholders' equity 77,968 99,640

CONTACT:
ICR
Media:
Alecia Pulman, 203-682-8224
apulman@icrinc.com
or
Investor Relations
Fitzhugh Taylor, 203-682-8261
ftaylor@icrinc.com