Buffalo Wild Wings reports Q3 net earnings of US$17.9M, up 66.9% from year-ago period as revenue rises 27.9% to US$315.8M

Nevin Barich

MINNEAPOLIS , October 29, 2013 (press release) – Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. (BWLD) announced today financial results for the third quarter ended September 29, 2013. Highlights for the third quarter versus the same period a year ago were:

Total revenue increased 27.9% to $315.8 million

Company-owned restaurant sales grew 29.5% to $295.7 million

Same-store sales increased 4.8% at company-owned restaurants and 3.9% at franchised restaurants

Net earnings increased 66.9% to $17.9 million from $10.7 million, and earnings per diluted share increased 65.4% to $0.95 from $0.57

Sally Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We're proud to share this quarter's results as we approach our 10-year anniversary as a public company. Revenue increased 27.9%, which helped fuel impressive net earnings growth. We increased the number of company-owned restaurants by 21% with continued new unit growth and franchise acquisitions compared to third quarter last year, and same-store sales increased 4.8% at company-owned restaurants and 3.9% at franchised locations. The cost per pound for traditional chicken wings was lower than last year and our cost of sales percentage was 30.0%, the lowest percentage since fourth quarter of 2011. As a result, we grew our net earnings 66.9%, achieving earnings per diluted share of $0.95 for the third quarter."

Total revenue increased 27.9% to $315.8 million in the third quarter compared to $246.9 million in the third quarter of 2012. Company-owned restaurant sales for the quarter increased 29.5% over the same period in 2012, to $295.7 million, driven by a company-owned same-store sales increase of 4.8% and 72 additional company-owned restaurants at the end of third quarter 2013 relative to the same period in 2012. Franchise royalties and fees increased 9.0% to $20.1 million for the quarter versus $18.4 million in the third quarter of 2012. This increase is attributed to a franchise same-store sales increase of 3.9% and 23 additional franchised restaurants at the end of the period versus a year ago.

Average weekly sales for company-owned restaurants were $55,592 for the third quarter of 2013 compared to $52,561 for the same quarter last year, a 5.8% increase. Franchised restaurants averaged $58,926 for the period versus $55,608 in the third quarter a year ago, a 6.0% increase.

For the third quarter, net earnings increased 66.9% to $17.9 million versus $10.7 million in the third quarter of 2012. Earnings per diluted share were $0.95, as compared to third quarter 2012 earnings per diluted share of $0.57.

2013 and 2014 Outlook

Ms. Smith remarked, "With the excitement of football season, we are focused on driving sales. Same-store sales are about 5.3% at company-owned restaurants and 3.0% at franchised locations for the first four weeks of the fourth quarter compared to 3.8% and 5.6%, respectively, for the same period last year. In the fourth quarter, unit growth continues with 22 company-owned and 22 franchised restaurants expected to open. Also, we expect our franchisees in Mexico to open two locations during the fourth quarter. With the strength of our net earnings growth in the first nine months of the year, positive momentum in same-store sales, and improved cost of sales percentage versus last year, we believe we will achieve 20% net earnings growth for 2013, equating to 28% on a 52-week basis."

Ms. Smith continued, "We will achieve the exciting milestone of 1,000 Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in the first quarter of 2014. For the full year, we plan to open 45 company-owned and 40 franchised locations in the United States and Canada, and we expect our international franchisees to open at least 10 restaurants across the globe. We remain focused on providing a unique and compelling social experience for our sports-loving Guests, and we believe that with our planned unit growth and ongoing operational diligence we will achieve 20% net earnings growth for 2014."

Ms. Smith concluded, "As we look beyond 2014, we will continue to build Buffalo Wild Wings into an even stronger brand. We are committed to opening 1,700 Buffalo Wild Wings locations in the United States and Canada, and believe that we will achieve this goal within the next ten years. We anticipate further international expansion of Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants around the world, and we have begun implementing strategies to build an enduring, diversified portfolio of restaurant brands to sustain our long-term growth."
Buffalo Wild Wings will be hosting a conference call today, October 29, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time to discuss these results. There will be a simultaneous webcast conducted at our website www.buffalowildwings.com.

A replay of the call will be available until November 5, 2013. To access this replay, please dial 1.858.384.5517 password 4644910.

About the Company

Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc., founded in 1982 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a growing owner, operator and franchisor of Buffalo Wild Wings(R) restaurants featuring a variety of boldly-flavored, made-to-order menu items including its namesake Buffalo, New York-style chicken wings. The Buffalo Wild Wings' menu specializes in 21 mouth-watering signature sauces and seasonings with flavor sensations ranging from Sweet BBQ(TM) to Blazin'(R). Guests enjoy a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere that includes an extensive multi-media system for watching their favorite sporting events. Buffalo Wild Wings is the recipient of hundreds of "Best Wings" and "Best Sports Bar" awards from across the country. There are currently 959 Buffalo Wild Wings locations across 49 states in the United States, as well as in Canada.

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