Buffalo Wild Wings reports Q1 net earnings of US$28.3M, up 72.9% from year-ago period as revenue rises 20.9% to US$367.9M

Nevin Barich

Nevin Barich

MINNEAPOLIS , April 28, 2014 (press release) – Net Earnings Growth Goal for 2014 Increased to 25%

Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. (Nasdaq:BWLD), announced today financial results for the first quarter ended March 30, 2014. Highlights for the first quarter versus the same period a year ago were:

Total revenue increased 20.9% to $367.9 million

Company-owned restaurant sales grew 21.3% to $344.9 million

Same-store sales increased 6.6% at company-owned restaurants and 5.0% at franchised restaurants

Net earnings increased 72.9% to $28.3 million from $16.4 million, and earnings per diluted share increased 71.3% to $1.49 from $0.87

Sally Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Our first quarter was a great start to 2014. We're pleased with our strong revenue growth of 20.9%. For the quarter, same-store sales at company-owned restaurants increased 6.6% and same-store sales at franchised locations increased 5.0%. Sales momentum grew during February and March with the excitement of the Winter Olympics and March Madness bringing guests into our restaurants."

Ms. Smith continued, "Our net earnings increased 72.9%, outpacing the top line growth. Strong net earnings growth is primarily attributable to 46 additional company-owned restaurants compared to the prior year, the strength of same-store sales, and a 440-basis point improvement in cost of sales that was the result of significantly lower traditional chicken wing prices and our July 2013 transition to selling wings by portion."

Total revenue increased 20.9% to $367.9 million in the first quarter, compared to $304.4 million in the first quarter of 2013. Company-owned restaurant sales for the quarter increased 21.3% over the same period in 2013, to $344.9 million, driven by a company-owned same-store sales increase of 6.6% and 46 additional company-owned restaurants at the end of first quarter 2014 relative to the end of the same period in 2013. Franchise royalties and fees increased 14.9% to $22.9 million for the quarter versus $19.9 million in the first quarter of 2013. This increase is attributed to a franchise same-store sales increase of 5.0% and 55 additional franchised restaurants at the end of the period versus a year ago.

Average weekly sales for company-owned restaurants were $60,966 for the first quarter of 2014 compared to $56,953 for the same quarter last year, a 7.0% increase. Franchised restaurants averaged $63,852 for the period versus $60,050 in the first quarter a year ago, a 6.3% increase.

For the first quarter, net earnings increased 72.9% to $28.3 million versus $16.4 million in the first quarter of 2013. Earnings per diluted share were $1.49, as compared to first quarter 2013 earnings per diluted share of $0.87.

2014 Outlook

Ms. Smith remarked, "We're pleased with our strong same-store sales to date in the second quarter of 5.7% at our company-owned restaurants and 4.4% at franchised locations. We estimate that Easter occurring in the first four weeks of the second quarter of 2014 had a negative impact of 90 basis points. During the second quarter, sports fans continue their enthusiasm with the growing excitement around the NBA and NHL playoffs. Later in the quarter, we'll promote Buffalo Wild Wings as the place to watch the 2014 FIFA World Cup(TM) tournament through increased advertising spend and unique games centered on the World Cup."

Ms. Smith concluded, "Based on our first quarter results, second quarter trends in same-store sales, and anticipated food costs, we believe we will achieve net earnings growth of 25% for 2014, an increase from our previous goal for the year. We are building for long-term earnings growth by investing in Buffalo Wild Wings in the United States and Canada, international franchising, and emerging brands. These investments will allow us to achieve our vision of being a company of 3,000 restaurants worldwide creating the ultimate experience for our guests, and providing sustained growth for our shareholders."

Buffalo Wild Wings will be hosting a conference call today, April 28, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time to discuss these results. There will be a simultaneous webcast conducted at our investor relations website ir.buffalowildwings.com.

A replay of the call will be available until May 5, 2014. To access this replay, please dial 1.858.384.5517 password 4678926.

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 more than 1,010 Buffalo Wild Wings locations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Industry Intelligence Editor's Note: This press release omits select charts and/or marketing language for editorial clarity. Click here to view the full report.

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