Consolidated Comparable-Store Sales for the Fourth Quarter 2014 Increased 5.8%
Adjusted EBITDA for Fiscal Year 2014 Exceeded Previous Guidance
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 12, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diversified Restaurant Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:BAGR) ("DRH" or the "Company"), the creator, developer and operator of the unique, full-service, ultra-casual restaurant and bar Bagger Dave's Burger Tavern® ("Bagger Dave's") and one of the largest franchisees for Buffalo Wild Wings® ("BWW"), announced today the results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 28, 2014.
Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2014 Highlights Include:
- Revenue for the fourth quarter increased 23.4% to $35.1 million. Fiscal year revenue increased 17.9% to a record $128.4 million.
- Consolidated comparable-store sales increased 5.8% in the fourth quarter compared to a 1.1% increase in the prior year period, representing 16 consecutive quarters of comparable-store sales growth. For the fiscal year, consolidated comparable-store sales increased 3.5%.
- Adjusted EBITDA(1), a non-GAAP measure, increased 6.4% to $3.7 million in the fourth quarter compared to $3.4 million in the prior year period. For the fiscal year, Adjusted EBITDA increased 15.8% to $15.1 million, exceeding DRH's previously articulated guidance of $14.0 to $15.0 million.
- Five new restaurants opened in the fourth quarter, including three Bagger Dave's and two Buffalo Wild Wings. For the fiscal year, twelve restaurants were added, consisting of six new Bagger Dave's, three new Buffalo Wild Wings, and three acquired Buffalo Wild Wings, which represented unit growth of 22.2%.
- During the fourth quarter, the Company entered into a sale leaseback agreement for $24.6 million. The arrangement included the sale of 12 properties, six Bagger Dave's and six Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants. In the Q4 2014, we closed on ten of the 12 properties, with total proceeds of $19.1 million. We expect to close on the remaining locations in Q2 2015, with proceeds of $5.5 million. The proceeds from the transaction were used to pay down $5.0 million in debt as well as to fund our growth capital.
- The sale leaseback transaction resulted in a loss on asset disposal of approximately $0.5 million. Although $2.3 million in gains on the sale were also achieved, gains are deferred and amortized into income over the life of the related operating lease while losses are recorded immediately. This, along with other disposals related to a company-wide update of our POS system, represent one-time items which contributed to an operating loss of $1.9 million in the fourth quarter compared to an operating loss of $0.2 million in the prior-year period. For the fiscal year, operating loss was $0.6 million compared to operating income of $1.4 million in 2013. Although recurring as a function of our Company's growth strategy, quarterly and fiscal year pre-opening costs of $1.4 million and $3.5 million, respectively, also made a significant contribution to the quarterly and fiscal year operating losses.
Michael Ansley, President and CEO of Diversified Restaurant Holdings commented, "2014 was a pivotal year for Diversified Restaurant Holdings as we made significant progress executing on several strategic initiatives at both Bagger Dave's and Buffalo Wild Wings. Our strong results are a testament to our new menu and marketing initiatives at Bagger Dave's which centered around the freshness and differentiated nature of our food, combined with our decision to focus only on the very best locations for our new restaurants. We are exceptionally pleased with the results we have seen since these changes took hold as demonstrated by our comparable-store sales gains which accelerated as we moved throughout 2014 and culminated with an impressive 5.8% increase for the fourth quarter."
Mr. Ansley continued, "Looking ahead, we are entering 2015 with great momentum at both Bagger Dave's and Buffalo Wild Wings. We have multiple programs in place to drive consistent and sustainable sales growth, while at the same time are focused on instilling operational excellence throughout our company. We are excited about the robust development pipeline of growth we have in place to expand both concepts, but particularly the expansion of Bagger Dave's into Ohio. We remain on track to open eight to nine new restaurants, including five to six Bagger Dave's and three Buffalo Wild Wings, all of which are already under construction in what we expect will be great locations."
Fourth Quarter 2014 Review
Revenue increased 23.4% to $35.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to $28.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2013. The growth in revenue was driven by a 5.8% increase in consolidated comparable-store sales, three acquired Florida Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants, and the addition of nine new restaurants over the past year, comprised of six Bagger Dave's and three Buffalo Wild Wings locations. On a two-year basis, comparable-store sales grew 6.9% in the fourth quarter.
At the end of the fourth quarter of 2014, DRH had 66 restaurants, comprised of 24 Bagger Dave's and 42 Buffalo Wild Wings locations. This represents an increase of 22.2% from 54 restaurants at the end of 2013.
Food, beverage, and packaging costs as a percentage of revenue declined to 29.2% versus 29.4% in the same quarter last year. The 20 basis point improvement was primarily due to menu price increases taken to overcome the forecasted increase in bone-in chicken wing prices. The average cost per pound for bone-in chicken wings was $1.88 compared to $1.64 in the prior-year period, a 14.6% increase over the previous year's fourth quarter.
Compensation costs increased by $2.0 million, or 27.4%, to $9.2 million. The increase was driven by staffing required for nine additional restaurants versus the fourth quarter of 2013 and higher minimum wage standards. As a percentage of revenue, compensation costs increased 80 basis points to 26.1% compared to 25.3% in the year ago period.
Occupancy costs increased 28.4% to $2.2 million. The increase was driven by an increased number of restaurants in operation versus the same quarter last year. As a percentage of revenue, occupancy costs increased 20 basis points to 6.1% compared to 5.9% in the prior-year period.
Other operating costs increased $2.0 million to $7.6 million or 36.1%. The increase was predominantly driven by an increased number of restaurants in operation. As a percentage of revenue, other operating costs were 21.6% versus 19.6% in the fourth quarter of 2013. The increase in other operating costs is attributable to the expansion of technology initiatives, hiring and training expenses, early break-up fees related to the sale lease back, and higher repair and maintenance costs.
General and administrative expenses increased $0.2 million, or 10.4%, to $2.4 million. As a percentage of revenue, G&A improved to 6.9% from 7.8% in the previous year quarter.
Pre-opening costs increased $0.2 to $1.4 million reflecting the opening of five new restaurants during the quarter. As a percentage of revenue, preopening costs improved 20 basis points to 4.0% compared to 4.2% in the same quarter last year.
Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenue increased to 9.5% from 8.5% in prior-year period, primarily due to the increase in real estate purchases as an alternative to leasing.
Operating loss was $1.9 million compared to an operating loss of $0.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2013. As noted above, this was largely due to one-time charges related to the sale leaseback transaction and other disposals related to a company-wide updated of our POS system.
Adjusted EBITDA increased 6.4% to $3.7 million. As a percent of revenue, Adjusted EBITDA decreased 170 basis points to 10.4% compared to the year ago period. Restaurant-level EBITDA increased 6.9% to $6.0 million, although it decreased 260 basis points to 17.2% as a percent of revenue compared to the same quarter last year.(1) DRH believes that, when used in conjunction with GAAP measures, restaurant-level EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP measures, provide additional information related to its operating performance. (See reconciliation of restaurant-level EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA in the supplemental tables included at the end of this release.)(1)
For the aforementioned reasons and the implementation of our new debt facility, net loss for the fourth quarter 2014 was $1.4 million compared to a net loss of $0.2 million for the prior-year period.
Fiscal Year 2014 Review
Total revenue for Fiscal Year 2014 was $128.4 million, an increase of $19.5 million, or 17.9%, over revenue generated during Fiscal Year 2013. The increase was attributable to a 3.5% increase in comparable-store sales, the acquisition of three BWW restaurants, and the opening of nine DRH-owned restaurants, which included six Bagger Dave's and three BWW restaurants. On a full two-year basis, comparable-store sales grew 7.2%.
For the fiscal year, Adjusted EBITDA increased 15.8% to $15.1 million. As a percent of revenue, Adjusted EBITDA was 11.7%, consistent with the prior period. Restaurant-level EBITDA increased 17.4% to $23.7 million. As a percent of revenue, Restaurant-level EBITDA was 18.4%, consistent with prior period.(1) DRH believes that, when used in conjunction with GAAP measures, restaurant-level EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP measures, provide additional information related to its operating performance. (See reconciliation of restaurant-level EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA in the supplemental tables included at the end of this release.)(1)
For the reasons mentioned in the fourth quarter review, Fiscal Year 2014 resulted in a net loss of $1.3 million, compared to net income of $0.1 million in Fiscal Year 2013.
The Company opened nine new restaurants in 2014, consisting of six Bagger Dave's and three Buffalo Wild Wings, and acquired three Buffalo Wild Wing restaurants.
Balance Sheet
At December 28, 2014, cash, cash equivalents and investments were $21.6 million, compared to $18.1 million at December 29, 2013. The change in cash is a function of executing a sale leaseback transaction offset by new restaurant openings, land purchases, the acquisition of three Buffalo Wild Wings locations in Florida, and conversion of all Buffalo Wild Wings locations to a new POS system. DRH believes that its existing cash, cash from operations, its credit facility, and proceeds from the recent sale leaseback transaction will be sufficient to meet its current operational funding, development, and obligations.
Fiscal Year 2015 Outlook
- Revenue of $148.0 million to $153.0 million.
- Eight to nine new restaurants, consisting of five to six Bagger Dave's and three Buffalo Wild Wings, exclusive of any acquisitions.
- Capital expenditures ranging from $35.0 million to $40.0 million.
- Adjusted EBITDA of $16.0 million to $17.0 million. Restaurant-level EBITDA of $26.0 million to $28.5 million.
Mr. Ansley concluded, "In a recent SEC filing, we announced an asset purchase agreement for nine existing BWW restaurants and three currently under development. While we are excited by the opportunity to potentially expand our BWW portfolio through acquisitions, there can be no assurance that this transaction will be consummated due to Buffalo Wild Wings Inc.'s right of first refusal. Still, our demonstrated track record of acquiring and successfully integrating BWW restaurants provides us with the confidence to evaluate acquisitions within the BWW system as they come to market, while simultaneously moving forward with our growth plans for Bagger Dave's."
Webcast and Conference Call
DRH will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time, during which management will review the financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and full year 2014 and discuss its outlook for 2015. A question and answer session will follow.
The teleconference can be accessed by calling (877) 407-3982. The webcast can be monitored on the Company's website at www.diversifiedrestaurantholdings.com.
A telephonic replay will be available through Thursday, March 19, 2015. To listen to a replay of the call, dial (877) 870-5176 and enter the conference ID number 13601236, or access the webcast replay via the Company's website where a transcript will also be posted once available.
About Diversified Restaurant Holdings
Diversified Restaurant Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:BAGR) ("DRH" or the "Company") owns and operates Bagger Dave's Burger Tavern, a full-service, family-friendly restaurant and full bar with a casual, comfortable atmosphere specializing in custom-built, proprietary, fresh prime rib recipe burgers, all-natural turkey burgers, hand-cut fries, locally crafted beers on draft, hand-dipped milk shakes, salads, black bean turkey chili, and much more. There are currently 26 company-owned Bagger Dave's restaurants in Michigan and Indiana. For more information, visit www.baggerdaves.com.
The Company also operates 42 Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar franchised restaurants in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Florida.
The Company routinely posts news and other important information on its website at www.diversifiedrestaurantholdings.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
The information made available in this news release contains forward-looking statements which reflect DRH's current view of future events, results of operations, cash flows, performance, business prospects and opportunities. Wherever used, the words "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "will continue," "will likely result," "may," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements as such term is defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and the Company's actual growth, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, performance, business prospects and opportunities could differ materially from historical results or current expectations. Some of these risks include, without limitation, the impact of economic and industry conditions, competition, food and drug safety issues, store expansion and remodeling, labor relations issues, costs of providing employee benefits, regulatory matters, legal and administrative proceedings, information technology, security, severe weather, natural disasters, accounting matters, other risk factors relating to our business or industry and other risks detailed from time to time in the Securities and Exchange Commission filings of DRH. Forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date made and, thus, DRH undertakes no obligation to update or publicly announce the revision of any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect new information, future events, developments or changed circumstances or for any other reason.
DIVERSIFIED RESTAURANT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | ||||
Three Months Ended | Twelve Months Ended | |||
December 28 | December 29 | December 28 | December 29 | |
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |
Revenue | $ 35,148,721 | 28,475,965 | $128,413,448 | $ 108,886,139 |
Operating expenses | ||||
Restaurant operating costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below): | ||||
Food, beverage, and packaging | 10,274,544 | 8,382,821 | 37,058,821 | 32,719,254 |
Compensation costs | 9,166,788 | 7,192,790 | 33,337,000 | 28,096,721 |
Occupancy | 2,152,777 | 1,676,672 | 7,205,420 | 6,381,052 |
Other operating costs | 7,586,569 | 5,575,250 | 27,214,208 | 21,675,473 |
General and administrative expenses | 2,440,710 | 2,211,718 | 8,786,520 | 7,270,597 |
Pre-opening costs | 1,409,864 | 1,194,100 | 3,473,664 | 3,230,122 |
Depreciation and amortization | 3,344,826 | 2,434,607 | 10,956,951 | 7,974,481 |
Loss on disposal of property and equipment | 669,811 | 14,451 | 1,023,144 | 98,162 |
Total operating expenses | 37,045,889 | 28,682,409 | 129,055,728 | 107,445,862 |
Operating profit (loss) | (1,897,168) | (206,444) | (642,280) | 1,440,277 |
Change in fair value of derivative instruments | -- | -- | -- | |
Interest expense | (837,949) | (343,065) | (2,274,041) | (1,718,711) |
Other income (expense), net | (145,338) | 58,334 | (58,912) | 151,292 |
Income (loss) before income taxes | (2,880,455) | (491,175) | (2,975,233) | (127,142) |
Income tax benefit | (1,526,706) | (313,636) | (1,706,736) | (261,450) |
Net income (loss) | $ (1,353,749) | $ (177,539) | $ (1,268,497) | $ 134,308 |
Less: (Income) attributable to noncontrolling interest | $ -- | $ -- | -- | -- |
Net income (loss) attributable to DRH | $ (1,353,749) | $ (177,539) | $ (1,268,497) | $ 134,308 |
Basic earnings per share | $ (0.05) | $ (0.01) | $ (0.05) | $ 0.01 |
Fully diluted earnings per share | $ (0.05) | $ (0.01) | $ (0.05) | $ 0.01 |
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | ||||
Basic | 26,147,287 | 26,054,443 | 26,092,919 | 23,937,188 |
Diluted | 26,147,287 | 26,054,443 | 26,092,919 | 24,058,072 |
DIVERSIFIED RESTAURANT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||
December 28 | December 29 | |
ASSETS | 2014 | 2013 |
Current assets | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 18,688,281 | $ 9,562,473 |
Investments | 2,917,232 | 8,561,598 |
Accounts receivable | 1,417,510 | 1,248,940 |
Inventory | 1,335,774 | 1,017,626 |
Prepaid assets | 397,715 | 555,144 |
Total current assets | 24,756,512 | 20,945,781 |
Deferred income taxes | 2,960,640 | 1,162,761 |
Property and equipment, net | 71,508,950 | 58,576,734 |
Intangible assets, net | 2,916,498 | 2,948,013 |
Goodwill | 10,998,630 | 8,578,776 |
Other long-term assets | 305,804 | 121,668 |
Total assets | $ 113,447,034 | $ 92,333,733 |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||
Current liabilities | ||
Accounts payable | $ 7,043,143 | $ 4,416,092 |
Accrued compensation | 2,786,830 | 2,060,082 |
Other accrued liabilities | 1,357,510 | 809,104 |
Current portion of long-term debt | 8,155,903 | 8,225,732 |
Current portion of deferred rent | 377,812 | 306,371 |
Total current liabilities | 19,721,198 | 15,817,381 |
Deferred rent, less current portion | 3,051,445 | 3,420,574 |
Unfavorable operating leases | 693,497 | 759,065 |
Other liabilities | 3,212,376 | 327,561 |
Long-term debt, less current portion | 53,612,496 | 38,047,589 |
Total liabilities | 80,291,012 | 58,372,170 |
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 11 and 12) | ||
Stockholders' equity | ||
Common stock -- $0.0001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 26,149,321 and 26,049,578, respectively, issued and outstanding | 2,582 | 2,580 |
Additional paid-in capital | 35,668,001 | 35,275,255 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (175,156) | (245,364) |
Accumulated deficit | (2,339,405) | (1,070,908) |
Total stockholders' equity | 33,156,022 | 33,961,563 |
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ 113,447,034 | $ 92,333,733 |
DIVERSIFIED RESTAURANT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | |||
Twelve Months Ended | |||
December 28 | December 29 | December 30 | |
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |
Cash flows from operating activities | |||
Net income (loss) | $ (1,268,497) | $ 134,308 | $ 275,139 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities | |||
Depreciation and amortization | 10,956,951 | 7,974,481 | 4,587,310 |
Loan fee and other amortization | 331,650 | 76,407 | 141,329 |
Realized loss on sale of investments | 33,406 | -- | -- |
Loss on disposal of property and equipment | 1,023,144 | 98,162 | 36,833 |
Share-based compensation | 338,810 | 278,290 | 220,449 |
Change in fair value of derivative instruments | -- | -- | 43,361 |
Deferred income taxes | (1,834,048) | (336,223) | (133,287) |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities that provided (used) cash | |||
Accounts receivable | (168,570) | (1,000,537) | (227,906) |
Inventory | (264,148) | (208,542) | (141,547) |
Prepaid assets | 157,429 | (107,715) | (210,434) |
Intangible assets | (123,345) | (660,966) | (1,044,899) |
Other long-term assets | (184,136) | (3,523) | (43,756) |
Accounts payable | 1,470,923 | (497,999) | 2,269,555 |
Accrued liabilities | 1,123,372 | 208,742 | 1,250,112 |
Deferred rent | (297,688) | 1,226,086 | 570,362 |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 11,295,253 | 7,180,971 | 7,592,621 |
Cash flows from investing activities | |||
Purchases of investments | (7,469,555) | (13,883,671) | -- |
Proceeds from sale of investments | 13,111,935 | 5,278,048 | -- |
Purchases of property and equipment | (38,988,376) | (25,345,370) | (15,675,329) |
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired | (3,202,750) | -- | (14,686,575) |
Proceeds from sale leaseback transactions | 19,079,401 | -- | -- |
Cash paid in excess of book value on noncontrolling interest | -- | -- | (866,681) |
Net cash used in investing activities | (17,469,345) | (33,950,993) | (31,228,585) |
Cash flows from financing activities | |||
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | 84,008,979 | 61,743,866 | 63,521,824 |
Repayments of long-term debt | (68,513,901) | (60,117,830) | (38,683,029) |
Payment of loan fees | (249,116) | -- | -- |
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan | 53,938 | 23,452 | -- |
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of underwriter fees | -- | 31,982,679 | -- |
Distributions from non-controlling interest | -- | -- | (40,000) |
Net cash provided by financing activities | 15,299,900 | 33,632,167 | 24,798,795 |
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 9,125,808 | 6,862,145 | 1,162,831 |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 9,562,473 | 2,700,328 | 1,537,497 |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ 18,688,281 | $ 9,562,473 | $ 2,700,328 |
DIVERSIFIED RESTAURANT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||
Reconciliation between Net Income and Restaurant-Level and Adjusted EBITDA | ||||
Three Months Ended | Twelve Months Ended | |||
December 28 | December 29 | December 28 | December 29 | |
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |
Net income (Loss) | $ (1,353,748) | $ (177,539) | $ (1,268,497) | $ 134,308 |
+ Income tax provision | (1,526,706) | (313,636) | (1,706,736) | (261,450) |
+ Interest expense | 837,949 | 343,065 | 2,274,041 | 1,718,711 |
+ Other income, net | 145,338 | (58,334) | 58,912 | (151,292) |
+ Loss on disposal of property and equipment | 669,811 | 14,451 | 1,023,144 | 98,162 |
+ Depreciation and amortization | 3,344,826 | 2,434,607 | 10,956,951 | 7,974,481 |
EBITDA | 2,117,470 | 2,242,614 | 11,337,815 | 9,512,920 |
+ Pre-opening costs | 1,409,864 | 1,194,100 | 3,473,664 | 3,230,122 |
+ Non-recurring expenses (Corporate level) | 127,919 | -- | 254,241 | 271,000 |
Adjusted EBITDA | 3,655,253 | 3,436,714 | 15,065,720 | 13,014,042 |
Adjusted EBITDA margin (%) | 10.4% | 12.1% | 11.7% | 12.0% |
+ General and administrative | 2,382,507 | 2,211,718 | 8,601,995 | 7,139,597 |
Restaurant–Level EBITDA | 6,037,760 | 5,648,432 | 23,667,715 | 20,153,639 |
Restaurant–Level EBITDA margin (%) | 17.2% | 19.8% | 18.4% | 18.5% |
(1)Restaurant-Level EBITDA represents net income (loss) attributable to DRH plus the sum of non-restaurant specific general and administrative expenses, restaurant pre-opening costs, loss on property and equipment disposals, the change in fair value of derivative instruments, depreciation and amortization, other income and expenses, interest, taxes, income attributable to noncontrolling interest and non-recurring expenses related to acquisitions, equity offerings or other one-off transactions. Adjusted EBITDA represents net income (loss) attributable to DRH plus the sum of restaurant pre-opening costs, loss on property and equipment disposals, the change in fair value of derivative instruments, depreciation and amortization, other income and expenses, interest, taxes, income attributable to noncontrolling interest, and non-recurring expenses. We are presenting Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are not presented in accordance with GAAP, because we believe they provide an additional metric by which to evaluate our operations. When considered together with our GAAP results and the reconciliation to our net income, we believe they provide a more complete understanding of our business than could be obtained absent this disclosure. We use Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, together with financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, such as revenue, income from operations, net income, and cash flows from operations, to assess our historical and prospective operating performance and to enhance the understanding of our core operating performance. Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are presented because: (i) we believe they are useful measures for investors to assess the operating performance of our business without the effect of non-cash depreciation and amortization expenses; (ii) we believe investors will find these measures useful in assessing our ability to service or incur indebtedness; and (iii) they are used internally as benchmarks to evaluate our operating performance or compare our performance to that of our competitors.
Additionally, we present Restaurant-Level EBITDA because it excludes the impact of general and administrative expenses and restaurant pre-opening costs, both which are non-recurring at the restaurant level. The use of Restaurant-Level EBITDA thereby enables us and our investors to compare our operating performance between periods and to compare our operating performance to the performance of our competitors. The measure is also widely used within the restaurant industry to evaluate restaurant level productivity, efficiency, and performance. The use of Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as performance measures permits a comparative assessment of our operating performance relative to our performance based on GAAP results, while isolating the effects of some items that vary from period to period without any correlation to core operating performance or that vary widely among similar companies. Companies within our industry exhibit significant variations with respect to capital structure and cost of capital (which affect interest expense and tax rates) and differences in book depreciation of property and equipment (which affect relative depreciation expense), including significant differences in the depreciable lives of similar assets among various companies. Our management team believes that Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA facilitate company-to-company comparisons within our industry by eliminating some of the foregoing variations.
Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net income, income from operations, net cash provided by operating, investing, or financing activities, or other financial statement data presented as indicators of financial performance or liquidity, each as presented in accordance with GAAP. Neither Restaurant-Level EBITDA nor Adjusted EBITDA should be considered as a measure of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies and our presentation of Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual items. Our management recognizes that Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical financial measures, including the following:
- Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect our current capital expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures;
- Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, associated with our indebtedness;
- Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect depreciation and amortization, which are non-cash charges, although the assets being depreciated and amortized will likely have to be replaced in the future, nor do Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA reflect any cash requirements for such replacements;
- Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;
- Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect disposals or other non-recurring income and expenses;
- Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in fair value of derivative instruments;
- Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect restaurant pre-opening costs; and
- Restaurant-Level EBITDA does not reflect general and administrative expenses.