Dine Brands Global, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2020 Results

Robust Off-Premise Growth Continued

Cash Position Remains Strong

98% of Domestic Restaurants Open

Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), the parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar ® and IHOP ® restaurants, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2020.

“Dine Brands enters 2021 positioned for improved sales and robust off-premise growth. In the face of the unprecedented environment resulting from the pandemic, our franchisees, team members and restaurant teams rose to the challenge. Operationally, the collective system implemented heightened cleanliness standards to enhance the safety and well-being of our teams and guests, for both dine-in and off-premise occasions. In 2020, Dine moved swiftly to right size our business and brands in response to the precipitous decline in revenue by reducing costs, strengthening our balance sheet, and lowering capital spending. While the current environment remains challenging, we believe our financial condition is strong and we look ahead to the rest of 2021 with optimism,” said John Peyton, chief executive officer of Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Mr. Peyton added, “I’m proud to be here and I’ve joined an outstanding team made up of an exceptionally talented group of leaders, franchisees and team members. Dine is a well-positioned company with a strong portfolio of brands. We’re confident we have the right plans in place to drive long-term growth for all stakeholders.”

Allison Hall, interim chief financial officer and vice president, controller, added, “Our fourth quarter results are evidence our brands remain effectively positioned to win in an off-premise environment and that our business model is positioned for solid growth once we emerge from the pandemic. Off-premise comparable sales at both Applebee’s and IHOP increased significantly primarily due to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases nationwide and the related reinstatement of federal, state and local level governmental restrictions on dine-in service as well as a shift in consumer behavior. With iconic category-leading brands, Dine is well positioned for future growth for years to come.”

Domestic System-Wide Comparable Same-Restaurant Sales Performance

Fourth Quarter of 2020

• Applebee’s comparable same-restaurant sales decreased 17.6% for the fourth quarter of 2020.
  
• IHOP’s comparable same-restaurant sales decreased 30.1% for the fourth quarter of 2020.
  
• Comparable same-restaurant sales for the fourth quarter of 2020 declined at both Applebee’s and IHOP primarily due to the impact of the resurgence of COVID-19 cases nationwide and the related reinstatement of federal, state and local level governmental restrictions on in-restaurant dining operations, which resulted in a meaningful decline in traffic.

Fiscal 2020 Summary

• Applebee’s comparable same-restaurant sales decreased 22.4% for 2020.
  
• IHOP’s comparable same-restaurant sales decreased 32.8% for 2020.
  
• Comparable same-restaurant sales for 2020 declined at both Applebee’s and IHOP primarily due to the impact COVID-19 cases nationwide and the related federal, state and local level governmental restrictions on in-restaurant dining operations, which resulted in a meaningful decline in traffic.

Off-Premise and Dine-In Sales Growth Comparison

• Applebee’s off-premise comparable same-restaurant sales for the fourth quarter of 2020 increased by 133.3% primarily due to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases nationwide and the related reinstatement of federal, state and local level governmental restrictions on dine-in service as well as a shift in consumer behavior.
  
• Applebee’s off-premise sales accounted for 36.8% of sales mix for the fourth quarter of 2020. This compares to 34.6% of sales mix for the third quarter of 2020.
  
• Applebee’s delivery sales accounted for 14.0% of sales mix and take-out sales accounted for 22.8% of sales mix for the fourth quarter of 2020. This compares to delivery sales mix of 11.5% and take-out sales mix of 23.1% for the third quarter of 2020.
  
• Applebee’s online sales accounted for 12.4% of total sales for the fourth quarter of 2020. This compares to 12.2% of total sales for the third quarter of 2020.
  
• IHOP’s off-premise comparable same-restaurant sales for the fourth quarter of 2020 increased by 130.4% primarily due to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases nationwide discussed above.
  
• IHOP’s off-premise sales accounted for 33.3% of sales mix for the fourth quarter of 2020. This compares to 32.4% of sales mix for the third quarter of 2020.
  
• IHOP’s delivery sales accounted for 15.6% of sales mix and take-out sales accounted for 17.7% of sales mix for the fourth quarter of 2020. This compares to delivery sales mix of 15.7% and take-out sales mix of 18.3% for the third quarter of 2020.
  
• IHOP’s online sales accounted for 22.7% of total sales for the fourth quarter of 2020. This compares to 22.0% of total sales for the third quarter of 2020.

Fourth Quarter of 2020 Summary

• GAAP net loss per diluted share of $0.10 for the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to earnings per diluted share of $1.59 for the fourth quarter of 2019. The variance was primarily due to a decline in gross profit resulting from a significant decrease in customer traffic due to federal, state and local level governmental restrictions on in-restaurant dining operations to stem the spread of the coronavirus and related changes in consumer behavior.
  
• Adjusted earnings per diluted share of $0.39 for the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to adjusted earnings per diluted share of $1.78 for the fourth quarter of 2019. The variance was primarily due to a decline in gross profit resulting from a significant decrease in customer traffic due to the reasons discussed above. (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and reconciliation of GAAP earnings per diluted share to adjusted earnings per diluted share.)
  
• General and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2020 declined 5.4% year-over-year to $39.4 million from $41.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. The improvement was mainly due to lower travel and compensation costs. These cost reductions were due to the Company’s ability to tightly manage general and administrative expenses during a period of austerity.
  
• Consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $42.0 million. This compares to $67.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. The variance was primarily due to a significant decrease in customer traffic resulting from governmental measures to stem the spread of the coronavirus, which led to declines in both total revenues and gross profit. (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and reconciliation of GAAP net income to consolidated adjusted EBITDA.)

Fiscal 2020 Summary

• GAAP net loss per diluted share of $6.43 for 2020 compared to a GAAP earnings per diluted share of $5.85 for 2019. The decrease was primarily due to a decline in gross profit as discussed above and an increase in impairment and closure charges compared to 2019.
  
• Adjusted earnings per diluted share of $1.79 for 2020 compared to adjusted earnings per diluted share of $6.95 for 2019. The decrease was primarily due to a decline in gross profit as discussed above. (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and reconciliation of GAAP earnings per diluted share to adjusted earnings per diluted share.)
  
• General and administrative expenses for 2020 declined 11.1% to $144.8 million from $162.8 million for 2019. The improvement was mainly due to lower compensation expense and travel costs resulting from tight management of general and administrative expenses.
  
• Consolidated adjusted EBITDA for 2020 was $158.7 million. This compares to $273.5 million for 2019. The variance was primarily due to the significant decrease in customer traffic discussed above. (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and reconciliation of GAAP net income to consolidated adjusted EBITDA.)
  
• Cash flows from operating activities for 2020 was $96.5 million. This compares to cash flows from operating activities of $155.2 million for 2019. The decrease mainly was due to a significant decrease in customer traffic due to governmental measures to stem the spread of the coronavirus, which led to declines in both total revenues and gross profit.
  
• The Company continued to generate strong adjusted free cash flow of $106.6 million for 2020. This compares to adjusted free cash flow of $148.8 million for 2019. (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and reconciliation of the Company’s cash provided by operating activities to adjusted free cash flow.)
  
• GAAP net loss available to common stockholders was $104.4 million, or a net loss per diluted share of $6.43, for 2020. This compares to net income available to common stockholders of $100.8 million, or earnings per diluted share of $5.85, for 2019. The decrease in net income was primarily due to the decline in gross profit discussed above and an increase in impairment and closure charges compared to 2019. These items were partially offset by a decline in general and administrative expenses.
  
• Adjusted net income available to common stockholders was $29.3 million, or adjusted earnings per diluted share of $1.79, for 2020. This compares to adjusted net income available to common stockholders of $119.7 million, or adjusted earnings per diluted share of $6.95, for 2019. The decrease in adjusted net income was primarily due to lower gross profit for the reasons discussed above. This item was partially offset by fewer weighted average diluted shares outstanding and lower general and administrative expenses. (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.)

Cash Position

Dine Brands has taken precautionary measures to increase the Company’s financial flexibility due to the conditions caused by COVID-19. As previously disclosed on March 19, 2020, the Company drew $220 million from its revolving credit facility, all of which remained drawn as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, $2.8 million was pledged against the revolving credit facility for outstanding letters of credit. The Company plans to repay the $220 million drawn from its revolving credit facility in the month of March 2021.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $456.1 million of total cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash of $72.7 million. Excluding the $220 million the Company drew from its revolving credit facility, the Company had total cash of $236.1 million as of December 31, 2020, $63.6 million above the total cash of $172.5 million as of December 31, 2019. The variance was primarily due to the temporary suspension of the Company’s quarterly cash dividends and share repurchase program. These steps were taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to maintain financial flexibility. The Company believes that its asset-light business model and cash position will continue to provide strong liquidity during the pandemic.

The Company makes $16.4 million of quarterly interest payments on its Series 2019-1 Class A-2-I, Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes and Series 2019-1 Class A-2-II, Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes (the “Class A-2-I Notes”, together with the “Class A-2-II Notes”, the “Class A-2 Notes”). In addition, the Company made a principal payment of $3.25 million on its Class A-2 Notes beginning in the fourth quarter of 2020. The quarterly principal payments under the Class A-2 Notes may be voluntarily suspended when the leverage ratio for the Company and its subsidiaries is less than or equal to 5.25x. As of December 31, 2020, the Company’s leverage ratio was 7.20x.

The Company voluntarily doubled its interest reserve on its Class A-2 Notes during the second quarter of 2020 to $32.8 million to enhance its securitization structure. This increased restricted cash by $16.4 million.

GAAP Effective Tax Rate

Our effective tax rate for 2020 was 4.2% compared to 24.6% for 2019. The effective tax rate for 2020 of 4.2% applied to pretax book loss was significantly different than the statutory Federal income tax rate of 21% primarily because of a $92.2 million impairment of goodwill incurred in the second quarter of 2020, which is not deductible for income tax purposes and therefore has no associated tax benefit.

Financial Performance Guidance for 2021

The Company believes that its consolidated financial results for 2021 could continue to be materially impacted by the global impact from COVID-19. Considering the uncertainty and timing of a reversal in consumer behavior due to the pandemic, the Company currently cannot provide a complete business outlook for fiscal 2021. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement this information.

• General and administrative expenses for 2021 are expected to range between approximately $160 million and $170 million, including non-cash stock-based compensation expense and depreciation totaling approximately $45 million. This projection includes approximately $5 million of general and administrative expenses related to the company restaurants.
  
• Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $14 million, inclusive of approximately $5 million related to the company restaurants segment.

Domestic System Reopening Update

As of December 31, 2020, 3,211 of our domestic restaurants, or 98%, were open for either dine-in service or off-premise service comprised of take-out and delivery. This compares to 3,190 of our domestic restaurants, or 97%, open for either dine-in service or off-premise service comprised of take-out and delivery as of September 30, 2020.

Applebee’s Reopening Update

As of December 31, 2020, out of 1,600 domestic Applebee’s franchise and company-operated restaurants, 1,276 were open for in-restaurant dining, 315 were open for only off-premise sales, comprised of take-out and delivery, and 9 were temporarily closed. This compares to as of September 30, 2020, when out of 1,614 domestic Applebee’s franchise and company-operated restaurants, 1,595 were open for in-restaurant dining, three were open for only off-premise sales, comprised of take-out and delivery, and 16 were temporarily closed.

IHOP Reopening Update

As of December 31, 2020, out of 1,670 domestic IHOP franchise and area license restaurants, 1,174 were open for in-restaurant dining, 446 were open only for off-premise sales, comprised of take-out and delivery, and 50 were temporarily closed. This compares to as of September 30, 2020, when out of 1,683 domestic IHOP franchise and area license restaurants, 1,425 were open for in-restaurant dining, 167 were open only for off-premise sales, comprised of take-out and delivery, and 91 were temporarily closed.

Fourth Quarter of 2020 Earnings Conference Call Details

Dine Brands will host a conference call to discuss its results on March 2, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

To participate on the call, please dial (833) 528-0602 and enter the conference identification number 4374875. International callers, please dial (830) 221-9708 and enter the conference identification number 4374875.

A live webcast of the call will be available on www.dinebrands.com and may be accessed by visiting Events and Presentations under the site’s Investors section. Participants should allow approximately ten minutes prior to the call’s start time to visit the site and download any streaming media software needed to listen to the webcast. A telephonic replay of the call may be accessed from 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time on March 2, 2021 through 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time on March 9, 2021 by dialing (855) 859-2056 and entering the conference identification number 4374875. International callers, please dial (404) 537-3406 and enter the conference identification number 4374875. An online archive of the webcast will also be available on Events and Presentations under the Investors section of the Company’s website.

About Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Based in Glendale, California, Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), through its subsidiaries, franchises restaurants under both the Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar and IHOP brands. With approximately 3,500 restaurants combined in 17 countries and approximately 350 franchisees, Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world. For more information on Dine Brands, visit the Company’s website located at www.dinebrands.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. You can identify these forward-looking statements by words such as “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal” and other similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied in such statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: uncertainty regarding the duration and severity of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its ultimate impact on the Company; the effectiveness of related containment measures; general economic conditions; our level of indebtedness; compliance with the terms of our securitized debt; our ability to refinance our current indebtedness or obtain additional financing; our dependence on information technology; potential cyber incidents; the implementation of restaurant development plans; our dependence on our franchisees; the concentration of our Applebee’s franchised restaurants in a limited number of franchisees; the financial health of our franchisees; our franchisees’ and other licensees’ compliance with our quality standards and trademark usage; general risks associated with the restaurant industry; potential harm to our brands’ reputation; possible future impairment charges; the effects of tax reform; trading volatility and fluctuations in the price of our stock; our ability to achieve the financial guidance we provide to investors; successful implementation of our business strategy; the availability of suitable locations for new restaurants; shortages or interruptions in the supply or delivery of products from third parties or availability of utilities; the management and forecasting of appropriate inventory levels; development and implementation of innovative marketing and use of social media; changing health or dietary preference of consumers; risks associated with doing business in international markets; the results of litigation and other legal proceedings; third-party claims with respect to intellectual property assets; our ability to attract and retain management and other key employees; compliance with federal, state and local governmental regulations; risks associated with our self-insurance; natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics, or other serious incidents; our success with development initiatives outside of our core business; the adequacy of our internal controls over financial reporting and future changes in accounting standards; and other factors discussed from time to time in the Corporation’s Annual and Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q and in the Corporation’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and the Corporation does not intend to, nor does it assume any obligation to, update or supplement any forward-looking statements after the date hereof to reflect actual results or future events or circumstances.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes references to the Company's non-GAAP financial measure “adjusted net income available to common stockholders”, “adjusted earnings per diluted share (Adjusted EPS)”, “Adjusted EBITDA” and “Adjusted free cash flow.” Adjusted EPS is computed for a given period by deducting from net income or loss available to common stockholders for such period the effect of any closure and impairment charges, any gain or loss related to debt extinguishment, any intangible asset amortization, any non-cash interest expense, any gain or loss related to the disposition of assets, and other items deemed not reflective of current operations. This is presented on an aggregate basis and a per share (diluted) basis. Adjusted EBITDA is computed for a given period by deducting from net income or loss for such period the effect of any closure and impairment charges, any interest charges, any income tax provision or benefit, any non-cash stock-based compensation, any depreciation and amortization, any gain or loss related to the disposition of assets and other items deemed not reflective of current operations. “Adjusted free cash flow” for a given period is defined as cash provided by operating activities, plus receipts from notes and equipment contracts receivable, less capital expenditures. Management may use certain of these non-GAAP financial measures along with the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures to evaluate the performance of the business and to make certain business decisions. Management uses adjusted free cash flow in its periodic assessments of, among other things, the amount of cash dividends per share of common stock and repurchases of common stock and we believe it is important for investors to have the same measure used by management for that purpose. Adjusted free cash flow does not represent residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes. Additionally, adjusted EPS is one of the metrics used in determining payouts under the Company’s annual cash incentive plan. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide additional meaningful information that should be considered when assessing the business and the Company’s performance compared to prior periods and the marketplace. Adjusted EPS and adjusted free cash flow are supplemental non-GAAP financial measures and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Reconciliation of net (loss) income available to common stockholders to net income available to common stockholders, as adjusted for the following items: Impairment and closure charges; amortization of intangible assets; non-cash interest expense; gain or loss on disposition of assets; loss on extinguishment of debt; administrative reorganization costs; nonrecurring restaurant costs; and the combined tax effect of the preceding adjustments, as well as related per share data:

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(Unaudited)

Reconciliation of the Company's cash provided by operating activities to “adjusted free cash flow” (cash provided by operating activities, plus receipts from notes and equipment contracts receivable, less additions to property and equipment). Management uses this liquidity measure in its periodic assessments of, among other things, the amount of cash dividends per share of common stock and repurchases of common stock. We believe it is important for investors to have the same measure used by management for that purpose. Adjusted free cash flow does not represent residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes.

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)

Reconciliation of the Company's net (loss) income to “adjusted EBITDA.” The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as net (loss) income, adjusted for the effect of impairment and closure charges, interest charges, income tax provision or benefit, depreciation and amortization, non-cash stock-based compensation, gain or loss on disposition of assets, other non-income based taxes and other items deemed not reflective of current operations. Management may use certain non-GAAP measures along with the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures to evaluate the performance of the Company and to make certain business decisions.

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Restaurant Data
(Unaudited)

The following table sets forth, for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the number of “Effective Restaurants” in the Applebee’s and IHOP systems and information regarding the percentage change in sales at those restaurants compared to the same periods in the prior year and, as such, the percentage change in sales at Effective Restaurants is based on non-GAAP sales data. Sales at restaurants that are owned by franchisees and area licensees are not attributable to the Company. However, we believe that presentation of this information is useful in analyzing our revenues because franchisees and area licensees pay us royalties and advertising fees that are generally based on a percentage of their sales, and, where applicable, rental payments under leases that partially may be based on a percentage of their sales. Management also uses this information to make decisions about future plans for the development of additional restaurants as well as evaluation of current operations.

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Restaurant Data
(Unaudited)