Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2008 Financial Results

Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: RUTH) today reported unaudited results for its fourth quarter ended December 28, 2008. Highlights for the fourth quarter 2008 compared to the fourth quarter 2007 were as follows:

• Total revenue increased 12.1% to $99.8 million from $89.0 million, including $19.4 million from the Mitchell's acquisition, which closed on February 19, 2008.

• Net loss of $60.7 million, or $2.60 per diluted share, compared to net income of $4.1 million, or $0.18 per diluted share in the prior year period.

• Net loss includes severance costs, impairment and restructuring costs, mark to market charge relating to interest rate swap agreements and discontinued operations expense. Excluding these charges on a tax adjusted basis, the Company's results would be $0.04 per diluted share.

• Company-owned comparable restaurant sales for Ruth's Chris Steak House decreased 18.5%, compared to a 5.6% decrease in 2007. Combined average weekly sales at Mitchell's were $67.9 thousand compared to $80.8 thousand in the prior year quarter.

• Food and beverage costs, as a percentage of restaurant sales, decreased approximately 50 basis points to 31.5%. This was primarily driven by favorable beef costs and modest price increases, partially offset by higher seafood, grocery, produce, and dairy costs.

• Restaurant operating expenses, as a percentage of restaurant sales, increased approximately 700 basis points to 53.3%, with the majority of the increase due to de-leveraging as a result of weak comparable sales, as many of these expenses are fixed.

• General and administrative expenses, as a percentage of total revenues, were approximately 240 basis points lower to 5.8%, primarily due to the corporate reorganization completed in late October.

• Depreciation and amortization expenses, as a percentage of total revenues, were 90 basis points higher at approximately 4.5% of total revenues.

Michael P. O'Donnell, Chief Executive Officer and President of Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc., said, "Despite the unprecedented environment, we continued to make strategic progress for the period. Specifically, we were able to effectively reduce both corporate and operating expenses which combined with favorable beef costs, led to operating earnings per share of $0.04, excluding the aforementioned fourth quarter charges. These operating earnings were in excess of our previously communicated guidance. Year to date we've also made meaningful progress in other areas, most notably the added flexibility we've gained from our amended bank agreement.' Mr. O'Donnell continued, 'As we look forward to the 2009 fiscal year, we are committed to making the tough decisions that will continue to strengthen our financial status and enhance our competitive position. Ultimately, we have a flagship brand that has withstood numerous down cycles and I believe we are doing what's required to stabilize the business until the economy turns'

Review of Operating Results

Total revenues, which include Company-owned restaurant sales, franchise income, and other operating income, increased 12.1% to $99.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to $89.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Company-owned restaurant sales grew 14.2% to $96.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2008 from $84.8 million for the period last year. This was primarily the result of a 48% increase in total restaurant operating weeks to 1,138 from 769 (including 286 operating weeks related to the Mitchell's acquisition for which there is no comparison in the fourth quarter of 2007). Restaurant sales generated by Mitchell's were $19.4 million during the fourth quarter of 2008.

Average weekly sales for Ruth's Chris Steak House were $90.9 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to $110.3 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2007. Combined average weekly sales at Mitchell's were $67.9 thousand compared to $80.8 thousand in the prior year quarter. The Company will consider restaurants acquired through the Mitchell's acquisition to be comparable in the second quarter of 2009.

For the fourth quarter of 2008, Company-owned comparable restaurant sales at Ruth's Chris Steak House decreased 18.5%. Comparable sales consisted of an average check decrease of 2.2%, driven by menu mix shifts, as well as an entrée reduction of 16.7%.

Franchise income decreased 22.6% to $3.0 million from $3.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. This decrease was driven primarily by a $0.5 million reduction in franchise fees combined with the impact of a decline in blended comparable franchise-owned restaurant sales of 19.0%.

Operating loss was $86.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2008, including severance, impairment and restructuring charges of $90.2 million, versus operating income of $8.1 million in the same period last year. Net loss was $60.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2008, or $2.60 per diluted share, compared to net income of $4.1 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Charges due to severance, impairment and restructuring were approximately $90.2 million and included approximately $2.2 million in severance charges, $32.2 million in FAS 144 non-cash charges for existing restaurants and corporate facilities, $49.1 million in FAS 142 non-cash impairment charges of goodwill, franchise rights, and trademark evaluation, and $6.7 million in development cost reserves for 2009. Additionally, the Company recorded a $0.9 million charge for a mark to market adjustment relating to interest rate swap agreements, and a net of tax charge of $0.5 million for discontinued operations. On a tax adjusted basis, these items represent a loss of $2.64 per diluted share in the fourth quarter.

Financial Outlook

Based on current information, Ruth's Hospitality Group is providing the following outlook for 2009:

• Three to five Ruth's Chris Steak House franchise openings, there will be no Company-owned restaurant development this year

• Cost of goods sold are anticipated to be 31% to 32% of sales

• General & Administrative expenses of $22.5 million to $24 million

• An effective tax rate of approximately 24% to 26%

• Capital expenditures of $10 million to $12 million

• Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding of approximately 23.5 million


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