Arcos Dorados Reports Second Quarter 2019 Financial Results

Arcos Dorados Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ARCO), Latin America’s largest restaurant chain and the world’s largest independent McDonald’s franchisee, today reported unaudited results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2019.

Second Quarter 2019 Highlights – Excluding Venezuela

• Consolidated revenues decreased 1.8% to $721.0 million, in US dollars, versus the second quarter of 2018, primarily due to the depreciation of both the Argentine and Brazilian currencies. On a constant currency basis², consolidated revenues grew 15.8%
• Systemwide comparable sales² rose 14.2% year-over-year and was above blended inflation
• Adjusted EBITDA² in US dollars increased 15.9% to $56.6 million compared with the prior-year quarter; on a constant currency basis, Adjusted EBITDA grew 25.1%
• Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 120 basis points year-over-year to 7.8%
• Continued leverage in Payroll and General and Administrative (G&A) with margins increasing 140 and 80 basis points, respectively, versus the year-ago quarter
• Net income in US dollars increased 2.5% to $11.0 million, from $10.7 million in the second quarter of 2018

“As our three-pillar strategy gained further traction, Arcos Dorados’ sales momentum accelerated substantially in the second quarter and drove operating leverage in combination with our improved operating efficiencies. In Brazil, excluding the impact of the trucker’s strike that took place in the second quarter of 2018, comparable sales were still well above inflation, and outpaced those of Brazil’s food service sector.

Our Cooltura de Servicio program, together with higher customer satisfaction surveys scores, were among the key drivers for our strong results in the quarter. Significant contributors to the 14.2% and 25.1% increases in comparable sales and constant currency adjusted EBITDA, respectively, were also the continued success of our marketing and promotional campaigns, strong menu offerings, delivery, as well even greater sales lift coming from our Experience of the Future (“EOTF”) restaurants. Digital service features and our affordability platform, which also comprise our unmatched omnichannel guest experience, continued to drive higher revenues as well.”

Given the strong success of EOTF restaurants at further differentiating our market-leading brand in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile, we are planning to introduce this format in six additional countries before the end of this year, flexibly deploying capital where we see the greatest growth opportunities within Arcos Dorados’ dominant geographic footprint.

Arcos Dorados’ strong performance year to date has strengthened our conviction on the effectiveness of our three-pillar strategy. This is comprised of delivering an enhanced customer experience, providing the most relevant and desirable menu offerings and running the best restaurants, to drive sustained, above-inflation growth and achieve higher margins with our streamlined cost structure. We remain committed to the growth investments we have been making and to being the most sustainable and socially beneficial restaurant company in Latin America and the Caribbean, another crucial way in which we differentiate our brand,” said Marcelo Rabach, Chief Executive Officer of Arcos Dorados.

Second Quarter 2019 Results

Consolidated

(2Q19 = 2Q18 + Currency Translation Excl. Venezuela + Constant Currency Growth Excl. Venezuela + Venezuela). Refer to “Definitions” section for further detail.

Arcos Dorados’ consolidated results continue to be heavily impacted by Venezuela’s macroeconomic volatility, including the ongoing hyperinflationary environment and the country’s heavily regulated currency. As such, reported results may contain significant non-cash accounting charges to operations in this market. Accordingly, the discussion of the Company’s operating performance is focused on consolidated results that exclude Venezuela.

Main variations in other operating income (expenses), net

Included in Adjusted EBITDA: In the second quarter of 2018, Arcos Dorados had recorded an inventory write-down charge of $14.7 million related to its operations in Venezuela, compared to only $0.6 million this year.

Excluded from Adjusted EBITDA: There were no material income or expenses.

Second quarter net income attributable to the Company totaled $10.4 million, compared to net income of $1.1 million in the same period of 2018. The variation was mostly due to higher operating income, combined with a positive variance in foreign currency exchange results, partially offset by higher income tax and interest expenses.

Arcos Dorados reported earnings per share of $0.05 in the second quarter of 2019, compared to earnings per share of $0.01 in the previous corresponding period. Primarily as a result of share repurchases of 7,993,602, total weighted average shares for the second quarter of 2019 decreased to 203,840,735 from 210,579,612 in the prior-year quarter.

Consolidated – excluding Venezuela

Excluding the Company’s Venezuelan operation, revenues in US dollars decreased 1.8% year-over-year, primarily due to the negative currency translation impact of the 46% and 8% year-over-year average depreciation, respectively, of the Argentine peso and the Brazilian real against the US dollar. This impact was partially offset by constant currency revenue growth of 15.8%. Constant currency revenue growth was supported by a 14.2% increase in systemwide comparable sales, with strong sales growth in countries in each of the Company’s divisions, including in Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, the French West Indies, Panama and Mexico. Comparable sales, which were above the Company’s blended inflation rate for the quarter, were driven by the Company’s promotional strategy and menus across the region, which helped boost traffic growth. Incremental volume stemmed from increasingly higher delivery revenues and the continued roll-out of EOTF.

Adjusted EBITDA ($ million)

Breakdown of main variations contributing to 2Q19 Adjusted EBITDA

Second quarter consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, excluding Venezuela, increased 15.9% in US dollars, and 25.1% in constant currency terms. The Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 120 basis points to 7.8%, with margin expansions in Brazil and NOLAD, and margin contractions in the Caribbean and SLAD divisions. The Company’s ongoing focus on top-line growth helped capture efficiencies in Payroll costs and other cost line items, which were partially offset by higher F&P costs as a percentage of sales, stemming from the Company’s promotional strategy to drive traffic.

Consolidated G&A decreased 9.7%, year-over-year, in US dollars and was down 80 basis points as a percentage of revenues. On a constant currency basis, G&A increased 10.8%.

Non-operating Results

Non-operating results for the second quarter, excluding Venezuela, contain a $4.3 million non-cash foreign currency exchange gain, versus a non-cash gain of $0.8 million in 2018. Net interest expense was $0.8 million higher year-over-year.

Arcos Dorados reported income tax expenses, excluding Venezuela, of $5.8 million in the second quarter, compared to an income tax expense of $2.0 million in the prior-year period.

Second quarter net income attributable to the Company, excluding Venezuela, totaled $11.0 million, compared to net income of $10.7 million in the same period of 2018. The variation was mostly due to higher operating income, combined with a positive variance in foreign currency exchange results, partially offset by higher income tax and interest expenses.

Arcos Dorados earnings per share remained flat at $0.05, year-over-year, excluding Venezuela. Primarily as a result of share repurchases of 7,993,602, total weighted average shares for the second quarter of 2019 decreased to 203,840,735 from 210,579,612 in the prior-year quarter.

Analysis by Division:

Brazil Division

The Brazil division’s as reported revenues increased 3.9%, despite the 8% year-over-year average depreciation of the Brazilian real. Excluding currency translation, revenues grew 13.1%, supported by systemwide comparable sales growth of 12.1%, well above the country’s inflation, largely driven by traffic growth. The strong performance in comparable sales mainly resulted from intensified marketing initiatives, which helped boost volume growth, combined with the strong execution of the Delivery business segment and EOTF. The strong comparable sales performance in the quarter also benefited from the comparison against the second quarter of last year, when a trucker strike affected the overall Brazilian economy.

Marketing initiatives during the second quarter continued to be focused on driving top-line growth and delivered strong traffic. Marketing activities included the launch of the “Novos Big” campaign and the continuation of the Bacon Smokehouse premium burger in the Signature collection, among others. The delivery business, combined with the compelling offerings and promotions offered through the McDonald’s App, were key drivers for the strong comparable sales performance.

As reported Adjusted EBITDA increased 28.1% year-over-year and 38.9% on a constant currency basis. The Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 250 basis points to 13.4%, as efficiencies in Payroll costs, mainly resulting from higher productivity and lower labor claims, and G&A more than offset the shift in mix related to the marketing campaigns executed during the quarter.

NOLAD

NOLAD’s as reported revenues increased 8.5%, and 9.3% in constant currency terms. The division’s systemwide comparable sales increased well above blended inflation at 7.3%, driven by average check growth and positive traffic, with strong performances in Mexico and Panama. In Mexico, this was the ninth consecutive quarter of strong comparable sales growth, which also benefited from the calendar shift of the Easter holiday.

In NOLAD, the Company continued executing marketing activities focused on increasing sales and guest counts. The affordability platform and the dessert category continued to perform well in Mexico and were key drivers for traffic growth during the quarter. The delivery business was also an important contributor to strong top-line growth during the quarter.

As reported Adjusted EBITDA for the division increased 24.1%, or 26.3% on a constant currency basis. The Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 110 basis points to 8.4%, mainly due to efficiencies in Payroll, G&A and F&P costs.

SLAD

SLAD’s as reported revenues decreased 14.4%, as constant currency growth of 29.1% was more than offset by a negative currency impact resulting from the 46% year-over-year average depreciation of the Argentine peso against the US dollar. The division’s systemwide comparable sales increased 27.7%, driven by average check growth.

As part of the Company’s strategy, promotional activity continued, including digital offerings through the McDonald’s app, as well as appealing promotions in the breakfast daypart. The division’s marketing activities also included new product launches in both the affordability and premium platforms. During the quarter, the Company extended the Signature collection into the dessert category.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased 16.0% on an as reported basis and rose 26.3% in constant currency terms. The Adjusted EBITDA margin contracted 20 basis points to 7.6%, mainly due to a shift in mix resulting from promotional marketing campaigns, F&P cost increases, higher outside services and utility costs in Argentina. However, each of the other markets within the SLAD division posted Adjusted EBITDA margin gains for the quarter.

Caribbean Division

The Caribbean division’s results continue to be heavily impacted by Venezuela’s macroeconomic volatility, including the ongoing hyperinflationary environment and the country’s heavily regulated currency. As such, reported results may contain significant non-cash accounting charges to operations in this market. Due to the distortive effects that Venezuela represents, the discussion of the Caribbean division’s operating performance is focused on results that exclude the Company’s operations in this country.

Caribbean Division – excluding Venezuela

Revenues in the Caribbean division, excluding Venezuela, decreased 3.0% in US dollars, as constant currency growth of 2.4% was more than offset by a negative currency translation impact mainly resulting from the 14% year-over-year average depreciation of the Colombian peso against the US dollar. Comparable sales grew 1.9%, driven by average check growth.

During the quarter, the division’s marketing activities included Cutie Cars, Monster Jam and Ugly Dolls for the Happy Meal and the launch of the McFlurry & Shakes Selva Negra in the dessert category, among others. The Signature collection performed well with the introduction of the Egg & Bacon premium burger.

Adjusted EBITDA totaled $5.1 million, compared to $7.0 million in the same period of 2018. The Adjusted EBITDA margin contracted 170 basis points to 5.1%, mainly driven by higher F&P and Payroll costs, combined with a negative shift in mix.

New Unit Development

The Company opened 71 new restaurants during the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2019, resulting in a total of 2,229 restaurants. Also during the period, the Company added 385 Dessert Centers, bringing the total to 3,186 units. McCafés totaled 267 units at the end of the second quarter.

Balance Sheet & Cash Flow Highlights

Cash and cash equivalents were $137.2 million at June 30, 2019. The Company’s total financial debt (including derivative instruments) was $592.6 million. Net debt (Total Financial Debt minus Cash and cash equivalents) was $455.3 million and the Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA ratio was 1.6x at the end of the reporting period.

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $32.7 million in the second quarter, while cash used in net investing activities totaled $56.1 million, which included capital expenditures of $57.6 million, compared to $39.4 million in the previous year’s quarter. Cash used in financing activities amounted to $12.0 million, which included $10.2 million of dividend payments.

First Half 2019

Excluding the Venezuelan operation and for the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company’s revenues, in US dollars, decreased by 5.7% to $1.4 billion, as constant currency growth of 13.8% was offset by negative currency translation. Adjusted EBITDA was $118.4 million, a1.3% increase compared to the first half of 2018, in US dollars. On a constant currency basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased by 14.3%. The reported Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 60 basis points to 8.2%, as efficiencies in Payroll and G&A more than offset higher F&P costs and Occupancy and Other Operating expenses.

Year-to-date consolidated net income amounted to $25.5 million, compared with net income of $24.3 million in the first half of 2018.

During the first half of 2019, capital expenditures totaled $93.6 million.

Quarter Highlights & Recent Developments

Appointment of Marcelo Rabach as the Chief Executive Officer

On June 19, Arcos Dorados’ Board of Directors announced the appointment of Marcelo Rabach as CEO of the Company effective July 1st, 2019. He succeeds Sergio Alonso. Mr. Rabach began his career in the McDonald’s system almost 30 years ago as a crew member. Prior to his promotion, Mr. Rabach was Arcos Dorados’ Chief Operating Officer, a position he assumed in August 2015.

On August 2, Mr. Rabach was appointed to the Arcos Dorados’ Board of Directors.

Appointment of Luis Raganato as the Chief Operating Officer

On June 19, Arcos Dorados’ Board of Directors also announced the appointment of Mr. Luis Raganato, who served as the Company’s Divisional President for its Caribbean Division as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective July 1^st, 2019. He succeeds Mr. Rabach. Mr. Raganato also began his career as a crew member with McDonald’s over 30 years ago. He has held senior leadership position across several geographies where the Company operates.

Luis Raganato holds a degree in Business Administration granted by the Instituto Aeronáutico de Argentina, in addition to a post-graduate degree in Marketing and Business granted by the Escuela Superior de Estudios de Marketing in Madrid, Spain.

Appointment of Francisco Staton as President for the Caribbean Division

Arcos Dorados’ Board of Directors appointed Francisco Staton as President for the Caribbean Division, effective July 1^st, 2019, succeeding Luis Raganato. Mr. Staton, who is a member of the Board of Directors for Arcos Dorados, was the Managing Director for Colombia, whose role also included managing the markets of Aruba, Curaçao and Trinidad & Tobago. He began his career at Arcos Dorados in 2008, worked as a consultant with the Boston Consulting Group, and rejoined Arcos Dorados in 2013 as Senior Director of Business Development of the NOLAD Division.

Francisco Staton holds a degree in Architecture from Princeton University and a Master in Business Administration from Columbia University, in New York.