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CBRL Group, Inc. Announces Increase in Diluted Income Per Share For Fiscal 2007 First Quarter

Posted on: Tuesday, 21 November 2006, 06:00 CST

CBRL Group, Inc. ("CBRL" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: CBRL) today announced results for its first quarter ended October 27, 2006, reporting diluted income per share from continuing operations of $0.45, compared with $0.44 from continuing operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2006. After-tax income from continuing operations was $15.2 million, compared with $22.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2006, with the reduction reflecting higher interest expense associated with the Company's fiscal 2006 recapitalization initiative. On October 30, 2006, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to divest its subsidiary, Logan's Roadhouse® Inc. ("Logan's"). Logan's results are now classified as discontinued operations. Total net income and diluted net income per share, including the effect of Logan's discontinued operations, were $19.4 million and $0.57, respectively, compared with $25.7 million and $0.51, respectively, in the prior year first quarter.

Highlights of the first quarter of fiscal 2007 results include:

Comparable store restaurant sales for the first quarter increased 1.4% for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® ("Cracker Barrel"), while comparable store retail sales at Cracker Barrel were up 4.4%

Total revenue from continuing operations for the first quarter of $558 million was up 4.3% from the year-ago quarter

Operating income margin from continuing operations in the first quarter was 6.9% of total revenues compared to 6.8% in the year-ago quarter

After-tax income and diluted income per share, both from continuing operations, for the first quarter were $15.2 million and $0.45, respectively, compared to income of $22.1 million and diluted income per share of $0.44, both from continuing operations, in the prior-year comparable period. The first quarter of fiscal 2007 benefited from the Company's recapitalization in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 which had the effect of reducing income from continuing operations due to interest on a greater amount of debt outstanding, while increasing diluted income per share from continuing operations due to a reduction in the number of shares outstanding.

Commenting on the first-quarter results, CBRL Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Michael A. Woodhouse said, "The sales environment improved in the first quarter. We believe that lower gasoline prices were a contributing factor, and we did not have the devastating hurricane season that we had in 2006. Restaurant sales at Cracker Barrel were solid, and we were especially encouraged by positive guest traffic. While retail sales were positive, the overall trends are not up to our expectations. With retailers reporting mixed results recently, consumers appear cautious in their spending. Therefore, we are planning operational initiatives to maximize sales during the upcoming holiday shopping season. Meanwhile, however, our store-level cost management and overall margin performance have improved from a year ago, and we are benefiting from our restructuring initiatives with growth in diluted income per share."

First-Quarter Fiscal 2007 Results

On October 30, 2006, the company announced that it had executed a definitive agreement to sell Logan's to LRI Holdings, Inc., an affiliate of Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co., Inc., a New York-based private equity investment firm, and an affiliate of Canyon Capital Advisors LLC, a Los Angeles-based investment firm, and its associated private equity and debt investment firm, Los Angeles-based Black Canyon Capital LLC. Logan's results now are reflected as discontinued operations, and income from discontinued operations compared with last year benefited from lower food and advertising expense and credits for forfeiture or anticipated forfeiture of previously awarded unvested share-based awards partly offset by divestiture-related expenses.

Revenue from continuing operations

Total revenue from continuing operations for the first quarter of $558.3 million represented an increase of 4.3% from the first quarter of 2006. Comparable store restaurant sales at Cracker Barrel for the period increased 1.4%, including a 1.2% higher average check, while guest traffic increased 0.2%. Cracker Barrel's average menu price increase for the quarter was approximately 0.9% compared with last year. Comparable store retail sales at Cracker Barrel increased 4.4% for the quarter. During the quarter, the Company opened five new Cracker Barrel units.

Income from continuing operations

Operating income from continuing operations of $38.3 million was 6.9% of total revenue during the first quarter of 2007 compared to $36.2 million, or 6.8% of revenue, in the first quarter of fiscal 2006. After-tax income from continuing operations of $15.2 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, during the first quarter of 2007, compared to income from continuing operations of $22.1 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2006. Other expense items affecting first quarter comparable results included higher interest expense due to the Company's third quarter fiscal 2006 recapitalization and corresponding higher debt levels as well as increased bonus expense. Offsetting these unfavorable effects were higher menu pricing, positive comparable-store restaurant traffic and lower food cost, labor cost, and advertising expenses. Diluted income per share from continuing operations reflected fewer shares outstanding compared with the comparable prior year-period as a result of the Company's "Dutch auction" tender offer in which it repurchased 16,750,000 shares of the Company's common stock in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006.

Fiscal 2007 Outlook

The Company urges caution in considering its current trends and the outlook disclosed in this press release. The restaurant industry is highly competitive, and trends and guidance are subject to numerous factors and influences, some of which are discussed in the cautionary language at the end of this press release. The Company disclaims any obligations to update disclosed information on trends or targets other than in its periodic filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Company commented on its outlook for fiscal 2007 and reiterated that it has adopted the practice of providing guidance on full fiscal year targets rather than quarterly expectations or objectives. The Company noted that its outlook reflects many assumptions, many of which cannot be known, including, very importantly, sales expectations and the effects of the Logan's divestiture. In anticipation of completing the divestiture of Logan's, the Company's outlook addresses expectations for results of continuing operations for Cracker Barrel, excluding Logan's. Based on first quarter operating results and trends, the Company presently expects fiscal 2007 total revenues from Cracker Barrel of approximately $2.4 billion, reflecting the opening of 19 new Cracker Barrel stores during the year, full-year comparable store restaurant sales that are up 1 to 3% and full-year comparable store retail sales that are up 5 to 7% compared to prior year (on a comparable week basis), and the benefit of an estimated $45-50 million in revenues from a 53rd week in fiscal 2007. The Company also expects fiscal 2007 operating income margins from continuing operations to be approximately equal to those of fiscal 2006. The Company's margin expectations reflect lower food costs and the non-recurrence of certain impairment and store closing costs incurred in fiscal 2006, partly offset by higher advertising and bonus expenses and the effect of minimum wage changes on tipped employees recently enacted in certain states. Certain expenses related to the Company's strategic initiatives begun in fiscal 2006 will continue into fiscal 2007. The Company expects the effect of the 53rd week to be margin neutral, including the impact of plans for additional spending to support advertising tests during the year. The Company presently expects fiscal 2007 capital expenditures of up to $105 million, excluding Logan's.

Commenting on the outlook, Mr. Woodhouse said, "Fiscal 2007 is a transition year for CBRL. The anticipated completion of the Logan's divestiture will substantially complete the strategic initiatives we began in fiscal 2006. While the use of the proceeds from the divestiture of Logan's is not yet finally determined, we will continue to leverage the strength of our brand while improving our capital structure to create long-term shareholder value. We expect high single-digit percentage revenue growth from same store sales improvements and new store openings, as well as a 53rd week, and flat operating margins, coupled with the benefits realized from our restructuring efforts."

Fiscal 2007 First-Quarter Conference Call

As previously announced, the live broadcast of CBRL Group's quarterly conference call will be available to the public on-line at www.earnings.com or www.cbrlgroup.com today beginning at 11:00 a.m. (EST). The on-line replay will be available at 2:00 p.m. (EST) and continue through December 1, 2006.

Headquartered in Lebanon, Tennessee, CBRL Group, Inc. presently operates 550 Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurants and gift shops located in 41 states and 143 company-operated and 26 franchised Logan's Roadhouse restaurants in 20 states.

Except for specific historical information, many of the matters discussed in this press release may express or imply projections of revenues or expenditures, statements of plans and objectives or future operations or statements of future economic performance. These, and similar statements are forward-looking statements concerning matters that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual performance of CBRL Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries to differ materially from those expressed or implied by this discussion. All forward-looking information is provided by the Company pursuant to the safe harbor established under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and should be evaluated in the context of these factors. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "trends,""assumptions,""target,""guidance,""outlook,""plans,""goals,""objectives,""expectations,""near-term,""long-term,""projection,""may,""will,""would,""could,""expect,""intend,""estimate,""anticipate,""believe,""potential,""regular," or "continue" (or the negative or other derivatives of each of these terms) or similar terminology. Factors which could materially affect actual results include, but are not limited to: the timing and ability of the Company to execute a successful divestiture of its Logan's Roadhouse, Inc. subsidiary; the effects of incurring substantial indebtedness and associated restrictions on the Company's financial and operating flexibility and ability to execute or pursue its operating plans and objectives; the effects of uncertain consumer confidence, higher costs for energy, consumer debt payments, or general or regional economic weakness, or weather on sales and customer travel, discretionary income or personal expenditure activity of our customers; the ability of the Company to identify, acquire and sell successful new lines of retail merchandise in our gift shops and new menu items at our restaurants; the ability of the Company to sustain or the effects of plans intended to improve operational execution and performance; changes in or implementation of additional governmental or regulatory rules, regulations and interpretations affecting tax, wage and hour matters, health and safety, pensions, insurance or other undeterminable areas; the effects of plans intended to promote or protect the Company's brands and products; commodity, workers compensation, group health and utility price changes; consumer behavior based on negative publicity or concerns over nutritional or safety aspects of the Company's products or restaurant food in general, including concerns about E. coli bacteria, hepatitis A, "mad cow" disease, "foot-and-mouth" disease, and bird flu, as well as the possible effects of such events on the price or availability of ingredients used in our restaurants; changes in interest rates or capital market conditions affecting the Company's financing costs or ability to obtain financing or execute initiatives; the effects of business trends on the outlook for individual restaurant locations and the effect on the carrying value of those locations; the ability of the Company to retain key personnel during and after the restructuring process; the ability of and cost to the Company to recruit, train, and retain qualified hourly and management employees; the effects of increased competition at Company locations on sales and on labor recruiting, cost, and retention; the availability and cost of suitable sites for restaurant development and our ability to identify those sites; changes in building materials and construction costs; the actual results of pending, future or threatened litigation or governmental investigations and the costs and effects of negative publicity associated with these activities; practical or psychological effects of natural disasters or terrorist acts or war and military or government responses; disruptions to the company's restaurant or retail supply chain; changes in foreign exchange rates affecting the Company's future retail inventory purchases; implementation of new or changes in interpretation of existing accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"); effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure; and other factors described from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases, and other communications.

CBRL GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share amounts)

First Quarter Ended

10/27/06 

10/28/05 

Change

Total revenue

$

558,263 

$

535,485 

4%

Cost of goods sold

172,856 

166,612 

4 

Gross profit

385,407 

368,873 

4 

Labor & other related expenses

212,174 

204,418 

4 

Other store operating expenses

97,722 

95,184 

3 

Store operating income

75,511 

69,271 

9 

General and administrative expenses

37,260 

33,062 

13 

Operating income

38,251 

36,209 

6 

Interest expense

15,177 

2,487 

510 

Interest income

598 

-- 

-- 

Pretax income

23,672 

33,722 

(30)

Provision for income taxes

8,510 

11,668 

(27)

Income from continuing operations

15,162 

22,054 

(31)

Income from discontinued operations

4,265 

3,668 

16 

Net income

$

19,427 

$

25,722 

(24)

Earnings per share - Basic:

Income from continuing operations

$

0.49 

$

0.47 

4 

Income from discontinued operations

$

0.14 

$

0.08 

75 

Net income per share

$

0.63 

$

0.55 

15 

Earnings per share - Diluted:

Income from continuing operations

$

0.45 

$

0.44 

2 

Income from discontinued operations

$

0.12 

$

0.07 

71 

Net income per share

$

0.57 

$

0.51 

12 

Weighted average shares:

Basic

30,996,700 

46,672,202 

(34)

Diluted

36,011,802 

51,836,594 

(31)

RATIO ANALYSIS

Net sales:

Restaurant

79.2%

79.7%

Retail

20.8 

20.3 

Total revenue

100.0 

100.0 

Cost of goods sold

31.0 

31.1 

Gross profit

69.0 

68.9 

Labor & other related expenses

38.0 

38.2 

Other store operating expenses

17.5 

17.8 

Store operating income

13.5 

12.9 

General and administrative expenses

6.6 

6.1 

Operating income

6.9 

6.8 

Interest expense

2.8 

0.5 

Interest income

0.1 

-- 

Pretax income

4.2 

6.3 

Provision for income taxes

1.5 

2.2 

Income from continuing operations

2.7 

4.1 

Income from discontinued operations

0.8 

0.7 

Net income

3.5%

4.8%

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(Unaudited and in thousands)

10/27/06 

7/28/06 

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

73,103 

$

87,830 

Assets held for sale

3,527 

3,127 

Other current assets

185,993 

161,651 

Current assets of discontinued operations

412,062 

401,222 

Property and equipment, net

992,010 

982,504 

Long-lived assets

46,702 

44,963 

Total assets

$

1,713,397 

$

1,681,297 

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

Current liabilities

$

253,455 

$

258,888 

Current liabilities of discontinued operations

77,934 

71,645 

Long-term debt

910,931 

911,464 

Other long-term obligations

149,591 

137,018 

Shareholders' equity

321,486 

302,282 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$

1,713,397 

$

1,681,297 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

(Unaudited and in thousands)

First Quarter Ended

10/27/06 

10/28/05 

Cash flows from continuing operations:

Cash flows from operating activities

Net income

$

19,427 

$

25,722 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

(4,265)

(3,668)

Depreciation and amortization

13,723 

13,556 

Loss on disposition of property and equipment

292 

669 

Accretion on zero-coupon notes

1,467 

1,423 

Share-based compensation, net of excess tax benefit

1,768 

3,133 

Net changes in other assets and liabilities

(28,164)

(34,419)

Net cash provided by operating activities

4,248 

6,416 

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchase of property and equipment, net of insurance recoveries

(23,616)

(23,095)

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

79 

36 

Net cash used in investing activities

(23,537)

(23,059)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Net (payments) proceeds from credit facilities and other long-term obligations

(2,035)

22,447 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

7,686 

2,298 

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

877 

522 

Dividends on common stock

(4,020)

(5,592)

Net cash provided by financing activities

2,508 

19,675 

Cash flows from discontinued operations:

Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations

12,871 

10,300 

Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations

(10,817)

(11,693)

Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations

2,054 

(1,393)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

(14,727)

1,639 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

87,830 

15,577 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

73,103 

$

17,216 

CBRL GROUP, INC.

Supplemental Information

(Unaudited)

As of

As of

As of

10/27/06 

7/28/06 

10/29/05 

Common shares outstanding

31,188,584 

30,926,906 

46,726,847 

First Quarter Ended

Units in operation:

10/27/06 

10/28/05 

Cracker Barrel

Open at beginning of period

543 

529 

Opened during period

5 

8 

Open at end of period

548 

537 

Logan's Roadhouse - company-owned

Open at beginning of period

141 

124 

Opened during period

2 

5 

Open at end of period

143 

129 

Total company-owned units

691 

666 

Logan's Roadhouse - franchised

Open at beginning of period

25 

23 

Opened during period

0 

0 

Open at end of period

25 

23 

System-wide units

716 

689 

Total revenue in company-owned stores: (In thousands)

Cracker Barrel - restaurant

$

442,327 

$

426,645 

Cracker Barrel - retail

115,936 

108,840 

Total Revenue

$

558,263 

$

535,485 

Operating weeks - company-owned stores:

Cracker Barrel

7,076 

6,938 

Average unit volume - company-owned stores: (In thousands)

Cracker Barrel - restaurant

$

812.6 

$

799.4 

Cracker Barrel - retail

213.0 

204.0 

Cracker Barrel - total

$

1,025.6 

$

1,003.4 

Q1 2007 vs. Q1 2006

Comparable store sales period to period increase:

Cracker Barrel

Logan's

Restaurant

1.4%

0.8%

Retail

4.4%

Number of locations in comparable store base

507 

115 

Source: Business Wire

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