Ark Restaurants Announces Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

Ark Restaurants Corp. (ARKR) reports Q1 financial results with total revenues of $47,487,000, EBITDA of $2,572,000, and net income of $1,370,000. The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.1875 per share.

Positive

• Stable total revenues year-over-year
• Decline in EBITDA compared to the previous year
• Net income decrease from the prior year
• Quarterly cash dividend declared
• Healthy cash balance and manageable debt levels

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The recent financial results from Ark Restaurants Corp. indicate a marginal increase in total revenues year-over-year, moving from $47,445,000 to $47,487,000. This suggests a stable revenue stream; however, it's important to note that such a slight increase may not keep pace with inflationary pressures, potentially eroding real income. A more concerning figure is the decrease in EBITDA, from $3,018,000 to $2,572,000, which reflects a 14.8% drop. This could signal rising operational costs or decreased operational efficiency.

The net income figures, including the effects of PPP Loan Forgiveness, also show a decline, from $1,725,000 to $1,370,000. This reduction in profitability is noteworthy for stakeholders as it may affect the company's ability to reinvest in the business or return value to shareholders. Despite this, the declaration of a quarterly cash dividend could be seen as a positive signal of the company's commitment to shareholder returns, though it may also raise questions about the sustainability of such payouts given the reduced earnings.

The company's liquidity position, with a cash balance of $12,122,000 against a total outstanding debt of $6,742,000, suggests a healthy cash-to-debt ratio, which is a positive indicator of financial stability and the company's ability to meet short-term obligations.

Market Research Analyst

Ark Restaurants Corp.'s performance should be contextualized within the broader restaurant industry, which has faced numerous challenges such as labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and fluctuating consumer spending patterns. The flat revenue growth could reflect market saturation or increased competition. It's also critical to analyze consumer trends and preferences, which can have a significant impact on restaurant revenues. The company's ability to adapt to these trends, perhaps by innovating their menu or enhancing the customer experience, could be key to driving future revenue growth.

Moreover, the financial results reveal the ongoing impact of the PPP Loan Forgiveness, which has been a lifeline for many businesses during the pandemic. As these programs wind down, it will be important to monitor how companies like Ark Restaurants adjust and whether they can maintain profitability without such assistance.

Economist

The reported financials come at a time when the economy is navigating various macroeconomic factors, including potential shifts in monetary policy, inflation rates and consumer confidence. The restaurant industry is often seen as a bellwether for discretionary spending and Ark Restaurants Corp.'s results could be indicative of broader economic trends. While the company's stable revenue suggests resilience, the decrease in EBITDA and net income may point to cost inflation outpacing revenue growth, a concern for many businesses in the current economic environment.

Additionally, the declaration of a dividend in the context of declining profitability could be interpreted as a move to maintain investor confidence. However, it is essential to evaluate whether such financial decisions are aligned with the company's long-term growth strategy and capital allocation principles.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ark Restaurants Corp. (NASDAQ:ARKR) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended December 30, 2023.

Financial Results

Total revenues for the 13 weeks ended December 30, 2023 were $47,487,000 versus $47,445,000 for the 13 weeks ended December 31, 2022.

The Company's EBITDA, excluding gains on the forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program Loans (the "PPP Loan Forgiveness") and adjusted for other items all as set out in the table below, for the 13 weeks ended December 30, 2023 was $2,572,000 versus $3,018,000 for the 13 weeks ended December 31, 2022. Net income for the 13 weeks ended December 30, 2023 was $1,370,000 (which includes PPP Loan Forgiveness of $285,000), or $0.38 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $1,725,000 (which includes PPP Loan Forgiveness of $272,000), or $0.48 and $0.47 per basic and diluted share, respectively, for the 13 weeks ended December 31, 2022.

On February 6, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.1875 per share to be paid on March 13, 2024 to shareholders of record of the Company's common stock at the close of business on February 29, 2024.

As of December 30, 2023, the Company had a cash balance of $12,122,000 and total outstanding debt of $6,742,000.

About Ark Restaurants Corp.

Ark Restaurants owns and operates 17 restaurants and bars, 16 fast food concepts and catering operations primarily in New York City, Florida, Washington, DC, Las Vegas, Nevada and the gulf coast of Alabama. Four restaurants are located in New York City, one is located in Washington, DC, five are located in Las Vegas, Nevada, one is located in Atlantic City, New Jersey, four are located on the east coast of Florida and two are located on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. The Las Vegas operations include four restaurants within the New York-New York Hotel & Casino Resort and operation of the hotel's room service, banquet facilities, employee dining room and six food court concepts and one restaurant within the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. In Atlantic City, New Jersey, the Company operates a restaurant in the Tropicana Hotel and Casino. The Florida operations include the Rustic Inn in Dania Beach, Shuckers in Jensen Beach, JB’s on the Beach in Deerfield Beach, Blue Moon Fish Company in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and the operation of four fast food facilities in Tampa and six fast food facilities in Hollywood, each at a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino operated by the Seminole Indian Tribe at these locations. In Alabama, the Company operates two Original Oyster Houses, one in Gulf Shores and one in Spanish Fort.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical information, this news release contains 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. These statements involve unknown risks, and uncertainties that may cause the Company's actual results or outcomes to be materially different from those anticipated and discussed herein. Important factors that might cause such differences are discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, if new information becomes available in the future.

Non-GAAP Financial Information

This news release includes non-generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") performance measures. Although Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA") is not a measure of performance or liquidity calculated in accordance with GAAP, the Company believes the use of this non-GAAP financial measure enhances an overall understanding of the Company's past financial performance as well as providing useful information to the investor because of its historical use by the Company as both a performance measure and measure of liquidity, and the use of EBITDA by virtually all companies in the restaurant sector as a measure of both performance and liquidity. However, investors should not consider this measure in isolation or as a substitute for net income (loss), operating income (loss), cash flows from operating activities or any other measure for determining the Company's operating performance or liquidity that is calculated in accordance with GAAP as it may not necessarily be comparable to similarly titled measure employed by other companies.

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP.

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income

For the 13-week periods ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022

(In Thousands, Except per share amounts)

		13 Weeks Ended December 30, 2023				13 Weeks Ended December 31, 2022
TOTAL REVENUES		$	47,487			$	47,445
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Food and beverage cost of sales			12,071				12,435
Payroll expenses			16,977				16,522
Occupancy expenses			6,332				6,183
Other operating costs and expenses			6,092				5,932
General and administrative expenses			3,320				3,137
Depreciation and amortization			1,092				1,033
Total costs and expenses			45,884				45,242
OPERATING INCOME			1,603				2,203
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE:
Interest expense, net			160				339
Other income			(26	)			—
Gain on forgiveness of PPP Loans			(285	)			(272	)
Total other (income) expense, net			(151	)			67
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES			1,754				2,136
Provision for income taxes			158				114
CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME			1,596				2,022
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests			(226	)			(297	)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARK RESTAURANTS CORP.		$	1,370			$	1,725
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic		$	0.38			$	0.48
Diluted		$	0.38			$	0.47
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic			3,604				3,600
Diluted			3,631				3,648
EBITDA Reconciliation:
Income before provision for income taxes		$	1,754			$	2,136
Depreciation and amortization			1,092				1,033
Interest expense, net			160				339
EBITDA (a)		$	3,006			$	3,508
EBITDA, adjusted:
EBITDA (as defined) (a)			3,006				3,508
Non-cash stock option expense			77				79
Gain of forgiveness of PPP Loans			(285	)			(272	)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests			(226	)			(297	)
EBITDA, as adjusted		$	2,572			$	3,018

(a)	EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. A reconciliations of EBITDA to the most comparable GAAP financial measure, pre-tax income, is included above.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240212824920/en/

Anthony J. Sirica

(212) 206-8800

ajsirica@arkrestaurants.com

Source: Ark Restaurants Corp.

FAQ

What were Ark Restaurants Corp.'s total revenues for the first quarter ended December 30, 2023?

Ark Restaurants Corp.'s total revenues for the first quarter ended December 30, 2023 were $47,487,000.

What was the EBITDA for Ark Restaurants Corp. for the 13 weeks ended December 30, 2023?

Ark Restaurants Corp.'s EBITDA for the 13 weeks ended December 30, 2023 was $2,572,000.

What was the net income for Ark Restaurants Corp. for the 13 weeks ended December 30, 2023?

Ark Restaurants Corp.'s net income for the 13 weeks ended December 30, 2023 was $1,370,000.

Did Ark Restaurants Corp. declare a quarterly cash dividend? If yes, what was the amount per share?

Yes, Ark Restaurants Corp. declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.1875 per share.

What was Ark Restaurants Corp.'s cash balance as of December 30, 2023?

Ark Restaurants Corp.'s cash balance as of December 30, 2023 was $12,122,000.