Dine Brands Global, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Dine Brands Global (NYSE: DIN), parent company of Applebee's, IHOP, and Fuzzy's Taco Shop, reported its Q4 and fiscal 2024 results showing declining sales trends. Q4 revenues decreased to $204.8 million from $206.3 million year-over-year.

Key Q4 metrics:

• Applebee's domestic same-restaurant sales declined 4.7%
• IHOP's domestic same-restaurant sales fell 2.8%
• GAAP earnings per diluted share dropped to $0.34 from $2.14
• Adjusted earnings per share decreased to $0.87 from $1.40

For full-year 2024:

• Total revenues were $812.3 million versus $831.1 million in 2023
• Generated $108.2 million in operating cash flow
• Returned $43 million to shareholders through dividends and buybacks

For 2025, the company expects Applebee's same-restaurant sales between -2% and +1%, and IHOP's between -1% and +2%. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA is projected at $235-245 million.

Positive

• Strong free cash flow generation of $106.4M in 2024
• Maintained substantial liquidity with $186.7M unrestricted cash
• Available borrowing capacity over $224M
• Consistent dividend payments maintained

Negative

• Q4 revenue declined to $204.8M from $206.3M YoY
• Applebee's Q4 same-store sales declined 4.7%
• IHOP Q4 same-store sales fell 2.8%
• Q4 adjusted EPS dropped to $0.87 from $1.40 YoY
• Annual revenue decreased to $812.3M from $831.1M
• Net restaurant count declined by 18 units in 2024

Insights

Financial Analyst

Dine Brands' Q4 and full-year 2024 results reveal significant financial deterioration across key metrics. Q4 revenue declined slightly to $204.8 million (vs $206.3 million prior year), but more concerning is the dramatic drop in profitability - Q4 GAAP EPS plummeted to $0.34 from $2.14 last year, while adjusted EPS fell to $0.87 from $1.40.

Same-restaurant sales trends show accelerating weakness with Applebee's declining 4.7% and IHOP down 2.8% for Q4. For the full year, adjusted EBITDA fell to $239.8 million from $256.4 million, representing a 6.5% year-over-year decline.

The company's restaurant footprint is contracting - development activity in 2024 resulted in 65 openings versus 83 closures. Looking ahead, 2025 guidance projects continued restaurant count reduction for Applebee's (20-35 net fewer locations) and flat to slightly negative growth for IHOP.

Cash generation remains a relative bright spot with $106.4 million in adjusted free cash flow, slightly up from 2023's $103.3 million. The company maintained its dividend ($0.51/share quarterly) and repurchased $12 million of stock, though this was down from $26 million in 2023.

Management's commentary indicates recognition of significant operational challenges, emphasizing the need for brand refreshment and enhanced value propositions. The cautious 2025 comp sales guidance (-2% to +1% for Applebee's, -1% to +2% for IHOP) suggests confidence in near-term turnaround, while flat EBITDA guidance ($235-245 million) signals continued pressure on profitability.

Restaurant Industry Expert

Dine Brands' performance reveals the challenging reality facing casual dining chains in the current consumer environment. Both flagship brands are struggling with traffic declines, evidenced by the negative comparable sales despite menu price increases implemented throughout 2024.

The off-premise business appears to have stabilized but isn't growing - representing 21.6% of Applebee's sales mix ($11,000 weekly per restaurant) and 20.4% at IHOP ($7,800 weekly per restaurant). This suggests the brands haven't fully adapted to evolving consumer preferences that continue to favor convenience options.

The unit economics are clearly under pressure, forcing franchisees to close underperforming locations. The net closure of 18 restaurants in Q4 and 18 for the full year indicates franchisee profitability challenges. The 2025 guidance projecting 20-35 net fewer Applebee's locations suggests this trend is accelerating rather than stabilizing.

Management's acquisition of 47 Applebee's restaurants from franchisees in Q4 is a concerning development - typically when restaurant companies repurchase franchise units, it signals franchisee distress or unwillingness to reinvest in refreshing older locations. This could divert corporate resources and attention during a critical turnaround period.

The company's commentary about "refreshing, reinvesting, and reinforcing" brands acknowledges needed operational improvements, but concrete details about customer experience enhancements or value proposition changes remain vague. In the current competitive landscape where fast casual concepts continue gaining share, Dine Brands will need substantial innovation beyond incremental changes to reverse these negative trends.

PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar^®, IHOP^® and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop^® restaurants, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024.

“Our financial results have demonstrated that this continues to be a dynamic operating environment and underscores our commitment to refreshing, reinvesting, and reinforcing our brands in the year ahead. For 2025, we have a clear plan that addresses both the short-term and long-term and are confident that, in partnership with our franchisees, we will elevate the guest experience and enhance our value propositions,” said John Peyton, chief executive officer, Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Vance Chang, chief financial officer, Dine Brands Global, Inc., added, “Against a backdrop of market volatility, Dine continued to generate strong free cash flow in 2024. It speaks to our overall financial stability and highlights the resilience of the Dine platform through market cycles. Going into 2025, we will remain prudent with our capital and make the necessary investments and changes to drive improved performance.”

Domestic Restaurant Sales for the Fourth Quarter of 2024

• Applebee’s year-over-year domestic comparable same-restaurant sales declined 4.7% for the fourth quarter of 2024. Off-premise sales accounted for 21.6% of sales mix in the fourth quarter of 2024 representing per restaurant average weekly sales of approximately $11,000.

• IHOP’s year-over-year domestic comparable same-restaurant sales declined 2.8% for the fourth quarter of 2024. Off-premise sales accounted for 20.4% of sales mix in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing per restaurant average weekly sales of approximately $7,800.

Fourth Quarter of 2024 Summary

• Total revenues for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $204.8 million compared to $206.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The decline was primarily due to the decrease in franchise revenues primarily resulting from negative comparable same-restaurant sales growth at Applebee’s and IHOP and a decrease in proprietary product sales, offset by an increase in company restaurant sales due to the acquisition of 47 Applebee’s restaurants in the fourth quarter.

• General and Administrative (“G&A”) expenses for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $52.3 million compared to $50.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The variance was primarily attributable to organization restructuring costs and an increase in depreciation expense partially offset by a decrease in compensation-related expenses.

• GAAP net income available to common stockholders was $5.0 million, or earnings per diluted share of $0.34, for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to net income available to common stockholders of $32.3 million, or earnings per diluted share of $2.14 for the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a prior year income tax benefit resulting from the conclusion of a state income tax audit settlement, a decrease in segment profit, net of tax, and an increase in closure and impairment charges partially offset by a current year gain on disposition of assets.

• Adjusted net income available to common stockholders was $12.9 million, or adjusted earnings per diluted share of $0.87, for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to adjusted net income available to common stockholders of $21.1 million, or adjusted earnings per diluted share of $1.40, for the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in segment profit, net of tax. (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconciliation of GAAP net income available to common stockholders to adjusted net income available to common stockholders.)

• Consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $50.1 million compared to $62.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconciliation of GAAP net income to consolidated adjusted EBITDA.)

• Development activity by Applebee’s and IHOP franchisees for the fourth quarter of 2024 resulted in 30 new restaurant openings and the closure of 19 restaurants.

2024 Summary

• Total 2024 revenues were $812.3 million compared to $831.1 million for the prior year. The decline was primarily due to a decrease in franchise revenues primarily resulting from negative comparable same-restaurant sales growth at Applebee’s and IHOP and a decrease in rental revenues, partially offset by an increase in company-operated restaurant sales due to the acquisition of 47 Applebee’s restaurants from franchisees in the fourth quarter.

• G&A expenses for 2024 were $196.7 million compared to $198.1 million for 2023. The decrease was primarily due to the stopping of the IHOP Flip’d initiative in the prior year, a decrease in professional services including acquisition costs and a decrease in occupancy costs, partially offset by an increase in depreciation expense and organization restructuring costs.

• GAAP net income available to common stockholders was $63.0 million, or earnings per diluted share of $4.22, for 2024 compared to net income available to common stockholders of $94.9 million, or earnings per diluted share of $6.22 for 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in segment profit, net of tax, a prior year income tax benefit resulting from the conclusion of a state income tax audit settlement and an increase in closure and impairment charges offset by a favorable swing in gain/loss on disposition of assets.

• Adjusted net income available to common stockholders was $79.8 million, or adjusted earnings per diluted share of $5.34, for 2024 compared to adjusted net income available to common stockholders of $101.4 million, or adjusted earnings per diluted share of $6.65, for 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in segment profit, net of tax, and a decrease in weighted-average diluted shares as a result of shares repurchases. (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconciliation of GAAP net income available to common stockholders to adjusted net income available to common stockholders.)

• Consolidated adjusted 2024 EBITDA was $239.8 million compared to $256.4 million for 2023. (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconciliation of GAAP net income to consolidated adjusted EBITDA.)

• Cash flows provided by operating activities for 2024 were $108.2 million. This compares to cash provided by operating activities of $131.1 million for 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in segment profit and a decrease in working capital offset by a decrease in G&A expenses.

• The Company had adjusted free cash flow of $106.4 million for 2024. This compares to adjusted free cash flow of $103.3 million for 2023. (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconciliation of the Company’s cash provided by operating activities to adjusted free cash flow.)

• Development activity by Applebee’s and IHOP franchisees for 2024 resulted in 65 new restaurant openings and the closure of 83 restaurants.

Key Balance Sheet Metrics (as of December 31, 2024)

• Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of approximately $248.6 million, of which approximately $186.7 million was unrestricted cash.

• Available borrowing capacity under the Variable Funding Senior Secured Notes is over $224 million.

GAAP Effective Tax Rate

The fiscal year 2024 effective tax rate of 27.5% applied to pretax book income was different than the statutory Federal income tax rate of 21% primarily due to state and local taxes and a lower tax deduction related to stock-based compensation.

Capital Returns to Equity Holders

During 2024, the Company repurchased approximately $12 million of its common stock and paid approximately $31 million in dividends. In 2023, the Company repurchased approximately $26 million of its common stock and paid approximately $32 million in dividends.

On February 21, 2025, the Company announced that its Board of Directors declared and approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.51 per share of common stock. The dividend will be paid on April 4, 2025, to the Company’s stockholders of record at the close of business on March 17, 2025.

Financial Performance Guidance for 2025

The Company introduced its fiscal 2025 guidance items:

• Applebee’s domestic system-wide comparable same-restaurant sales performance is expected to range between negative 2% and positive 1%.

• IHOP’s domestic system-wide comparable same-restaurant sales performance is expected to range between negative 1% and positive 2%.

• Domestic development activity for Applebee’s franchisees is between 20 and 35 net fewer restaurants.

• Domestic development activity by IHOP franchisees and area licensees is expected to be between 10 net fewer restaurants and 10 net new openings.

• Consolidated adjusted EBITDA is expected to range between approximately $235 million and $245 million.

• G&A expenses are expected to range between approximately $200 million and $205 million. This total includes non-cash stock-based compensation expense and depreciation of approximately $35 million.

• Capital expenditures are expected to range between approximately $20 million and $30 million.

Dine Brands does not provide forward-looking guidance for GAAP net income because it is unable to predict certain items contained in the GAAP measure without unreasonable efforts. These items may include closure and impairment charges, loss on extinguishment of debt, gain or loss on disposition of assets, other non-income-based taxes and other items deemed not reflective of current operations.

Fourth Quarter of 2024 Earnings Conference Call Details

Dine Brands will host a conference call to discuss its results on March 5, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time. A live webcast of the call, along with a replay will be available for a limited time at https://investors.dinebrands.com. 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. 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 Pasadena, California, Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), through its subsidiaries and franchisees, supports and operates restaurants under the Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP®, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® brands. As of December 31, 2024, these three brands consisted of over 3,500 restaurants across 19 international markets. Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world and in 2022 expanded into the Fast Casual segment. 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: general economic conditions, including the impact of inflation, particularly as it may impact our franchisees directly; 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 corporate strategies, including 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 including any insolvency or bankruptcy; credit risks from our IHOP franchisees operating under our previous IHOP business model in which we built and equipped IHOP restaurants and then franchised them to franchisees; insufficient insurance coverage to cover potential risks associated with the ownership and operation of restaurants; 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; risks of food-borne illness or food tampering; possible future impairment charges; 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; changes in U.S. government regulations and trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and other trade barriers; 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; delivery initiatives and use of third-party delivery vendors; our allocation of human capital and 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; risks of major natural disasters, including earthquake, wildfire, tornado, flood or a man-made disaster, including terrorism, civil unrest or a cyber incident; risks of volatile or adverse weather conditions as a result of climate change; 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; changes in tax laws; failure to meet investor and stakeholder expectations regarding business responsibility matters; 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 intangible asset amortization, any non-cash interest expense, any gain or loss related to the disposition of assets, any gain or loss related to debt extinguishment, 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 interest expense, any income tax provision or benefit, any depreciation and amortization, any non-cash stock-based compensation, any closure and impairment charges, any gain or loss related to debt extinguishment, 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. 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.

FBN-R

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended December 31,								Twelve Months Ended December 31,
			2024				2023				2024				2023
Revenues:
Franchise revenues:
Royalties, franchise fees and other		$	96,363			$	101,571			$	395,524			$	405,569
Advertising revenues			70,868				74,395				290,436				300,796
Total franchise revenues			167,231				175,966				685,960				706,365
Company restaurant sales			8,422				289				9,262				2,128
Rental revenues			28,740				29,451				115,286				119,970
Financing revenues			377				596				1,798				2,605
Total revenues			204,770				206,302				812,306				831,068
Cost of revenues:
Franchise expenses:
Advertising expenses			75,695				74,561				295,263				300,962
Bad debt expense			1,096				66				701				2,659
Other franchise expenses			11,912				10,992				43,892				40,782
Total franchise expenses			88,703				85,619				339,856				344,403
Company restaurant expenses			9,005				303				9,920				2,136
Rental expenses:
Interest expense from finance leases			696				699				2,904				2,771
Other rental expenses			21,003				21,167				84,008				84,705
Total rental expenses			21,699				21,866				86,912				87,476
Financing expenses			68				86				309				369
Total cost of revenues			119,475				107,874				436,997				434,384
Gross profit			85,295				98,428				375,309				396,684
General and administrative expenses			52,267				50,512				196,702				198,057
Interest expense, net			17,851				18,498				72,142				70,047
Closure and impairment charges			7,798				506				9,240				3,594
Amortization of intangible assets			2,663				2,721				10,832				10,923
Loss on extinguishment of debt			—				—				—				10
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets			(3,093	)			41				(3,150	)			2,350
Income before income taxes			7,809				26,150				89,543				111,703
Income tax (provision) benefit			(2,635	)			6,889				(24,653	)			(14,527	)
Net income			5,174				33,039				64,890				97,176
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment			(9	)			3				(12	)			1
Total comprehensive income		$	5,165			$	33,042			$	64,878			$	97,177
Net income available to common stockholders:
Net income		$	5,174			$	33,039			$	64,890			$	97,176
Less: Net income allocated to unvested participating restricted stock			(148	)			(751	)			(1,915	)			(2,317	)
Net income available to common stockholders		$	5,026			$	32,288			$	62,975			$	94,859
Net income available to common stockholders per share:
Basic		$	0.34			$	2.14			$	4.22			$	6.23
Diluted		$	0.34			$	2.14			$	4.22			$	6.22
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic			14,904				15,106				14,931				15,233
Diluted			14,904				15,106				14,931				15,242

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Unaudited)
	December 31,				December 31,
Assets		2024				2023
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	186,650			$	146,034
Receivables, net of allowance		115,218				127,937
Restricted cash		42,448				35,058
Prepaid gift card costs		28,552				29,545
Prepaid income taxes		1,446				3,445
Other current assets		11,685				15,759
Total current assets		385,999				357,778
Other intangible assets, net		575,654				586,033
Operating lease right-of-use assets		323,468				275,214
Goodwill		248,622				254,062
Property and equipment, net		156,134				161,891
Long-term receivables, net of allowance		35,873				35,602
Deferred rent receivable		24,804				33,326
Non-current restricted cash		19,500				19,500
Other non-current assets, net		20,530				16,881
Total assets	$	1,790,584			$	1,740,287
Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	100,000			$	100,000
Accounts payable		37,718				36,193
Gift card liability		177,584				175,640
Current maturities of operating lease obligations		65,336				63,498
Current maturities of finance lease and financing obligations		6,387				7,243
Accrued employee compensation and benefits		16,674				23,211
Accrued advertising expenses		4,735				9,446
Dividends payable		7,790				7,827
Other accrued expenses		29,081				37,394
Total current liabilities		445,305				460,452
Long-term debt, net, less current maturities		1,086,551				1,084,502
Operating lease obligations, less current maturities		310,476				269,097
Finance lease obligations, less current maturities		34,286				34,389
Financing obligations, less current maturities		23,251				26,984
Deferred income taxes, net		54,572				60,829
Deferred franchise revenue, long-term		36,700				38,658
Other non-current liabilities		15,462				16,350
Total liabilities		2,006,603				1,991,261
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' deficit:
Common stock		248				249
Additional paid-in-capital		254,814				256,542
Retained earnings		183,614				150,008
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(76	)			(64	)
Treasury stock, at cost		(654,619	)			(657,709	)
Total stockholders' deficit		(216,019	)			(250,974	)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit	$	1,790,584			$	1,740,287

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands) (Unaudited)
		Twelve Months Ended
		December 31,
			2024				2023
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income		$	64,890			$	97,176
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			39,153				35,630
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense			15,978				11,990
Non-cash closure and impairment charges			9,240				3,594
Non-cash interest expense			3,290				3,505
Deferred income taxes			(6,520	)			(13,822	)
Deferred revenue			(6,278	)			(4,224	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt			—				10
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets			(3,150	)			2,359
Other			(4,204	)			(3,552	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net			(671	)			1,913
Deferred rent receivable			8,522				9,003
Income tax receivables and payables			667				1,160
Operating lease assets and liabilities			(12,530	)			7,256
Gift card receivables and payables			(678	)			5,095
Other current assets			7,618				1,911
Accounts payable			1,032				(16,027	)
Accrued employee compensation and benefits			(6,368	)			(1,748	)
Accrued advertising expenses			(1,441	)			(14,711	)
Other current liabilities			(390	)			4,622
Cash flows provided by operating activities			108,160				131,140
Cash flows from investing activities
Principal receipts from notes, equipment contracts and other long-term receivables			12,264				9,319
Additions to property and equipment			(14,069	)			(37,172	)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment			3,021				10
Additions to long-term receivables			(718	)			(1,069	)
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired			(8,452	)			(101	)
Other			(497	)			(1,084	)
Cash flows used in investing activities			(8,451	)			(30,097	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, including revolving line of credit			—				530,000
Repayment of long-term debt			—				(651,713	)
Repayments of revolving credit facility			—				(30,000	)
Payment of debt issuance costs			—				(8,044	)
Dividends paid on common stock			(31,302	)			(31,715	)
Repurchase of common stock			(12,066	)			(26,130	)
Principal payments of finance lease and financing obligations			(5,638	)			(6,431	)
Proceeds from stock options exercised			—				3,812
Repurchase of restricted stock for tax payments upon vesting			(2,667	)			(4,355	)
Tax payments for share settlement of restricted stock units			(30	)			(859	)
Cash flows used in financing activities			(51,703	)			(225,435	)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash			48,006				(124,392	)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year			200,592				324,984
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year		$	248,598			$	200,592

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries Non-GAAP Financial Measures (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)
Reconciliation of net income available to common stockholders to net income available to common stockholders, as adjusted for the following items: Closure and impairment charges; amortization of intangible assets; non-cash interest expenses; gain or loss on disposition of assets; gain or loss on extinguishment of debt; acquisition costs; IHOP Flip'd initiative; other EBITDA adjustments; the combined tax effect of the preceding adjustments; and income tax adjustments related to the tax impact from a state settlement, as well as related per share data:
		Three Months Ended December 31,								Twelve Months Ended December 31,
			2024				2023				2024				2023
Net income available to common stockholders, as reported		$	5,026			$	32,288			$	62,975			$	94,859
Closure and impairment charges			7,798				506				9,240				3,594
Amortization of intangible assets			2,663				2,722				10,832				10,924
Noncash interest expense			842				791				3,290				3,505
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets			(3,093	)			41				(3,150	)			2,350
Loss on extinguishment of debt			—				—				—				10
Merger and acquisition costs			—				—				—				804
IHOP Flip'd initiative			—				—				—				5,121
Other EBITDA adjustments			2,746				863				3,230				3,095
Net income tax provision for above adjustments			(2,849	)			(1,280	)			(6,095	)			(7,645	)
Income tax adjustments			—				(15,063	)			—				(15,063	)
Net income allocated to unvested participating restricted stock			(228	)			257				(542	)			(159	)
Net income available to common stockholders, as adjusted		$	12,905			$	21,125			$	79,780			$	101,395
Diluted net income available to common stockholders per share:
Net income available to common stockholders		$	0.34			$	2.14			$	4.22			$	6.22
Closure and other impairment charges			0.39				0.02				0.46				0.17
Amortization of intangible assets			0.13				0.13				0.54				0.53
Non-cash interest expense			0.04				0.04				0.16				0.17
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets			(0.15	)			0.00				(0.16	)			0.11
Loss on extinguishment of debt			—				—				—				0.00
Merger and acquisition costs			—				—				—				0.04
IHOP Flip'd initiative			—				—				—				0.25
Other EBITDA adjustments			0.14				0.04				0.16				0.15
Net income tax provision for above adjustments			0.00				(1.00	)			0.00				(0.99	)
Net income allocated to unvested participating restricted stock			(0.02	)			0.02				(0.04	)			(0.01	)
Rounding			—				0.01				—				0.01
Diluted net income available to common stockholders per share, as adjusted		$	0.87			$	1.40			$	5.34			$	6.65
Numerator for basic EPS - net income available to common stockholders, as adjusted		$	12,905			$	21,125			$	79,780			$	101,395
Effect of unvested participating restricted stock using the two-class method			—				1				1				—
Numerator for diluted EPS - net income available to common stockholders, as adjusted		$	12,905			$	21,126			$	79,781			$	101,395
Denominator for basic EPS - weighted-average shares			14,904				15,106				14,931				15,233
Dilutive effect of stock options			—				—				—				9
Denominator for diluted EPS - weighted-average shares			14,904				15,106				14,931				15,242

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)
Reconciliation of the Company's cash flows provided by operating activities to “adjusted free cash flow” (cash flows 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.
	Twelve Months Ended December 31,
		2024				2023
	(In thousands)
Cash flows provided by operating activities	$	108,160			$	131,140
Principal receipts from notes and equipment contracts		12,264				9,319
Additions to property and equipment		(14,069	)			(37,172	)
Adjusted free cash flow		106,355				103,287
(Repayment) issuance of long-term debt, net		—				(151,713	)
Dividends paid on common stock		(31,302	)			(31,715	)
Repurchase of common stock		(12,066	)			(26,130	)
	$	62,987			$	(106,271	)

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries Non-GAAP Financial Measures (in thousands) (Unaudited)
Reconciliation of the Company's net income to “adjusted EBITDA.” The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as net income or loss, adjusted for the effect of interest expense, income tax provision or benefit, depreciation and amortization, non-cash stock-based compensation, closure and impairment charges, gain or loss on extinguishment of debt, gain or loss on disposition of assets, 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.
		Three Months Ended December 31,								Twelve Months Ended December 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Net income, as reported		$	5,174			$	33,039			$	64,890			$	97,176
Interest charges on finance leases			696				699				2,904				2,771
All other interest charges			20,597				20,664				82,857				79,336
Income tax provision (benefit)			2,635				(6,889	)			24,653				14,527
Depreciation and amortization			10,104				9,408				39,153				35,630
Non-cash stock-based compensation			3,406				3,823				15,978				11,990
Closure and impairment charges			7,798				506				9,240				3,594
Loss on extinguishment of debt			—				—				—				10
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets			(3,093	)			41				(3,150	)			2,350
Organization restructuring costs			2,661				—				2,661				—
Merger and acquisition costs			—				—				—				804
IHOP Flip'd initiative			—				—				—				5,121
Other			85				864				569				3,095
Adjusted EBITDA		$	50,063			$	62,155			$	239,755			$	256,404

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries Restaurant Data (Unaudited)
The following table sets forth, for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the number of “Effective Restaurants” in the Applebee’s, IHOP and Fuzzy's 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.
	Three Months Ended December 31,								Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2024				2023				2024				2023
Applebee's Restaurant Data	(Unaudited)
Global Effective Restaurants(a)
Franchise		1,583				1,646				1,616				1,659
Company		23				—				6				—
Total		1,606				1,646				1,622				1,659
System-wide(b)
Domestic sales percentage change(c)		(6.3	)%			(1.5	)%			(5.5	)%			(0.1	)%
Domestic same-restaurant sales percentage change(d)		(4.7	)%			(0.5	)%			(4.2	)%			0.6	%
Franchise(b)
Domestic sales percentage change(c)(e)		(7.1	)%			(0.6	)%			(5.7	)%			2.9	%
Domestic same-restaurant sales percentage change(d)		(4.5	)%			(0.5	)%			(4.1	)%			0.6	%
Average weekly domestic unit sales (in thousands)	$	51.0			$	52.6			$	52.3			$	54.0
IHOP Restaurant Data
Global Effective Restaurants(a)
Franchise		1,648				1,639				1,646				1,629
Area license		153				157				155				156
Total		1,801				1,796				1,801				1,785
System-wide(b)
Sales percentage change(c)		(2.7	)%			4.2	%			(1.1	)%			6.0	%
Domestic same-restaurant sales percentage change, including area license restaurants(d)		(2.8	)%			1.6	%			(2.0	)%			3.5	%
Franchise(b)
Sales percentage change(c)		(2.3	)%			4.1	%			(0.9	)%			6.1	%
Domestic same-restaurant sales percentage change(d)		(2.5	)%			1.7	%			(1.9	)%			3.6	%
Average weekly unit sales (in thousands)	$	37.9			$	39.1			$	37.7			$	38.5
Area License(b)
Sales percentage change(c)		(6.1	)%			5.2	%			(2.8	)%			4.3	%
Fuzzy's Restaurant Data
Global Effective Restaurants(a)
Franchise		115				134				122				135
Company		1				1				1				1
Total		116				135				123				136
System-wide(b)
Sales percentage change(c)		(18.1	)%			(6.8	)%			(14.7	)%			(2.4	)%
Domestic same-restaurant sales percentage change(d)		(10.3	)%			(6.4	)%			(9.3	)%			(4.2	)%
Franchise(b)
Sales percentage change(c)		(18.2	)%			(5.4	)%			(14.4	)%			(1.5	)%
Domestic same-restaurant sales percentage change(d)		(10.3	)%			(6.3	)%			(9.2	)%			(4.2	)%
Average weekly domestic unit sales (in thousands)	$	26.1			$	27.4			$	29.1			$	30.6

_________________________________
(a)	“Effective Restaurants” are the weighted average number of restaurants open in each fiscal period, adjusted to account for restaurants open for only a portion of the period. Information is presented for all Effective Restaurants in the Applebee’s, IHOP and Fuzzy's systems, which consist of restaurants owned by franchisees and area licensees as well as those owned by the Company. Effective Restaurants do not include units operated as ghost kitchens (small kitchens with no store-front presence, used to fill off-premise orders).
(b)	“System-wide sales” are retail sales at Applebee’s and Fuzzy's restaurants operated by franchisees and IHOP restaurants operated by franchisees and area licensees, as reported to the Company, in addition to retail sales at company-operated Applebee's and Fuzzy's restaurants. System-wide sales do not include retail sales of ghost kitchens. Sales at restaurants that are owned by franchisees and area licensees are not attributable to the Company. An increase in franchisees' reported sales will result in a corresponding increase in our royalty revenue, while a decrease in franchisees' reported sales will result in a corresponding decrease in our royalty revenue. Unaudited reported sales for Applebee's and Fuzzy's franchise restaurants, Applebee's and Fuzzy's company-operated restaurants, IHOP franchise restaurants and IHOP area license restaurants were as follows:

	Three Months Ended December 31,						Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2024			2023			2024			2023
Reported sales (in millions)	(Unaudited)
Applebee's franchise restaurant sales	$	1,011.6		$	1,088.6		$	4,242.1		$	4,500.1
Applebee's company-operated restaurants		8.2			—			8.2			—
IHOP franchise restaurant sales		812.9			832.4			3,229.1			3,258.3
IHOP area license restaurant sales		72.5			77.2			296.9			305.3
Fuzzy's franchise restaurant sales		39.0			47.7			184.0			214.8
Fuzzy's company-operated restaurants		0.2			0.3			1.1			2.1
Total	$	1,944.4		$	2,046.2		$	7,961.4		$	8,280.6

(c)	“Sales percentage change” reflects, for each category of restaurants, the percentage change in sales in any given fiscal period compared to the prior period for all restaurants in that category.
(d)	“Domestic same-restaurant sales percentage change” reflects the percentage change in sales in any given fiscal period, compared to the same weeks in the prior period, for domestic restaurants that have been operated during both periods that are being compared and have been open for at least 18 months. Because of new restaurant openings and restaurant closures, the domestic restaurants open throughout both fiscal periods being compared may be different from period to period.
(e)	The franchise sales percentage change for 2024 was impacted by the acquisition of 47 franchise restaurants in November 2024 now reported as company-operated.

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries Restaurant Data (Unaudited)
Restaurant Development Activity	Three Months Ended December 31,						Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2024			2023			2024			2023
Applebee's	(Unaudited)
Summary - beginning of period:
Franchise	1,618			1,652			1,642			1,678
Company	—			—			—			—
Beginning of period	1,618			1,652			1,642			1,678
Franchise restaurants opened:
Domestic	—			—			—			3
International	8			2			17			7
Total franchise restaurants opened	8			2			17			10
Franchise restaurants permanently closed:
Domestic	(10	)		(8	)		(35	)		(36	)
International	(2	)		(4	)		(10	)		(10	)
Total franchise restaurants permanently closed	(12	)		(12	)		(45	)		(46	)
Net franchise restaurant reduction	(4	)		(10	)		(28	)		(36	)
Refranchised from Company restaurants	9			—			9			—
Net franchise restaurant addition/(reduction)	5			(10	)		(19	)		(36	)
Franchise restaurants acquired by the Company	(56	)		—			(56	)		—
Net franchise restaurant reductions	(51	)		(10	)		(75	)		(36	)
Summary - end of period:
Franchise	1,567			1,642			1,567			1,642
Company	47			—			47			—
Total Applebee's restaurants, end of period	1,614			1,642			1,614			1,642
Domestic	1,501			1,536			1,501			1,536
International	113			106			113			106

IHOP
Summary - beginning of period:
Franchise	1,654			1,638			1,657			1,625
Area license	155			156			157			156
Total IHOP restaurants, beginning of period	1,809			1,794			1,814			1,781
Franchise/area license restaurants opened:
Domestic franchise	15			16			29			43
Domestic area license	—			1			1			3
International franchise	7			5			18			16
Total franchise/area license restaurants opened	22			22			48			62
Franchise/area license restaurants permanently closed:
Domestic franchise	(4	)		(2	)		(28	)		(25	)
Domestic area license	(1	)		—			(4	)		(2	)
International franchise	(2	)		—			(6	)		(2	)
Total franchise/area license restaurants permanently closed	(7	)		(2	)		(38	)		(29	)
Net increase in franchise/area license restaurants	15			20			10			33
Summary - end of period:
Franchise	1,670			1,657			1,670			1,657
Area license	154			157			154			157
Total IHOP restaurants, end of period	1,824			1,814			1,824			1,814
Domestic	1,694			1,696			1,694			1,696
International	130			118			130			118

Dine Brands Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries Restaurant Data (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended December 31,						Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2024			2023			2024			2023
Fuzzy's	(Unaudited)
Summary - beginning of period:
Franchise	118			137			131			134
Company	1			1			1			3
Beginning of period	119			138			132			137
Franchise restaurants opened:
Domestic	2			1			3			4
Franchise restaurants permanently closed:
Domestic	(4	)		(7	)		(18	)		(9	)
Net franchise restaurant addition (reduction)	(2	)		(6	)		(15	)		(5	)
Refranchised from Company restaurants	—			—			—			2
Net franchise restaurant addition (reduction)	(2	)		(6	)		(15	)		(3	)
Summary - end of period:
Franchise	116			131			116			131
Company	1			1			1			1
Total Fuzzy's restaurants, end of period	117			132			117			132
Domestic	117			132			117			132
International	—			—			—			—

The restaurant counts and activity presented above include 18 dual-branded international Applebee's and IHOP restaurants at December 31, 2024, and seven dual-branded international Applebee's and IHOP restaurants at December 31, 2023, which are separately counted in each of our brands' restaurant counts and activity. Dual-branded restaurants are defined as restaurants that reside in one location and operate two of our concepts under two separate franchise agreements. In addition, the restaurant counts and activity presented above do not include ghost kitchens (small kitchens with no store-front presence, used to fill off-premise orders).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250305107024/en/

Investor Contact

Matt Lee

Sr. Vice President, Finance and Investor Relations

Dine Brands Global, Inc.

IR@dinebrands.com

Media Contact

Susan Nelson

Sr. Vice President, Global Communications

Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Mediainquiries@dinebrands.com

Source: Dine Brands Global, Inc.

FAQ

What were Dine Brands' (DIN) Q4 2024 same-store sales results?

Applebee's comparable sales declined 4.7% while IHOP's decreased 2.8% in Q4 2024.

How much cash did Dine Brands (DIN) return to shareholders in 2024?

DIN returned $43 million to shareholders through $12 million in stock buybacks and $31 million in dividends.

What is Dine Brands' (DIN) quarterly dividend for 2025?

DIN declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.51 per share, payable on April 4, 2025.

What is Dine Brands' (DIN) same-store sales guidance for 2025?

DIN expects Applebee's sales between -2% and +1%, and IHOP between -1% and +2%.

How many restaurants did Dine Brands (DIN) open and close in 2024?

DIN opened 65 new restaurants and closed 83 locations during 2024.