Cracker Barrel Q4 2020 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
Cracker Barrel's Q4 2020 results were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 37.1% decrease in total revenue compared to the prior year. Comparable store restaurant sales decreased by 39.2%, while comparable store retail sales decreased by 32.3%. The company reported GAAP earnings per diluted share of $1.05, down from $2.70 in the prior year, and an adjusted loss per diluted share of $0.85.
Total revenue decreased by 37.1% compared to the fourth quarter of the prior year.
Comparable store restaurant sales decreased 39.2% due to a 40.7% decrease in traffic, partially offset by a 1.5% increase in average check.
Comparable store retail sales decreased 32.3% compared to the prior year quarter.
GAAP earnings per diluted share were $1.05, while adjusted earnings per diluted share were ($0.85).
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel
Forward Guidance
Due to the pandemic, the company is not providing its customary annual guidance. Through the first six weeks of the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2021, comparable store restaurant sales decreased approximately 20% and comparable store retail sales decreased approximately 15% when compared to the comparable period in 2019. In fiscal 2021, the Company anticipates capital expenditures of approximately $100 million, and it expects to open three new Cracker Barrel stores and up to 15 new Maple Street units.
Positive Outlook
- The company expects to open three new Cracker Barrel stores in fiscal 2021.
- The company anticipates opening up to 15 new Maple Street units in fiscal 2021.
- Sale-leaseback transactions have bolstered liquidity.
- Comparable store restaurant sales decreased approximately 20% through the first six weeks of the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2021.
- Comparable store retail sales decreased approximately 15% through the first six weeks of the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2021.
Challenges Ahead
- The company is not providing its customary annual guidance due to the pandemic.
- The sales performance of the Company’s stores varies significantly.
- Sales are heavily influenced by factors outside the Company’s control.
- Capacity restrictions, jurisdictional regulations are impacting sales.
- The extent that the local economy has reopened is impacting sales.