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Dec 29, 2024

First Watch Q4 2024 Earnings Report

First Watch reported revenue growth but a decline in profitability in Q4 2024.

Key Takeaways

First Watch Restaurant Group reported Q4 2024 revenue of $263.3 million, up 7.6% year-over-year. However, same-restaurant sales declined by 0.3%, and same-restaurant traffic dropped by 3.0%. Net income fell to $0.7 million from $2.6 million in Q4 2023. Adjusted EBITDA decreased slightly to $24.3 million from $24.6 million in the prior-year quarter.

Revenue increased 7.6% year-over-year to $263.3 million.

Same-restaurant sales declined by 0.3%, while traffic fell by 3.0%.

Net income dropped to $0.7 million from $2.6 million in Q4 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $24.3 million from $24.6 million in Q4 2023.

Total Revenue
$263M
Previous year: $245M
+7.6%
EPS
$0.01
Previous year: $0.04
-75.0%
Same-Restaurant Sales Growth
-0.3%
Previous year: 5%
-106.0%
Same-Restaurant Traffic Growth
-3%
Previous year: -1.3%
+130.8%
Restaurant-Level Operating Profit Margin
18.8%
Previous year: 19.4%
-3.1%
Gross Profit
$35.6M
Previous year: $50.4M
-29.4%
Cash and Equivalents
$33.3M
Previous year: $50M
-33.3%
Free Cash Flow
-$17.8M
Previous year: -$9.46M
+87.6%
Total Assets
$1.7B
Previous year: $1.43B
+19.3%

First Watch

First Watch

First Watch Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

First Watch expects moderate revenue growth in FY 2025, driven by new restaurant openings and operational efficiencies.

Positive Outlook

  • Revenue projected to grow by approximately 20%.
  • Same-restaurant sales expected to return to low-single-digit growth.
  • Adjusted EBITDA forecasted between $124 million and $130 million.
  • Plan to open 55 to 58 new company-owned restaurants in FY 2025.
  • Continued investment in new restaurant projects and remodels.

Challenges Ahead

  • Same-restaurant traffic growth expected to remain flat or slightly positive.
  • Franchise revenue declined in Q4 2024 and may remain under pressure.
  • Operating margin declined, reflecting higher costs.
  • Macroeconomic uncertainty may impact consumer spending.
  • Labor and occupancy costs continue to pose challenges.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income