•
Apr 04, 2023

Noodles & Co Q1 2023 Earnings Report

Noodles & Company's first quarter reflected progress in cost-savings initiatives and a favorable expense environment, leveraging a double-digit revenue increase from comparable sales and new restaurant growth.

Key Takeaways

Noodles & Company reported a 12.0% increase in total revenue to $126.1 million, with company comparable restaurant sales increasing by 6.9%. The operating margin improved by 360 basis points, and the restaurant contribution margin improved by 400 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2022.

Total revenue increased 12.0% to $126.1 million.

Company comparable restaurant sales increased 6.9%.

Operating margin improved to (1.8)% compared to (5.4)% in the first quarter of 2022.

Restaurant contribution margin increased to 13.7% compared to 9.7% in the first quarter of 2022.

Total Revenue
$126M
Previous year: $113M
+12.0%
EPS
-$0.05
Previous year: -$0.13
-61.5%
System-wide comparable sales
6.4%
Previous year: 6.4%
+0.0%
Restaurant contribution margin
13.7%
Company-owned comparable sales
6.9%
Previous year: 5.3%
+30.2%
Cash and Equivalents
$2.1M
Previous year: $1.6M
+31.3%

Noodles & Co

Noodles & Co

Forward Guidance

The Company is reiterating guidance related to its 2023 performance.

Positive Outlook

  • Restaurant level contribution margins of 16.0% to 17.0%
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $45 million to $50 million
  • Depreciation and amortization of $25.5 million to $27.5 million
  • Disposal of assets of $3.0 million to $3.5 million
  • Net interest expense of $4.0 million to $4.5 million

Challenges Ahead

  • Stock-based compensation of $6.0 million to $7.0 million
  • Adjusted EPS of $0.10 to $0.20
  • Approximately 7.5% new restaurant growth system-wide, with a majority of openings being company-owned
  • Capital expenditures of $53 million to $58 million in 2023