Potbelly Q2 2021 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
Potbelly Corporation reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2021, with total revenues increasing by 24.9% to $97.5 million. The company experienced significant top-line growth, reflecting strengthening unit-level economics and benefits from strategic initiatives. GAAP net loss attributable to Potbelly was ($3.9) million, and adjusted diluted EPS was a loss of ($0.10).
Same-store sales trends showed sequential improvement, ending the second quarter at +70.0% compared to (3.1%) in the first quarter of 2021; approaching 2019 levels at (-0.7%).
Second consecutive quarter of shop-level profitability and 23.8% growth in Average Unit Volume (AUV) compared to the first quarter 2021.
Suburban shops, approximately 60% of units, continued to show strength with shop-level margin of 15.2%, slightly exceeding the 2019 average level across all shop types.
Potbelly Perks loyalty program showed strong results, adding 142,000 new members during the quarter, with Perks sales representing nearly 18% of total sales.
Potbelly
Potbelly
Forward Guidance
The company expects continued strength in comparable sales in Q3'21 and Q4'21, accelerated shop-level profitability, and the majority of Adjusted EBITDA to be generated in the second half of 2021, as well as enterprise-level profitability and positive cash flow from operations during the second half of the year excluding deferred expenses from 2020.
Positive Outlook
- Continued strength in comparable sales in Q3’21 and Q4’21
- Accelerated shop-level profitability
- Majority of Adjusted EBITDA to be generated in the second half of 2021
- Enterprise-level profitability during the second half of the year excluding deferred expenses from 2020
- Positive cash flow from operations during the second half of the year excluding deferred expenses from 2020
Challenges Ahead
- Risks related to the COVID-19 outbreak
- Compliance with Credit Agreement covenants
- Competition
- General economic conditions
- Changes in commodity, energy and other costs