MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Arcos Dorados Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:ARCO) (“Arcos Dorados” or the “Company”), Latin America’s largest restaurant chain and the world’s largest McDonald’s franchisee, today reported unaudited results for the fourth quarter and audited results for the full year ended December 31, 2016.

Fourth Quarter 2016 Key Results

• As reported consolidated revenues increased 5.5% to $807.2 million versus the fourth quarter of 2015. On a constant currency basis¹, consolidated revenues grew 14.2%, or 8.8% excluding Venezuela.
• Systemwide comparable sales rose 16.4% year-over-year, or 9.2% excluding Venezuela.
• Adjusted EBITDA decreased 10.4% to $86.3 million compared with the prior-year quarter, which included a non-recurring tax recovery.
• Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin contracted 190 basis points. Excluding the aforementioned non-recurring item from last year’s result, Adjusted EBITDA margin increased 240 basis points versus the prior year quarter.
• As reported General and Administrative expenses (G&A) decreased by $11.9 million, or 15.9% year-over-year, generating leverage of 200 basis points as a percentage of revenues.
• As reported net income expanded to $21.2 million, from $5.6 million in the year-ago period.

Full Year 2016 Key Results

• As reported consolidated revenues decreased 4.1% to $2.93 billion in 2016. On a constant currency basis, consolidated revenues grew 13.9%, or 10.3% excluding Venezuela.
• Systemwide comparable sales rose 14.4% year-over-year, or 9.6% excluding Venezuela.
• Adjusted EBITDA increased 3.6% to $238.4 million year-over-year. Excluding the non-recurring tax recovery from last year’s result, Adjusted EBITDA increased 20.7%.
• Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 60 basis points in 2016, or 160 basis points excluding the non-recurring item.
• As reported G&A decreased by $49.6 million in 2016, or 18.3% year-over-year, generating leverage of 130 basis points as a percentage of revenues.
• As reported net income was $78.8 million, up from a net loss of $51.6 million in 2015.

“We ended the year strongly, achieving mid-teen constant currency revenue growth and a 240 basis point increase in the fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA margin, excluding a one-time impact in 2015. The result reflects the success of our marketing initiatives and the operating leverage we have achieved by streamlining our cost structure and capturing efficiencies in our restaurant operations. These management actions, combined with successful efforts to reduce debt levels, position Arcos Dorados as a leaner, more efficient organization with a stronger balance sheet. Our new three-year strategic plan builds on prior achievements, while expanding our leading footprint and modernizing our restaurant base through enhanced digital capabilities and technology. Our redesigned affordability platform and new product launches are giving our customers more reasons to visit us more often. Having solidified our foundation, we are well positioned to take advantage of a pickup in consumption trends and economic activity in our main markets”, said Sergio Alonso, Chief Executive Officer of Arcos Dorados.

Fourth Quarter 2016 Results

Arcos Dorados’ fourth quarter as reported revenues increased 5.5% as constant currency revenue growth of 14.2% more than offset the negative impact of currency translation. While the Brazilian real appreciated 14% year-over-year in the fourth quarter, the Argentine peso and Venezuelan bolivar depreciated significantly, impacting as reported figures. Constant currency revenue growth reflected a 16.4% expansion in systemwide comparable sales, mainly driven by average check growth. Traffic was relatively flat in the quarter.

Fourth quarter consolidated as reported Adjusted EBITDA decreased 10.4%, mainly due to the $32.6 million one-time net PIS/COFINS recovery recorded in the Brazil division in the same quarter of 2015. Excluding the aforementioned impact, as reported Adjusted EBITDA increased 35.4%. Currency translation impact included the significant year-over-year average depreciation of key currencies. The Argentine peso depreciated 52% and the Venezuelan bolivar depreciated 230%, the impacts of which were partially offset by the 14% appreciation of the Brazilian real. Excluding the PIS/COFINS recovery, Brazil was the key contributor to Adjusted EBITDA during the quarter, followed by the Caribbean division and NOLAD, while SLAD’s result declined due to margin contraction and the year-over-year depreciation of the Argentine peso.

The Adjusted EBITDA margin contracted by 190 basis points to 10.7%, mainly due to margin declines in Brazil and SLAD, partially offset by margin increases in the Caribbean and NOLAD divisions. The prior year quarter included a non-recurring $32.6 million net PIS/COFINS recovery within the line “Other operating income (expenses), net”. The comparison with this non-recurring item more than offset lower Food and Paper (F&P), Payroll and G&A expenses as a percentage of revenues. Excluding the non-recurring item from the prior year quarter’s results, the Adjusted EBITDA margin increased 240 basis points.

As reported, consolidated G&A decreased by 15.9% year-over-year, or 200 basis points as a percentage of revenues. Importantly, G&A declined by 5.6% year-over-year on a constant currency basis versus the fourth quarter of 2015, which included a $15.8 million charge related to the reorganization plan implemented toward the end of last year.

Excluding the Company’s Venezuelan operation, as reported revenues increased 5.1% year-over-year, while constant currency growth was 8.8%. The appreciation of the Brazilian real more than offset the depreciation of the Argentine peso, as well as other currencies in the Company’s territory, including the Mexican peso. Constant currency revenue growth was supported by a 9.2% increase in systemwide comparable sales, driven by average check growth and modestly positive traffic.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased 13.0% on an as reported basis, or 19.1% in constant currency terms, mainly due to the comparison with the non-recurring $32.6 million net PIS/COFINS recovery recorded in the Brazil division in the same quarter of last year. Excluding the aforementioned impact, as reported Adjusted EBITDA increased 31.5%. The Adjusted EBITDA margin contracted 220 basis points to 10.6%, with efficiencies in F&P and Payroll costs more than offset by the comparison with last year’s non-recurring item. Excluding this item, the Adjusted EBITDA margin increased 210 basis points.

Non-operating Results

Non-operating results for the fourth quarter reflected a $3.5 million foreign currency exchange gain, versus a loss of $6.1 million last year. The positive result was mainly explained by the appreciation of the Brazilian real and the impact of the depreciation of the Mexican peso on the dollar-denominated proceeds from the asset sales in Mexico. Interest expenses were lower on the 2023 USD notes due to the reduced principal balance based on the successful debt reduction initiative, which was more than offset by higher interest expenses on the BRL-denominated debt. Additionally, the Company reversed a provision which resulted in net interest expense of $13.6 million in the quarter.

The Company reported an income tax expense of $18.9 million in the quarter, compared to an income tax expense of $21.7 million in the prior year period.

Fourth quarter net income attributable to the Company totaled $21.2 million, compared to net income of $5.6 million in the same period of 2015. While operating income was broadly stable year-over-year, the improvement reflects a positive variance in foreign exchange results, coupled with lower net interest and income tax expenses. Net income included $10.4 million from the Company’s asset monetization initiatives (redevelopment and refranchising).

The Company reported earnings per share of $0.10 in the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to earnings per share of $0.03 in the previous corresponding period. Total weighted average shares for the fourth quarter of 2016 were 210,711,212, as compared to 210,538,896 in the fourth quarter of 2015, reflecting the issuance of shares as a result of the partial vesting of restricted share units.

Analysis by Division²:

Brazil’s as reported revenues increased by 13.4%, supported by a 14% year-over-year average appreciation of the Brazilian real. Excluding the benefit of currency translation, constant currency revenues decreased 2.7% year-over-year with flat systemwide comparable sales in the quarter. This was mainly due to the refranchising of certain company-operated restaurants during the last twelve months. The shift to a greater percentage of franchised restaurants negatively impacts consolidated revenue, as company-operated restaurant sales are replaced by rental income received from the Company’s sub-franchisees. In the quarter, average check growth was offset by a modest decline in traffic against a backdrop of continued soft consumer spending.

Marketing activities in the quarter included the launch of the new affordability platform “Clássicos do Dia” or “Daily Classics,” which helped improve traffic trends amid a tough consumer environment in the country. Also in the quarter, the Company launched the Crispy Onion BBQ premium burger as part of the Signature Line and the McFlurry M&Ms, among others.

As reported Adjusted EBITDA decreased 14.1% year-over-year and 26.5% on a constant currency basis. The Adjusted EBITDA margin contracted 530 basis points to 16.7%, mainly as a result of the comparison with the non-recurring $32.6 million net PIS/COFINS recovery recorded in the same quarter of 2015. This more than offset efficiencies in F&P, Payroll and G&A expenses as a percentage of revenues. Excluding the non-recurring item, Brazil’s Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 440 basis points. Additionally, fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA included $5.1 million from the Company’s refranchising initiative, compared with $1.8 million in the prior-year quarter.

NOLAD’s as reported revenues decreased 0.4% year-over-year as constant currency growth of 8.3% was more than offset by currency translation impacts, mainly derived from the 19% year-over-year average depreciation of the Mexican peso. Systemwide comparable sales increased 6.6%, driven by average check growth combined with an increase in traffic across the division.

Marketing initiatives in the quarter included the launch of the Mega Mac and Grand Big Mac campaign and the continuation of the new affordability platform in Mexico. Also in the quarter, marketing activities included the launch of the McFlurry Hershey’s Almond Bites in the Dessert category and Power Girls & Justice League in the Happy Meal, among others.

As reported Adjusted EBITDA increased by 3.2%, or 7.7% on a constant currency basis, continuing the trend of solid performance and margin expansion. The Adjusted EBITDA margin increased 40 basis points to 10.8% in the fourth quarter, mainly driven by efficiencies in G&A, which more than offset higher Payroll and F&P costs as a percentage of revenues.

SLAD’s as reported revenues decreased 3.7% mainly due to the 52% year-over-year average depreciation of the Argentine peso. On a constant currency basis, revenues increased 28.0% year-over-year. Systemwide comparable sales increased 29.0%, primarily driven by average check growth and an increase in traffic.

Marketing activities in the quarter included a new affordability platform built on core products in Argentina, “Combo del Día,” and the launch of the Crispy Onion BBQ premium burger as part of the Signature Line. The Happy Meal performed well with Power Girls & Justice League along with Adventure Time while the McFlurry “Abuela Goye” promotion continued in the Dessert category.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased 16.6% on an as reported basis but rose 8.3% in constant currency terms. The Adjusted EBITDA margin contracted 150 basis points to 9.7%, driven by higher F&P and Occupancy and Other Operating expenses. These factors were partially offset by efficiencies in Payroll costs as a percentage of revenues.

The Caribbean division’s as reported revenues increased 6.0%, as constant currency growth exceeded currency translation impacts derived from the remeasurement of the results of the Venezuelan operation at a weaker year-over-year average exchange rate. Revenues in constant currency rose 43.0% year-over-year. Systemwide comparable sales increased 59.2%, with inflation-driven average check growth more than offsetting a modest decrease in traffic.

In Colombia, marketing initiatives in the quarter included the launch of the Mushroom Dijon burger as part of the Signature Line and the McFlurry Cocosette in the Dessert category, among others. Also in the quarter, the Company continued the Talking Tom property in the Happy Meal and updated the affordability platform.

As reported Adjusted EBITDA totaled $8.0 million in the fourth quarter, compared with $2.5 million in the prior year quarter. The Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded to 7.2% from 2.4%, driven by efficiencies in all key cost line items.

As reported revenues in the Caribbean division, excluding Venezuela, increased 3.0%, largely driven by constant currency growth. The 2.5% expansion in comparable sales resulted from higher volume in the quarter. Revenue growth was supported by the ongoing strong performance of the Colombian operation.

Adjusted EBITDA totaled $5.5 million, compared to $2.6 million in the same period of 2015. The Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 300 basis points to 5.8%, mainly driven by efficiencies in F&P costs and Occupancy expenses from franchised restaurants, partially offset by higher G&A expenses and Occupancy and Other Operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.

The Company opened 33 new restaurants during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2016, resulting in a total of 2,156 restaurants. Also during the period, the Company added 140 Dessert Centers, bringing the total to 2,745. McCafés totaled 316 as of December 31, 2016.

Balance Sheet & Cash Flow Highlights

Cash and cash equivalents were $194.8 million at December 31, 2016. The Company’s total financial debt (including derivative instruments) was $610.2 million. Net debt was $415.4 million and the Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA ratio was 1.7x at December 31, 2016.

Cash provided by operating activities totaled $104.0 million for the quarter, while cash used in financing activities amounted to $1.5 million. Cash used in net investing activities totaled $17.5 million, which included $22.2 million from asset monetization proceeds less total capital expenditures of $40.2 million.

Full Year 2016

The depreciation of key currencies within the region more than offset constant currency revenue growth of 13.9% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. As a result, the Company’s as reported revenues declined 4.1% to $2.93 billion. As reported Adjusted EBITDA was $238.4 million in 2016, a 3.6% increase compared to 2015. On a constant currency basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased 26.2%. The reported Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 60 basis points to 8.1%. Excluding the non-recurring $32.6 million net PIS/COFINS recovery recorded in the fourth quarter of last year, the consolidated Adjusted EBITDA grew 20.7% with a margin expansion of 160 basis points for the year. On the cost side, efficiencies in G&A expenses and Payroll costs more than offset higher F&P costs as a percentage of revenues. Adjusted EBITDA benefited from G&A savings as a result of the optimization plan carried out in the fourth quarter of 2015. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA included $16.5 million from the refranchising of some company-operated restaurants primarily in Brazil.

For the full year 2016, the Company reported consolidated net income of $78.8 million, compared with a loss of $51.6 million in 2015. The positive variance reflects stronger operating results in 2016, which included $69.4 million from asset monetization initiatives (redevelopment and refranchising), coupled with a positive foreign exchange result, partially offset by higher income tax and net interest expenses.

Excluding the Venezuelan operation, the Company’s revenues declined 4.5%, but increased 10.3% on a constant currency basis. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 1.0%, as reported, and increased 8.8% in constant currency terms. The reported Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 30 basis points to 8.3%, as leverage in G&A and Payroll costs more than offset higher F&P costs as a percentage of revenues. Excluding the non-recurring $32.6 million net PIS/COFINS recovery recorded in the fourth quarter of last year, the consolidated Adjusted EBITDA grew 14.6% with a margin expansion of 140 basis points for the year.

Cash provided by operating activities totaled $164.2 million for the year, while cash used in financing activities amounted to $113.0 million. Cash provided from net investing activities totaled $23.0 million, which included $113.4 million from asset monetization proceeds less total capital expenditures of $92.3 million.

2017 Annual Guidance and Longer-term Outlook

2017 Annual Guidance

For the full year 2017, the Company expects to open between 45 and 50 new restaurants and will continue to evaluate its existing restaurant base for optimization opportunities. The Company expects total capital expenditures to be between $150 and $180 million.

Longer-term Outlook

The Company expects cash flow generation to grow over the next three years as the local economies recover and the Company captures additional topline growth as a result of Management’s strategy to focus on increasing restaurant volumes.

Total capital expenditures for 2017 to 2019 are expected to be approximately $500 million. The Company will continue targeting a Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio below 2.5x.

Quarter Highlights & Recent Developments

Asset Monetization Initiative

The Company received cumulative cash proceeds of around $135.0 million through December 31, 2016 from its asset monetization initiatives since its inception. Approximately $105.0 million pertained to the redevelopment of certain real estate assets in Mexico and $30.0 million to the refranchising of company-operated restaurants, primarily in Brazil.

Based on existing deals, the Company expects the cumulative redevelopment proceeds, since inception, to total approximately $150 million by the end of 2017. The main goal of the redevelopment initiative was to reduce debt levels. The Company has decided not to pursue additional re-development deals at this time, as the stated debt reduction targets have been achieved.

Capital Structure Optimization

The Company is seeking to optimize the terms and composition of its long term debt, without materially increasing its total debt levels, subject to market conditions. Further details will be communicated as appropriate.

Reinvestment and Restaurant Opening Plans for 2017-2019

The Company reached an agreement with McDonald’s Corporation related to the restaurant opening and reinvestment plan for the three-year period commenced on January 1, 2017. Under the agreement, the Company committed to open 180 new restaurants and to reinvest $292 million in existing restaurants. In addition, McDonald’s Corporation agreed to provide growth support for the same period. The Company projects that the impact of this support could result in an effective royalty rate of 5.3% in 2017, 5.7% in 2018 and 5.9% in 2019.

Definitions:

Systemwide comparable sales growth: refers to the change, measured in constant currency, in our Company-operated and franchised restaurant sales in one period from a comparable period for restaurants that have been open for thirteen months or longer. While sales by our franchisees are not recorded as revenues by us, we believe the information is important in understanding our financial performance because these sales are the basis on which we calculate and record franchised revenues, and are indicative of the financial health of our franchisee base.

Constant currency basis: refers to amounts calculated using the same exchange rate over the periods under comparison to remove the effects of currency fluctuations from this trend analysis.

To better discern underlying business trends, this release uses non-GAAP financial measures that segregate year-over-year growth into two categories: (i) currency translation, (ii) constant currency growth. (i) Currency translation reflects the impact on growth of the appreciation or depreciation of the local currencies in which we conduct our business against the US dollar (the currency in which our financial statements are prepared). (ii) Constant currency growth reflects the underlying growth of the business excluding the effect from currency translation.

About Arcos Dorados

Arcos Dorados is the world’s largest McDonald’s franchisee in terms of systemwide sales and number of restaurants, operating the largest quick service restaurant chain in Latin America and the Caribbean. It has the exclusive right to own, operate and grant franchises of McDonald’s restaurants in 20 Latin American and Caribbean countries and territories, including Argentina, Aruba, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Ecuador, French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, St. Thomas, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay and Venezuela. The Company operates or franchises over 2,100 McDonald’s-branded restaurants with over 90,000 employees and is recognized as one of the best companies to work for in Latin America. Arcos Dorados is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:ARCO). To learn more about the Company, please visit the Investors section of our website: www.arcosdorados.com/ir

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein include statements about the Company’s business prospects, its ability to attract customers, its affordable platform, its expectation for revenue generation and its outlook and guidance for 2017. These statements are subject to the general risks inherent in Arcos Dorados' business. These expectations may or may not be realized. Some of these expectations may be based upon assumptions or judgments that prove to be incorrect. In addition, Arcos Dorados' business and operations involve numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Arcos Dorados, which could result in Arcos Dorados' expectations not being realized or otherwise materially affect the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Arcos Dorados. Additional information relating to the uncertainties affecting Arcos Dorados' business is contained in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and Arcos Dorados does not undertake any obligation to (and expressly disclaims any obligation to) update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date such statements were made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to financial measures prepared in accordance with the general accepted accounting principles (GAAP), within this press release and the accompanying tables, we use a financial measure titled ‘Adjusted EBITDA’. We use Adjusted EBITDA to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as our operating income plus depreciation and amortization plus/minus the following losses/gains included within other operating expenses, net and within general and administrative expenses in our statement of income: gains from sale or insurance recovery of property and equipment, write-offs and related contingencies of property and equipment, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, stock-based compensation in connection with the Company’s initial public listing, the ADBV Long-Term Incentive Plan incremental compensation from modification, and reorganization and optimization plan expenses.

We believe Adjusted EBITDA facilitates company-to-company operating performance comparisons by backing out potential differences caused by variations such as capital structures (affecting net interest expense and other financial charges), taxation (affecting income tax expense) and the age and book depreciation of facilities and equipment (affecting relative depreciation expense), which may vary for different companies for reasons unrelated to operating performance. For more information, please see Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation in Note 21 of our quarterly financial statements (6-K Form) filed today with the S.E.C.

Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2016 Results by Division

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Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2016 Results by Division

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

Summarized Consolidated Balance Sheets

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