HOUSTON, Nov. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Luby's, Inc. (NYSE: LUB) ("Luby's") today announced its unaudited financial results for its sixteen-week fourth quarter fiscal 2013, and for its fifty-two week fiscal year, which ended on August 28, 2013. Total revenue for fiscal 2013 was $390.4 million, with restaurant sales of $366.2 million, an increase of 12.8% compared to restaurant sales of $324.5 million in fiscal 2012, consistent with the Company's October 25, 2013 preliminary revenue and earnings outlook release.

Chris Pappas, President and CEO, remarked, "During fiscal 2013, our talented and experienced team continued to improve the restaurant experience for our guests and grow our top line despite a tough economic environment in our industry, and we made significant progress to expand our brand footprint by opening new restaurants and growing our development pipeline. We also acquired Cheeseburger in Paradise, a 23 unit restaurant chain, in December 2012, for approximately $11.0 million. We continued to integrate Cheeseburger in Paradise, including the appointment of a new brand leader focused on operational improvements and the conversion of all 23 restaurants to our food distribution network, and introduction of new restaurant processes and systems. Although we are progressing toward our goal for this brand to be additive to earnings, during 2013 it generated an after-tax loss of $1.8 million. We are diligently working on improvements in food and service at Cheeseburger in Paradise which will be key to rebuilding the brand.

"At our core brands, Luby's Cafeterias and Fuddruckers, we achieved restaurant sales gains from adding restaurants, but our operating results were hampered by higher operating costs, including increased investments in marketing our brands, softer than expected traffic, and food inflation.

"During the fourth quarter, we renewed our revolving credit agreement with our lenders increasing our credit facility to $70 million from $50 million and extending the expiration from September 1, 2014 to September 1, 2017. With our strong balance sheet and cash flow generation, we are positioned for continued growth."

2013 Fourth Fiscal Quarter Review

Same-Store Sales by Quarter

• Same-store sales increased 0.5% in the fourth quarter.  Same-store sales include the 149 restaurants (93 Luby's Cafeterias, 54 Fuddruckers and 2 Koo Koo Roo Chicken Bistros restaurants) that have been open for 18 consecutive accounting periods. Same-store sales at Luby's Cafeterias were up 1.0%, as the average spend per customer increased 0.4% and customer traffic grew 0.5%. Fuddruckers same-store sales declined 0.4%, as average spend per customer rose 2.2% and customer traffic declined 2.9%.
• Restaurant sales rose to $118.4 million in the 2013 sixteen-week fourth fiscal quarter, compared to $100.0 million in the prior fiscal year, due to the $16.6 million contribution from Cheeseburger in Paradise and sales from locations that opened during fiscal 2013, as well as a 0.5% increase in same-store sales.
• Store level profit, defined as restaurant sales less food costs, payroll and related costs, other operating expenses, and occupancy costs, was $13.7 million in the fourth quarter fiscal 2013, or 11.6% of restaurant sales.  Removing the impact of Cheeseburger in Paradise, store level profit was $13.9 million or, 13.6% of restaurant sales. In last year's fiscal fourth quarter, store level profit was $15.3, million, or 15.3% of restaurant sales. Store level profit as a percentage of restaurant sales declined due to higher restaurant operating costs, including greater investments in marketing programs, and higher food commodity prices; these increases and higher occupancy costs related to the addition of four leased Fuddruckers restaurants were partially offset by lower repairs and maintenance expense.

Fourth Quarter Restaurant Sales (In thousands)

• Franchise revenue declined to $2.2 million in the fourth quarter fiscal 2013 compared to $2.4 million in the same fiscal quarter last year, due primarily to a net reduction of nine locations, which reduced our royalty income. 
• Revenue from Culinary Contract Services increased to $5.1 million in the fourth quarter fiscal 2013 compared to $4.6 million in the same fiscal quarter last year. We ended the fourth quarter fiscal 2013 operating 21 facilities, an increase from 18 facilities at the end of the fourth quarter fiscal 2012. During fiscal 2013 we entered into six new contracts while three contracts expired without renewal. We now operate with a stronger mix of clients and have improved our operating margin in this line of business.
• In the fourth quarter fiscal 2013, we generated income from continuing operations of $0.8 million, or $0.03 per share, compared to $3.2 million in the same quarter last year, or $0.11 per share. Results in each of fiscal 2013 and 2012 included various special items. Excluding special items, fourth quarter fiscal 2013 income from continuing operations was $1.7 million, or $0.06 per share, compared to $1.6 million, or $0.06 per share in the fourth quarter fiscal 2012.

Fiscal Fourth Quarter Operating Expense Review

Food costs as a percentage of restaurant sales increased to 28.8% in the fourth quarter fiscal 2013 from 27.8% in the comparable quarter last year, due primarily to higher food and beverage costs at Cheeseburger in Paradise, an increase in commodities pricing at our cafeteria brand, and lower food and beverage rebates. Excluding the impact of Cheeseburger in Paradise, our food cost as a percent of restaurant sales was 28.3% in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013. The increase in food and beverage costs at Cheeseburger in Paradise was caused, in part, by the rollout of new menu offerings and the inherent inefficiencies as our restaurant management and crews adapt to the changes. Food costs increased approximately $6.4 million to $34.2 million in the fourth quarter fiscal 2013 compared to the same fiscal quarter last year.

In the fourth quarter fiscal 2013, payroll and related costs as a percentage of restaurant sales improved to 34.0% from 34.5% in last year's fourth fiscal quarter, as crew labor costs declined despite inclusion of higher labor costs at Cheeseburger in Paradise, due to better labor scheduling processes, including the ability to react more quickly to changes in customer traffic. Payroll and related costs decreased in dollar terms, and as percentage of sales, at each of our core Luby's Cafeteria and Fuddruckers brands. With the inclusion of Cheeseburger in Paradise, our total Payroll and Related cost in the fourth quarter fiscal 2013 increased approximately $5.6 million, to $40.1 million, compared to the same fiscal fourth quarter last year.

Other operating expenses include restaurant-related expenses for utilities, repairs and maintenance, advertising, insurance, supplies, and services. As a percentage of restaurant sales, other operating expenses were 19.3% compared to 17.0% in the same fiscal quarter last year in part due to the addition of Cheeseburger in Paradise, and additional increases in utilities, marketing, advertising and restaurant services, slightly offset by reductions in repairs and maintenance costs. Other operating expenses in the fourth quarter fiscal 2013 increased, including the addition of Cheeseburger in Paradise, approximately $6.0 million to $23.0 million, compared to the same quarter last year.

Occupancy costs include property lease expense, property taxes, and common area maintenance charges. Occupancy costs increased $2.0 million to $7.5 million primarily due the inclusion of the acquired 23 CIP leased locations, as well as the addition of four leased Fuddruckers locations.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $0.5 million to $5.9 million in the fourth quarter fiscal 2013 compared to the same quarter last year due to the acquisition of Cheeseburger in Paradise and investments made in new locations as well as the capital we have used for remodeling existing locations, partially offset by the reduction in depreciation from certain assets reaching the end of their depreciable lives.

General and administrative expenses of $9.9 million in the fourth quarter fiscal 2013 were approximately level with the expenses in the same quarter last year. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses declined to 7.9%, compared to 9.3% in the same fiscal quarter last year.

Income from operations per diluted share before any special items for fourth quarter fiscal 2013 was $0.06 compared to income from operations per diluted share before any special items of $0.06 last year.

Reconciliation of income from continuing operations to income from continuing operations, before special items ^(1,2)

Capital Expenditures and Balance Sheet

At the end of the fiscal fourth quarter 2013, we had $1.5 million in cash, $177.5 million in shareholders' equity and $49.2 million available under our credit facility. During the 2013 fiscal year, we generated $29.6 million in cash from operating activities and spent $31.3 million on capital expenditures. In fiscal 2013, we increased our balance under our credit facility by $6.2 million and ended the fiscal year with a $19.2 million outstanding debt balance.

In fiscal 2013, our capital expenditures totaled $31.3 million, and included investments of $14.3 million on new unit development, $4.8 million for the purchase of land, $5.3 million on remodeling of existing restaurants, and $6.9 million in recurring maintenance capital spend. In addition, we made an $11.0 million investment to acquire the Cheeseburger in Paradise brand and its 23 operating locations.

Fiscal Year Review

In fiscal 2013, restaurant sales were $366.0 million, at the top end of our previously provided guidance range, increasing 12.8% from $324.5 million in fiscal 2012.

2013 Fiscal Year Restaurant Sales (In thousands)

During fiscal 2013, which ended August 28, 2013, year-over-year sales at Luby's Cafeterias rose 1.1% to $231.2 million, while sales at Fuddruckers increased 3.5% to $99.2 million. The new combo restaurant location, a separate Luby's Cafeteria and a Fuddruckers located on the same property, which opened on the first day of Luby's 2013 fiscal year exceeded our initial estimate of $4.5 million in sales. Including the 2 stores at that new combo location, a total of 7 new stores opened in fiscal 2013 contributing $10.2 million to restaurant sales. The sales at the new locations were partially offset by the absence of $1.1 million in sales from the closure of three stores in fiscal 2013.

Cheeseburger in Paradise, which was acquired in December 2012, generated $35.7 million in restaurant sales, $3.3 million below our initial expectations.

Due to increased operating and food costs at the core brands as well as the first year loss of approximately $1.8 from Cheeseburger in Paradise, income from operations per diluted share before any special items for fiscal 2013 was $0.16 compared to income from operations per diluted share before any special items of $0.22 last year.

Reconciliation of income from continuing operations to income from continuing operations, before special items ^(1,2)

Key 2013 Highlights and New Restaurant Openings

• Opened our first Luby's and Fuddruckers side-by-side location; closed one Luby's Cafeteria unit
• Opened 6 new corporate Fuddruckers, and closed three corporate Fuddruckers
• 3 new restaurant construction starts
• 4 new land purchases for site development
• 1 new relocation restaurant in Pharr, Texas
• 10 major cafeteria remodels and 4 Fuddruckers refreshes
• 6 new culinary services locations; 3 locations expired
• 23 acquired Cheeseburger in Paradise full-service restaurant locations that span 14 states

2014 Outlook

In fiscal 2014, we expect to grow same-store sales up to 1% from fiscal 2013 levels. Total restaurant sales, including same store sales plus the contribution from new store openings, offset by store closings, are expected to be in the range of $375 million to $385 million. New stores opening in fiscal year 2014 are expected to contribute $8 to $10 million to total restaurant sales. This outlook is sensitive to changes in economic conditions and the effects of other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in early November.

Chris Pappas, President and CEO, remarked, "We made progress on our new multi-brand combo unit development with several locations secured in our new unit pipeline for future growth. We continue to focus on our core restaurants to support the growth of the Company and our development plans to build additional new Luby's Cafeterias and Fuddruckers restaurants in fiscal 2014."

In 2014, we have achieved, or expect to achieve, the following restaurant development milestones:

• 1 stand-alone Luby's Cafeteria (opened September 2013 in Eagle Pass, TX)
• Conversion of one Cheeseburger in Paradise to a Fuddruckers is underway in Algonquin, IL
• 2 locations with a side-by-side Luby's Cafeteria and Fuddruckers for a total of 4 new restaurants
• 2 to 3 stand-alone or in-line Fuddruckers locations
• At least two additional restaurant construction starts for fiscal year 2015 openings
• 10 - 15 Remodels

We anticipate investing approximately $35 to $40 million in capital expenditures in fiscal 2014, including $14 million for restaurant openings and beginning construction in fiscal 2014, up to $6 million in restaurant remodels, and $10 million to purchase parcels of land for new restaurant development.

Mr. Pappas added, "Given the strong results we have experienced at our new combo location, as well as the improved results we have generated at our relocated restaurants, we are excited about our new development pipeline. We anticipate opening 7 to 8 restaurants in fiscal year 2014. This includes eight potential locations as follows: 2 Luby's/Fuddruckers combos equating to 4 restaurants, one cafeteria already open, and three Fuddruckers. Four sites are currently under construction. The combo location in Pearland, TX (Houston metro area), a Luby's Cafeteria and a Fuddruckers Hamburgers side-by-side combo concept development exceeded our original expectations of $4.5 million comprised of $3.3 million Luby's Cafeteria sales and $1.2 million Fuddruckers hamburgers sales. As we move through the 2014 fiscal year, we will look to increase our pipeline of combo units, Luby's units, Fuddruckers units, and selected conversion units focusing on high traffic locations close to our customers."

Conference Call

Luby's will host a conference call tomorrow, November 7, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., Central Time, to discuss further its 2013 fiscal fourth quarter results. To access the call live, dial (480) 629-9770 and ask for the Luby's conference call at least 10 minutes prior to the start time, or listen live over the Internet by visiting the events page in the investor relations section of www.lubysinc.com. For those who cannot listen to the live call, a telephonic replay will be available through November 14, 2013 and may be accessed by calling (303) 590-3030 and using the pass code 4645503#. Also, an archive of the webcast will be available after the call for a period of 90 days on the "Investors" section of the Company's website.

About Luby's

Luby's, Inc. operates restaurants under the brands Luby's Cafeteria and Fuddruckers and provides food service management through its Luby's Culinary Services division. The company-operated restaurants include 93 Luby's Cafeterias, 62 Fuddruckers restaurants, 23 Cheeseburger in Paradise full service restaurants and bars, one Koo Koo Roo Chicken Bistros, and one Bob Luby's Seafood Grill. Its 93 Luby's cafeterias are located primarily in Texas. In addition to the 62 company-operated Fuddruckers locations, the Company has 115 Fuddruckers franchises locations across the United States (including Puerto Rico), Canada, and Mexico. Luby's Culinary Services provides food service management to 21 sites consisting of healthcare, higher education and corporate dining locations.

This press release contains statements that are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking statements" for purposes of these provisions, including the statements under the caption "Outlook" and any other statements regarding scheduled openings of units, scheduled closures of units, sales of assets, expected proceeds from the sale of assets, expected levels of capital expenditures, effects of food commodity costs, anticipated financial results in future periods and expectations of industry conditions.

The Company cautions readers that various factors could cause its actual financial and operational results to differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements made from time-to-time in news releases, reports, proxy statements, registration statements, and other written communications, as well as oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company. The following factors, as well as any other cautionary language included in this press release, provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the expectations the Company describes in its "forward-looking statements": general business and economic conditions; the impact of competition; our operating initiatives; fluctuations in the costs of commodities, including beef, poultry, seafood, dairy, cheese and produce; increases in utility costs, including the costs of natural gas and other energy supplies; changes in the availability and cost of labor; the seasonality of the Company's business; changes in governmental regulations, including changes in minimum wages; the effects of inflation; the availability of credit; unfavorable publicity relating to operations, including publicity concerning food quality, illness or other health concerns or labor relations; the continued service of key management personnel; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

For additional information contact:

Dennard-Lascar Associates
713-529-6600
Rick Black / Sheila Stuewe
Investor Relations

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The following table contains information derived from the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations expressed as a percentage of sales. Percentages may not add due to rounding.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Although store level profit, defined as restaurant sales less food cost less, payroll and related costs less other operating costs and occupancy costs is a non-GAAP measure, we believe its presentation is useful because it explicitly shows the results of our most significant reportable segment. The following table reconciles between store level profit, a non-GAAP measure to income from continuing operations, a GAAP measure: