SONC Sonic Corp. (delisted)

Same-Store Sales Increase 11.5%

Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ:SONC), the nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants, today announced results for the second fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2015.

Key highlights of the company’s second quarter of fiscal year 2015 included:

• Net income per diluted share was $0.14 compared with net income per diluted share of $0.07 in the prior-year period; excluding items outlined below, net income per diluted share was $0.13 in the second fiscal quarter of 2015, resulting in an 86% increase, on an adjusted basis;
• System same-store sales increased 11.5%, consisting of an 11.5% same-store sales increase at franchise drive-ins and an increase of 11.2% at company drive-ins;
• Company drive-in margins improved by 110 basis points; and
• The company repurchased $75 million of stock through accelerated stock repurchase transactions representing approximately 4% of its outstanding stock.

“Successful company initiatives combined with an improving macro environment resulted in an exceptionally strong second fiscal quarter with 11.5% same-store sales growth. We are particularly pleased that traffic drove two-thirds of our same-store sales increase,” said Cliff Hudson, Sonic Corp. CEO. “This increase is primarily a result of growth in our core menu items and product innovation, complemented by our national media strategy. As we move into the second half of fiscal 2015 we expect our business momentum to continue. In addition, we expect technology initiatives to provide an additional layer of growth to build sales and profits over the next several years.

“We also executed accelerated share repurchase agreements during the second quarter to purchase $75 million of stock. Our fiscal year-to-date share repurchases now total $95 million, representing approximately 5% of our outstanding shares as of the beginning of the fiscal year. Since our current repurchase program began in fiscal 2012, we have repurchased nearly $242 million of stock representing 23% of our outstanding shares. We have completed these repurchases while strengthening our balance sheet, which reflects the stability of our franchise business model.

"We will continue to focus on our multi-layered growth strategy, which incorporates same-store sales growth, leverage from higher sales, deployment of free cash flow1, increasing royalty revenues and new drive-in development, to build shareholder value. We believe all of these initiatives will enable us to continue to achieve double-digit earnings per share growth for the next several years," concluded Mr. Hudson.

Same-Store Sales

For the second fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2015, system same-store sales increased 11.5%, which was comprised of an 11.5% same-store sales increase at franchise drive-ins and an increase of 11.2% at company drive-ins.

Financial Overview

For the second fiscal quarter of 2015, the company’s net income increased to $7.7 million or $0.14 per diluted share compared with net income of $4.1 million or $0.07 per diluted share in the same period in the prior year. Excluding a $0.7 million tax benefit representing the retroactive reinstatement of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) for fiscal 2014, earnings per share increased 86%.

The following non-GAAP adjustment is intended to supplement the presentation of the company’s financial results in accordance with GAAP. The company believes that the presentation of this item provides useful information to investors and management regarding the underlying business trends and the performance of the company’s ongoing operations and is helpful for period-to-period and company-to-company comparisons, which management believes will assist investors in analyzing the financial results of the company and predicting future performance.

          Three months ended     Three months ended     February 28, 2015 February 28, 2014 Net     Diluted Net     Diluted Net Income     Diluted EPS Income EPS Income EPS $ Change     % Change $ Change     % Change Reported – GAAP $ 7,662 $ 0.14 $ 4,107 $ 0.07 $ 3,555 87 % $ 0.07 100 %

Retroactive tax benefit of WOTC

and resolution of tax matters

  (666 )   (0.01 )   -   -                        

Adjusted - Non-GAAP

$ 6,996   $ 0.13   $ 4,107 $ 0.07 $ 2,889     70 % $ 0.06     86 %  

For the first six months of fiscal 2015, net income totaled $17.7 million or $0.32 per diluted share compared with net income of $12.3 million or $0.21 per diluted share for the same period in 2014. Excluding the items outlined below, net income and net income per diluted share increased 44% and 55%, respectively.

          Six months ended     Six months ended   February 28, 2015 February 28, 2014 Net     Diluted Net     Diluted   Net Income     Diluted EPS Income EPS Income EPS $ Change     % Change $ Change     % Change Reported – GAAP $ 17,747 $ 0.32 $ 12,315 $ 0.21 $ 5,432 44 % $ 0.11 52 %

Tax benefit from the IRS'

acceptance of a federal tax method

change

- - (484 ) (0.01 )

Retroactive tax benefit of WOTC

and resolution of tax matters

  (666 )   (0.01 )   -     -                           Adjusted - Non-GAAP $ 17,081   $ 0.31   $ 11,831   $ 0.20   $ 5,250     44 % $ 0.11     55 %  

Fiscal Year 2015 Outlook

The company expects its initiatives to drive 25% to 27% earnings per share growth, on an adjusted basis, in fiscal 2015 as compared to the adjusted non-GAAP earnings per share for fiscal 2014. The macroeconomic environment may impact results. The outlook for the second half of fiscal 2015 anticipates the following elements:

• Positive same-store sales in the low to mid-single digit range for the system for the third and fourth fiscal quarters;
• Company drive-in same-store sales growth expected to outperform franchisees as a result of the recent implementation of new digital menu boards and point-of-sale systems;
• Incremental royalty revenue growth from same-store sales improvements, new unit development, and 900 drive-ins converting to a higher royalty rate structure at the beginning of fiscal 2015;

• 34 to 44 new franchise drive-in openings, resulting in net unit growth for the system;
• Drive-in-level margin improvement of between 100 to 150 basis points, reflecting an improving outlook for commodity cost inflation and leverage from company drive-in same-store sales growth;
• Selling, general and administrative expenses of $39.5 million to $40.5 million, reflecting increased investment in human resources to support the brand initiatives described above;
• Depreciation and amortization expense of $23 million to $23.5 million;
• Net interest expense of $13 million to $13.5 million; and
• An income tax rate of between 36% and 37%, reflecting the benefit of various ongoing tax credit programs.

The company anticipates the following elements for fiscal 2015:

• Capital expenditures of $30 million to $40 million;
• Free cash flow of $70 million to $80 million;
• The planned repurchase of $105 million of stock; and
• A quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per share resulting in an estimated payout of $19 million.

Earnings Conference Call

The company will host a conference call and online web simulcast this afternoon beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET. The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing (877) 340-7912 or (719) 325-4765 for international callers. A replay will be available one hour after the call and can be accessed by dialing (877) 870-5176 or (858) 384-5517 for international callers; the conference ID is 2813890. The replay will be available until Tuesday, March 31, 2015. An online replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the live broadcast. A link to this event may be found on the company's investor relations website at http://ir.sonicdrivein.com/.

About Sonic

SONIC®, America’s Drive-In®, is the nation's largest drive-in restaurant chain serving more than 3 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of SONIC’s 3,500 drive-in locations are owned and operated by local business men and women. Over the past 60 years, SONIC has delighted guests with signature menu items, more than 1.3 million drink combinations and friendly service by iconic Carhops. To learn more about Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ/NM: SONC), please visit sonicdrivein.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or underlying, these forward-looking statements are detailed in the company’s annual and quarterly report filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unforeseen events, except as required to be reported under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The tables that follow provide information regarding the number of company drive-ins, franchise drive-ins and system drive-ins in operation as of the end of the periods indicated. In addition, these tables provide information regarding franchise sales, system growth in sales, and both franchise and system average drive-in sales and change in same-store sales. System information includes both company and franchise drive-in information, which we believe is useful in analyzing the growth of our brand. While we do not record franchise drive-in sales as revenues, we believe this information is important in understanding our financial performance since we calculate and record franchise royalties based on a percentage of franchise sales. This information also is indicative of the financial health of our franchisees.

1 Free cash flow is defined as net income plus depreciation, amortization and stock compensation expenses, less capital expenditures.

SONC-F

  SONIC CORP. UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except per share amounts)             Three months ended     Six months ended February 28, February 28, 2015     2014 2015     2014 Revenues: Company Drive-In sales $ 92,309 $ 81,848 $ 192,447 $ 175,347 Franchise Drive-Ins: Franchise royalties and fees 32,407 26,582 70,671 57,803 Lease revenue 979 715 2,044 1,601 Other   524     596     913     1,642   Total revenues 126,219 109,741 266,075 236,393   Costs and expenses: Company Drive-Ins: Food and packaging 25,828 23,043 54,401 49,279 Payroll and other employee benefits 33,880 30,031 69,151 63,371 Other operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included below   19,924     18,437     42,529     40,244   Total cost of Company Drive-In sales 79,632 71,511 166,081 152,894   Selling, general and administrative 18,138 15,886 36,926 32,891 Depreciation and amortization 11,539 10,031 23,199 20,065 Other operating (income) expense, net   (81 )   (36 )   340     (165 ) Total costs and expenses   109,228     97,392     226,546     205,685   Income from operations 16,991 12,349 39,529 30,708   Interest expense 6,318 6,384 12,599 12,767 Interest income   (97 )   (144 )   (199 )   (261 ) Net interest expense   6,221     6,240     12,400     12,506   Income before income taxes 10,770 6,109 27,129 18,202 Provision for income taxes   3,108     2,002     9,382     5,887   Net income $ 7,662   $ 4,107   $ 17,747   $ 12,315     Basic income per share $ 0.14   $ 0.07   $ 0.33   $ 0.22   Diluted income per share $ 0.14   $ 0.07   $ 0.32   $ 0.21     Weighted average basic shares   53,171     55,958     53,226     56,125   Weighted average diluted shares   54,660     57,408     54,744     57,653       SONIC CORP. Unaudited Supplemental Information             Three months ended       Six months ended February 28, February 28, 2015       2014 2015       2014 Drive-Ins in Operation Company: Total at beginning of period 389 388 391 396 Opened - - 1 - Acquired from (sold to) franchisees 3 - 1 (7 ) Closed (net of re-openings) -   -   (1 ) (1 ) Total at end of period 392   388   392   388   Franchise: Total at beginning of period 3,128 3,129 3,127 3,126 Opened 4 6 16 13 Acquired from (sold to) the company (3 ) - (1 ) 7 Closed (net of re-openings) (13 ) (16 ) (26 ) (27 ) Total at end of period 3,116   3,119   3,116   3,119   System-wide: Total at beginning of period 3,517 3,517 3,518 3,522 Opened 4 6 17 13 Closed (net of re-openings) (13 ) (16 ) (27 ) (28 ) Total at end of period 3,508   3,507   3,508   3,507                 Three months ended       Six months ended February 28, February 28, 2015       2014 2015       2014 ($ in thousands) ($ in thousands) Sales Analysis Company Drive-Ins: Total sales $ 92,309 $ 81,848 $ 192,447 $ 175,347 Average drive-in sales 237 213 496 452 Change in same-store sales 11.2 % 1.3 % 9.5 % 1.6 % Franchised Drive-Ins: Total sales $ 818,601 $ 725,270 $ 1,732,254 $ 1,559,540 Average drive-in sales 267 235 561 502 Change in same-store sales 11.5 % 1.5 % 9.8 % 1.8 % System-wide: Change in total sales 12.8 % 0.8 % 10.9 % 1.5 % Average drive-in sales $ 264 $ 234 $ 554 $ 499 Change in same-store sales 11.5 % 1.4 % 9.8 % 1.8 %  

Note: Change in same-store sales based on restaurants open for a minimum of 15 months.

    SONIC CORP. Unaudited Supplemental Information         Three months ended     Six months ended   February 28, February 28, 2015       2014 2015   2014 (In thousands) (In thousands) Revenues Company Drive-In sales $ 92,309 $ 81,848 $ 192,447 $ 175,347 Franchise Drive-Ins: Franchise royalties 32,236 26,376 69,012 57,288 Franchise fees 171 206 1,659 515 Lease revenue 979 715 2,044 1,601 Other   524   596   913     1,642 Total revenues $ 126,219 $ 109,741 $ 266,075   $ 236,393   Three months ended       Six months ended February 28, February 28, 2015     2014 2015   2014 Margin Analysis (percentage of Company Drive-In sales) Company Drive-Ins: Food and packaging 28.0 % 28.2 % 28.3 % 28.1 % Payroll and employee benefits 36.7 36.7 35.9 36.1 Other operating expenses 21.6   22.5   22.1     23.0   Cost of Company Drive-In sales 86.3 % 87.4 % 86.3   % 87.2 %             February 28,     August 31, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Selected Balance Sheet Data Cash and cash equivalents $ 27,232 $ 35,694 Current assets 78,720 95,712 Property, equipment and capital leases, net 434,678 441,969 Total assets $ 625,812 $ 650,972   Current liabilities, including capital lease obligations and long-term debt due within one year $ 64,975 $ 79,511 Obligations under capital leases due after one year 22,367 23,050 Long-term debt due after one year 471,131 427,527 Total liabilities 626,143 588,297 Stockholders' equity (deficit) $ (331 ) $ 62,675  

Sonic Corp.Claudia San Pedro, 405-225-4846Vice President of Investor RelationsCommunications and Treasurer