Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLMN) stock rose Wednesday after the restaurant operator delivered mixed quarterly results and outlined early progress on its turnaround strategy.
The company operates a portfolio of more than 1,450 restaurants across 46 U.S. states, Guam and 12 countries, including Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.
Investors focused on management’s plans to improve restaurant performance and drive more sustainable long-term growth despite ongoing margin pressure.
Quarterly Metrics
The company reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 25 cents, in line with the analyst consensus estimate.
Quarterly sales of $975.223 million (+0.3% year over year), missing the Street view of $981.039 million. The increase in total revenues was primarily due to the net impact of restaurant openings and closures, partially offset by lower franchise revenues.
Restaurant sales increased to $958.026 million, compared with $952.091 million.
“Our fourth quarter results reflect our continued focus on disciplined execution and food quality to deliver a consistently great guest experience. Through these efforts, Outback achieved its first quarter of positive traffic since Q4 2021,” said Mike Spanos, CEO.
“We launched our turnaround strategy in November with targeted investments in steak quality at Outback. Over the course of this year, we expect to make additional strategic investments as we look to drive long-term, sustainable, and profitable growth.”
Adjusted operating margin in the quarter under review contracted to 3.4% from 3.5% in the year-ago period.
Adjusted restaurant-level operating margin contracted to 11.6% from 12.4% a year ago.
Outlook
Bloomin’ Brands expects first-quarter GAAP earnings per share of 54 cents to 59 cents, compared with analysts’ estimates of 49 cents. The company projects adjusted earnings per share of 57 cents to 62 cents, versus a 56-cent estimate.
For fiscal 2026, Bloomin’ Brands forecasts GAAP earnings per share of 70 cents to 85 cents, compared with a 62-cent estimate. Adjusted earnings per share are expected to range from 75 cents to 90 cents, versus an 86-cent estimate.
BLMN Price Action: Bloomin Brands shares were up 2.90% at $6.04 at the time of publication on Wednesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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