Top 4 DMAs (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Phoenix) experienced outsized macroeconomic pressures in Q2, contributing to a 30 basis point reduction in system-wide same-restaurant sales.
Markets affected by macro pressures saw a significant downturn starting mid-June, punctuated by headlines and macroeconomic news.
Management remains optimistic that consumer sentiment volatility will moderate over time, which could stabilize sales.
Aggressive Expansion and Market Entry Strategy in Texas and Sunbelt Markets
Portillo's plans to open 12 new restaurants in H2 2025, including in-line and airport formats.
Slow start of Texas restaurants due to industry-wide development and market saturation, with ongoing efforts to build awareness through marketing and grassroots initiatives.
Arizona and Florida markets performing better, with Arizona showing improved awareness and margins after initial openings.
Texas market's slower growth attributed to high competition and market saturation, with expectations of improvement as demand catches up.
Adjusted operating margins declined to 3.5% from 6.0% last year, impacted by inflation in COGS (3.3%), labor (3.4%), health insurance, and higher operating expenses.
GAAP diluted earnings per share were $0.29, up from $0.28 last year; adjusted diluted EPS was $0.32, above guidance range of $0.22 to $0.27 but down from $0.45 last year.
Net debt was $867 million with leverage at 2.7x net debt to adjusted EBITDA and 4.1x lease adjusted net leverage; company aims to reduce lease-adjusted leverage below 3.0x.
Quarterly dividend declared at $0.15 per share; share repurchases are not planned currently.
Total revenues for Q2 2025 were $1 billion, slightly up from $999 million last year, driven by restaurant openings and closures.
U.S. comparable restaurant sales declined by 10 basis points, with traffic down 200 basis points, but results exceeded company expectations.
Strategic Focus on Long-Term Growth Initiatives and Brand Positioning
Management has clarified their brand positioning and established four strategic priorities: team member experience, handcrafted food and beverages, WOW hospitality, and keeping BJ's atmosphere fresh.
Progress includes momentum with value platforms like the Pizookie Meal Deal, and brand relevance through innovative offerings like the Snickers Pizookie and Fryckles.
Long-term initiatives are set to roll out in the second half of 2025 and into 2026, with a focus on sustainable and profitable growth.
Impact of Hardie's Business Attrition on Volume and Profitability
Hardie's protein and produce programs were partially or fully exited during Q2, impacting reported case growth and volume metrics.
Excluding these programs, specialty case growth was 5.8%, and center-of-the-plate pounds increased by 5.8%.
The company expects continued impact on reported volume numbers until the second half of 2026, as they fully cycle out these high-volume, low-margin programs.
Management emphasizes that shedding non-core business improves overall profitability and aligns with their long-term strategic focus.
Dafinchi
