Chanticleer Holdings Reports Operating Results for Fourth Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2017

Reports Positive Full Year Adjusted EBITDA with G&A at Historic Lows


CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:BURG) (“Chanticleer,” or the “Company”), owner, operator and franchisor of multiple branded restaurants in the U.S. and abroad, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2017.

Annual Financial Highlights for the Year ended December 31, 2017 

  • Revenue for the year was $41.4 million compared with $41.7 million in 2016

  • Cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant sales was 33.8% in 2017, compared to 33.0% in 2016, on higher beef, chicken and distribution costs, which are expected to moderate in future periods.

  • General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue improved to 11.0% in 2017 from 13.9% in 2016

    • G&A levels have been reduced over the past 2 years as a result of integration and efficiency initiatives

  • Operating loss from continuing operations was $5.2 million ($2.8 million excluding non-cash asset impairment charges) in 2017 compared to $2.6 million in 2016.

  • Net loss attributable to Common Shareholders was $6.9 million, ($2.73) per share in 2017, compared to $9.1 million, ($4.18) per share in 2016.

  • Non-Gaap Restaurant EBITDA was $4.2 million in 2017 compared to $5.0 million in 2016

  • Non-Gaap Adjusted EBITDA was $234 thousand in 20017 compared to $82 thousand in 2016

  • Cash used in operating activities was negative $0.7 million in 2017 compared to negative $0.5 million in 2016.

  • During 2017, the Company initiated its growth phase opening 4 new Little Big Burger locations, 1 new BGR location and expects to open 8 to 12 new locations annually. The Company also closed 4 underperforming company locations in 2017 which resulted in non-cash impairment charges and is expected to contribute to improved operating performance in future periods.

Mike Pruitt, Chairman and CEO of Chanticleer commented, “In 2017 we solidified our foundation by closing underperforming units, opening four Little Big Burger units, executing multiple franchise agreements and signing five leases under our financial partner joint venture that will open in 2018. We believe the Company has reached an inflection point as we continue to accelerate growth of our Little Big Burger concept with new locations generating above average unit economics and outperforming our expectations.  This growth phase consists of a robust pipeline of locations to support future growth, currently expecting to open 8-12 new Little Big Burger stores annually going forward, with upside to those expectations as new franchisees come on line.”

Pruitt continued, “Chanticleer is in process of evolving and narrowing its strategic focus and allocation of resources to the domestic better burger segment where we generate the highest margins and rates of return. As we increase focus on the domestic burger business, we are continuing to evaluate the potential sale of our domestic non-burger and international operations which would streamline the Company’s operations and significantly increase operating margins going forward.

Lastly, I’m thankful to our financial partners, both JV & franchise, that will allow us to double our Little Big Burger locations and continue BGR on a successful path. We shortly hope to announce new relationships that will allow us visibility on executing on our plan.” 

Conference Call

The Company will host a webcast and conference call on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. ET.

To access the call, dial 1-877-407-0784 approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled start time. International callers please dial 1-201-689-8560. To access the webcast, log into the following link: http://public.viavid.com/index.php?id=128878.

A replay of the teleconference will be available until April 28, 2018 and may be accessed by dialing 1-844-512-2921. International callers may dial 1-412-317-6671. Callers should use conference PIN: 13677861.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. prepares its condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (”GAAP”). In addition to disclosing financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP, the Company discloses information regarding Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant EBITDA, which differ from the term EBITDA as it is commonly used. In addition to adjusting net income (loss) from continuing operations to exclude taxes, interest, and depreciation and amortization, Adjusted EBITDA also excludes pre-opening and closing costs for our restaurants, non-cash expenses, transaction and severance related expenses, change in fair value of derivative liability and other income and expenses.

In addition, Restaurant EBITDA also excludes management fee income, franchise revenue and general and administrative expenses. Adjusted EBITDA and restaurant EBITDA are not measures of performance defined in accordance with GAAP. However, adjusted EBITDA and restaurant EBITDA are used internally in planning and evaluating the company's operating performance and by the Company’s creditors. Accordingly, management believes that disclosure of these metrics offers investors, bankers and other stakeholders an additional view of the company's operations that, when coupled with the GAAP results, provides a more complete understanding of the Company's financial results.

Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant EBITDA should not be considered as alternatives to net loss or to net cash used in operating activities as a measure of operating results or of liquidity. It may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies, and it excludes financial information that some may consider important in evaluating the company's performance. A reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant EBITDA is included in the accompanying financial schedules.

For further information, please refer to Chanticleer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K to be filed with the SEC on or about March 28, 2018, available online at www.sec.gov.

About Chanticleer Holdings, Inc.

Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Chanticleer Holdings (BURG), owns, operates and franchises fast casual and full service restaurant brands, including American Burger Company, BGR – Burgers Grilled Right, Little Big Burger, Just Fresh and Hooters.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include projections, predictions, expectations or statements as to beliefs or future events or results or refer to other matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on various factors and were derived using numerous assumptions. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by the words “anticipate”, “estimate”, “plan”, “project”, “continuing”, “ongoing”, “target”, “aim”, “expect”, “believe”, “intend”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, or the negative of those words and other comparable words.

Our operations involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, and any one of which, or a combination of which, could materially affect our results of operations and whether the forward-looking statements ultimately prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements reflecting management's expectations for future financial performance and operating expenditures, expected growth, profitability and business outlook, increased sales and marketing expenses, and the expected results from the integration of our acquisitions.

Forward-looking statements are only current predictions and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those anticipated by such statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to manage growth; integrate acquisitions; manage debt; meet development goals; and other important risks and uncertainties referenced and discussed under the heading titled “Risk Factors” in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements.

The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by the Company on its website or otherwise. The Company does not assume any obligations to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

Contact:

Investor Relations
Jason Assad
678-570-6791
Ja@chanticleerholdings.com

        
Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
        
 December 31, 2017
 December 31, 2016
ASSETS       
Current assets:       
Cash$272,976  $268,575 
Restricted cash 165,517   - 
Accounts and other receivables, net 475,988   524,481 
Inventories 460,756   539,550 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 324,324   461,074 
Assets held for sale, net 100,000   - 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 1,799,561   1,793,680 
Property and equipment, net 8,548,592   11,513,693 
Goodwill 12,647,806   12,405,770 
Intangible assets, net 5,896,732   6,530,243 
Investments 800,000   800,000 
Deposits and other assets 490,328   442,737 
TOTAL ASSETS$30,183,019  $33,486,123 
        
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY       
Current liabilities:       
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$5,972,252  $5,553,068 
Current maturities of long-term debt and notes payable 5,741,911   6,171,649 
Current maturities of convertible notes payable 3,000,000   - 
Current maturities of capital leases payable -   18,449 
Due to related parties 191,850   194,350 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 14,906,013   11,937,516 
Long-term debt, less current portion, net of discount and deferred financing costs of $1,173,190 and $0, respectively -   287,445 
Convertible notes payable, net of debt discount (premium) of ($12,256) and $46,936, respectively 212,256   3,678,064 
Redeemable preferred stock: no par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares; 62,876 and 19,050 shares issued and outstanding, net of discount of $208,697 and $0, respectively 640,129   257,175 
Deferred rent 2,156,378   2,135,526 
Deferred tax liabilities 779,359   1,485,554 
TOTAL LIABILITIES 18,694,135   19,781,280 
Commitments and contingencies       
Common stock subject to repurchase obligation; 0 and 56,290 shares issued and outstanding, respectively -   349,000 
Stockholders' equity:       
Common stock: $0.0001 par value; authorized 45,000,000 shares; issued  and outstanding 3,045,809 and 2,139,424 shares, respectively 305   213 
Additional paid-in capital 60,750,330   55,926,196 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (934,901)  (1,155,658)
Accumulated deficit (49,109,303)  (42,206,325)
Total Chanticleer Holdings, Inc, Stockholders' Equity 10,706,431   12,564,426 
Non-Controlling Interests 782,453   791,417 
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 11,488,884   13,355,843 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY$30,183,019  $33,486,123 
        


 
Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
         
 Three Months Ended  Year Ended
  December 31, 2017   December 31, 2016    December 31, 2017   December 31, 2016 
Revenue:        
Restaurant sales, net$  9,837,950  $  9,571,878   $  40,495,166  $  40,640,159 
Gaming income, net   113,665     125,973      442,521     441,620 
Management fee income    25,018     25,000      100,000     100,000 
Franchise income 105,550   138,741    395,176   520,222 
Total revenue   10,082,183      9,861,592       41,432,863      41,702,001  
Expenses:        
Restaurant cost of sales   3,316,761     3,143,308      13,692,921     13,392,078 
Restaurant operating expenses   5,782,594     5,501,259      23,432,124     22,641,951 
Restaurant pre-opening and closing expenses   179,737     27,143      319,282     145,130 
General and administrative expenses   1,132,494     1,400,207      4,545,496     5,801,033 
Asset impairment charge 922,726   -    2,395,616   - 
Depreciation and amortization   513,963     602,882      2,282,801     2,341,697 
Total expenses   11,848,275      10,674,799       46,668,240      44,321,889  
Operating loss from continuing operations   (1,766,092)    (813,207)     (5,235,377)    (2,619,888)
Other (expense) income         
Interest expense   (646,248)    (642,463)     (2,592,961)    (2,347,019)
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities   -     -      -     1,231,608 
Gain (loss) on debt refinancing -   -    (95,310)  - 
Other income (expense)   62,935     (424,660)     112,984     (412,272)
Total other expense   (583,313)    (1,067,123)     (2,575,287)    (1,527,683)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes   (2,349,405)    (1,880,330)     (7,810,664)    (4,147,571)
Income tax benefit (expense)   813,826     (60,596)     644,429     (198,463)
Loss from continuing operations   (1,535,579)    (1,940,926)     (7,166,235)    (4,346,034)
Discontinued operations        
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax -   -    -   (1,304,627)
Loss on write down of net assets -   113,908    -   (3,762,253)
Consolidated net loss   (1,535,579)    (1,827,018)     (7,166,235)    (9,412,914)
Less net loss attributable to non-controlling interest:                
Continuing operations 125,521   21,805    371,464   75,417 
                 
Discontinued operations -   -    -   260,925 
Net loss attributable to Chanticleer Holdings, Inc.$   (1,410,058) $   (1,805,213)  $   (6,794,771) $   (9,076,572)
    -     -      
Net loss attributable to Chanticleer Holdings, Inc.:        
Loss from continuing operations$  (1,410,058) $  (1,919,121)  $  (6,794,771) $  (4,270,617)
Loss from discontinued operations   -      113,908      -      (4,805,955)
Net loss attributable to Chanticleer Holdings, Inc.$(1,410,058) $(1,805,213)  $(6,794,771) $(9,076,572)
Dividends on redeemable preferred stock (28,219)  -    (108,206)  - 
Net loss attributable to common shareholders of Chanticleer Holdings, Inc.$(1,438,277) $(1,805,213)  $(6,902,978) $(9,076,572)
                 
Net loss attributable to Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. per common share, basic and diluted:$   (0.49) $   (0.82)  $   (2.73) $   (4.18)
Continuing operations attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted$(0.49) $(0.87)  $(2.73) $(1.97)
Discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted$-  $0.05   $-  $(2.22)
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted   2,959,284     2,195,715      2,525,037     2,169,503 
         


 
Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    
 Year Ended
  December 31, 2017   December 31, 2016 
Cash flows from operating activities:   
Net loss$  (7,166,235) $  (9,412,914)
Net loss from discontinued operations   -     5,066,880 
Net loss from continuing operations   (7,166,235)    (4,346,034)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to net cash used in operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization   2,282,801     2,341,697 
Asset impairment charge 2,395,616   - 
Loss on debt refinancing 95,310   - 
Common stock and warrants issued for services   280,669     24,510 
Common stock and warrants issued for interest   -     349,000 
Amortization of debt discount   788,187     1,039,656 
Change in assets and liabilities:   
Accounts and other receivables   35,154     (336,546)
Prepaid and other assets   22,157     113,633 
Inventory   23,062     33,217 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   1,039,179     1,540,463 
Change in amounts payable to related parties (2,500)  194,350 
Derivative liabilities   -     (1,231,608)
Deferred income taxes (706,195)  131,783 
Deferred rent   188,363     (288,279)
        
Net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations   (724,432)    (434,158)
Net cash  used in operating activities from discontinued operations -   (75,000)
Net cash used in operating activities   (724,432)    (509,158)
    
Cash flows from investing activities:   
Purchase of property and equipment   (1,625,460)    (1,191,174)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment   461,158     - 
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired   -     (72,215)
Proceeds from sale of investments   -     8,902 
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations   (1,164,302)    (1,254,487)
    
Cash flows from financing activities:   
Proceeds from sale of common stock and warrants   939,712     - 
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock   591,651     257,175 
Payments related to sale of preferred stock   (243,480)    - 
Loan proceeds   6,578,090     275,000 
Payment of deferred financing costs (293,294)    
Loan repayments   (6,187,738)    (513,523)
Capital lease payments   (28,405)    (40,636)
Contribution of non-controlling interest 725,000   823,671 
Net cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations   2,081,536     801,687 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   (22,884)    6,118 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and restricted cash   169,918     (955,840)
Cash and restricted cash,  beginning of period   268,575     1,224,415 
Cash and restricted cash, end of period$  438,493  $  268,575 
    


 
Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Reconcilation of Net Loss to EBITDA
(Unaudited)
        
 Three Months Ended Year Ended
  December 31, 2017   December 31, 2016   December 31, 2017   December 31, 2016 
        
Consolidated net loss$   (1,535,579) $   (1,940,926) $   (7,166,235) $   (4,346,034)
Interest expense   646,248     642,463     2,592,961     2,347,019 
Income tax   (813,826)    60,596     (644,429)    198,463 
Depreciation and amortization   513,963     602,882     2,282,801     2,341,697 
EBITDA$   (1,189,194) $   (634,985) $   (2,934,902) $   541,145  
Restaurant pre-opening and closing expenses   179,737     27,143     319,282     145,130 
Operating results of restuarants closed in period   69,896       369,011     - 
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities   -     -     -     (1,231,608)
(Gain) loss on debt refinancing   -     -     95,310     - 
Asset impairment charge   922,726     -     2,395,616     - 
Transaction and severence related expenses   -     68,292     102,750     214,905 
Other income (expense)   (62,935)    424,660     (112,984)    412,272 
Adjusted EBITDA$   (79,770) $   (114,890) $   234,083   $   81,844  
General and administrative expenses   1,132,494     1,331,915     4,442,746     5,586,128 
Franchise revenues   (105,550)    (138,741)    (395,176)    (520,222)
Management fee revenue   (25,018)    (25,000)    (100,000)    (100,000)
Restaurant EBITDA$   922,156   $   1,053,284   $   4,181,653   $   5,047,750