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Access earnings results, analyst expectations, report, slides, earnings call, and transcript.
Despite a 13% revenue increase, the company faces significant challenges: tariffs, increased costs, supply chain issues, and competitive pressures. The Q&A revealed continued sales weakness and uncertainties in cost projections. While the stock buyback and international expansion are positives, the overall sentiment is negative due to operational risks, a net loss, and weak same-store sales. The lack of clear guidance on key issues further compounds investor concerns, likely resulting in a negative stock price movement.
Total Revenues $57.3 million, a 13% year-over-year increase driven by a growing footprint of restaurants and success of existing locations.
Same-Store Sales Down 0.7%, an improvement from down 5.6% for all of 2024, indicating better performance compared to previous year.
Restaurant Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin 15.6%, slightly below the annual goal of 17% to 18% due to higher costs from new restaurant openings.
Net Loss Before Income Taxes $2.1 million, compared to a net income of $3.8 million in Q1 2024, which included a one-time gain of $3.4 million.
Adjusted Net Income $1.4 million or EPS of $0.04, down from $2.9 million or EPS of $0.09 in Q1 2024.
Total Adjusted EBITDA $1.2 million, down from $6.4 million in Q1 2024, but adjusted EBITDA excluding the one-time gain was $3 million in Q1 2024.
Cash and Cash Equivalents $15.4 million as of March 31, 2025.
Long-Term Debt $5 million, with no material long-term debt and a fully available $20 million revolving line of credit.
Share Repurchase 33,400 shares repurchased at an average cost of $5.94 per share.
Lease Liabilities $147 million in lease liabilities offset by $130 million in operating lease assets, not considered long-term debt.
New Product Launch: GEN has launched a new dual-concept store in Texas, featuring a contemporary sushi restaurant called Kan, which operates alongside the existing GEN restaurant.
Gift Card Initiatives: GEN has successfully launched gift cards at 78 Costco locations and is testing e-gift cards through Costco's website. Additionally, they have signed an agreement to sell gift cards at Sam’s Clubs.
Market Expansion: GEN opened six new restaurants in Q1 2025, bringing the total to 49 stores, with plans to open 12 to 13 new stores by the end of 2025, including three in South Korea.
Operational Efficiency: The dual-concept store model allows for shared resources, improving operating margins by utilizing one labor force for both restaurants.
Same-Store Sales Improvement: Same-store sales decreased by only 0.7% in Q1 2025, a significant improvement from a 5.6% decline in 2024.
Strategic Focus: GEN is focusing on expanding its footprint and enhancing training programs to support new restaurant developments.
Financial Strategy: GEN has maintained a high free cash flow model, allowing for expansion without incurring long-term debt.
Economic Pressures: Despite economic pressures and slow consumer demand, the company generated a 13% year-over-year increase in total revenues. However, these economic factors pose a risk to future performance.
Tariffs Impact: Recent announced tariffs could materially impact equipment costs and construction materials sourced from China, potentially affecting new restaurant development costs and ROI.
Increased Costs: Higher costs associated with new restaurant development, including $2.6 million in pre-opening costs, have contributed to a net loss before income taxes of $2.1 million.
Supply Chain Challenges: The company may face supply chain challenges due to inflationary pressures affecting the cost of goods sold, which increased by 20 basis points to 33.6%.
Competitive Pressures: While same-store sales improved, they were still down 0.7%, indicating ongoing competitive pressures in the restaurant industry.
Operational Risks: The company’s operational model relies on rapid expansion, which may lead to risks associated with managing new locations effectively and maintaining quality.
New Restaurant Openings: Opened six restaurants in Q1 2025, bringing total to 49. Targeting 12 to 13 new stores by end of 2025.
Same-Store Sales Growth: Same-store sales down 0.7% in Q1 2025, a significant improvement from down 5.6% in 2024.
Dual-Concept Store: Launched a dual-concept store in Texas, combining GEN and Kan Sushi to improve operating margins.
Gift Card Initiatives: Expanded gift card sales through Costco and signed agreement with Sam’s Club.
International Expansion: Planning to open three new restaurants in South Korea in 2025.
Revenue Guidance: Expecting full-year revenues between $245 million and $250 million for 2025.
EBITDA Margin Guidance: Targeting restaurant level adjusted EBITDA margin of 17% to 18% for 2025.
Future Revenue Run Rate: Anticipating annual run rate approaching $300 million by end of 2025.
Impact of Tariffs: Potential material impact on equipment costs and construction materials from tariffs, may slow new unit expansion.
Share Repurchase Program: During the first quarter, we repurchased 33,400 shares of our Class A common stock at an average cost of $5.94 per share. As of March 31, 2025, we had $4.8 million remaining under our repurchase authorization.
The earnings call reveals a net loss, declining EBITDA, and softness in sales, which are negative indicators. Despite international expansion and new product initiatives, the lack of guidance and unclear management responses raise concerns. The Q&A highlights risks like economic challenges and competition, further dampening sentiment. Thus, a negative stock price movement is expected.
The earnings call highlights several concerns: a net loss before income taxes, increased costs, and geographic concentration risks. Although there is some improvement in same-store sales and operational efficiencies are being implemented, the international expansion into South Korea poses additional risks. The Q&A section reveals management's avoidance of providing specific details, which may exacerbate uncertainties. Despite a slight revenue increase, the unchanged guidance and lack of detailed responses suggest investor concerns, leading to a negative sentiment.
Despite a 13% revenue increase, the company faces significant challenges: tariffs, increased costs, supply chain issues, and competitive pressures. The Q&A revealed continued sales weakness and uncertainties in cost projections. While the stock buyback and international expansion are positives, the overall sentiment is negative due to operational risks, a net loss, and weak same-store sales. The lack of clear guidance on key issues further compounds investor concerns, likely resulting in a negative stock price movement.
The company exceeded revenue expectations and announced a share buyback, which are positive indicators. However, challenges in meeting restaurant opening targets and slightly increased G&A expenses suggest potential operational hurdles. The Q&A revealed some unclear management responses and concerns about growth targets. Given these mixed signals and lack of market cap data, the stock is likely to remain stable, resulting in a neutral sentiment.
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