Americana Restaurants International, the largest out-of-home dining and quick service restaurant operator in Mena and Kazakhstan, has seen its nine-month (9M) net profit rise 15.8% to $226.7 million on solid revenues of $1.9 billion.

 

Net profit growth has been driven by business growth and improved operational efficiency as well as the impact of one-off tax claim charges in Egypt of $24.9 million during the same period in 2022, a company release said. 

 

Growth in net income despite higher depreciation charges related to accelerated new store openings of $6.5 million compared to same period last year and negative impact of hyperinflationary accounting for the Lebanon business and currency devaluation in Egypt of around $10.0 million compared to same period last year.

 

Adjusted EBITDA

Americana Restaurants’ adjusted EBITDA was $446.5 million for 9M 2023, thus delivering 10.4% growth vs. the same period in 2022. Revenue growth was supported by continuing like-for-like revenue growth and growing restaurants portfolio across countries of operation in the Middle East, North Africa and Kazakhstan. 

 

The company reported 6.0% increase in like-for-like revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 in comparison to 2022. This increase in revenues was driven by a robust performance of the company’s three power brands - KFC, Pizza Hut, and Hardee’s.

 

The adjusted EBITDA margins improved by 0.7% to $446.5 million in the first nine months of 2023 compared to the corresponding period in 2022, supported by decreasing commodity inflation and continued focus on operational efficiencies.

 

Q3 2023

In Q3 2023, the company reported $655.5 million in revenues with a solid growth of 5.9% vs same period last year. 

 

Net profit (attributable to shareholders of the Parent Company) for the quarter increased to $81.9 million, a growth of 9.9% over same period last year. This growth is on account of revenue growth and improved operational efficiencies, with the support of normalising commodity inflation. 

 

Net profit increased by 21.5%, after adjusting for the negative impact of hyperinflationary accounting for the Lebanon business and currency devaluation in Egypt of around $8.7 million during Q3 2023 compared to Q3 2022 last year. 

 

The company continued its restaurant expansion plans during 9M and added 184 gross new restaurants. Americana Restaurants’ portfolio stood at 2,338 restaurants as of 30 September 2023, with 92 new restaurants under construction and in line with the full year guidance of opening 250-260 net new restaurants for 2023. 

 

Balance sheet & cashflow 

The company has continued to maintain a healthy balance sheet and a strong overall financial position. With adjusted free cash flow of $195.0 million for the period ended 30 September 2023, and a cash conversion ratio of 66.3%, the Company is well positioned to cover capex requirements as well as to support its dividend policy.

 

Management Outlook 

The company expects to continue its expansion plan and add 250-260 net new restaurants during 2023, across its markets of operations with particular focus on Saudi Arabia. It also looks to expand profit margins on account of improved operational efficiencies and normalising commodity prices. While recent geopolitical developments may have some impact on short term performance, the company remains positive about the general business environment and its outlook for long term performance.--TradeArabia News Service