Results for the 52 weeks ended December 26, 2023, as compared to the prior year as applicable, included the following:
| ● | Comparable restaurant sales increased 10.1% at company restaurants and increased 9.8% at domestic franchise restaurants; |
| ● | Average weekly sales at company restaurants were $143,837 of which $18,088 were to-go sales as compared to average weekly sales of $131,802 of which $17,504 were to-go sales in the prior year; |
| ● | Restaurant margin dollars increased 12.8% to $708.0 million from $627.5 million in the prior year primarily due to higher sales. Restaurant margin, as a percentage of restaurant and other sales, decreased 36 basis points to 15.4% primarily due to commodity inflation of 5.6%, wage and other labor inflation of 6.6% and higher general liability insurance expense partially offset by higher sales; |
| ● | Diluted earnings per share increased 14.3% primarily driven by higher restaurant margin dollars partially offset by higher general and administrative expenses and higher depreciation and amortization expenses; |
| ● | 30 company restaurants and 15 franchise restaurants were opened; and |
| ● | The Company repurchased 455,026 shares of common stock for $50.0 million. |
Jerry Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of Texas Roadhouse, Inc. commented, “We had another outstanding year in 2023, which was highlighted by double-digit same store sales growth and a record number of new system-wide openings across all three brands. We are extremely thankful to our operators for their exceptional leadership and all Roadies who make dining at our restaurants such a legendary experience.”
Morgan continued, “As we move into 2024, our development pipeline is progressing as we anticipated with 19 new company restaurants under construction. We expect a more evenly distributed opening schedule will create efficiencies and positively impact store week growth. Our strong balance sheet and disciplined capital allocation strategy continues to provide us the necessary flexibility to fund new store growth and return capital to our shareholders.”
2024 Outlook
Comparable restaurant sales at company restaurants for the first 50 days of our first quarter of fiscal 2024 increased 6.8% compared to 2023. In addition, the Company plans to implement a menu price increase of approximately 2.2% in late March.
Management updated the following expectations for 2024:
| ● | Commodity cost inflation of approximately 5%; and |
| ● | An effective income tax rate of approximately 14%. |
Management reiterated the following expectations for 2024:
| ● | Positive comparable restaurant sales growth including the benefit of 2023 menu pricing actions; |
| ● | Store week growth of approximately 8%, including a benefit of 2% from the 53rd week; |
| ● | Wage and other labor inflation of 4% to 5%; and |
| ● | Total capital expenditures of $340 million to $350 million. |
Cash Dividend Payment
On February 14, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the payment of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.61 per share of common stock. This payment, which represents an 11% increase from the quarterly cash dividend authorized in 2023, will be distributed on March 26, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 13, 2024.