Adjusted EBITDA
The increase in adjusted EBITDA resulted primarily from an increase in franchise royalty revenue and fees and an increase in Company-operated restaurant margin.
Adjusted Earnings Per Share
The increase in adjusted earnings per share resulted primarily from an increase in adjusted EBITDA and fewer shares outstanding as a result of the Company’s share repurchase programs. This was partially offset by an increase in income taxes due to a higher tax rate.
Free Cash Flow
The increase in free cash flow resulted from an increase in cash flows from operations, excluding the impact of our advertising funds, driven primarily by an increase in net income.
New Restaurant Development
In the first quarter of 2019 the Company had 43 global restaurant openings, with a slight decrease in net new unit growth. The decrease was primarily driven by the timing of International restaurant closures within the year. The Company continues to expect 2019 global net new restaurant growth of approximately 1.5 percent.
Image Activation
Image Activation, which includes reimaging existing restaurants and building new restaurants, remains an integral part of our global growth strategy. At the end of the first quarter, approximately 51 percent of the global system was image activated. This compares to approximately 50 percent image activated at the end of 2018.
Company Evolves Leadership Structure to Further Accelerate Growth
The Company announced today an evolution of its leadership structure to align with our long-term growth plans. To continue to drive further accountability and efficiencies across the organization, the Company is creating two new positions, a President, U.S. and Chief Commercial Officer and a President, International and Chief Development Officer.
Kurt Kane will be promoted to President, U.S. and Chief Commercial Officer. Kurt joined Wendy’s in 2015, serving primarily as our Chief Concept and Marketing Officer and was recently promoted to Executive Vice President in 2018. In this new role, Kurt will assume responsibilities for the entire U.S. business, including operations, marketing, and R&D. He will also continue to lead our Digital Experience organization.
Abigail Pringle will be promoted to President, International and Chief Development Officer. Abigail joined Wendy’s in 2002 and has held many leadership positions and was recently promoted to Chief Global Development Officer and International in 2018. In this new role, Abigail will continue to lead our International business, which will now include Canada. She will also continue to lead our Global Development organization.
As a result of these leadership changes, Bob Wright, Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer will depart the organization after transitioning through the end of May.
Company Repurchases 1.7 Million Shares for $29.3 Million in First Quarter
The Company repurchased 1.7 million shares for $29.3 million in the first quarter at an average price of $16.83 per share and has repurchased 0.3 million shares for $5.7 million in the second quarter to date. The Company currently has $211.5 million remaining on its existing $225 million share repurchase authorization that expires on March 1, 2020.
Company Declares Quarterly Dividend
The Company announced today the declaration of its regular quarterly cash dividend of 10 cents per share, payable on June 17, 2019, to shareholders of record as of June 3, 2019. The number of common shares outstanding as of May 1, 2019 was 230.7 million.
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