share_log

Why Is Restaurant Company Sweetgreen Stock Surging Today?

Benzinga ·  Aug 9 21:42

Sweetgreen, Inc. (NYSE:SG) shares are trading higher after the company reported better-than-expected second-quarter FY24 revenue results yesterday.

Revenue upped 21% Y/Y to $184.6 million, beating the consensus of $180.78 million, driven mainly by an additional $18.2 million from 36 net new restaurant openings during or after last year's corresponding quarter.

Same-store sales rose 9% Y/Y, driven by a 5% boost from menu price increases implemented after the thirteen weeks ending June 25, 2023, and a 4% increase from higher traffic and a favorable product mix. Average unit volume (AUV), as adjusted, stood at $2.9 million.

Total digital revenue accounted for 56% of sales, with owned digital revenue making up 31%, compared to 59% and 37%, respectively, in the previous year.

Restaurant-level profit stood at $41.5 million, with a margin of 22%, up from $31.1 million and a 20% margin in the prior year.

Adjusted EBITDA came in at $12.4 million vs. $3.3 million in the prior year, with a margin of 7%, up from 2% the previous year. The company reported EPS loss of $0.13, missing the street view of $0.12 loss.

Jonathan Neman, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We continue to open successful new restaurants across the country and our new Caramelized Garlic Steak has quickly become a customer favorite. Sweetgreen's expanding menu is hitting the mark with customers, delivering on craveability, quality and value."

Mitch Reback, Chief Financial Officer, stated, "Despite a heightened uncertain economic backdrop for the consumer, we are raising our guidance for 2024 given our results during the first half of the year."

Outlook: For FY24, the company raised revenue guidance to $670 million – $680 million (vs. $660 million – $675 million) vs. street view of $674.248 million and same-store sales growth to 5% – 7% (from 4% – 6% prior).

Sweetgreen now projects new restaurant openings of 24 – 26 (vs. 23 – 27 expected earlier), a restaurant-level profit margin of 19% – 20% (vs. 18.5% – 20% prior), and adjusted EBITDA of $16 million – $19 million (vs. $10 million – $19 million earlier).

Investors can gain exposure to the stock via AdvisorShares Restaurant ETF (NYSE:EATZ) and Invesco Dorsey Wright Consumer Cyclicals Momentum ETF (NASDAQ:PEZ).

Price Action: SG shares are up 26% at $33.08 at the last check Friday.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Photo via Shutterstock

  • Funko Stock Dips After Q2 Results, Q3 Guidance Below Estimates
The above content is for informational or educational purposes only and does not constitute any investment advice related to Futu. Although we strive to ensure the truthfulness, accuracy, and originality of all such content, we cannot guarantee it.
    Write a comment