Noodles & Company (NDLS) Misses Q4 EPS by 1c

Noodles & Company (NASDAQ: NDLS) reported Q4 EPS of $0.13, $0.01 worse than the analyst estimate of $0.14. Revenue for the quarter came in at $108.5 million versus the consensus estimate of $110.1 million.

Comparable restaurant sales increased 1.3% for company-owned restaurants, 1.5% for franchise restaurants and 1.3% system-wide.

"We ended 2014 having made important progress in several key areas," said Kevin Reddy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Noodles & Company. "During the fourth quarter, comparable restaurant sales accelerated on a two-year holiday adjusted basis to 4.8% for company-owned restaurants, we returned to positive EPS growth and ended the year with 59 new system-wide restaurants. Catering sales continue to build and met our expectations during the fourth quarter. During the fourth quarter we also began our first full service partnership with an advertising agency to help us narrow the brand awareness gap and better communicate the brand to new and existing guests alike."

Reddy continued, "I am excited with the progress of our initiatives surrounding 2015, particularly as we begin activating an increased level of advertising spend in upcoming months to support building brand awareness."

2015 Outlook

For 2015, management expects the following:

• 12% to 14% unit growth system-wide;
• 2.5% to 4.0% comparable restaurant sales growth;
• Restaurant level contribution margin of 19.0% to 19.5%;
• Adjusted diluted earnings per share growth of approximately 20%; and
• An estimated tax rate of approximately 39%.

The sensitivity of the Company's earnings per diluted share for fiscal year 2015 is estimated at the following:

• For each 1.0% change in guest counts, approximately $0.04 annualized;
• For each 10 basis point change in restaurant level contribution margin, approximately $0.01 annualized; and
• For each $500,000 in pre-tax income or expense, approximately $0.01

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Noodles & Company (NDLS) click here.

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