What happened
Dine Brands Global (DIN 0.86%) stock climbed 37.2% in February, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Shares made big gains on strong earnings results and the release of a five-year plan that suggested promising momentum for the company.
So what
DineEquity announced it would be changing its name to Dine Brands Global prior to its earnings call on Feb. 20 -- a move meant to reflect that the company was in transition and one that was followed by more material reasons for shareholders to be excited. Heading into the earnings release, the average analyst estimate projected earnings per share of $0.64, but actual results for the December-ended quarter came in at $0.74 on sales that narrowly beat expectations.
Shares managed to post big gains on the month despite the earnings report being paired with the news that the company was lowering its quarterly dividend from $0.97 to $0.63. While Dine Brand's payout took a sizable hit, management delivered the news with a spoonful of sugar -- a new five-year plan targeting hearty growth.
Now what
The company outlined plans to strengthen its existing Applebee's and IHOP stores, pursue new acquisitions and partnerships, and use technology to improve operational efficiency and the customer experience. Management is guiding for same-store sales growth between 0% and 3% for both chains in the current fiscal year, and its more long-term targets suggest the restaurants could be poised for a sustained rebound.
The company sees overall sales climbing at a low single-digit rate over the next five years and margins improving 10% over the stretch. These catalysts have management guiding for earnings-per-share growth in the high teens. If the company can make good on those projections, Dine Brands looks like an attractive buy at current prices. Shares trade at roughly 15 times forward earnings estimates and pack a 3.4% yield even after the big dividend cut.
