Sonic Corp (NASDAQ: SONC) reported Q4 EPS of $0.45, $0.01 better than the analyst estimate of $0.44. Revenue for the quarter came in at $162.1 million versus the consensus estimate of $167.15 million.

• System same-store sales decreased 2.0%

Fiscal Year 2017 Outlook

• While the macroeconomic environment may impact results, the company expects adjusted earnings per share for fiscal year 2017 to be in the range of down 7% to flat year over year. The outlook for fiscal 2017 anticipates the following elements:
• (2)% to 0% same-store sales for the system;
• Royalty revenue growth from new unit development;
• 65 to 75 new franchise drive-in openings;
• Drive-in-level margins of 16-17%, depending upon the timing of drive-in divestitures and the degree of same-store sales growth at company drive-ins;
• Selling, general and administrative expenses of approximately $85.0 million to $86.0 million reflecting increased investment in human resources and technology to support brand initiatives;
• Depreciation and amortization expense of $42.0 million to $44.0 million reflecting the divestiture of company drive-ins as previously announced;
• Capital expenditures of $40 million to $45 million reflecting ongoing investment into the company’s technology initiatives;
• Free cash flow(1) of approximately $60 million to $65 million;
• An income tax rate between 35.0% to 36.0%;
• The planned repurchase of at least $173 million of stock across the fiscal year, inclusive of refranchising proceeds; and
• An expected quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per share.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Sonic Corp (SONC) click here.