Ruth's Hospitality Group (NASDAQ: RUTH) reported Q4 EPS of $0.50, in-line with the analyst estimate of $0.50. Revenue for the quarter came in at $135 million versus the consensus estimate of $134.76 million.

Cheryl Henry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ruth\'s Hospitality Group, Inc., stated, “I’m proud of what our team was able to accomplish in both the fourth quarter and the full year of 2019 in the face of a year of record beef prices. For the full year, we grew revenues and earnings, successfully integrated three new franchise locations into the Company system and opened two new Company-operated restaurants. We also continued our evolution of the brand through remodels, enhanced experiences and compelling product offerings for our guests.”

Henry added, “In addition, 2019 marked the 10th consecutive year of comparable restaurant sales and earnings growth. As I look ahead, I am confident that our focus on executing our total return strategy will continue to generate long term value for our shareholders.”

Financial Outlook

Based on current information, Ruth\'s Hospitality Group, Inc. is providing its fiscal year 2020 outlook based on a 52-week year ending December 27, 2020, as follows:

• Food and beverage costs of 28% to 30% of restaurant sales,
• Restaurant operating expenses of 48% to 50% of restaurant sales,
• Marketing and advertising costs of 3.1% to 3.4% of total revenue,
• General and administrative expenses of $35 million to $36 million,
• Pre-opening costs of $3.0 million to $3.5 million,
• Effective tax rate of 17% to 19%,
• Capital expenditures of $43 million to $45 million, which contributes to depreciation expense of $23 million to $25 million,
• Fully diluted shares outstanding of 28.8 million to 29.3 million (exclusive of any future share repurchases under the Company's share repurchase program.)

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Ruth's Hospitality Group (RUTH) click here.