A real test for any company in a recession is whether they can contain the weakness in their operations at a rate that's better than the contraction i...
A real test for any company in a recession is whether they can contain the weakness in their operations at a rate that's better than the contraction in the general economy. In a sense,
even a slowing business can be considered successful in a recession, if it's doing better than the rest of the marketplace.
It's very tough for a business in a recession to grow revenues and exceedingly tough to grow earnings. A business can't magically create more revenues when the economy is consolidating, but it can do everything in its power to keep a lid on costs. Those companies that are doing this now will be very well positioned when things get better.
Imagine what life must be like in the restaurant industry right now. With everyone cutting back on spending, the restaurant and food service industry is reeling. So, I have to say that I was very impressed by the financial results of one of my favorite casual restaurants.
Surprisingly, the Cracker Barrel reported better-than-expected financial results in its latest quarter, the second fiscal quarter of 2009 ended January 30, 2009.
Officially called Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (NASDAQ/CBRL), the company's revenues fell only 0.7% in its latest quarter to six hundred and thirty million dollars, as compared to the same quarter last year. Given the significant slowdown in the economy, not even a one percent decline in revenues is really impressive.
The company reported that its income from continuing operations was just over eighteen million dollars, down just slightly from income of more than twenty million dollars generated in the same fiscal quarter last year.
Interestingly, Cracker Barrel was able to raise its average menu price by some 3.6%, which really helps when your comparable restaurant sales are slowing.
It's odd to consider a business that isn't growing as successful, but the fact is that, in a recession, keeping your existing customers is more important than getting new ones. Ask any private business owner and they'll tell you that, when times are tough, customer loyalty is the only thing that keeps you alive.
My wife and I are eating out less these days and we're choosing casual restaurants over fine dining. In fact, fine dining establishments are out as far as I'm concerned, because most are overpriced for what you get. We're cooking together a lot more these days and, to be honest, the food tastes better than most restaurants offer. It takes practice, but when you buy the freshest ingredients you can afford and put them together the way you like it, you can't go wrong.
Anyway, this is why American Italian Pasta Company (NASDAQ/AIPC) is doing so great in this recession. People are staying in and cooking at home. This stock just popped up another $2.00 per share and seems to be Wall Street's latest momentum trade.
My wife and I will be going to the Cracker Barrel in the near future and I'll be inspecting the operation in detail again. On our last visit, the restaurant was full, but people didn't seem to buying as much candy. I have to take my hat off to the business though. The company's latest numbers were impressive when you consider just how much the economy has slowed.
Profit Confidential
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