SAN ANTONIO - In the lead-up to Cracker Barrel (NASDAQ:CBRL) Old Country Store, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:CBRL) annual meeting set for Thursday, November 21, Biglari Capital Corp. has challenged the restaurant chain's statements on its capital expenditure plans and board effectiveness. In a recent press release, Biglari Capital accused Cracker Barrel of misleading shareholders about the scope and scale of its spending on store remodels and technology upgrades.
Cracker Barrel has clarified that it plans to spend an incremental $225 million to $325 million over three years, above normal capital expenditure rates, countering Biglari's claim of a $600 to $700 million outlay. This figure was initially stated in a May 16 press release and call by Cracker Barrel's CFO Craig Pommells. The company has emphasized that store remodels are just one component of this investment, which also includes enhancements to technology and its loyalty program.
Biglari Capital, however, points to a recurring theme in Cracker Barrel's strategy, highlighting that investments in technology have been a part of the company's strategic plans since 2017 but questioning the execution and oversight provided by the board. The investment firm has also criticized the performance of board members Carl Berquist and Meg Crofton, noting a substantial decrease in the company's stock value during their tenure.
As shareholders prepare to vote, Biglari Capital is advocating for the election of its nominees, Milena Alberti-Perez and Sardar Biglari, to the board, presenting them as candidates capable of executing a turnaround and ensuring accountability.
This news is based on a press release statement from Biglari Capital Corp. and represents the latest development in the ongoing dialogue between Cracker Barrel and one of its investors. Shareholders will soon decide the composition of the board and the direction of the company's investment strategies at the upcoming annual meeting.
In other recent news, Cracker Barrel has reported preliminary financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, with revenues of $845 million and a 2.9% increase in same-store sales. However, the company's adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $45.8 million, falling short of Citi's projection. Despite surpassing expectations, Citi maintains a sell rating on Cracker Barrel, suggesting that profit growth may be limited by substantial reinvestments into the business.
In response to the financial results, Piper Sandler, Truist Securities, and BofA Securities have adjusted their price targets on the company. Cracker Barrel has also faced criticism from major shareholder Biglari Capital Corp, which has called for a halt to new store openings and a focus on improving store-level economics.
In recent developments, the company's board has urged shareholders to reject Biglari's proposals at the upcoming Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Cracker Barrel's fiscal 2025 plans include 25 to 30 store remodels and the opening of new locations, projecting a revenue of $3.4 billion to $3.5 billion. These developments highlight the ongoing challenges and strategic decisions facing Cracker Barrel.
InvestingPro Insights
As Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (NASDAQ:CBRL) faces scrutiny from Biglari Capital Corp. over its capital expenditure plans and board effectiveness, recent data from InvestingPro sheds light on the company's financial position and market performance.
According to InvestingPro data, Cracker Barrel's market capitalization stands at $1.07 billion, with a P/E ratio of 26.5. The company's revenue for the last twelve months as of Q4 2024 was $3.47 billion, showing a modest growth of 0.81%. This slow growth may be a factor in Biglari Capital's push for change in the company's strategy and board composition.
An InvestingPro Tip highlights that Cracker Barrel has maintained dividend payments for 43 consecutive years, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns despite challenges. This long-standing dividend policy could be a point of consideration for shareholders as they weigh the company's current management against Biglari Capital's proposals.
Another relevant InvestingPro Tip notes that two analysts have revised their earnings downwards for the upcoming period. This aligns with Biglari Capital's concerns about the company's performance and could influence shareholder voting at the annual meeting.
For investors seeking a more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers additional tips and insights that could be valuable in assessing Cracker Barrel's situation. There are 5 more InvestingPro Tips available for CBRL, providing a deeper understanding of the company's financial health and market position.
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