Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (TAST)

Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (TAST) Consumer Business Overview

Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (TAST) is a major U.S. restaurant operator, primarily as the largest Burger King franchisee, with a growing Popeyes presence. The company navigates the competitive fast-food landscape, focusing on operational efficiency and expansion within its existing geographic footprint across Northeastern, Midwestern, Southcentral, and Southeastern states.

What Is the Investment Thesis for TAST?

Carrols Restaurant Group presents a mixed investment thesis. The company's established position as the largest Burger King franchisee provides a stable revenue base, complemented by growth potential in its Popeyes operations. With a P/E ratio of 14.5 and a dividend yield of 0.42%, TAST offers a blend of value and income. However, a relatively low gross margin of 13.3% indicates potential challenges in cost management and pricing power. The company's high beta of 2.47 suggests significant volatility relative to the broader market. Upcoming catalysts include potential menu innovations and operational efficiencies. Investors should closely monitor same-store sales growth, margin improvements, and debt levels to assess the long-term viability of TAST.

Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis

TAST Key Highlights

• Operates 1,026 Burger King restaurants across 23 states as of January 2, 2022, providing a significant and established revenue stream.
• Manages 65 Popeyes restaurants in seven Southeastern states, offering growth potential within a popular and expanding quick-service brand.
• P/E ratio of 14.5, indicating a potentially undervalued investment relative to earnings.
• Dividend yield of 0.42%, providing a modest income stream for investors.
• Beta of 2.47 suggests higher volatility compared to the overall market, which may appeal to risk-tolerant investors.

Who Are TAST's Competitors?

TAST is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.

AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance

What Are TAST's Key Strengths?

• Large network of Burger King restaurants.
• Growing Popeyes presence.
• Established brand recognition.
• Experienced management team.

What Are TAST's Weaknesses?

• Low gross margin.
• High debt levels.
• Dependence on Burger King and Popeyes brands.
• Exposure to commodity price fluctuations.

What Could Drive TAST Stock Higher?

• Potential menu innovations at Burger King and Popeyes, designed to attract new customers and increase sales.
• Implementation of digital ordering and delivery enhancements to improve customer convenience and drive revenue growth.
• Cost optimization initiatives aimed at improving profit margins and operational efficiency.
• Expansion of Popeyes restaurant network into new geographic markets.

What Are the Key Risks for TAST?

• Financial-distress signal — its Altman Z-Score of 1.39 sits in the distress zone (elevated bankruptcy risk).
• Intense competition in the quick-service restaurant industry could impact market share and profitability.
• Fluctuations in commodity prices, particularly for food and energy, could increase operating costs.
• Changes in consumer preferences and dietary trends could impact demand for Burger King and Popeyes menu items.
• High debt levels could limit financial flexibility and increase interest expenses.
• Rising labor costs and minimum wage increases could put pressure on profit margins.

What Are the Growth Opportunities for TAST?

• Expansion of Popeyes Footprint: Carrols can significantly grow its revenue by expanding its Popeyes restaurant network. The Popeyes brand has experienced strong growth in recent years, driven by its popular menu items and effective marketing campaigns. Carrols can capitalize on this momentum by opening new Popeyes locations in underserved markets, particularly in regions where the brand has strong consumer demand. This expansion could increase revenue by an estimated 10-15% over the next 3-5 years.
• Digital Transformation and Online Ordering: Investing in digital platforms and online ordering systems can enhance customer convenience and drive sales growth. By improving its mobile app, online ordering website, and delivery partnerships, Carrols can attract a larger customer base and increase order frequency. The market for online food delivery is projected to reach $300 billion by 2027, presenting a substantial opportunity for Carrols to capture a greater share of digital sales. This initiative could boost revenue by 5-10% annually.
• Menu Innovation and Product Development: Introducing new and innovative menu items can attract new customers and increase sales. Carrols can leverage the brand recognition of Burger King and Popeyes to launch limited-time offers, seasonal promotions, and healthier menu options. By staying attuned to changing consumer preferences and culinary trends, Carrols can maintain its competitive edge and drive traffic to its restaurants. Successful menu innovations could increase same-store sales by 2-4% per year.
• Operational Efficiency and Cost Management: Improving operational efficiency and managing costs effectively can enhance profitability. Carrols can implement strategies to reduce food waste, optimize labor scheduling, and streamline supply chain operations. By leveraging technology and data analytics, the company can identify areas for improvement and implement best practices across its restaurant network. Cost optimization efforts could improve profit margins by 1-2% over the next 2-3 years.
• Loyalty Programs and Customer Engagement: Implementing robust loyalty programs and engaging with customers through social media and targeted marketing campaigns can enhance customer retention and drive repeat business. Carrols can offer exclusive rewards, personalized offers, and interactive experiences to build stronger relationships with its customers. By leveraging data analytics, the company can tailor its marketing efforts to specific customer segments and increase the effectiveness of its campaigns. Effective loyalty programs could increase customer lifetime value by 15-20%.

What Opportunities Does TAST Have?

• Expansion of Popeyes footprint.
• Digital transformation and online ordering.
• Menu innovation and product development.
• Operational efficiency and cost management.

What Threats Does TAST Face?

• Intense competition in the quick-service restaurant industry.
• Changing consumer preferences.
• Rising labor costs.
• Economic downturns.

What Are TAST's Competitive Advantages?

• Scale: Operates a large network of restaurants, creating economies of scale in purchasing and operations.
• Brand Recognition: Benefits from the established brand recognition and customer loyalty of Burger King and Popeyes.
• Franchise Agreements: Possesses exclusive franchise agreements for specific territories, limiting competition within those areas.

What Does TAST Do?

Founded in 1960 and headquartered in Syracuse, New York, Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. has evolved into one of the largest restaurant franchisees in the United States. The company operates primarily as a Burger King franchisee, managing 1,026 Burger King restaurants across 23 states as of January 2, 2022. These locations span the Northeastern, Midwestern, Southcentral, and Southeastern regions of the country. In addition to Burger King, Carrols also operates 65 Popeyes restaurants, concentrated in seven Southeastern states. This dual-brand strategy allows Carrols to capture a broader segment of the fast-food market, leveraging the established brand recognition of both Burger King and Popeyes. Carrols focuses on operational excellence, aiming to deliver consistent quality and service across its extensive network of restaurants. The company's growth strategy involves both organic expansion through new restaurant openings and strategic acquisitions to increase its market share within the quick-service restaurant sector.

What Products and Services Does TAST Offer?

• Operates as a franchisee for Burger King restaurants.
• Operates as a franchisee for Popeyes restaurants.
• Manages over 1,000 Burger King locations across 23 states.
• Manages over 60 Popeyes locations across 7 states.
• Provides quick-service dining options to consumers.
• Focuses on operational efficiency and customer service within its restaurant network.
• Engages in marketing and promotional activities to drive sales and brand awareness.

How Does TAST Make Money?

• Generates revenue through the sale of food and beverages at its Burger King and Popeyes restaurants.
• Operates under franchise agreements with Burger King and Popeyes, paying royalties and fees based on sales.
• Focuses on managing and operating a large network of restaurants to achieve economies of scale.
• Implements marketing and promotional strategies to attract customers and drive sales growth.

What Industry Does TAST Operate In?

Carrols Restaurant Group operates within the highly competitive quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. This sector is characterized by intense competition, evolving consumer preferences, and the need for continuous innovation. Key trends include the increasing adoption of digital ordering and delivery services, a focus on healthier menu options, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Carrols competes with other major QSR chains and franchisees, navigating challenges such as rising labor costs and fluctuating commodity prices. The company's success depends on its ability to maintain brand relevance, optimize operational efficiency, and adapt to changing consumer demands.

Who Are TAST's Key Customers?

• General consumers seeking quick-service dining options.
• Families and individuals looking for affordable and convenient meals.
• Customers who value the brand recognition and menu offerings of Burger King and Popeyes.
• Local communities in the areas where Carrols operates its restaurants.

Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (TAST) Valuation Context

Valued at $502.01M, TAST is classified as a small-cap stock. Relative to its peer group, TAST's quantitative score of 42/100 is below the peer average of 57/100.

ROE 20%Key Financial Metrics

Return on equity for Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. stands at 20.1%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 1.8%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. TAST trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 14.55, below the Consumer Cyclical sector average of ~39x. Its free cash flow yield is 16.8%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 0.49 means current liabilities exceed short-term assets, a liquidity point worth watching. Its earnings yield is 6.9%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.

F-Score 7/9Financial Health

Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.'s Piotroski F-Score is 7/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — signaling solid underlying fundamentals. Its Altman Z-Score of 1.39 places it in the distress zone, a signal of elevated financial risk.

TAST Financials

TAST Latest News

TAST Analyst Consensus

TAST MoonshotScore

Common Questions About TAST (Consumer Cyclical)

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.

Official Resources