DIN Updating our Q4E19 Same-Store Sales Forecast for IHOP

By Mark Kalinowski Published on January 3, 2019 at 12:00 AM

Following our data-driven checks, we increase our Q4E 2018 same-store sales forecast for IHOP by +70 basis points, to a new “sell-side high” (according to Consensus Metrix data) of +2.0%. IHOP, the largest family dining concept in the U.S. as determined by domestic systemwide sales, likely benefited from family dining’s robust November 2018 (which will end up as either the best month or the secondbest month during 2018 for family-dining sector same-store sales) and strong start to December 2018.

Restaurants Kalinowski Equity Research’s Top Stock Picks for 2019

By Mark Kalinowski Published on January 2, 2019 at 12:00 AM

Kalinowski Equity Research’s top restaurant stock picks for 2019 are Dine Brands (DIN; Buy) for small/mid caps, and McDonald’s (MCD; Buy) for large caps.

DIN Our Meeting in Glendale with Management

By Mark Kalinowski Published on December 6, 2018 at 12:00 AM

We recently met with Dine Brands (DIN; Buy) — including CEO Stephen Joyce, CFO Thomas Song, Controller Gregg Kalvin, and Executive Director, Investor Relations Ken Diptee — in Glendale, California. We thank these folks for their time! Topics of interest that we asked about include the ongoing success of Applebee’s “Neighborhood Drink of the Month” initiative and the issues with second-largest Applebee’s franchisee RMH. We reiterate our Buy rating on DIN and note the following: