Falling consumer confidence adds risk

Article Excerpt

Restaurant franchisor FAT Brands recently set up its Twin Hospitality businesses as one separate, publicly traded company. Even following the spinoff, FAT Brands still has a huge holding company discount; however, we feel investors should avoid it as well as Twin Hospitality given reduced discretionary spending by consumers. That includes a cutback in eating out. FAT BRANDS INC. $3.08 is a hold. The company (Nasdaq symbol FAT; Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 16.5 million; Market cap: $50.8 million; Dividend yield: 18.2%; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.fatbrands.com) is a multi-brand restaurant franchisor. The “FAT” stands for fresh, authentic and tasty. It currently owns 18 different restaurant brands, including Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, Buffalo’s Cafe, Buffalo’s Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses. In October 2021, FAT Brands acquired the Twin Peaks restaurant chain, now called Twin Hospitality Group Inc. (see right), for $300 million. On January 29, 2025, the company handed out 5% of Twin Hospitality shares to its own shareholders as a stock dividend. Investors received…