Dine Brands maintained fiscal '26 guidance

Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN) has reaffirmed its financial guidance for fiscal year 2026 following the release of its first-quarter results. The company reported total revenues of $225.2 million for the quarter, an increase from $214.8 million in the same period of 2025. This growth was primarily driven by higher company-owned restaurant sales, attributed to the timing and number of restaurants acquired from franchisees.

Applebee’s reported a 1.9% year-over-year increase in domestic comparable same-restaurant sales, while IHOP’s domestic sales remained flat. Off-premise sales accounted for 23.9% of Applebee’s sales mix and 21.5% of IHOP’s during the quarter.

The company’s net income available to common stockholders was $7.2 million, or $0.57 per diluted share, compared to $7.8 million, or $0.53 per diluted share, in the prior-year period. Non-GAAP adjusted net income was $11.1 million, or $0.88 per diluted share, down from $15.4 million, or $1.03 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2025.

Dine Brands reiterated its 2026 guidance, including consolidated adjusted EBITDA in the range of $220 million to $230 million and general and administrative expenses between $205 million and $210 million. The company also expects capital expenditures to range between $25 million and $35 million.

The company’s cash and cash equivalents stood at $172.9 million as of March 29, 2026, with $104.2 million of that amount unrestricted. Dine Brands also repurchased $22 million of its common stock and paid $2.5 million in dividends during the quarter.

Despite a decline in adjusted free cash flow to negative $3.0 million from $14.6 million in the prior-year period, the company remains committed to its capital allocation priorities, including supporting franchisees and returning capital to shareholders.

Dine Brands continues to focus on its dual-brand strategy, with plans to open at least 50 domestic dual-branded locations in 2026. The company’s updated guidance reflects confidence in its franchise business and modest improvements in company-owned restaurant performance.