FAT Brands plans a carveout

Article Excerpt

FAT BRANDS INC. $7.14 is a hold. The company (Nasdaq symbol FAT; Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 16.7 million; Market cap: $119.2 million; Dividend yield: 8.3%; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.fatbrands.com) is a leading multi-brand restaurant franchising company. It currently owns 17 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 for $300 million. Twin Peaks’ cabin-like outlets (called lodges) feature multiple big-screen TV sets that show various sporting events. The company is now selling shares in Twin Peaks to the public through an initial public offering (IPO). FAT Brands will retain a majority stake in the new firm. While Twin Peaks is growing fast—it plans to open 18 to 20 new lodges in 2023 and expects to end the year with 115 lodges—it faces strong competition from larger chains. FAT Brands is a hold. hold…