Carrols Restaurant Group (TAST) posts 4Q profits

Carrols Restaurant Group (NASDAQ: TAST) owns a number of Burger King, Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana restaurants. Unlike many restaurant chains, Carrols posted a profit in both 4Q and FY2007, based in large measure on same store sales increases of 4.6% in its Hispanic Brands restaurants. The company posted these gains despite rising commodity and labor costs and a weakening Florida economy where many of its Hispanic Brands restaurants are located.

4Q revenues increased 4.5% overall, driven by revenue increases of 5.6% in its Hispanic Brands locations. FY2007 revenues increased 5.1% to $789.4 million driven by the same factor. This was enough to generate a $2 million increase in net income to $15.1 million or EPS of $0.70. CEO Alan Vituli anticipates 2008 revenue growth at 5-6%, which translates into diluted EPS in the 70 to 75 cents range. The company has kept expenses under tight control in order to use cash generated to open 17-23 new locations in 2008.

It's not a fancy business, but the stock currently trades at $7.50 and may be worth a look for investors who want to get a piece of action on a budget.