The Retail Food Group Limited (ASX: RFG) share price was down as much as 24% yesterday, before entering a trading halt at around 11am. When trading resumed, the RFG share price rallied, but still finished the day down nearly 7%.
RFG share price chart
Why did the RFG share price crash?
RFG announced that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has commenced proceedings against the company and related entities in the Federal Court of Australia. Related entities mentioned include operators of Gloria Jean’s Coffee, Michel’s Patisserie, Brumby’s Bakery and Donut King brand systems.
The allegations relate to matters that occurred under former executives of the company between 2015-2019. The ACCC alleges that RFG “acted unconscionably and engaged in false, misleading and deceptive conduct when it sold or licensed 42 loss-making corporate stores to incoming franchisees between 2015 and 2019”.
Retail Food Group believes the proceedings are relatively narrow in scope and focus, particularly given that the ACCC has not pursued other broad and serious allegations raised during the course of its three-year investigation on the company.
RFG Executive Chairman Peter George commented: “I firmly believe the initiatives outlined below and implemented by the new management of RFG have already proven successful and have benefitted our franchisees”.
Peter proceeded to mention six initiatives undertaken by RFG, including the adoption of a new strategic roadmap, improvements to marketing, investment in and redesign of RFG’s field service model, improved recruitment processes, enhanced monitoring of franchise performance, and improvements in cost of goods sold (COGS).
How did RFG perform in FY20?
Retail Food Group had a rough FY20, heavily impacted by COVID-19 as many of its outlets are located in shopping centres, which were forced into temporary closure during the year. This weighed heavily on the group, resulting in a near 50% drop in paying customers.
Turning to the financials, revenue fell 24.4% to $263.95 million and underlying EBITDA declined 19.3% to $35.54 million. This translated into a statutory loss after tax of $3.99 million.
Is the RFG share price a buy?
While RFG should benefit from the easing of COVID-19 related restrictions, it is concerning to learn of the ACCC’s proceedings against the group.
RFG competes in the crowded Australian fast-food landscape with the likes of Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) and Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF). Personally, I would prefer to buy shares of Domino’s or Collins Foods at lower prices than bet on the recovery of RFG.
