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Stage Stores Reports Record Fourth Quarter EPS of $1.36; Comparable Sales Increase of 6.4%; Full Year Earnings Per Share From Continuing Operations of $1.18; Full Year Comparable Sales Increase of 1.4%

2015-03-03 06:00 ET - News Release


HOUSTON -- (Business Wire)

Stage Stores, Inc. (NYSE:SSI) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 31, 2015.

Michael Glazer, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We ended the year with strong sales growth and record earnings in the fourth quarter. We achieved a 6.4% comparable sales gain and saw 30% growth in our direct-to-consumer business. Our merchandise margins expanded significantly, inventories ended in terrific shape from both a level and content perspective, and our fourth quarter profitability grew 35%.”

Mr. Glazer added, “We plan to build upon our success with several key priorities for 2015, including driving improved store productivity, expanding our omni-channel capabilities and direct-to-consumer sales, upgrading our store base through remodels, and building a service culture focused on our customers. As we execute on these initiatives we believe we can drive long term earnings growth and shareholder value.”

Fourth Quarter Reported Results

Sales increased 6.6% to $524.9 million compared to $492.5 million in the prior year period. Comparable sales increased 6.4%. Three stores opened and four stores closed during the quarter. Net income from continuing operations was $43.8 million or $1.36 per diluted share.

Full Year Reported Results

Sales increased 1.8% to $1,639 million compared to $1,609 million in the prior year period. Comparable sales increased 1.4%. Eighteen stores opened and twelve stores closed during the year. Net income from continuing operations was $37.9 million or $1.18 per diluted share.

2015 Guidance

Sales are expected to be in a range of $1,640-$1,675 million, assuming a flat to 2% increase in comparable sales. The Company plans to open two stores and close 10-20 stores.

Earnings per diluted share are expected to be in a range of $1.20- $1.28.

Weighted average diluted shares for the year are expected to be 32.7 million. The effective tax rate is estimated to be 37.6%.

Capital expenditures net of construction allowances from landlords for 2015 are expected to be $75 million, compared to $65 million in 2014.

Conference Call / Webcast Information

The Company will hold a conference call today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its 2014 fourth quarter and fiscal year results. Interested parties may participate in the Company’s conference call by dialing 703-639-1178. Alternatively, interested parties can listen to a live webcast of the conference call by logging on to the Company's web site at www.stagestoresinc.com and then clicking on Investor Relations, then Webcasts and then the webcast link. A replay of the conference call will be available online until midnight on Friday, March 13, 2015.

About Stage Stores

Stage Stores, Inc. operates 853 specialty department stores located in 40 states under the BEALLS, GOODY'S, PALAIS ROYAL, PEEBLES and STAGE nameplates and a direct-to-consumer channel. The Company’s stores, which operate primarily in small and mid-sized towns and communities, offer moderately priced, nationally recognized brand name and private label apparel, accessories, cosmetics, footwear and home goods for the entire family. The Company’s direct-to-consumer channel includes its e-commerce website and Send program. Its e-commerce website features assortments of merchandise similar to that found in its stores, as well as products available exclusively online. The Send program allows customers in the stores to have merchandise shipped directly to their homes if the merchandise is not available in the local store. For more information about Stage Stores, visit the Company’s website at www.stagestoresinc.com.

Use of Adjusted (Non-GAAP) Financial Measures

The Company reports its financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures help to facilitate comparisons of Company operating performance across periods. This release includes non-GAAP financial measures identified as “adjusted” results. A reconciliation of all non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures is provided in a table included with this release.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and such statements are intended to qualify for the protection of the safe harbor provided by the Act. The words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will,” “should,” “may,” “target,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “outlook” and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. Similarly, descriptions of the Company’s objectives, strategies, plans, goals or targets are also forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate to the expectations of management as to future occurrences and trends, including statements expressing optimism or pessimism about future operating results or events and projected sales, earnings, capital expenditures and business strategy. Forward-looking statements are based upon a number of assumptions concerning future conditions that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Forward-looking statements are based upon management’s then-current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance. Although management believes the expectations expressed in forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may materially affect the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, economic conditions, cost and availability of goods, inability to successfully execute strategic initiatives, competitive pressures, economic pressures on the Company and its customers, freight costs, the risks discussed in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company’s other SEC filings. This release should be read in conjunction with such filings, and you should consider all of such risks, uncertainties and other factors carefully in evaluating forward-looking statements.

You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in its public announcements and SEC filings.

 
Stage Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except earnings per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended
January 31, 2015   February 1, 2014
Amount   % to Sales (a)   Amount   % to Sales (a)
 
Net sales $ 524,886 100.0 % $ 492,537 100.0 %
Cost of sales and related buying, occupancy and distribution expenses   353,527   67.4 %   344,545   70.0 %
Gross profit 171,359 32.6 % 147,992 30.0 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses 99,802 19.0 % 98,237 19.9 %
Store opening costs 458 0.1 % 450 0.1 %
Interest expense   709   0.1 %   732   0.1 %
Income before income tax 70,390 13.4 % 48,573 9.9 %
Income tax expense   26,576   5.1 %   18,428   3.7 %
Income from continuing operations 43,814 8.3 % 30,145 6.1 %
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit of $94 and $3,214, respectively   (94 ) 0.0 %   (5,283 ) -1.1 %
Net income $ 43,720   8.3 % $ 24,862   5.0 %
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share data:
Continuing operations $ 1.37 $ 0.95
Discontinued operations   -     (0.17 )
Basic earnings per share (b) $ 1.37   $ 0.79  
Basic weighted average shares outstanding   31,657     31,215  
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share data:
Continuing operations $ 1.36 $ 0.95
Discontinued operations   -     (0.17 )
Diluted earnings per share (b) $ 1.36   $ 0.78  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding   31,740     31,438  
 
(a) Percentages may not foot due to rounding.
(b) EPS may not foot due to rounding
 
Stage Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except earnings per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
  Twelve Months Ended
January 31, 2015   February 1, 2014
Amount   % to Sales (a)   Amount   % to Sales (a)
 
Net sales $ 1,638,569 100.0 % $ 1,609,481 100.0 %
Cost of sales and related buying, occupancy and distribution expenses   1,188,763   72.5 %   1,172,995   72.9 %
Gross profit 449,806 27.5 % 436,486 27.1 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses 383,616 23.4 % 390,224 24.2 %
Store opening costs 2,488 0.2 % 2,902 0.2 %
Interest expense   3,002   0.2 %   2,744   0.2 %
Income before income tax 60,700 3.7 % 40,616 2.5 %
Income tax expense   22,847   1.4 %   15,400   1.0 %
Income from continuing operations 37,853 2.3 % 25,216 1.6 %
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit of $4,228 and $5,237, respectively   (7,003 ) -0.4 %   (8,574 ) -0.5 %
Net income $ 30,850   1.9 % $ 16,642   1.0 %
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share data:
Continuing operations $ 1.18 $ 0.78
Discontinued operations   (0.22 )   (0.27 )
Basic earnings per share (b) $ 0.96   $ 0.51  
Basic weighted average shares outstanding   31,675     32,034  
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share data:
Continuing operations $ 1.18 $ 0.77
Discontinued operations   (0.22 )   (0.26 )
Diluted earnings per share (b) $ 0.96   $ 0.51  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding   31,763     32,311  
 
(a) Percentages may not foot due to rounding.
(b) EPS may not foot due to rounding
 
Stage Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except par value)
(Unaudited)
 

 

  January 31, 2015   February 1, 2014
 

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents $ 17,165 $ 14,762
Merchandise inventories, net 441,452 434,407
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   45,444     40,082  
Total current assets 504,061 489,251
 
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net 285,450 282,534
Intangible asset 14,910 14,910
Other non-current assets, net   20,256     24,142  
Total assets $ 824,677   $ 810,837  
 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Accounts payable $ 121,778 $ 125,707
Income taxes payable 12,284 5,345
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   70,720     64,204  
Total current liabilities 204,782 195,256
 
Long-term debt obligations 45,673 60,871
Deferred taxes 20,474 15,644
Other long-term liabilities   77,818     84,622  
Total liabilities   348,747     356,393  
 
Commitments and contingencies - -
 
Common stock, par value $0.01, 100,000 shares authorized,
31,632 and 31,222 shares issued, respectively 316 312
Additional paid-in capital 395,395 384,295
Less treasury stock - at cost, 0 and 0 shares, respectively (600 ) (967 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (6,874 ) (4,616 )
Retained earnings   87,693     75,420  
Total stockholders' equity   475,930     454,444  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 824,677   $ 810,837  
 
Stage Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
  Twelve Months Ended
January 31, 2015   February 1, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 30,850 $ 16,642

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation, amortization and impairment of long-lived assets 63,447 69,925
Loss on retirements of property, equipment and leasehold improvements 110 860
Deferred income taxes 4,519 (808 )
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation 64 1,761
Stock-based compensation expense 9,664 8,417
Amortization of debt issuance costs 275 279
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation (852 ) (2,076 )
Deferred compensation obligation (367 ) 266
Amortization of employee benefit related costs 399 610
Construction allowances from landlords 5,538 4,162
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in merchandise inventories (7,045 ) (20,479 )
Increase in other assets (1,737 ) (6,375 )
Decrease in accounts payable and other liabilities   (2,651 )   (26,657 )
Net cash provided by operating activities   102,214     46,527  
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, equipment and leasehold improvements (70,580 ) (61,263 )
Proceeds from disposal of assets   2,946     27  
Net cash used in investing activities   (67,634 )   (61,236 )
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving credit facility borrowings 457,742 494,885
Payments of revolving credit facility borrowings (471,227 ) (445,490 )
Payments of long-term debt obligations (2,352 ) (744 )
Payments of debt issuance costs (663 ) (128 )
Repurchases of common stock (2,755 ) (31,367 )
Payments for stock related compensation (1,844 ) (2,381 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock awards 5,040 10,149
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation 852 2,076
Cash dividends paid   (16,970 )   (15,466 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   (32,177 )   11,534  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 2,403 (3,175 )
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period   14,762     17,937  
End of period $ 17,165   $ 14,762  
 
Stage Stores, Inc.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(in thousands, except earnings per share)
(Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended     Twelve Months Ended
January 31, 2015   February 1, 2014 January 31, 2015   February 1, 2014
 
Net income (GAAP) $ 43,720 $ 24,862 $ 30,850 $ 16,642
Loss from discontinued operations 94 5,283 7,003 8,574
Income from continuing operations 43,814

 

30,145 37,853

 

25,216
South Hill Consolidation related charges, net of tax of $1,170 and $8,985, respectively - 2,052 - 14,770
Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) (a) $ 43,814 $ 32,197 $ 37,853 $ 39,986
 
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP) $ 1.36 $ 0.78 $ 0.96 $ 0.51
Loss from discontinued operations - 0.17 0.22 0.26
Income from continuing operations 1.36

 

0.95 1.18

 

0.77
South Hill Consolidation related charges - 0.07 - 0.45
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP) (a)(b) $ 1.36 $ 1.01 $ 1.18 $ 1.22
 
(a) Fiscal 2014 amounts are not adjusted.
(b) EPS may not foot due to rounding.

Contacts:

Stage Stores, Inc.
Bob Aronson, 800-579-2302
Vice President, Investor Relations
baronson@stagestores.com

Source: Stage Stores, Inc.

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