- Company Provides Outlook for Second Quarter 2013 -
NEW YORK, June 6, 2013 /CNW/ - ANN INC. (NYSE: ANN) today reported results for the fiscal first quarter of 2013, ended May 4, 2013. The Company also provided its outlook for the second quarter and the full year of fiscal 2013.
For the fiscal first quarter of 2013, the Company reported earnings per diluted share of $0.44 compared with earnings per diluted share of $0.58 in the first quarter of 2012.
Kay Krill, President and CEO commented, "As previously noted, our first quarter performance reflected the impact of unseasonably cold weather, which negatively affected sales of warm weather product, primarily at LOFT. As a result, we were more promotional than planned to clear through inventory in advance of second quarter deliveries.
"The onset of more seasonable weather in May resulted in positive comparable sales performance at both brands and in all channels for the month, and we are on track to achieve higher profitability and positive comp performance at both brands for the second quarter.
"Looking ahead, we are well-positioned to deliver another consecutive year of profitable growth for ANN INC., driven by the success of our strategic initiatives and strong performance at both brands," Ms. Krill concluded.
Fiscal 2013 First Quarter Results
Total net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 were $574.5 million, compared with net sales of $560.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. By brand, net sales across all channels of the Ann Taylor brand totaled $219.3 million in the first quarter of 2013, compared with net sales of $212.4 million in the first quarter of 2012. At the LOFT brand, net sales across all channels were $355.2 million in the first quarter of 2013, compared with net sales of $348.0 million in the first quarter of 2012.
Total Company comparable sales for the quarter decreased 0.5% versus the first quarter of 2012. At Ann Taylor, total brand comparable sales increased 1.9%, reflecting an increase of 6.2% at Ann Taylor, partially offset by a decrease of 5.8% in the Ann Taylor Factory channel. At LOFT, total brand comparable sales decreased 1.9%, reflecting decreases of 0.9% at LOFT and 7.9% at LOFT Outlet. (Please refer to Table 3 for a breakdown of sales by brand and channel.)
Gross margin, as a percentage of net sales was 55.8%, versus the 56.6% gross margin rate achieved in the first quarter of 2012, reflecting an overall increase in merchandise margin rate, offset by the effect of higher shipping costs associated with multi-channel sales. The merchandise margin rate improvement reflected stronger performance at Ann Taylor as well as the factory outlet channels for both brands, partially offset by lower performance at LOFT, compared with the first quarter of 2012.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2013 were $286.7 million, versus $272.0 million reported in the first quarter of 2012. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were 49.9%, reflecting the impact of increased expenses associated with our year-over-year store growth and increased investments in marketing and other expenses to support the expansion of our business.
The Company reported operating income of $33.9 million for the quarter, compared with operating income of $45.4 million in the first quarter of 2012. Net income for the first quarter was $20.9 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, compared with net income of $28.7 million, or $0.58 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2012.
The Company ended the quarter with approximately $80 million in cash.
Total inventory per square foot at the end of the first quarter increased 6% versus year-ago, reflecting a 3% increase at Ann Taylor, a 13% increase at LOFT and a 3% decrease in the factory/outlet channel. The increase at LOFT reflects the impact of a timing shift in the receipt of a Summer merchandise delivery versus last year.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company opened 13 new stores, comprised of one Ann Taylor store, one Ann Taylor Factory store, nine LOFT stores and two LOFT Outlet stores, and closed three Ann Taylor stores and five LOFT stores. Our total store count at the end of the fiscal first quarter of 2013 was 989, comprised of 273 Ann Taylor stores, 516 LOFT stores, 102 Ann Taylor Factory stores and 98 LOFT Outlet stores.
Outlook for Fiscal Second-Quarter and Full-Year 2013
For the fiscal second quarter of 2013, the Company expects total net sales to be $640 million, reflecting a total Company comparable sales increase in the mid-single digits. Gross margin rate performance is expected to be 55.0%. Selling, general and administrative expenses are estimated to approach $300 million.
In terms of the full year, the Company provided the following outlook:
- The Company currently expects fiscal 2013 total net sales to be $2.54 billion, reflecting a total Company comparable sales increase in the mid-single digits.
- Gross margin rate performance is expected to be 54.5%.
- Total SG&A expenses in fiscal 2013 are expected to be $1.21 billion.
- The Company's effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 41%.
- Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $165 million.
- Total weighted average square footage for fiscal 2013 is expected to increase approximately 4%, reflecting the opening of approximately 65 new stores, partially offset by the impact of store downsizes, primarily at Ann Taylor, and approximately 30 store closures. The Company expects to have approximately 1,020 stores at fiscal year-end.
The Company expects to maintain its healthy balance sheet, including a disciplined approach to inventory management throughout the fiscal year.
About ANN INC.
ANN INC. is the parent Company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, two of the leading women's specialty retail fashion brands in North America. As of May 4, 2013, the Company operated 989 Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory, LOFT and LOFT Outlet stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada. Our Ann Taylor and LOFT brands are available online in more than 100 countries worldwide at AnnTaylor.com and LOFT.com. Visit ANNINC.com for more information (NYSE: ANN).
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements may use the words "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "intend," "project," "may," "believe" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements also include representations of the expectations or beliefs of the Company concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties, including:
- the Company's ability to anticipate and respond to changing client preferences and fashion trends and provide a balanced assortment of merchandise that satisfies client demands in a timely manner;
- the effectiveness of the Company's brand awareness and marketing programs, its ability to maintain the value of its brands and engage new and existing clients;
- the Company's ability to manage inventory levels and changes in merchandise mix;
- the Company's reliance on key management and its ability to hire, retain and train qualified associates;
- the Company's ability to successfully execute brand goals, objectives and new concepts and strategies, including international expansion;
- the Company's ability to successfully implement its business transformation initiatives and upgrade and maintain its information systems, including adequate system security controls, successful transitioning of certain information technology functions to third parties and the ability to operate in accordance with its business continuity plan in the event of a disruption;
- the potential impact of natural disasters and public health concerns, including severe infectious diseases, acts of war or terrorism in the United States or worldwide, particularly on the Company's foreign sourcing offices and the manufacturing operations of the Company's vendors;
- the performance and operation of the Company's websites and the risks associated with Internet sales;
- the Company's reliance on third-party manufacturers and key vendors, including operational risks such as reduced production capacity, errors in complying with merchandise specifications, insufficient quality control and failure to meet production deadlines;
- a significant change in the regulatory environment applicable to the Company's business and the Company's ability to comply with legal and regulatory requirements;
- the Company's ability to secure and protect trademarks and other intellectual property rights;
- the impact of fluctuations in sourcing costs, in particular, increases in the costs of raw materials, labor, fuel and transportation;
- the Company's reliance on foreign sources of production and the associated risks of doing business in foreign markets, including fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, the imposition of duties or other possible trade law or import restrictions, including legislation relating to import quotas, and financial or political instability in any of the countries in which the Company's merchandise is manufactured;
- the Company's ability to successfully manage store growth and optimize the productivity and profitability of its store portfolio;
- the impact of a privacy breach and the resulting effect on the Company's business and reputation;
- the failure by independent manufacturers to comply with the Company's social compliance program requirements;
- the effect of general economic conditions on consumer spending and the Company's liquidity and capital resources;
- the effect of competitive pressures from other retailers;
- the Company's dependence on its Louisville distribution center and third-party distribution facilities and transportation companies, including any significant interruptions due to work stoppages, slowdowns or strikes;
- the Company's dependence on shopping malls and other retail centers to attract customers and the impact of potential consolidation of commercial and retail landlords on the Company's ability to negotiate favorable rental terms;
- the impact on the Company's stock price relating to the Company's level of sales and earnings growth;
- the Company's ability to realize its deferred tax assets;
- the effect of external economic factors on the Company's future funding obligations for its defined benefit pension plan; and
- the impact of climate change and extreme or unseasonable weather conditions on the Company's business.
Further description of these risks and uncertainties and other important factors are set forth in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, including but not limited to Item 1A – Risk Factors and Item 7 – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations therein, and in the Company's other filings with the SEC. Although these forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectations concerning future events, actual results may differ materially from current expectations or historical results. The Company does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements at any time for any reason.
|
ANN INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the Quarters Ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012 (unaudited)
|
|||
| Table 1. |
|||
| Quarter Ended |
|||
| May 4, 2013 |
April 28, 2012 |
||
| (in thousands, except per share amounts) |
|||
| Net sales |
$ 574,506 |
$ 560,411 |
|
| Cost of sales |
253,941 |
243,040 |
|
| Gross margin |
320,565 |
317,371 |
|
| Selling, general and administrative expenses |
286,653 |
272,018 |
|
| Operating income |
33,912 |
45,353 |
|
| Interest and investment income/(expense), net |
87 |
220 |
|
| Other non-operating income/(expense), net |
54 |
- |
|
| Income before income taxes |
34,053 |
45,573 |
|
| Income tax provision |
13,141 |
16,841 |
|
| Net income |
$ 20,912 |
$ 28,732 |
|
| Earnings per share: |
|||
| Basic earnings per share |
$ 0.45 |
$ 0.59 |
|
| Weighted average shares outstanding |
46,079 |
47,922 |
|
| Diluted earnings per share |
$ 0.44 |
$ 0.58 |
|
| Weighted average shares outstanding, assuming dilution |
46,540 |
48,677 |
|
|
ANN INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS May 4, 2013, February 2, 2013 and April 28, 2012 (unaudited)
|
|||||
| Table 2. |
|||||
| May 4, |
February 2, |
April 28, |
|||
| 2013 |
2013 |
2012 |
|||
| Assets |
(in thousands, except share amounts) |
||||
| Current assets |
|||||
| Cash |
$ 80,482 |
$ 167,011 |
$ 106,154 |
||
| Accounts receivable |
32,414 |
17,856 |
29,783 |
||
| Merchandise inventories |
265,836 |
216,848 |
243,516 |
||
| Refundable income taxes |
9,661 |
9,201 |
9,240 |
||
| Deferred income taxes |
30,443 |
30,397 |
31,891 |
||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
69,651 |
64,716 |
63,123 |
||
| Total current assets |
488,487 |
506,029 |
483,707 |
||
| Property and equipment, net |
411,573 |
409,703 |
361,646 |
||
| Deferred income taxes |
1,931 |
7,841 |
23,579 |
||
| Other assets |
19,205 |
18,632 |
13,606 |
||
| Total assets |
$ 921,196 |
$ 942,205 |
$ 882,538 |
||
| Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity |
|||||
| Current liabilities |
|||||
| Accounts payable |
$ 108,568 |
$ 105,691 |
$ 103,628 |
||
| Accrued salaries and bonus |
18,624 |
23,969 |
18,770 |
||
| Current portion of long-term performance compensation |
18,178 |
34,233 |
29,151 |
||
| Accrued tenancy |
37,256 |
38,647 |
41,951 |
||
| Gift certificates and merchandise credits redeemable |
39,840 |
47,268 |
43,259 |
||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
83,567 |
86,946 |
68,242 |
||
| Total current liabilities |
306,033 |
336,754 |
305,001 |
||
| Deferred lease costs |
163,645 |
162,620 |
158,866 |
||
| Deferred income taxes |
2,963 |
228 |
1,367 |
||
| Long-term performance compensation, less current portion |
11,330 |
26,368 |
17,902 |
||
| Other liabilities |
29,308 |
31,125 |
28,555 |
||
| Commitments and contingencies |
|||||
| Stockholders' equity |
|||||
| Common stock, $.0068 par value; 200,000,000 shares |
|||||
| authorized; 82,563,516 shares issued |
561 |
561 |
561 |
||
| Additional paid-in capital |
748,245 |
768,215 |
767,351 |
||
| Retained earnings |
697,754 |
676,842 |
602,990 |
||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(4,660) |
(4,497) |
(5,223) |
||
| Treasury stock, 35,411,598, 35,958,318 and |
|||||
| 33,790,075 shares, respectively, at cost |
(1,033,983) |
(1,056,011) |
(994,832) |
||
| Total stockholders' equity |
407,917 |
385,110 |
370,847 |
||
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity |
$ 921,196 |
$ 942,205 |
$ 882,538 |
||
|
ANN INC. Brand Sales and Store Data For the Quarters Ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012 (unaudited)
|
|||||||
| Table 3. |
|||||||
| Quarter Ended |
|||||||
| Sales and Comparable Sales |
May 4, 2013 |
April 28, 2012 |
|||||
| Sales |
Comp % (1) |
Sales |
Comp % (1) |
||||
| ($ in thousands) |
|||||||
| Ann Taylor brand |
|||||||
| Ann Taylor (2) |
$ 150,783 |
6.2 |
% |
$ 142,211 |
(10.3) |
% |
|
| Ann Taylor Factory |
68,484 |
(5.8) |
% |
70,165 |
0.7 |
% |
|
| Total Ann Taylor brand |
$ 219,267 |
1.9 |
% |
$ 212,376 |
(6.9) |
% |
|
| LOFT brand |
|||||||
| LOFT (3) |
$ 298,497 |
(0.9) |
% |
$ 298,874 |
12.0 |
% |
|
| LOFT Outlet |
56,742 |
(7.9) |
% |
49,161 |
6.1 |
% |
|
| Total LOFT brand |
$ 355,239 |
(1.9) |
% |
$ 348,035 |
11.3 |
% |
|
| Total Company |
$ 574,506 |
(0.5) |
% |
$ 560,411 |
3.8 |
% |
|
| Quarter Ended |
|||||||
| Stores And Square Footage |
May 4, 2013 |
April 28, 2012 |
|||||
| Stores |
Square Feet |
Stores |
Square Feet |
||||
| (square feet in thousands) |
|||||||
| Ann Taylor brand |
|||||||
| Ann Taylor |
273 |
1,375 |
274 |
1,416 |
|||
| Ann Taylor Factory |
102 |
698 |
99 |
691 |
|||
| Total Ann Taylor brand |
375 |
2,073 |
373 |
2,107 |
|||
| LOFT brand |
|||||||
| LOFT |
516 |
2,965 |
500 |
2,898 |
|||
| LOFT Outlet |
98 |
661 |
74 |
519 |
|||
| Total LOFT brand |
614 |
3,626 |
574 |
3,417 |
|||
| Total Company |
989 |
5,699 |
947 |
5,524 |
|||
| Number of: |
|||||||
| Stores open at beginning of period |
984 |
5,685 |
953 |
5,584 |
|||
| New stores |
13 |
66 |
7 |
36 |
|||
| Downsized stores (4) |
- |
(6) |
- |
(25) |
|||
| Closed stores |
(8) |
(46) |
(13) |
(71) |
|||
| Stores open at end of period |
989 |
5,699 |
947 |
5,524 |
|||
(1) A store is included in comparable sales in its thirteenth month of operation. A store with a square footage change of greater than 15% is treated as a new store for the first year following its reopening.
(2) Includes sales at Ann Taylor stores and anntaylor.com.
(3) Includes sales at LOFT stores and LOFT.com.
(4) During the quarter ended May 4, 2013, the Company downsized two Ann Taylor stores, one Ann Taylor Factory store and two LOFT stores. During the quarter ended April 28, 2012, the Company downsized three Ann Taylor stores, three Ann Taylor Factory stores, one LOFT store and one LOFT Outlet store.
SOURCE: ANN INC.
Investor Contact: Judith Lord, Vice President, Investor Relations, ANN INC., 212-541-3300 ext. 3598; Press Contact: Catherine Fisher, Vice President, Corporate Communications, ANN INC., 212-541-3300 ext. 2199
http://www.ANNINC.com
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