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8-K - 8-K - EXPRESS, INC.a8-kq22013earningsreleasec.htm




Investor Contacts:
Marisa Jacobs                        
Express, Inc.
Vice President Investor Relations
(614) 474-4465    
                    
Allison Malkin / Anne Rakunas
ICR, Inc.
(203) 682-8225 / (310) 954-1113

Media Contact:
Amy Hughes
Express, Inc.
Corporate Communications & Events        
(614) 474-4325


EXPRESS, INC. REPORTS SECOND QUARTER 2013 RESULTS;
INTRODUCES THIRD QUARTER OUTLOOK AND RAISES FULL YEAR GUIDANCE

Second quarter net sales rise 7%; comparable sales increase 6%
Second quarter diluted EPS increases 11% to $0.20
Full year guidance raised to reflect strong second quarter and positive third quarter outlook

Columbus, Ohio - August 28, 2013 - Express, Inc. (NYSE: EXPR), a specialty retail apparel chain operating over 620 stores, today announced its financial results for the second quarter and first six months of 2013. These results cover the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended August 3, 2013 and compare to the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended July 28, 2012.

Michael Weiss, Express, Inc.'s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented, "We delivered a very solid second quarter. Financial highlights include high single digit sales growth, comparable sales that represent a return to mid-single digit growth and earnings per share that came near the upper end of our guidance. These results were driven by improved execution of our Go-to-Market strategy and by our ability to react quickly as the competitive environment evolved.
In terms of product offering, Mr. Weiss noted that, Our customers are responding enthusiastically to our assortments, which are trend-right, differentiated and well-edited. We are seeing this reflected in improved conversion rates. As we move into the second half of the year, we are confident in our product and marketing strategies, and believe we are well positioned for the fall and holiday seasons.
He went on to add that, We made progress on each of our four growth pillars during the second quarter. At the same time, we took concrete steps to prepare for the launch of our outlet business in the second quarter of 2014, which represents another opportunity to drive significant top and bottom line growth.





Second Quarter 2013 Operating Results:
Net sales increased 7% to $486.2 million from $454.9 million in the second quarter of 2012.
Comparable sales increased 6%, following a 1% comparable sales increase in last year's second quarter. This includes e-commerce sales, which increased 27% to $59.9 million. In last year's second quarter, e-commerce sales grew 24% to $47.2 million.
Gross margin declined to 31.4% of net sales compared to 32.2% in the second quarter of 2012. Merchandise margin was down 40 basis points driven by increased promotional activity late in the second quarter in response to the competitive environment. Buying and occupancy costs as a percentage of sales increased 40 basis points, driven primarily by the incremental non-cash rent expense associated with the New York City and San Francisco flagship stores.
Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $119.2 million versus $115.3 million in last year's second quarter. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses improved 80 basis points to 24.5% compared to 25.3% in the same period last year. This improvement reflects continued discipline in managing these expenses.
Operating income was $33.4 million, or 6.9% of net sales, compared to $31.2 million, or 6.9% of net sales, in the second quarter of 2012.
The effective tax rate was 39.7% compared to 39.6% in last year's second quarter.
Net income was $16.9 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared to net income of $15.8 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2012.
Real estate activity for the second quarter of 2013 is detailed in Schedule 4.
 
Twenty-Six Week Operating Results:
Net sales increased 5% to $994.7 million from $950.8 million in the prior year period.
Comparable sales increased 3%, following a 2% comparable sales increase in the prior year period. This includes e-commerce sales, which increased 37% to $130.6 million. In the prior year period, e-commerce sales grew 26% to $95.1 million.
Gross margin declined to 32.5% of net sales compared to 35.3% in the prior year period. Merchandise margin declined 150 basis points and buying and occupancy costs as a percentage of sales increased 130 basis points.
SG&A expenses were $231.8 million versus $229.5 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses improved 80 basis points to 23.3% compared to 24.1% in the same period last year.
Operating income was $92.1 million, or 9.3% of net sales, compared to $105.8 million, or 11.1% of net sales, in the prior year period.
The effective tax rate declined to 39.6% compared to 39.8% in the prior year period.
Net income was $49.3 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, compared to net income of $57.9 million, or $0.65 per diluted share, in the prior year period.
Capital expenditures totaled $45.5 million, compared to $45.7 million in the prior year period.









Second Quarter 2013 Balance Sheet:
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $234.3 million versus $130.2 million at the end of the second quarter of 2012.
As expected, inventory rose to $241.9 million, an increase of 13.4%, compared to $213.3 million at the end of the second quarter of 2012. The calendar shift due to last year's 53rd week accounted for approximately 4% of the increase. Inventory per square foot increased 8.8% compared to the same period in 2012.
Long-term debt was relatively unchanged at $199.0 million, with no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.
During the quarter the Company purchased approximately 0.6 million shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $13.9 million, to end the second quarter with approximately $21.1 million of its $100 million repurchase authorization still outstanding. Repurchases of an additional 1.0 million shares during the third quarter have completed the repurchase program.

2013 Guidance:
The table below compares the Company's projected results for the thirteen week period ended November 2, 2013 to the actual results for the thirteen week period ended October 27, 2012.     

 
Third Quarter 2013 Guidance
 
Third Quarter 2012
Actual Results
Comparable Sales
+Mid Single Digits
 
(5)%
Effective Tax Rate
Approximately 40%
 
41.4%
Interest Expense
$4.8 million
 
$4.8 million
Net Income
$18 - $22 million
 
$17.4 million
Diluted EPS
$0.21 - $0.26
 
$0.20
Weighted Average Diluted Shares Outstanding
85.1 million
 
86.2 million
See Schedule 4 for projected real estate activity.

The table below compares the Company's projected results for the fifty-two week period ended February 1, 2014 to the actual results for the fifty-three week period ended February 2, 2013.

 
Updated
Full Year 2013
Guidance
 
Full Year 2012
Actual Results
Comparable Sales
+Low to mid single digits (1)
 
Flat
Effective Tax Rate
39.3% - 39.8%
 
40%
Interest Expense
$19.4 million
 
$19.6 million
Net Income
$130 - $137 million
 
$139.3 million (2)
Diluted EPS
$1.52 - $1.60
 
$1.60 (3)
Weighted Average Diluted Shares Outstanding
85.4 million
 
87.2 million
Capital Expenditures
$110 - $115 million
 
$99.7 million
(1) Compares the 52-week period ended February 1, 2014 to the 52-week period ended February 2, 2013.
(2) Includes approximately $3.0 million related to the 53rd week.
(3)  Includes approximately $0.04 related to the 53rd week.
 
See Schedule 4 for projected real estate activity.






Consistent with previous years, the quarterly and full year guidance excludes any non-core operating items that may occur.

Conference Call Information:
A conference call to discuss second quarter results is scheduled for Wednesday August 28, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial (877) 705-6003 approximately ten minutes prior to the start of the call. The conference call will also be webcast live at: http://www.express.com/investor and remain available for 90 days. A telephone replay of this call will be available from 12:00 p.m. ET on August 28, 2013 until 11:59 p.m. ET on September 4, 2013 and can be accessed by dialing (877) 870-5176 and entering replay pin number 418777.


About Express:
Express is a specialty apparel and accessories retailer of women's and men's merchandise, targeting the 20 to 30 year old customer. The Company has over 30 years of experience offering a distinct combination of fashion and quality for multiple lifestyle occasions at an attractive value addressing fashion needs across work, casual, jeanswear, and going-out occasions. The Company currently operates over 620 retail stores, located primarily in high-traffic shopping malls, lifestyle centers, and street locations across the United States, in Canada, and in Puerto Rico. Express merchandise is also available at franchise stores in the Middle East and Latin America. The Company also markets and sells its products through the Company's e-commerce website, www.express.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements are "forward-looking statements" made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact and include, but are not limited to, (1) guidance for the third quarter and full year 2013, including statements regarding expected comparable sales, effective tax rates, interest expense, net income and earnings per diluted share, (2) statements regarding expected store openings, store closures, and gross square footage, and (3) statements regarding growth strategies and plans. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions, which may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from these forward-looking statements. Among these factors are (1) changes in consumer spending and general economic conditions; (2) our ability to identify and respond to new and changing fashion trends, customer preferences and other related factors; (3) fluctuations in our sales and results of operations on a seasonal basis and due to store events, promotions and a variety of other factors; (4) increased competition from other retailers; (5) changes in customer traffic at malls and shopping centers; (6) our dependence upon independent third parties to manufacture all of our merchandise; (7) changes in the cost of raw materials, labor, and freight; (8) supply chain disruption; (9) our growth strategy, including our international expansion plan; (10) our dependence on a strong brand image; (11) our dependence upon key executive management; (12) our reliance on third parties to provide us with certain key services for our business; and (13) our substantial indebtedness and lease obligations. Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in Express, Inc.'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.








Schedule 1
Express, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)


 
August 3, 2013
 
February 2, 2013
 
July 28, 2012
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
234,250

 
$
256,297

 
$
130,174

Receivables, net
13,510

 
11,024

 
13,825

Inventories
241,933

 
215,082

 
213,275

Prepaid minimum rent
26,030

 
25,166

 
23,543

Other
32,172

 
8,293

 
24,978

Total current assets
547,895

 
515,862

 
405,795

 
 
 
 
 
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
686,777

 
625,344

 
569,534

Less: accumulated depreciation
(364,576
)
 
(346,975
)
 
(317,829
)
Property and equipment, net
322,201

 
278,369

 
251,705

 
 
 
 
 
 
TRADENAME/DOMAIN NAME
197,787

 
197,719

 
197,694

DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
16,808

 
16,808

 
12,650

OTHER ASSETS
9,100

 
10,441

 
11,970

Total assets
$
1,093,791

 
$
1,019,199

 
$
879,814

 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
197,050

 
$
176,125

 
$
163,325

Deferred revenue
19,459

 
27,851

 
19,188

Accrued bonus
893

 
336

 
4,118

Accrued expenses
84,197

 
108,464

 
89,239

Accounts payable and accrued expenses – related parties

 

 

Total current liabilities
301,599

 
312,776

 
275,870

 
 
 
 
 
 
LONG-TERM DEBT
199,003

 
198,843

 
198,685

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
174,928

 
136,418

 
107,960

Total liabilities
675,530

 
648,037

 
582,515

 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity
418,261

 
371,162

 
297,299

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,093,791

 
$
1,019,199

 
$
879,814


Note: Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified or adjusted to conform to current year presentation.





Schedule 2
Express, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
August 3,
2013
 
July 28,
2012
 
August 3,
2013
 
July 28,
2012
NET SALES
$
486,158

 
$
454,879

 
$
994,682

 
$
950,831

COST OF GOODS SOLD, BUYING AND OCCUPANCY COSTS
333,611

 
308,358

 
671,358

 
615,543

Gross profit
152,547

 
146,521

 
323,324

 
335,288

OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
119,176

 
115,307

 
231,799

 
229,502

Other operating (income) expense, net
(44
)
 
18

 
(584
)
 
33

Total operating expenses
119,132

 
115,325

 
231,215

 
229,535

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING INCOME
33,415

 
31,196

 
92,109

 
105,753

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTEREST EXPENSE, NET
4,776

 
4,773

 
9,581

 
9,555

OTHER EXPENSE, NET
576

 
220

 
805

 
12

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
28,063

 
26,203

 
81,723

 
96,186

INCOME TAX EXPENSE
11,154

 
10,374

 
32,377

 
38,284

NET INCOME
$
16,909

 
$
15,829

 
$
49,346

 
$
57,902

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation
146

 
81

 
216

 
3

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
$
17,055

 
$
15,910

 
$
49,562

 
$
57,905

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EARNINGS PER SHARE:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.20

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.58

 
$
0.66

Diluted
$
0.20

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.58

 
$
0.65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
85,001

 
87,640

 
85,048

 
88,243

Diluted
85,572

 
87,979

 
85,531

 
88,645






Schedule 3
Express, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
August 3, 2013
 
July 28, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net income
$
49,346

 
$
57,902

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
34,754

 
33,937

Loss on disposal of property and equipment
286

 
35

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
(64
)
 
(277
)
Share-based compensation
10,837

 
8,856

Deferred taxes

 
(188
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Receivables, net
(2,408
)
 
(4,802
)
Inventories
(27,103
)
 
(204
)
Accounts payable, deferred revenue, and accrued expenses
(20,533
)
 
(25,982
)
Other assets and liabilities
(8,582
)
 
5,005

Net cash provided by operating activities
36,533

 
74,282

 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(45,538
)
 
(45,661
)
Purchase of intangible assets
(69
)
 
(185
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(45,607
)
 
(45,846
)
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Payments on capital lease obligation
(29
)
 
(27
)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
64

 
277

Proceeds from share-based compensation
2,828

 
623

Repurchase of common stock
(15,756
)
 
(51,497
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(12,893
)
 
(50,624
)
 
 
 
 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH
(80
)
 

 
 
 
 
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(22,047
)
 
(22,188
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period
256,297

 
152,362

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period
$
234,250

 
$
130,174


Note: Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified or adjusted to conform to current year presentation.





Schedule 4
Express, Inc.
Real Estate Activity
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
Second Quarter 2013 - Actual
 
August 3, 2013 - Actual
Company-Operated Stores
Opened
Closed
 
Store Count

Gross Square Footage
United States
2

1

 
609

 
Canada


 
12

 
Total
2

1

 
621

5.4 million
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third Quarter 2013 - Projected
 
November 2, 2013 - Projected
Company-Operated Stores
Open
Close
 
Store Count
 Gross Square Footage
United States
5


 
614

 
Canada
2


 
14

 
Total
7


 
628

5.5 million
 
 
 
 
 
 
Full Year 2013 - Projected
 
February 1, 2014 - Projected
Company-Operated Stores
Open
Close
 
Store Count
 Gross Square Footage
United States
12

9

 
617

 
Canada
4


 
15

 
Total
16

9

 
632

5.5 million