Attached files

file filename
8-K - 8-K - PANTRY INCa12262013-form8xk.htm
EX-99.2 - EXHIBIT 99.2 - EARNINGS CALL SLIDES - PANTRY INCq1fy2014pantryincearning.htm


Exhibit 99.1

 
 
 
Contact: Andrew Hinton
 
(919) 774-6700

THE PANTRY ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER FISCAL 2014 RESULTS

Cary, North Carolina, January 30, 2014 - The Pantry, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTRY), a leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern U.S., today announced financial results for its fiscal first quarter ended December 26, 2013.

First Quarter Summary:

Net loss was $5.1 million or $0.23 per share. This compares to net loss of $3.1 million or $0.14 per share in last year's first quarter. Excluding the impact of impairment charges, net loss for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 was $4.6 million, or $0.20 per share, compared to net loss of $1.7 million, or $0.08 per share, in the prior year (see reconciliation below).

Adjusted EBITDA was $42.4 million, down from $48.9 million a year ago (see reconciliation below).

Comparable store merchandise revenue increased 3.5%.

Merchandise gross margin decreased to 33.5% from 34.3% in the prior year quarter driven by promotional activity and sales mix.

Fuel gross profit was $48.7 million, compared to $49.2 million a year ago as comparable store fuel gallons sold declined 4.0%. This was partially offset by our retail fuel margin per gallon increasing $0.004 over the prior year quarter to $0.118.

Store operating and general and administrative expenses were $154.0 million compared to $147.2 million a year ago, as we upgraded our stores and incurred significant upfront training costs to support staffing realignment related to the Affordable Care Act. The increase included a $1.1 million unfavorable variance in gain/loss on asset sales. Other increases included: $3.0 million in facilities costs (of which $1.3 million was at remodeled stores); $1.5 million in store labor (of which $0.7 million was for increased training costs); and $1.2 million in medical insurance, incentive compensation and other costs.

Our effective tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 was 39.2% compared to 39.9% in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.
 
President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis G. Hatchell said, "We gained further momentum in merchandise sales during the first quarter as comparable sales grew 3.5%, our strongest result since the third quarter of fiscal year 2012. Our 4.1% increase in sales per customer drove this growth as inside customer traffic levels stabilized. These encouraging results were supported by continued progress upgrading our store base. During the first quarter we opened one new store, completed 28 remodels and added four new QSR's. As anticipated, higher expenses caused Adjusted EBITDA to be below last year, and we have action plans in place to control them over the balance of the year.”






Fiscal 2014 Outlook

The Company announced the following guidance ranges for its expected performance in fiscal 2014, which is a 52-week fiscal year:


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Q2 FY13
 
 
Q2 FY14 Guidance(1)
 
 
FY13
 
 
FY14 Guidance(1)
 
Actual
 
 
Low
 
High
 
 
Actual
 
 
Low
 
High
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merchandise sales ($B)
$0.419
 
 
$0.426
 
$0.434
 
 
$1.80
 
 
$1.83
 
$1.86
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merchandise gross margin
33.7%
 
 
33.7%
 
34.2%
 
 
34.0%
 
 
33.7%
 
34.1%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail fuel gallons (B)
0.408
 
 
0.390
 
0.398
 
 
1.71
 
 
1.61
 
1.64
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail fuel margin per gallon
$0.117
 
 
$0.105
 
$0.125
 
 
$0.115
 
 
$0.110
 
$0.130
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Store operating and general and administrative
   expenses ($M)
$150
 
 
$153
 
$156
 
 
$609
 
 
$615
 
$625
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation & amortization ($M)
$30
 
 
$28
 
$29
 
 
$118
 
 
$110
 
$115
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective Corporate Tax Rate
49.0%
 
 
35.0%
 
38.0%
 
 
65.8%
 
 
38.0%
 
39.0%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense ($M)
$22
 
 
$21
 
$22
 
 
$89
 
 
$84
 
$87
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures, net ($M)
$17
 
 
$25
 
$28
 
 
$85
 
 
$95
 
$110

(1) Guidance for the second quarter and for Fiscal 2014 excludes expenses relating to the contested election of directors resulting from the nominations submitted by a shareholder group. Fiscal 2014 guidance assumes closure of approximately 40 stores.


Conference Call
Interested parties are invited to listen to the first quarter earnings conference call scheduled for Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The call will be broadcast live over the Internet and will be accessible through the Investors section of the Company's website at www.thepantry.com. A slide presentation for the conference call will also be available for download at the investor section of our website. An online archive will be available immediately following the call and will be accessible for 30 days.





Use of Non-GAAP Measures

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is defined by the Company as net income (loss) before interest expense, gain/loss on extinguishment of debt, income taxes, impairment charges and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of operating performance or liquidity under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") and should not be considered as a substitute for net income, cash flows from operating activities or other income or cash flow statement data. The Company has included information concerning Adjusted EBITDA because it believes investors find this information useful as a reflection of the resources available for strategic opportunities including, among others, to invest in the Company's business, make strategic acquisitions and to service debt. Management also uses Adjusted EBITDA to review the performance of the Company's business directly resulting from its retail operations and for budgeting and compensation targets. Adjusted EBITDA does not include impairment of long-lived assets and other charges. The Company excluded the effect of impairment losses because it believes that including them in Adjusted EBITDA is not consistent with reflecting the ongoing performance of its remaining assets. Adjusted EBITDA does not include gain/loss on extinguishment of debt because it represents financing activities and is not indicative of the ongoing performance of the Company's remaining stores.

Net Loss and Net Loss Per Share Excluding Certain Items

In addition to net loss and net loss per share presented in accordance with GAAP, the Company has also presented net loss and net loss per share for the three months ended December 26, 2013 excluding the after-tax impact of non-cash charges related to impairment. Management believes that investors find this information useful as a reflection of the Company's underlying operating performance and that this information facilitates comparisons between the Company and other companies in its industry. Management uses these measures as part of its preparation of operating plans, budgets and forecasts and in its assessment of the Company's historical performance.

Additional Information Regarding Non-GAAP Measures

Any measure that excludes interest expense, gain/loss on extinguishment of debt, depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, or income taxes has material limitations because the Company uses debt and lease financing in order to finance its operations and acquisitions, uses capital and intangible assets in its business and must pay income taxes as a necessary element of its operations. Due to these limitations, the Company uses non-GAAP measures in addition to and in conjunction with results and cash flows presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company strongly encourages investors to review its financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.

Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, the measures referenced above, each as defined by the Company, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. It therefore may not be possible to compare the Company's use of these measures with non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names used by other companies.






About The Pantry

Headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, The Pantry, Inc. is a leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States and one of the largest independently operated convenience store chains in the country. As of January 30, 2014, the Company operated 1,537 stores in thirteen states under select banners, including Kangaroo Express®, its primary operating banner. The Pantry's stores offer a broad selection of merchandise, as well as fuel and other ancillary services designed to appeal to the convenience needs of its customers.

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements made by the Company in this press release relating to future plans, events, or financial condition or performance are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "outlook," "guidance," "believes," "should," "target," "goal," "forecast," "will," "may" or words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are likely to address matters such as the Company's anticipated sales, expenses, margins, tax rates, capital expenditures, profits, cash flows, liquidity and debt levels, as well as our pricing and merchandising strategies and their anticipated impact and our intentions with respect to acquisitions, the construction of new stores, including additional quick service restaurants, and the remodeling of our existing stores. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current plans and expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to vary materially from the results and events anticipated or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any number of factors could affect actual results and events, including, without limitation; the Company's ability to enhance its operating performance through its in-store initiatives and its store remodel program; fluctuations in domestic and global petroleum and fuel markets; realizing expected benefits from the Company's fuel supply agreements; changes in the competitive landscape of the convenience store industry, including fuel stations and other non-traditional retailers located in the Company's markets; the effect of national and regional economic conditions on the convenience store industry and the Company's markets; the global financial crisis and uncertainty in global economic conditions; wholesale cost increases of, and tax increases on, tobacco products; the effect of regional weather conditions and climate change on customer traffic and spending; legal, technological, political and scientific developments regarding climate change; financial difficulties of suppliers, including the Company's principal suppliers of fuel and merchandise, and their ability to continue to supply its stores; the Company's financial leverage and debt covenants; a disruption of our IT systems or a failure to protect sensitive customer, employee or vendor data; the ability of the Company to identify suitable acquisition targets and to take advantage of expected synergies in connection with acquisitions; the actual operating results of new or acquired stores; the ability of the Company to divest non-core assets; environmental risks associated with selling petroleum products; the potential cost and management distraction attendant to the recent announcement of a stockholder nomination at our next annual meeting; and governmental laws and regulations, including those relating to the environment and the impact of mandated health care laws. These and other risk factors are discussed in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and should be considered carefully. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward looking statements. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on the Company's estimates and plans as of January 30, 2014. While the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.





The Pantry, Inc.
Unaudited Condensed Statements of Operations and Selected Financial Data
(In thousands, except per share and per gallon amounts, margin data and store count)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
December 26,
2013
 
December 27,
2012
Revenues:
 
 
 
   Merchandise
$
440,780

 
$
428,848

   Fuel
1,363,299

 
1,486,359

      Total revenues
1,804,079

 
1,915,207

Costs and operating expenses:
 
 
 
   Merchandise cost of goods sold
293,001

 
281,955

         Fuel cost of goods sold
1,314,617

 
1,437,191

   Store operating
128,069

 
123,276

   General and administrative
25,977

 
23,886

   Impairment charges
829

 
2,299

   Depreciation and amortization
28,679

 
28,586

      Total costs and operating expenses
1,791,172

 
1,897,193

Income from operations
12,907

 
18,014

Other expenses:
 
 
 
   Interest expense
21,372

 
23,101

      Total other expenses
21,372

 
23,101

Loss before income taxes
(8,465
)
 
(5,087
)
   Income tax benefit
(3,321
)
 
(2,030
)
      Net loss
$
(5,144
)
 
$
(3,057
)
 
 
 
 
Loss per share:
 
 
 
   Loss per share
$
(0.23
)
 
$
(0.14
)
   Weighted average and potential dilutive shares outstanding
22,791

 
22,615

 
 
 
 
Selected financial data:
 
 
 
   Adjusted EBITDA
$
42,415

 
$
48,899

   Payments made for lease finance obligations
$
13,336

 
$
12,887

   Merchandise gross profit
$
147,779

 
$
146,893

   Merchandise margin
33.5
 %
 
34.3
 %
   Retail fuel data:
 
 
 
        Gallons
408,663

 
427,024

        Margin per gallon (1)
$
0.118

 
$
0.114

        Retail price per gallon
$
3.28

 
$
3.42

Total fuel gross profit
$
48,682

 
$
49,168

 
 
 
 
Comparable store data:
 
 
 
   Merchandise sales %
3.5
 %
 
2.2
 %
   Retail fuel gallons %
(4.0
)%
 
(4.8
)%
 
 
 
 
Number of stores:
 
 
 
   End of period
1,538

 
1,572

   Weighted-average store count
1,544

 
1,574


(1) Fuel margin per gallon represents fuel revenue less cost of product and expenses associated with credit card processing fees and repairs and maintenance on fuel equipment. Fuel margin per gallon as presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.









The Pantry, Inc.
Unaudited Condensed Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 26,
2013
 
September 26,
2013
ASSETS
 
  
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
32,506

   
$
57,168

Receivables
58,750

   
64,936

Inventories
134,128

   
132,229

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
18,481

   
19,120

Deferred income taxes
16,874

   
18,698

Total current assets
260,739

   
292,151

 
 
 
 
Property and equipment, net
896,916

 
902,796

Goodwill and other intangible assets
440,891

 
440,982

Other noncurrent assets
80,628

 
79,297

Total assets
$
1,679,174

 
$
1,715,226

 
 
  
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
$
2,550

   
$
2,550

Current maturities of lease finance obligations
10,998

   
11,018

Accounts payable
142,720

   
153,693

Other accrued liabilities
102,863

 
114,400

Total current liabilities
259,131

 
281,661

 
 
   
 
Long-term debt
497,868

 
498,414

Lease finance obligations
430,692

 
434,022

Deferred income taxes
54,438

 
59,182

Deferred vendor rebates
9,283

 
10,152

Other noncurrent liabilities
109,121

 
108,096

Total shareholders' equity
318,641

 
323,699

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
1,679,174

 
$
1,715,226

 
 
 
 







The Pantry, Inc.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
December 26,
2013
 
December 27,
2012
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA
$
42,415

 
$
48,899

Impairment charges
(829
)
 
(2,299
)
Interest expense
(21,372
)
 
(23,101
)
Depreciation and amortization
(28,679
)
 
(28,586
)
Income tax benefit
3,321

 
2,030

Net loss
$
(5,144
)
 
$
(3,057
)
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA
$
42,415

 
$
48,899

Interest expense
(21,372
)
 
(23,101
)
Income tax benefit
3,321

 
2,030

Stock-based compensation expense
924

 
852

Changes in operating assets and liabilities
(13,076
)
 
(11,008
)
Benefit for deferred income taxes
(2,983
)
 
(2,002
)
Other
1,404

 
1,349

Net cash provided by operating activities
$
10,633

 
$
17,019

 
 
 
 
Additions to property and equipment, net
$
(29,745
)
 
$
(18,511
)
Acquisitions of businesses, net

 
141

Net cash used in investing activities
$
(29,745
)
 
$
(18,370
)
 
 
 
 
Net cash used in financing activities
$
(5,550
)
 
$
(63,459
)
 
 
 
 
Net decrease in cash
$
(24,662
)
 
$
(64,810
)




 
Three Months Ended
 
December 26, 2013
 
December 27, 2012
 
Pre Tax
 
After Tax
 
EPS
 
Pre Tax
 
After Tax
 
EPS
Loss, as reported
$
(8,465
)
 
$
(5,144
)
 
$
(0.23
)
 
$
(5,087
)
 
$
(3,057
)
 
$
(0.14
)
Impairment charges
829

 
509

 
0.02

 
2,299

 
1,406

 
0.06

Loss, as adjusted
$
(7,636
)
 
$
(4,635
)
 
$
(0.20
)
 
$
(2,788
)
 
$
(1,651
)
 
$
(0.08
)