WATSONVILLE, Calif., Feb. 27, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- West Marine, Inc. (Nasdaq:WMAR) today reported unaudited financial results for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013.
- Net revenues were $663.2 million, a decrease of 1.8% compared to last year.
- Comparable store sales also decreased by 1.8%.
- Pre-tax income was $15.3 million, compared to pre-tax income of $24.5 million last year.
- Direct-to-consumer sales increased by 15.7% over last year, driven by our strategic investments in eCommerce.
- Sales in our merchandise expansion categories (which include footwear, apparel, clothing accessories, fishing products and paddle sports equipment) were up 6.1%, with sales of core usage-related products declining by 2.9%.
- The company remained debt-free at year-end and had $98.8 million available on its revolving credit line at the end of the period.
Fiscal Year and Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights
Net revenues for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013 were $663.2 million, a decrease of 1.8% compared to net revenues of $675.3 million for fiscal year 2012.
In line with our omni-channel focus, beginning in the first quarter of 2013, we changed our definition of comparable store sales to include sales from our direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels. As before, store sales are included in comparable store sales in the fiscal period in which they commence their 14th full month of operations. Stores that were closed or substantially remodeled (i.e., resulting in an increase or decrease of 40% or more of selling square footage) are excluded. Using this new definition, comparable store sales for 2013 decreased by 1.8% when compared to the same period last year. For 2012, we previously reported a 3.3% increase in comparable store sales. Using the new definition, our 2012 comparable store sales increased 3.1%.
Matt Hyde, West Marine's CEO, commented: "I would characterize 2013 as a challenging year due to the unusually cold, rainy and windy weather in many of our markets during the first half of the year. We were disappointed in the results, but we have continued to make great progress with our three key growth strategies: eCommerce development; merchandise expansion; and store optimization. Our growth strategies continue to evolve West Marine into a waterlife outfitter by offering broader product selections, a more appealing in-store experience and ease of shopping options."
Net income for fiscal year 2013 was $7.8 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, compared to fiscal year 2012 net income of $14.7 million, or $0.62 per diluted share. Excluding the impact of the $1.7 million valuation allowance recorded during the second half of this year, which resulted from a California tax law change, net income for full-year 2013 would have been $9.5 million, or $0.39 per diluted share.
Net revenues for the fourth quarter increased by $0.6 million, or 0.5%, to $118.8 million compared to $118.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2012. Comparable store sales increased by 0.5%. Net loss for the fourth quarter was $11.2 million compared to a net loss of $11.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2012.
Total inventory as of December 28, 2013 was $203.0 million, a $13.7 million, or 7.2%, increase compared to the balance at December 29, 2012, and a 6.4% increase on an inventory per square foot basis. Inventory turns for 2013 decreased by 1.1% versus last year.
The accompanying financial statements have been revised, primarily to reflect immaterial corrections of certain cash consideration received from our vendors that were previously recorded as a reduction of advertising in selling, general and administrative expense and are now reflected as a reduction to cost of goods sold. The revision included a decrease of $9.4 million to cost of goods sold and an increase of $9.3 million to selling, general and administrative expense which resulted in a $0.1 million increase to pre-tax income for fiscal 2012.
Fiscal 2014 Guidance
Our key financial projections for full-year 2014 are in the following ranges (note that fiscal 2014 is a 53-week fiscal year for West Marine):
- Net revenues of approximately $695 million to $710 million, an increase of 4.8% to 7.1% over 2013
- Comparable store sales growth of 3.5% to 6.0%
- EBITDA of $35.0 million to $37.5 million
- Pre-tax income of $16.0 million to $18.5 million
- Earnings per share of $0.39 to $0.45
Reflected in the above guidance is the initial implementation of our "15/50 plan." This three to five year plan accelerates investments in our strategic growth initiatives, including capital expenditures in 2014 of $30 to $34 million. Successful execution of this plan, supported by our merchandise expansion strategy, should deliver incremental sales and operating margin improvement. The first number in the 15/50 plan refers to our objective to grow our eCommerce business to 15% of total sales. The second number reflects our expectation that sales derived from consolidated or revitalized stores will grow to 50% of total sales. The 15/50 plan represents the diversification of West Marine, positions us to realize higher profitability, and to be less seasonal and weather dependent, and allows us to serve our customers' lives more completely as a waterlife outfitter.
Share Repurchase Program
Under our previously-announced share repurchase program, we repurchased 608,530 shares of our common stock in open-market transactions for $8.1 million during the fourth quarter of 2013 and the first seven weeks of fiscal 2014 at an average price of $13.37 per share. As of February 14, 2014, we had $1.3 million remaining under our current share repurchase authorization.
Webcast and Conference Call
West Marine will hold a conference call and webcast on Thursday, February 27, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time ("EDT") to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2013 financial results. The live call will be webcast and available in real time on the Internet at westmarine.com under "Investor Relations." Participants may also dial (888) 756-1546 in the United States and Canada and (706) 634-1041 for international calls. Please be prepared to give the conference ID number 5358451.
An audio replay of the call will be available February 27, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. EDT through March 6, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. The replay number is (855) 859-2056 in the United States and Canada and (404) 537-3406 for international calls. The access code is 5358451.
About West Marine
Founded in 1968 by a sailor, West Marine, Inc. has grown to become the largest omni-channel specialty retailer exclusively offering gear, apparel and footwear to anyone who enjoys recreational time on or around the water. With 287 stores located in 38 states, Puerto Rico and Canada and an eCommerce website reaching domestic and international customers, West Marine is recognized as the dominant waterlife outfitter – from cruisers to sailors to anglers to paddle sport enthusiasts, West Marine has everything you need for your life on the water. For more information on West Marine, Inc. its products and store locations, visit westmarine.com or call 1-800-BOATING (1-800-262-8464). West Marine's stock is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol WMAR.
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes "forward-looking" information (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995), including statements that are predictive or express expectations that depend on future events or conditions that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, expectations related to our earnings and profitability, expectations and projections with respect to our ability to appropriately invest in, and execute on, our growth strategies, expectations related to our ability to attract new customers, expectations for full-year 2014 results and the longer term sales and profitability impact from our strategic plan, as well as facts and assumptions underlying these expectations and projections. In addition, the results presented in this release are preliminary and unaudited, and may change as we finalize our financial statements. Actual results for the fourth quarter of 2013, the current fiscal year and next year may differ materially from the preliminary expectations expressed or implied in this release due to various risks, uncertainties or other factors, including the risk factors set forth in West Marine's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012, as well as the discussion of critical accounting policies in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012. Except as required by applicable law, West Marine assumes no responsibility to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Non-GAAP Financial Information
This release references certain financial information not calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), specifically adjusted net income, estimated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") and Return on Invested Capital ("ROIC"). We believe adjusted net income provides meaningful supplemental information for our investors regarding the performance of our business and facilitates comparisons with prior periods by removing the impact of the valuation allowance that resulted from a recent change in tax law. We believe that projected EBITDA for fiscal year 2014 provides a clearer picture of operating performance of the business, given the significant investments we are making in the growth of the business, by eliminating the effects of depreciation and interest expense. EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner. We believe that ROIC as presented in the accompanying financial tables, is a meaningful measure of our efficient and effective use of capital. ROIC is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner. These non-GAAP measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Management has reconciled both non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure in the tables set forth below.
| West Marine, Inc. | ||
| Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||
| (Unaudited and in thousands, except share data) | ||
| December 28, 2013 | December 29, 2012 | |
| ASSETS | ||
| Current assets: | ||
| Cash | $ 48,408 | $ 56,542 |
| Trade receivables, net | 6,441 | 6,723 |
| Merchandise inventories | 203,036 | 189,339 |
| Deferred income taxes | 5,012 | 4,622 |
| Assets Held for Sale | -- | 4,283 |
| Other current assets | 19,360 | 18,038 |
| Total current assets | 282,257 | 279,547 |
| Property and equipment, net | 72,848 | 59,532 |
| Long-term deferred income taxes | 5,685 | 8,429 |
| Other assets | 3,454 | 3,471 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | $ 364,244 | $ 350,979 |
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||
| Current liabilities: | ||
| Accounts payable | $ 21,986 | $ 21,074 |
| Accrued expenses and other | 37,291 | 40,722 |
| Total current liabilities | 59,277 | 61,796 |
| Deferred rent and other | 16,383 | 13,877 |
| Total liabilities | 75,660 | 75,673 |
| Stockholders' equity: | ||
| Preferred stock, $.001 par value: 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding | -- | -- |
| Common stock, $.001 par value: 50,000,000 shares authorized; 24,625,481 shares issued and 24,296,497 shares outstanding at December 28, 2013, and 23,777,030 shares issued and 23,746,140 shares outstanding at December 29, 2012. | 25 | 24 |
| Treasury stock | (4,405) | (385) |
| Additional paid-in capital | 202,622 | 193,388 |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (565) | (791) |
| Retained earnings | 90,907 | 83,070 |
| Total stockholders' equity | 288,584 | 275,306 |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | $ 364,244 | $ 350,979 |
| Note - Certain prior period balances have been revised, primarily to reflect immaterial corrections for the treatment of certain cash consideration received from vendors. | ||
| West Marine, Inc. | ||||
| Consolidated Statements of Operations | ||||
| (Unaudited and in thousands, except per share data) | ||||
| 13 Weeks Ended | ||||
| December 28, 2013 | December 29, 2012 | |||
| Net revenues | $ 118,818 | 100.0% | $ 118,187 | 100.0% |
| Cost of goods sold | 97,429 | 82.0% | 94,695 | 80.1% |
| Gross profit | 21,389 | 18.0% | 23,492 | 19.9% |
| Selling, general and administrative expense | 40,603 | 34.2% | 43,047 | 36.5% |
| Restructuring costs (recoveries) | 8 | 0.0% | (60) | (0.1)% |
| Loss from operations | (19,222) | (16.2)% | (19,495) | (16.5)% |
| Interest expense | 107 | 0.1% | 180 | 0.1% |
| Loss before income taxes | (19,329) | (16.3)% | (19,675) | (16.6)% |
| Income tax benefit | (8,129) | (6.9)% | (7,940) | (6.7)% |
| Net loss | $ (11,200) | (9.4)% | $ (11,735) | (9.9)% |
| Net loss per common and common equivalent share: | ||||
| Basic | $ (0.46) | $ (0.50) | ||
| Diluted | $ (0.46) | $ (0.50) | ||
| Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding: | ||||
| Basic | 24,456 | 23,604 | ||
| Diluted | 24,456 | 23,604 | ||
| 52 Weeks Ended | ||||
| December 28, 2013 | December 29, 2012 | |||
| Net revenues | $ 663,174 | 100.0% | $ 675,251 | 100.0% |
| Cost of goods sold | 471,528 | 71.1% | 467,731 | 69.3% |
| Gross profit | 191,646 | 28.9% | 207,520 | 30.7% |
| Selling, general and administrative expense | 175,891 | 26.5% | 182,123 | 27.0% |
| Restructuring costs | 11 | 0.0% | 99 | 0.0% |
| Income from operations | 15,744 | 2.4% | 25,298 | 3.7% |
| Interest expense | 434 | 0.1% | 841 | 0.1% |
| Income before income taxes | 15,310 | 2.3% | 24,457 | 3.6% |
| Provision for Income taxes | 7,473 | 1.1% | 9,738 | 1.4% |
| Net income | $ 7,837 | 1.2% | $ 14,719 | 2.2% |
| Net income per common and common equivalent share: | ||||
| Basic | $ 0.32 | $ 0.63 | ||
| Diluted | $ 0.32 | $ 0.62 | ||
| Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding: | ||||
| Basic | 24,259 | 23,312 | ||
| Diluted | 24,601 | 23,771 | ||
| Note - Prior periods have been revised, primarily to reflect immaterial corrections of cash consideration received from vendors which were previously reported as a reduction of advertising under Selling, general and administrative expense and are now reflected as a reduction of Cost of goods sold. | ||||
| West Marine, Inc. | ||
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | ||
| (Unaudited and in thousands) | ||
| 52 Weeks Ended | ||
| December 28, 2013 | December 29, 2012 | |
| OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||
| Net income | $ 7,837 | $ 14,719 |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||
| Depreciation and amortization | 14,960 | 15,301 |
| Share-based compensation | 3,207 | 3,128 |
| Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation | (1,240) | (380) |
| Deferred income taxes | 3,464 | 4,616 |
| Provision for doubtful accounts | 81 | 223 |
| Lower of cost or market inventory adjustments | 1,499 | 925 |
| Loss on asset disposals | 172 | 103 |
| Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||
| Trade receivables | 201 | (1,175) |
| Merchandise inventories | (15,196) | (1,622) |
| Other current assets | (1,332) | (4,502) |
| Other assets | 18 | (163) |
| Accounts payable | 1,109 | (4,769) |
| Accrued expenses and other | (2,624) | (266) |
| Deferred items and other non-current liabilities | 1,396 | (97) |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 13,552 | 26,041 |
| INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||
| Proceeds from sale of property and equipment | 4,372 | 122 |
| Purchases of property and equipment | (28,553) | (17,953) |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (24,181) | (17,831) |
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||
| Borrowings on line of credit | 3,812 | 5,224 |
| Repayments on line of credit | (3,812) | (5,224) |
| Payment of loan costs | -- | (561) |
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 4,439 | 3,863 |
| Proceeds from sale of common stock pursuant to Associates Stock Buying Plan | 781 | 698 |
| Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation | 1,240 | 380 |
| Treasury shares acquired | (4,019) | -- |
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 2,441 | 4,380 |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 54 | (14) |
| NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH | (8,134) | 12,576 |
| CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD | 56,542 | 43,966 |
| CASH AT END OF PERIOD | $ 48,408 | $ 56,542 |
| Other cash flow information: | ||
| Cash paid for interest | $ 293 | $ 693 |
| Cash paid for income taxes | 5,048 | 7,222 |
| Non-cash investing activities: | ||
| Property and equipment additions in accounts payable | 1,197 | 999 |
| Note - Certain prior period balances have been revised, primarily to reflect corrected treatment of cash consideration received from vendors. | ||
| West Marine, Inc. | |
| Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures | |
| (Unaudited and in thousands, except per share data) | |
| 52 Weeks Ended | |
| December 28, 2013 | |
| GAAP Net income | $ 7,837 |
| Valuation allowance | 1,659 |
| Non-GAAP Adjusted Net income | $ 9,496 |
| 52 Weeks Ended | |
| December 28, 2013 | |
| GAAP Diluted net income per share | $ 0.32 |
| Valuation allowance | 0.07 |
| Non-GAAP Adjusted Diluted net income per share | $ 0.39 |
| West Marine | ||
| Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Information | ||
| Estimated Net Income to Estimated Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA") | ||
| (Unaudited and in millions) | ||
| Estimated | ||
| Fiscal Year 2014 | ||
| Low | High | |
| Estimated GAAP net income | 9.6 | 11.1 |
| Add Back Estimated: | ||
| Interest Expense | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| Depreciation and Amortization | 18.7 | 18.7 |
| Income Tax Expense | 6.3 | 7.3 |
| 25.4 | 26.4 | |
| Estimated EBITDA | 35.0 | 37.5 |
| Estimated EBITDA and the estimated GAAP line items in the table are projections. Projections of this type are based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to significant economic, industry and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond West Marine's control. Since the projections cover a complete fiscal year such information by its nature becomes less reliable as the year progresses. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the projected results would be realized or that actual results would not be significantly higher or lower than projected. These projections were not prepared with a view of complying with the published guidelines of the SEC regarding projections or with guidelines established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for preparation and presentation of prospective financial information. Except as required by applicable law, West Marine assumes no responsibility to update these projections. | ||
| West Marine, Inc. | ||||||
| Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information | ||||||
| Return on Invested Capital ("ROIC") | ||||||
| (Unaudited and in thousands) | ||||||
| 52 Weeks Ended | 52 Weeks Ended | 52 Weeks Ended | ||||
| December 28, 2013 | December 29, 2012 | December 31, 2011 | ||||
| GAAP net income | $ 7,837 | $ 14,719 | $ 32,753 | |||
| Adjust for GAAP income tax (benefit) expense | 7,473 | 9,738 | (10,882) | |||
| GAAP income before taxes | 15,310 | 24,457 | 21,871 | |||
| Less: income tax expense at 2013 Rate | 7,473 | 11,938 | 10,675 | |||
| Adjusted net income | $ 7,837 | $ 12,519 | $ 11,195 | |||
| Add back: | ||||||
| Interest expense | 434 | 841 | 918 | |||
| Rent expense (fixed) | 47,932 | 46,373 | 43,818 | |||
| Total | 48,366 | 24,758 1 | 47,214 | 24,168 1 | 44,736 | 22,900 1 |
| Net income after adjustments and after-tax add backs (numerator) | $ 32,595 | $ 36,688 | $ 34,095 | |||
| Total Capital: | ||||||
| Long-term debt 2 | $ -- | $ -- | $ -- | |||
| Operating leases capitalized at 8x annual rent expense | 383,455 | 370,987 | 350,542 | |||
| Total stockholder's equity 2 | 285,195 | 266,455 | 238,204 | |||
| Less: Cash and cash equivalents 2 | (48,635) | (41,621) | (24,823) | |||
| Total Capital (denominator: long-term debt + operating leases capitalized at 8x annual rent expense + total stockholders' equity - cash and cash equivalents) | $ 620,016 | $ 595,821 | $ 563,923 | |||
| ROIC | 5.3% | 6.2% | 6.0% | |||
| ROIC using GAAP net income | 5.3% | 7.2% | 17.7% | |||
| 1 Total after-tax add backs after applying 2013 tax rate. | ||||||
| 2 Calculated as the average of the five most recent quarter-end results. | ||||||