Stein Mart, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2015 Results

Achieved Sales Growth of 3.2 Percent for the Year


Highlights

  • Full year total sales increased 3.2 percent and comparable store sales increased 1.0 percent
  • Full year diluted earnings per share of $0.51 or $0.58 as adjusted, compared to $0.59 or $0.72 as adjusted in 2014
  • Returned $239 million of dividends to shareholders in 2015

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 10, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stein Mart, Inc. (NASDAQ:SMRT) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 30, 2016.

Overview of Results
Net income for the fourth quarter was $6.3 million or $0.13 per diluted share compared to net income of $12.3 million or $0.27 per diluted share in 2014. Fourth quarter adjusted net income was $8.0 million or $0.17 per diluted share in 2015 compared to adjusted net income of $14.6 million or $0.32 per diluted share in 2014 (see Note 1). Fourth quarter 2015 results were significantly impacted by higher markdowns.

For the year, net income was $23.7 million or $0.51 per diluted share compared to $26.9 million or $0.59 per diluted share in 2014.  Adjusted net income was $27.2 million or $0.58 per diluted share for 2015 compared to adjusted net income of $33.0 million or $0.72 per diluted share for 2014 (see Note 1). The year 2015 includes $3.0 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, higher interest expense. Adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for the year was $80.1 million compared to $87.0 million in 2014 (see Note 2).

Comments on Results
“Disappointing fourth quarter sales and a more promotional holiday selling season drove our results lower than the prior year. Our fourth quarter gross profit rate was lower as we made appropriate valuation decisions on inventories,” said Jay Stein, Chief Executive Officer. “On a positive note, we increased our comparable store sales for the year, had solid sales growth from ten new stores and controlled our expenses well. We also ended the year with acceptable inventory levels going into our strong spring selling season.”

Sales
Total sales for the fourth quarter of 2015 increased 1.8 percent to $394.1 million, while comparable store sales decreased 1.1 percent. For the year 2015, total sales increased 3.2 percent to $1.36 billion, while comparable store sales increased 1.0 percent. Sales from our ecommerce business increased by 70 percent in 2015 and were a 70 basis point lift to comparable store sales results in both the fourth quarter and the year.

Gross Profit
Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $105.8 million or 26.8 percent of sales compared to $113.6 million or 29.4 percent of sales in 2014. The decrease in the gross profit rate is due to higher markdowns from lower than planned sales and an elevated promotional environment during the holiday selling season. Additionally, fall inventories levels were higher after the holiday selling season and required additional markdowns.

Gross profit for the year 2015 was $385.3 million or 28.3 percent of sales compared to $386.7 million or 29.3 percent of sales in 2014. The decrease in the gross profit rate for the year was primarily due to the fourth quarter impact discussed above.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the fourth quarter of 2015 were $95.1 million or 24.1 percent of sales compared to $93.1 million or 24.0 percent of sales in 2014. The $2.0 million increase in SG&A expenses is primarily the result of higher operating expenses for new stores and higher asset impairment charges, offset by lower earnings-based incentive compensation and SEC investigation fees (see Note 1).

SG&A expenses were $343.7 million for the year compared to $342.0 million in 2014. SEC investigation costs, net of insurance recoveries were $51 thousand in 2015 compared to $4.1 million in 2014 (see Note 1). Excluding these costs, SG&A expenses would be $343.7 million or 25.3 percent of sales compared to $338.0 million or 25.6 percent of sales in 2014.

Interest Expense and Debt
Interest expense for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $0.9 million compared to $0.1 million in 2014, decreasing earnings $0.01 per diluted share. For the year, interest expense was $3.3 million compared to $0.3 million in 2014, decreasing earnings $0.04 per diluted share. Interest expense is higher this year due to borrowings on our credit facilities which were used to partially fund a $226 million special dividend paid in February 2015.

Borrowings under our credit facilities were $190 million at the end of the year. Unused availability was $74 million at the end of the year.

Inventories
Inventories were $294 million at the end of 2015 compared to $286 million at the end of 2014 reflecting additional stores. Average inventories for our comparable stores, not including ecommerce, were down 1.5 percent from last year.

Store Activity
We had 278 stores at the end of 2015 compared to 270 at the end of 2014. Ten new stores were opened and two were closed in 2015.

2016 Outlook    
We expect the following factors to influence our business in 2016:  

  • We opened 5 new stores today and currently plan to open at least 7 new stores in October and November for a total plan of at least 12 stores.
    • We currently plan to close one and relocate two stores
    • New stores should increase sales an estimated 4 percent above our comparable store sales increases for the year   
  • We expect our gross profit rate to be 50 basis points higher than 2015   
  • SG&A expenses are expected to be approximately $370 million with the increase primarily due to new stores and planned payroll increases
  • Interest expense is estimated to be about the same as in 2015
  • The effective tax rate for the year is estimated to be 38.5 percent.
  • Capital expenditures for 2016 are expected to be approximately $43 million, or $33 million net of tenant improvement allowances.

Filing of Form 10-K
Reported results are preliminary and not final until the filing of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and therefore remain subject to adjustment.

Conference Call
A conference call for investment analysts to discuss the Company’s fourth quarter and fiscal year 2015 results will be held at 10 a.m. EST on March 10, 2016. The call may be heard on the investor relations portion of the Company’s website at http://ir.steinmart.com. A replay of the conference call will be available on the website through April 30, 2016.

Investor Presentation
Stein Mart’s fiscal 2015 investor presentation has been posted to the investor relations portion of the Company’s website at http://ir.steinmart.com.

About Stein Mart
Stein Mart stores offer the fashion merchandise, service and presentation of a better department or specialty store, at prices competitive with off-price retail chains. With 278 locations from California to Massachusetts, as well as steinmart.com, Stein Mart’s focused assortment of merchandise features current season, moderate to better fashion apparel for women and men, as well as accessories, shoes and home fashions.  For more information, please visit www.steinmart.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements                                
Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this release may be forward-looking, and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that projected results expressed or implied will not be realized. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause Stein Mart’s actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted or expected results. Those risks include, without limitation: consumer sensitivity to economic conditions, competition in the retail industry, changes in consumer preferences and fashion trends, ability to implement our strategic plans to sustain profitable growth, effectiveness of advertising and marketing, capital availability and debt levels, ability to negotiate acceptable lease terms with current and potential landlords, ability to successfully implement strategies to exit under-performing stores, extreme and/or unseasonable weather conditions, adequate sources of merchandise at acceptable prices, dependence on certain key personnel and ability to attract and retain qualified employees, impacts of seasonality, increases in the cost of compensation and employee benefits, disruption of the Company’s distribution process, dependence on imported merchandise, information technology failures, data security breaches, single supplier for shoe department, single provider for ecommerce website, acts of terrorism, ability to adapt to new regulatory compliance and disclosure obligations,  material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SMRT-F

Additional information about Stein Mart, Inc. can be found at www.steinmart.com

Stein Mart, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
  January 30, 2016January 31, 2015
ASSETS   
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents $  11,830 $  65,314 
Inventories    293,608    285,623 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets    18,586    19,340 
Total current assets    324,024    370,277 
Property and equipment, net    162,954    148,782 
Other assets    29,247    30,768 
Total assets $  516,225 $  549,827 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable $  105,569 $  129,924 
Current portion of debt    10,000    - 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities    71,571    69,213 
Total current liabilities    187,140    199,137 
Long-term debt    180,150    - 
Deferred rent    41,146    31,284 
Other liabilities    31,472    34,468 
Total liabilities    439,908    264,889 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES   
Shareholders’ equity:   
Preferred stock - $.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares   
authorized; no shares issued or outstanding   
Common stock - $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares   
authorized; 45,814,583 and 44,918,649   
shares issued and outstanding, respectively    458    449 
Additional paid-in capital    42,801    34,875 
Retained earnings    33,337    250,046 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss    (279)   (432)
Total shareholders’ equity    76,317    284,938 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $  516,225 $  549,827 


Stein Mart, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
     
 13 Weeks Ended13 Weeks Ended52 Weeks Ended52 Weeks Ended
 January 30, 2016January 31, 2015January 30, 2016January 31, 2015
 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) 
Net sales$  394,132 $  386,999 $  1,359,901 $  1,317,677 
Cost of merchandise sold 288,328  273,394  974,614  930,941 
Gross profit 105,804  113,605  385,287  386,736 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 95,093  93,070  343,724  342,027 
Operating income 10,711  20,535  41,563  44,709 
Interest expense, net 899  66  3,283  266 
Income before income taxes 9,812  20,469  38,280  44,443 
Income tax expense 3,562  8,164  14,569  17,537 
Net income$  6,250 $  12,305 $  23,711 $  26,906 
     
Net income per share:    
Basic$  0.14 $  0.28 $  0.52 $  0.60 
Diluted$  0.13 $  0.27 $  0.51 $  0.59 
     
Weighted-average shares outstanding:    
Basic 44,905  43,898  44,754  43,850 
Diluted 46,061  45,004  45,953  44,749 


Stein Mart, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands)
     
 13 Weeks Ended13 Weeks Ended52 Weeks Ended52 Weeks Ended
 January 30, 2016January 31, 2015January 30, 2016January 31, 2015
 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) 
Net income$  6,250 $  12,305 $  23,711 $  26,906 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:    
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications   137    (181)   137    (181)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other    
comprehensive income 4  2  16  10 
Comprehensive income$  6,391 $  12,126 $  23,864 $  26,735 


Stein Mart, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
    
  Year EndedYear Ended
 January 30, 2016January 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities: (Unaudited) 
Net income $  23,711 $  26,906 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization    29,873    29,116 
Share-based compensation    6,516    7,596 
Store closing charges    7    25 
Impairment of property and other assets    2,008    1,480 
Loss on disposal of property and equipment    167    319 
Deferred income taxes    (5,121)   1,201 
Tax benefit from equity issuances    3,646    1,813 
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation    (3,932)   (1,942)
Changes in assets and liabilities:   
Inventories    (7,985)   (24,106)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets    806    5,096 
Other assets    2,045    (3,114)
Accounts payable    (24,438)   (1,237)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities    (316)   4,307 
Other liabilities    11,425    4,971 
Net cash provided by operating activities    38,412    52,431 
Cash flows from investing activities:   
Net acquisition of property and equipment    (44,365)   (40,231)
Change in cash surrender value of life insurance    -    (111)
Net cash used in investing activities    (44,365)   (40,342)
Cash flows from financing activities:   
Proceeds from borrowings    673,312    - 
Repayments of debt    (483,079)   - 
Debit issuance costs    (380)   - 
Cash dividends paid    (239,089)   (12,295)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation    3,932    1,942 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and other    1,339    868 
Repurchase of common stock    (3,566)   (4,144)
Net cash used in financing activities    (47,531)   (13,629)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents    (53,484)   (1,540)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year    65,314    66,854 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $  11,830 $  65,314 
        

NOTES TO PRESS RELEASE

Note 1 - Adjusted Results
We report our consolidated financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). However, to supplement these consolidated financial results, management believes that certain non-GAAP operating results, which exclude those items detailed below, may provide a more meaningful measure to compare our results of operations between periods. We believe these non-GAAP results provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain items that impact comparability of the results. 
               

Reconciliation of Operating Income, Net Income and Diluted EPS from GAAP Basis to Adjusted Non-GAAP Basis
Unaudited (in thousands, except for share data)
 
  13 Weeks Ended January 30, 2016 13 Weeks Ended January 31, 2015
  Operating
Income
Tax
Provision
Net
Income
Diluted
EPS
 Operating
Income
Tax
Provision
Net
Income
Diluted
EPS
GAAP Basis$10,711 $3,562 $6,250 $ 0.13  $20,535 $8,164 $12,305 $ 0.27    
Adjustments:         
 Ecommerce losses 1,013  385  628    0.01   588  223  365    0.01 
 SEC investigation costs (1)   (166) (63) (103)   -   1,136  52  1,084    0.02 
 Store closing & impairment charges 2,008  763   1,245    0.03   1,443  548  895  0.02 
 Total adjustments 2,855  1,085  1,770    0.04   3,167   823  2,344    0.05 
Adjusted Non-GAAP Basis$13,566 $4,647 $8,020 $ 0.17  $23,702 $8,987 $14,649 $ 0.32 
 


  52 Weeks Ended January 30, 2016 52 Weeks Ended January 31, 2015
  Operating
Income
Tax
Provision
Net
Income
Diluted
EPS
 Operating
Income
Tax
Provision
Net
Income
Diluted
EPS
GAAP Basis$41,563 $14,569 $23,711 $ 0.51  $44,709 $17,537 $26,906 $ 0.59    
Adjustments:         
 Ecommerce losses 3,565  1,355  2,210    0.04   2,624  997    1,627    0.04 
 SEC investigation costs (1) 51  19  32    -     4,058  1,162    2,896    0.06 
 Store closing & impairment charges 2,035  773  1,262  0.03   2,481  943  1,538  0.03 
 Total adjustments 5,651  2,147  3,504    0.07     9,163   3,102    6,061    0.13 
Adjusted Non-GAAP Basis$47,214 $16,716 $27,215 $ 0.58  $53,872 $20,639 $32,967 $ 0.72 
 

(1) Professional fees and other expenses, net of insurance recoveries, related to the SEC investigation into our 2012 financial restatement which was settled in September 2015.

Note 2 - EBITDA
As used in this release, EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.  EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP.  However, we present EBITDA in this release because we consider it to be an important supplemental measure of our performance and because it is frequently used by analysts, investors and others to evaluate the performance of companies.  EBITDA is not calculated in the same manner by all companies. EBITDA should be used as a supplement to results of operations and cash flows as reported under GAAP and should not be considered to be a more meaningful measure than, or an alternative to, measures of operating performance as determined in accordance with GAAP.

 Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
 Unaudited (in thousands)
    52 Weeks52 Weeks
    EndedEnded
    Jan. 30, 2016Jan. 31, 2015
  Net income$ 23,711 $ 26,906 
  Add back amounts for computation of EBITDA:  
   Interest expense, net 3,283    266 
   Income tax expense 14,569    17,537 
   Depreciation and amortization 29,873    29,116 
 EBITDA 71,436    73,825 
 Adjustments:  
  Ecommerce losses 3,565  2,624 
  SEC Investigation costs 51  4,058 
  Store closing & impairment charges 2,035  2,481 
  Pre-opening costs 3,036  4,049 
   Total adjustments 8,687    13,212 
 Adjusted EBITDA$80,123 $ 87,037 

 


            

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