TARRYTOWN, N.Y., May 1, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- SPAR Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:SGRP) today reported improved financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008.
Net revenues for the 2008 first quarter rose 13% to $17.5 million from $15.4 million a year ago. The company's net loss narrowed to $250,000, equal to $0.01 per share, for the 2008 first quarter, from a net loss of $509,000, or $0.03 per share, last year. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the 2008 first quarter decreased to $4.7 million from $5.0 million a year ago.
"The improved first quarter results reflect solid growth from our international operations, which posted net profits for the first time since 2005, as well as management's efforts to control expenses," said Gary Raymond, SPAR Group's president and chief executive officer. "Economic conditions in the United States continue to impact our domestic operations, but we are actively concentrating on programs to grow revenues, and provide solutions to our existing and prospective clients as they seek ways to enhance their operations."
SPAR reported that international revenue for the 2008 first quarter rose 43% to $10.0 million from $7.0 million last year. The division posted net income of $69,000, compared with a net loss of $118,000 for the 2007 first quarter.
Revenue in the U.S. for the 2008 first quarter amounted to $7.5 million, compared with $8.4 million a year ago. Net loss attributable to the company's U.S. operations amounted to $319,000 for the 2008 first quarter, compared with a net loss of $391,000 last year.
About SPAR Group
SPAR Group, Inc. is a diversified international marketing services company, providing a broad array of services to help companies improve their sales, operating efficiency and profits at retail worldwide. The company provides in-store merchandising, in-store event staffing, RFID and other technology, as well as research, to manufacturers and retailers covering all product classifications and all classes of trade, including mass market, drug store, convenience store and grocery chains. The company operates throughout the United States and internationally in Japan, Canada, Turkey, South Africa, India, Romania, China, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information, visit SPAR Group's Web site, www.sparinc.com.
Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking, including, but not limited to, further benefits to be derived from the continued efforts to grow domestic revenues and curtail costs. The company's actual results, performance and trends could differ materially from those indicated or implied by such statements as a result of various factors, including (without limitation), the continued strengthening of SPAR Group's selling and marketing functions, continued customer satisfaction and contract renewal, new product development, continued availability of capable dedicated personnel, continued cost management, the success of its international efforts, success and availability of acquisitions, availability of financing and other factors, as well as by factors applicable to most companies such as general economic, competitive and other business and civil conditions. Information regarding certain of these and other factors that could affect future results, performance or trends are discussed in SPAR Group's annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.
SPAR Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended
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March 31, March 31,
2008 2007
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Net revenues $17,454 $15,413
Cost of revenues 12,484 10,498
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Gross profit 4,970 4,915
Selling, general and administrative expenses 4,658 5,005
Depreciation and amortization 208 197
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Operating income (loss) 104 (287)
Interest expense 81 89
Other expense 43 21
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Loss before provision for income taxes and minority
interest (20) (397)
Provision for income taxes 164 67
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Loss before minority interest (184) (464)
Minority interest 66 45
-------------------
Net loss $ (250) $ (509)
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Basic/diluted net loss per common share:
Net loss - basic/diluted $ (0.01) $ (0.03)
Weighted average common shares - basic 19,129 18,934
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Weighted average common shares - diluted 19,129 18,934
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Note: Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period financials to conform to the current period presentation.
SPAR Group, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
March 31, December 31,
2008 2007
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Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,409 $ 1,246
Accounts receivable, net 12,991 13,748
Prepaid expenses and other current
assets 1,177 975
---------------------------
Total current assets 16,577 15,969
Property and equipment, net 1,466 1,528
Goodwill 798 798
Other assets 1,679 1,648
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Total assets $ 20,520 $ 19,943
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Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 4,654 $ 3,631
Accrued expenses and other current
liabilities 4,735 3,981
Accrued expenses due to affiliates 1,808 2,107
Customer deposits 747 580
Lines of credit 5,055 6,119
---------------------------
Total current liabilities 16,999 16,418
Other long-term liabilities 266 299
Minority Interest 741 676
---------------------------
Total liabilities 18,006 17,393
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value:
Authorized shares-3,000,000
Issued and outstanding shares-
89,286 - March 31, 2008 1 --
Common stock, $.01 par value:
Authorized shares-47,000,000
Issued and outstanding shares-
19,129,177 - March 31, 2008
19,089,177 - December 31, 2007 191 191
Treasury stock (1) (1)
Additional paid-in capital 12,198 11,982
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (46) (43)
Accumulated deficit (9,829) (9,579)
---------------------------
Total stockholders' equity 2,514 2,550
---------------------------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
equity $ 20,520 $ 19,943
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