99 Cents Only Stores Reports Strong First Quarter Fiscal 2018 Results
CITY OF COMMERCE, Calif., June 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
First Quarter Fiscal 2018 Overview:
- Net sales increased 6.7% to $547.5 million compared to the prior year
- Same-store sales increased by 6.9% compared to the prior year
- Gross margin, as a percentage of net sales, increased to 29.7%, up from 29.0% in the prior year
- Net loss was $8.8 million compared to net loss of $25.2 million in the prior year
- Adjusted EBITDA1 increased 22.3% to $16.3 million compared to the prior year
99 Cents Only Stores LLC (the "Company") announced its financial results for the first quarter ended April 28, 2017.
Geoffrey Covert, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "The ongoing execution of our turnaround plan that began to produce operating momentum last year has continued in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 and helped generate solid first quarter results."
Mr. Covert continued, "Net sales for the first quarter were $547.5 million, up 6.7% over the prior year period. On a same-store basis, sales increased 6.9%, resulting from a 2.5% increase in basket, along with a 4.2% increase in transaction count. This increase was primarily driven by our emphasis on improving the customer shopping experience through improvements to merchandising and in-stock levels, particularly in our fresh categories, general merchandise and seasonal merchandise. We also continue to benefit from our concerted effort to improve operational efficiencies. First quarter gross margin improved 70 basis points year-over-year, driven primarily by our success in reducing shrink and scrap and improved execution in our logistics network. In addition, inventory levels are more than 30% lower than they were when the current management team arrived and we have significantly reduced our warehouse footprint."
Mr. Covert concluded, "Our improved operational performance has also helped the Company to continue to improve its overall liquidity position. Cash borrowings under our ABL facility as of the end of the first quarter were $33.1 million, down $6.2 million from the prior quarter and down $6.9 million from a year ago. Importantly, adjusted EBITDA was $16.3 million for the first quarter, up 22.3% compared to the prior year. We are encouraged by this result and we continue to expect to achieve meaningful adjusted EBITDA growth during fiscal 2018."
First Quarter Financial Results
For the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company's net sales increased 6.7% to $547.5 million, compared to $512.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Same-store sales increased 6.9% compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2017, with higher customer traffic of 4.2% in addition to higher average ticket of 2.5%. The increase in same-store sales was primarily driven by higher sales from general and seasonal merchandise, in part due to better product assortment and improved store execution, as well as improved sales from fresh offerings driven by better product availability, improved in-stock levels and improved execution of the partnerships with the Company's third party produce distributors.
Gross margin, as a percentage of net sales, was 29.7% in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, an increase of 70 basis points from the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Gross margin increased primarily due to lower inventory shrinkage as well as lower distribution and transportation costs, partially offset by lower product margin. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $153.8 million, or 28.1%, as a percentage of net sales, representing a decrease of 260 basis points from the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The improvement was primarily driven by a realized gain on sale of a warehouse facility of $18.5 million and lower workers' compensation expenses, partially offset by increases in the California and Arizona minimum wages and higher performance-based compensation.
Net loss was $8.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to net loss of $25.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Net loss as a percentage of net sales was (1.6)% for the first quarter of fiscal 2018, compared to net loss as a percentage of net sales of (4.9)% for the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Adjusted EBITDA was $16.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, compared to $13.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 3.0% compared to 2.6% in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.
Sale-Leaseback Transactions
As previously disclosed, in July 2016, the Company sold and concurrently licensed through March 31, 2017 a warehouse facility in the City of Commerce, California. The Company exited the warehouse facility in March 2017 and recorded a realized gain on sale of $18.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2018.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company sold and concurrently leased back a future store site and received net proceeds of $6.8 million, which will be applied towards the construction of the future store. Additionally, during the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company sold and concurrently leased back a store and received net proceeds from this transaction of $4.0 million.
In May 2017, the Company completed two additional sale-leaseback transactions on existing stores and received proceeds of $13.3 million, of which approximately $2.0 million was used to pay down the Company's first lien term loan facility in accordance with the terms thereof.
Store Openings
The Company relocated one store in California during the first quarter of fiscal 2018. As of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company operated 390 stores.
Fiscal 2018 Outlook
The Company is reiterating the following previously issued outlook for fiscal 2018:
- Positive same-store sales growth
- Year-over-year decrease in net loss and an increase in adjusted EBITDA over the same period
- 3 new store openings, all in the second half of the year
- Capital expenditures of approximately $53-$58 million
CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS
The Company's conference call to discuss its fiscal 2018 first quarter and the other matters described in this release is scheduled for Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time (2:00 p.m. Eastern Time).
The live call can be accessed by dialing 1-877-407-3982 (domestic) or 1-201-493-6780 (international). Please phone in approximately 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and hold for an operator to assist you. Please inform the operator that you are calling in for 99 Cents Only Stores' Fiscal 2018 First Quarter Earnings Conference Call, and be prepared to provide the operator with your name, company name and the conference ID: 13662237. The call will also be broadcast live over the Internet, accessible through the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.99only.com/investor-relations.
A telephonic replay of the call will be available beginning Thursday, June 8, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, through Thursday, June 22, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. To access the replay, dial 1-844-512-2921 (domestic) or 1-412-317-6671 (international) and enter the replay pin number: 13662237. A replay of the webcast will also be available for 60 days upon completion of the conference call, accessible through the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.99only.com/investor-relations.
A copy of this earnings release and supplemental slides will be available prior to the call, accessible through the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.99only.com/investor-relations.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Company defines EBITDA as net income before interest expense (income) and other financial costs, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA for the relevant period as adjusted by various items set forth in the reconciliation tables below, including stock-based compensation, impairment of goodwill and other assets, expenses, charges and reserves related to strategic initiatives and executive recruitment and severance, amortization of gain on sale-leaseback transactions, and other non-cash or one-time or other items as permitted by the terms of the Company's debt instruments. Adjusted EBITDA margin is Adjusted EBITDA divided by total sales. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin as presented herein, are supplemental measures of the Company's performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The Company's management uses EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin to assess its core operating performance and that of its competitors. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is used to determine the Company's compliance and ability to take certain actions under the covenants contained in the Company's debt instruments. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are not measures of the Company's financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to net income, operating income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP, as measures of operating performance or operating cash flows or as measures of liquidity.
Merger and Conversion to LLC
On January 13, 2012, 99¢ Only Stores was acquired by affiliates of Ares Management LLC, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and the Gold-Schiffer family. The acquisition is referred to as the "Merger." Effective October 18, 2013, 99¢ Only Stores converted from a California corporation to a California limited liability company, 99 Cents Only Stores LLC. The term the "Company" refers to 99¢ Only Stores and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the conversion date and to 99 Cents Only Stores LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries on or after the conversion date.
About 99 Cents Only Stores
Founded in 1982, 99 Cents Only Stores LLC is the leading operator of extreme value stores in California and the Southwestern United States. The Company currently operates 390 stores located in California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada. 99 Cents Only Stores LLC offers a broad assortment of name brand and other attractively priced merchandise and compelling seasonal product offerings. For more information, visit www.99only.com.
Investor Contact:
Addo Investor Relations
Lasse Glassen
(424) 238-6249
[email protected]
| ___________________ |
|
| 1 |
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are financial measures that are considered "non-GAAP financial measures" under the Securities and Exchange Commission regulations. The definitions of, an explanation of how and why the Company uses, and a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure of, these non-GAAP measures are included in this press release. |
### Tables to Follow ###
The following tables reconcile EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income for the periods indicated:
| For the First Quarter Ended |
|||
| April 28, |
April 29, |
||
| (In thousands) |
|||
| (Unaudited) |
|||
| Net loss |
$ (8,753) |
$ (25,194) |
|
| Interest expense, net |
17,340 |
16,524 |
|
| Provision for income taxes |
15 |
73 |
|
| Depreciation and amortization |
17,377 |
16,739 |
|
| EBITDA |
$ 25,979 |
$ 8,142 |
|
| Stock-based compensation (a) |
136 |
164 |
|
| Purchase accounting effect on leases (b) |
743 |
707 |
|
| Inventory adjustments (c) |
— |
963 |
|
| Employee related expenses (d) |
3,247 |
1,432 |
|
| Professional and consultant fees (e) |
734 |
321 |
|
| Gain on sales of assets (f) |
(18,043) |
(143) |
|
| Loss on extinguishment (g) |
— |
335 |
|
| Other (h) |
3,478 |
1,387 |
|
| Adjusted EBITDA |
$ 16,274 |
$ 13,308 |
|
| (a) |
Represents stock-based compensation expense incurred in connection with various stock-based compensation plans in which certain Company employees have participated. |
| (b) |
Represents purchase accounting effect on rent revenue and rent expense. |
| (c) |
Represents charges related to excess and obsolescence reserve. |
| (d) |
Represents expenses related primarily to severance, signing and retention bonuses. |
| (e) |
Represents professional and consultant fees primarily related to profitability improvement and other strategic initiatives. |
| (f) |
Represents amortization of gain related to sale-leaseback arrangements and net gain/loss on the sale/disposal of non-core assets. |
| (g) |
Represents loss on extinguishment of debt from amendment of the asset based lending facility in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. |
| (h) |
Represents non-cash or other charges and income for all periods: legal reserve adjustments, non-recurring professional fees, and other. |
| 99 CENTS ONLY STORES LLC |
|||
| April 28, |
January 27, |
||
| (Unaudited) |
|||
| ASSETS |
|||
| Current Assets: |
|||
| Cash |
$ 2,420 |
$ 2,448 |
|
| Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $73 and $122 at April 28, 2017 and January 27, 2017, respectively |
3,353 |
3,510 |
|
| Income taxes receivable |
3,861 |
3,876 |
|
| Inventories, net |
184,663 |
175,892 |
|
| Assets held for sale |
4,903 |
4,903 |
|
| Other |
18,878 |
10,307 |
|
| Total current assets |
218,078 |
200,936 |
|
| Property and equipment, net |
485,854 |
507,620 |
|
| Deferred financing costs, net |
2,984 |
3,488 |
|
| Intangible assets, net |
445,622 |
447,027 |
|
| Goodwill |
380,643 |
380,643 |
|
| Deposits and other assets |
8,607 |
8,592 |
|
| Total assets |
$ 1,541,788 |
$ 1,548,306 |
|
| LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY |
|||
| Current Liabilities: |
|||
| Accounts payable |
$ 111,565 |
$ 86,588 |
|
| Payroll and payroll-related |
25,571 |
24,110 |
|
| Sales tax |
16,574 |
19,389 |
|
| Other accrued expenses |
55,513 |
46,082 |
|
| Workers' compensation |
69,408 |
69,169 |
|
| Current portion of long-term debt |
6,138 |
6,138 |
|
| Current portion of capital and financing lease obligations |
1,214 |
31,330 |
|
| Total current liabilities |
285,983 |
282,806 |
|
| Long-term debt, net of current portion |
858,850 |
865,375 |
|
| Unfavorable lease commitments, net |
3,674 |
3,988 |
|
| Deferred rent |
30,791 |
30,360 |
|
| Deferred compensation liability |
868 |
816 |
|
| Capital and financing lease obligation, net of current portions |
53,775 |
47,195 |
|
| Deferred income taxes |
161,450 |
161,450 |
|
| Other liabilities |
10,995 |
12,297 |
|
| Total liabilities |
1,406,386 |
1,404,287 |
|
| Commitments and contingencies |
|||
| Member's Equity: |
|||
| Member units – 100 units issued and outstanding at April 28, 2017 and January 27, 2017 |
551,054 |
550,918 |
|
| Investment in Number Holdings, Inc. preferred stock |
(19,200) |
(19,200) |
|
| Accumulated deficit |
(396,452) |
(387,699) |
|
| Total equity |
135,402 |
144,019 |
|
| Total liabilities and equity |
$ 1,541,788 |
$ 1,548,306 |
|
| 99 CENTS ONLY STORES LLC |
|||
| For the First Quarter Ended |
|||
| April 28, |
April 29, |
||
| Net Sales: |
|||
| 99¢ Only Stores |
$ 537,992 |
$ 501,766 |
|
| Bargain Wholesale |
9,520 |
11,163 |
|
| Total sales |
547,512 |
512,929 |
|
| Cost of sales |
385,159 |
363,962 |
|
| Gross profit |
162,353 |
148,967 |
|
| Selling, general and administrative expenses |
153,751 |
157,229 |
|
| Operating income (loss) |
8,602 |
(8,262) |
|
| Other (income) expense: |
|||
| Interest income |
(2) |
(2) |
|
| Interest expense |
17,342 |
16,526 |
|
| Loss on extinguishment |
— |
335 |
|
| Total other expense, net |
17,340 |
16,859 |
|
| Loss before provision for income taxes |
(8,738) |
(25,121) |
|
| Provision for income taxes |
15 |
73 |
|
| Net loss |
$ (8,753) |
$ (25,194) |
|
| 99 CENTS ONLY STORES LLC CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) (Unaudited) |
|||
| For the First Quarter Ended |
|||
| April 28, |
April 29, |
||
| Cash flows from operating activities: |
|||
| Net loss |
$ (8,753) |
$ (25,194) |
|
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
|||
| Depreciation |
16,939 |
16,302 |
|
| Amortization of deferred financing costs and accretion of OID |
1,714 |
1,304 |
|
| Amortization of intangible assets |
438 |
437 |
|
| Amortization of favorable/unfavorable leases, net |
661 |
587 |
|
| Loss on extinguishment of debt |
— |
335 |
|
| Gain on disposal of fixed assets |
(17,896) |
(34) |
|
| Loss on interest rate hedge |
— |
409 |
|
| Stock-based compensation |
136 |
164 |
|
| Changes in assets and liabilities associated with operating activities: |
|||
| Accounts receivable |
157 |
13 |
|
| Inventories |
(8,771) |
29,686 |
|
| Deposits and other assets |
(8,508) |
1,758 |
|
| Accounts payable |
22,298 |
(5,170) |
|
| Accrued expenses |
8,077 |
3,403 |
|
| Accrued workers' compensation |
239 |
117 |
|
| Income taxes |
15 |
1,443 |
|
| Deferred rent |
431 |
176 |
|
| Other long-term liabilities |
(2,719) |
(166) |
|
| Net cash provided by operating activities |
4,458 |
25,570 |
|
| Cash flows from investing activities: |
|||
| Purchases of property and equipment |
(7,367) |
(13,373) |
|
| Proceeds from sale of property and fixed assets |
4,064 |
4 |
|
| Net cash used in investing activities |
(3,303) |
(13,369) |
|
| Cash flows from financing activities: |
|||
| Payment of long-term debt |
(1,535) |
(1,535) |
|
| Proceeds under revolving credit facility |
46,400 |
64,800 |
|
| Payments under revolving credit facility |
(52,600) |
(72,600) |
|
| Payments of debt issuance costs |
— |
(4,594) |
|
| Proceeds from financing lease obligations |
6,840 |
2,031 |
|
| Payments of capital and financing lease obligations |
(288) |
(239) |
|
| Net cash used in financing activities |
(1,183) |
(12,137) |
|
| Net (decrease) increase in cash |
(28) |
64 |
|
| Cash - beginning of period |
2,448 |
2,312 |
|
| Cash - end of period |
$ 2,420 |
$ 2,376 |
|
Safe Harbor Statement
The Company has included statements in this release that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. As a general matter, forward-looking statements are those focused on future or anticipated events or trends, expectations and beliefs including, among other things, (a) trends affecting the financial condition or results of operations of the Company and (b) the business and growth strategies of the Company (including the Company's store opening growth rate) that are not historical in nature. Such statements are intended to be identified by using words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "will," "project," "plan" and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Any forward-looking statements are and will be based upon the Company's then-current expectations, estimates and assumptions regarding future events and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those projected in this release for the reasons, among others, discussed in the reports and other documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" sections contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 27, 2017. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SOURCE 99 Cents Only Stores
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