Weyco Reports Second Quarter Sales And Earnings

MILWAUKEE, Aug. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Weyco Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:WEYS) (the "Company") today announced financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2014.

Net sales for the second quarter of 2014 were $62.9 million, a decrease of 3% as compared to 2013 net sales of $65.0 million. Earnings from operations were $3.4 million in the second quarter of 2014, compared to $3.7 million in 2013, a decrease of 8%. Net earnings attributable to the Company and diluted earnings per share were flat at $2.2 million and $0.20 per share, respectively, for the second quarters of 2014 and 2013.  

Net sales in the North American wholesale segment, which include North American wholesale sales and licensing revenues, were $44.8 million for the second quarter of 2014, down 6% as compared to $47.5 million in 2013.  Within the wholesale segment, sales of our BOGS brand increased by 36% for the quarter, driven by higher sales volumes across all major distribution channels. Stacy Adams sales were flat while Nunn Bush and Florsheim sales were down 18% and 8%, respectively, for the quarter. The declines at Nunn Bush and Florsheim were primarily due to lower sales volumes with department stores and off-price retailers. Wholesale gross earnings were 30.5% of net sales in the second quarter of 2014, compared to 29.9% in the second quarter of 2013. Earnings from operations for the wholesale segment were $1.7 million in the second quarter of 2014, compared to $2.2 million in the same period last year. This decrease was primarily due to lower sales partially offset by higher gross margins.

Net sales in the North American retail segment, which include sales from the Company's Florsheim retail stores and its internet business in the United States, were $5.3 million in the second quarter of 2014, down 2% as compared to $5.4 million in 2013. Same store sales were up 4% for the quarter. There were two fewer domestic retail stores as of June 30, 2014, compared to June 30, 2013. Earnings from operations for the retail segment were $563,000 in the second quarter of 2014, down 4% as compared to $585,000 in 2013.  

Other net sales, which include the wholesale and retail net sales of Florsheim Australia and Florsheim Europe, were $12.8 million in the second quarter of 2014, up 5% as compared to $12.2 million in 2013.  The majority of other net sales were generated by Florsheim Australia.  Florsheim Australia's net sales were up 3% for the quarter; however, in local currency, its net sales were up 10%. This increase was primarily due to higher sales volumes in its retail businesses, where same store sales were up 17% for the quarter. The increase was only 3% in U.S. dollars due to the weaker Australian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar in 2014. Earnings from operations of these businesses were $1.1 million in the second quarter of 2014, up 18% as compared to $918,000 in the same period last year. This increase was primarily due to improved performance of Florsheim Australia's retail businesses.

"Our North American wholesale segment was down this quarter due mainly to lower sales with a few key retailers; however, we expect this business to improve as we move into the second half of the year," stated Thomas W. Florsheim, Jr., the Company's Chairman and CEO. "Despite these challenges, we are very pleased with the results of Florsheim Australia's retail operations where we saw solid growth in both sales and operating earnings this quarter. Furthermore, we are excited about the positive momentum of our BOGS brand, and with our newly expanded product line, we are anticipating a strong selling season in the second half of 2014."    

On August 4, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.19 per share to all shareholders of record on August 29, 2014, payable September 30, 2014. 

Conference Call Details:

Weyco Group will host a conference call on August 6, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the second quarter financial results in more detail.  To participate in the call, please dial 888-713-4211 or 617-213-4864, referencing passcode 45350175, five minutes before the start of the call. A replay will be available for one week beginning about four hours after the completion of the call by dialing 888-286-8010 or 617-801-6888, referencing passcode 64379634.  Alternatively, the conference call and replay will be available by visiting the investor relations section of Weyco Group's website at www.weycogroup.com.

About Weyco Group:

Weyco Group, Inc., designs and markets quality and innovative footwear for men, women and children under a portfolio of well-recognized brand names including: Florsheim, Nunn Bush, Stacy Adams, BOGS, Rafters and Umi.  The Company's products can be found in leading footwear, department, and specialty stores worldwide.  Weyco Group also operates Florsheim concept stores in the United States and Australia, as well as in a variety of international markets.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Various factors could cause the results of Weyco Group to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Such factors include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to: (i) successfully market and sell its products in a highly competitive industry and in view of changing consumer trends, consumer acceptance of products and other factors affecting retail market conditions; (ii) procure its products from independent manufacturers; and (iii) other factors, including those detailed from time to time in Weyco Group's filings made with the SEC.   Weyco Group undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SOURCE Weyco Group, Inc.