Tag Archives: financial results

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CVS Health Corporation to host Q3 2017 financial results conference call on Monday, November 6, 2017

WOONSOCKET, R.I., 2017-Oct-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) will be holding a conference call on Monday, November 6, 2017, at 8:30 a.m. (ET) with analysts and investors to discuss its third quarter financial results.

An audio webcast of the conference call will be broadcast simultaneously through the Investor Relations portion of the CVS Health website for all interested parties. To access the webcast, visit http://investors.cvshealth.com. This webcast will be archived and available on the website for a one-year period following the conference call.

About CVS Health
CVS Health is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through its 9,700 retail pharmacies, more than 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with nearly 90 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year, and expanding specialty pharmacy services, the Company enables people, businesses and communities to manage health in more affordable and effective ways. This unique integrated model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at https://www.cvshealth.com.

SOURCE CVS Health Corporation

MEDIA CONTACT
Carolyn Castel
carolyn.castel@cvshealth.com

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Visa Inc. fiscal third quarter 2017 financial results to be released on Thursday, July 20, 2017

SAN FRANCISCO, 2017-Jul-06 — /EPR Retail News/ — Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) will report its fiscal third quarter 2017 financial results on Thursday, July 20, 2017. The results, along with accompanying financial information, will be released after market close and posted on the Visa Investor Relations website.

Visa’s executive management team will then host a live audio webcast beginning at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (2:00 p.m. Pacific Time) to discuss financial results and business highlights.

All interested parties are invited to listen to the live webcast at http://investor.visa.com. A replay of the webcast will be available on Visa’s Investor Relations website for 30 days.

Visa is currently in its customary “quiet period” during which time company executives will not be interacting with the investment community. This quiet period will extend until fiscal third quarter 2017 earnings are released on July 20, 2017.

About Visa Inc.

Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable electronic payments. We operate one of the world’s most advanced processing networks — VisaNet — that is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second, with fraud protection for consumers and assured payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa’s innovations, however, enable its financial institution customers to offer consumers more choices: pay now with debit, pay ahead with prepaid or pay later with credit products. For more information, visit usa.visa.com/about-visa, visacorporate.tumblr.com and @VisaNews.

Investor Relations:
Victoria Hyde-Dunn
650-432-7644
ir@visa.com

Media Relations:
Nathaniel Sillin
415-805-4892
globalmedia@visa.com

Source: Visa Inc.

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Darden Restaurants to release its fiscal 2017 fourth quarter financial results on Tuesday, June 27, 2017

ORLANDO, Fla., 2017-Jun-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — Darden Restaurants, Inc., (NYSE: DRI) plans to release its fiscal 2017 fourth quarter financial results before the market opens on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, with a conference call to follow at 8:30 am ET.  Gene Lee, CEO, and other senior management will discuss fourth quarter results and conduct a question and answer session.  For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available shortly after the call.

What: Darden Restaurants, Inc. Fiscal 2017 Fourth Quarter Earnings Conference Call

When: 8:30 am ET, Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Where: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1007/21365

How: Live over the Internet – Simply log on to the web at the address above or, to access via the telephone, dial 1-800-369-1837 and enter passcode 5049489 to join the call.

About Darden
Darden is a restaurant company featuring a portfolio of differentiated brands that include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze and Eddie V’s. Our people equal our success, and we are proud to employ 165,000 team members in more than 1,600 restaurants. Together, we create memorable experiences for 380 million guests each year in communities across North America. For more information, please visit www.darden.com.

Contact:
Financial Analysts
Kevin Kalicak
(407) 245-5870

Media:
Rich Jeffers
(407) 245-4189

SOURCE: Darden Restaurants, Inc.

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Al Meera announces growth in its financial results for 1Q 2017

Al Meera announces growth in its financial results for 1Q 2017

 

DOHA, Qatar, 2017-May-03 — /EPR Retail News/ —  Al Meera Consumer Goods Company (Q.S.C.) announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2017, three months ended 31 March 2017. Sales reached QAR 644.1 million, compared to QAR 641.0 million for the same period in 2016, and Gross Margin increased from QAR 99.7 million in 2016 to QAR 105.2 million in 2017, a growth of 5.5%.

The Earnings per Share (EPS) amounted to QAR 2.03 in first quarter of 2017 versus QAR 2.47 for the first quarter of 2016.

“Al Meera continues to achieve growth in sales and gross profit reflecting our Board of Directors’ clear vision, sound policies, and strategic decisions. The achieved growth over last year shows  that Al Meera market strategy is in line with the current market conditions, and the company’s expenses are kept in line with its expansion plan with the opening of four new community malls that aims to cater to all our customers’ needs”.

He added: “As a Company that puts its customers, stakeholders and the community first, the success and growth we have achieved has inspired us to continue our faithful contribution to the community in which we operate. Which is why, the first quarter of 2017 has witnessed a number of strategic and community development initiatives that have won the recognition of the industry and consumers alike, and we are looking forward to more fruitful results in the next quarter.”

Growth and expansion

On its expansion strategy front, the first quarter of 2017 marked the launch of Umm Salal Ali shopping center, one of the previously announced 5 out of 14-store expansion phase. Built on a land area of 4014 m2, and featuring a 1750 m2 Supermarket, the store has been equipped to serve residents in the area with fresh sections that Al Meera customers enjoy shopping from, in addition to 9 shops, a small food court, a dedicated parking space and other facilities that further augment visitors’ experience at the shopping center.

The milestone achievement was soon followed by the opening of Al Meera’s latest store in Al Wakra (East), bringing Al Meera’s distinctive shopping experience, state-of-the-art technologies and facilities that have become synonymous with the Retailer’s community shopping centers, to one more of the country’s regions that are witnessing significant urban development and a population boom in Qatar, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Currently, Al Meera has 7 branches under construction, of which 5 are expected to open during 2017. In this sense, the company keeps on delivering its promises to the communities it serves wherever they were in the State of Qatar.

Al Meera’s CSR

On the social level, Al Meera invested in its keenness on spreading a culture of sports among the various segments of the society, as the company celebrated Qatar’s 6th National Sport Day (NSD) by supporting various competitions and events held at the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara), in partnership with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), the Community College of Qatar (CCQ), and Qatar University (QU). Al Meera’s role in the 2017 National Sport Day activities revolved around offering sports enthusiasts and event participants, fresh fruit, healthy snacks and water at different locations throughout Katara.

The Company’s strong belief in the key role of sports and exercise in leading happy and healthy lives, were also manifested in its participation in the 10th International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Aspire Dome as the Official Supplier of the event. This year’s event was staged at the highest level (World/Challenge Cup) and involved an array of international gymnasts from 30 countries across its various competitions.

Al Meera’s unwavering commitment to its Corporate Social Responsibility program and its years-long expertise in community development was reflected in the Company’s draft of the global management project “Social responsibility and its impact on local and international companies”, which was presented at Qatar Uuniversity’s CSR Exhibition, in the presence of HE Salah Bin Ghanim Al-Ali, the Minister of Culture and Sports and QU’s President Dr. Hasan Al Derham, among other dignitaries. Al Meera also received the CSR Responsible Leadership Award, in recogonition of its leading part in that field, at a special ceremony held at Qatar University (QU), to launch the CSR Report ‘the National Book’ Qatar 2016.

Contact:

Tel: 40119111 – 40119112
Fax: +974 40119186
Email: admin@almeera.com.qa

Source: Al Meera

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Smart & Final Stores to release 1Q 2017 financial results on Wednesday, May 3, 2017

COMMERCE, Calif., 2017-Apr-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — Smart & Final Stores, Inc. (NYSE: SFS), the value-oriented food and everyday staples retailer, today announced that it will report its financial results for the first quarter ended March 26, 2017, on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, after the close of market. David Hirz, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Richard Phegley, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will host a conference call to discuss the results at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time / 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time the same day.

The call will also be broadcast live over the Internet, accessible through the Investors section of Smart & Final’s website at www.smartandfinal-investor.com.

Smart & Final Stores First Quarter 2017 Conference Call Details

Date: Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Time: 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time)

Dial-In: 1-877-423-9813 (domestic), 1-201-689-8573 (international)

Conference ID: 13659241

A telephonic replay of the call will be available beginning Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, through Wednesday, May 17, 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: 13659241. A replay of the webcast will also be available for 60 days upon completion of the conference call, accessible through the Investors section of Smart & Final’s website at www.smartandfinal-investor.com.

About Smart & Final
Smart & Final Stores, Inc. (NYSE: SFS), is a value-oriented food and everyday staples retailer, headquartered in Commerce (near Los Angeles), California. The Company offers quality products in a variety of sizes, saving household, nonprofit and business customers time and money. As of March 26, 2017, the Company operated 308 grocery and foodservice stores under the “Smart & Final,” “Smart & Final Extra!” and “Cash & Carry Smart Foodservice” banners in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, and Utah, with an additional 15 stores in Northwestern Mexico operated through a joint venture. In business for over 145 years, the Company remains committed to giving back to local communities through employee volunteer opportunities and Company donations to local nonprofits.

SOURCE Smart & Final Stores, Inc.

Smart & Final Investor Relations:
Addo Investor Relations
Andrew Greenebaum/Laura Bainbridge
310-829-5400
Email: investors@smartandfinal.com

Smart & Final Media Inquiries:
Email: press@smartandfinal.com

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CommerceHub to release fourth quarter and full year 2016 financial results on February 15

ALBANY, N.Y, 2017-Feb-06 — /EPR Retail News/ — CommerceHub (NASDAQ:CHUBA) (NASDAQ:CHUBK) (“CommerceHub” or the “Company”), a leading distributed commerce network for retailers and brands, today (Feb. 01, 2017) announced that it will issue its financial results for the three months and full year ended December 31, 2016 after the market close on Wednesday, February 15, 2017. On the same day, CommerceHub will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the results at 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, during which its management team will discuss the Company’s financial performance and strategy, and may discuss future opportunities. After the conference call is completed, a recorded version of the call will be available at http://ir.commercehub.com.

What: CommerceHub Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2016 Financial Results
When: Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Live Call: U.S./Canada Toll-Free Participants Dial-in Number: (800) 219-6912
International Toll Participants Dial-in Number: (574) 990-1026
Conference ID/Passcode: 64327494
Webcast (live and replay): http://ir.commercehub.com

About CommerceHub:
CommerceHub is a distributed commerce network connecting supply, demand and delivery that helps retailers and brands increase sales by expanding product assortments, promoting products on the channels that perform, and enabling rapid, on-time customer delivery. With its robust platform and proven scalability, CommerceHub helped approximately 9,500 customers achieve an estimated $11.6 billion in Gross Merchandise Value in 2015.

Investor Relations Contact:
Erik Morton
1-206-971-7712
investor@commercehub.com

Media Contact:
Sara Ajemian DiGennaro
Communications
1-917-499-6592
sara.ajemian@digennaro-usa.com

Source: CommerceHub/globenewswire

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Tractor Supply Company announces financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2016

Fourth Quarter Comparable Store Sales Increased 3.1%; Fourth Quarter Earnings per Share Increased 14.6% to $0.94; Full Year Earnings per Share Increased 9.0% to $3.27

BRENTWOOD, TN, 2017-Feb-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States, today (02/01/17) announced financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. Additionally, the Company provided its initial outlook for fiscal 2017.

Fourth Quarter Results
Net sales for the fourth quarter 2016 increased 16.4% to $1.92 billion from $1.65 billion in the fourth quarter of 2015. The fourth quarter included an extra sales week as part of the Company’s 53-week calendar in 2016, which represented 6.2 percentage points of the overall 16.4% sales increase. Comparable store sales increased 3.1% versus a decrease of 1.4% in the prior year’s fourth quarter. The 3.1% increase includes an estimated 60 basis point benefit from one additional comparable sales day in the fourth quarter of 2016 versus the prior year. Comparable store transaction count increased 4.0% and average ticket decreased 0.9%. This represents the 35th consecutive quarter of comparable transaction count growth. Comparable store sales were driven by strong performance in everyday basic items across a number of consumable, usable and edible (C.U.E.) and hardline related areas such as livestock and pet, bird and wildlife, trailers and accessories, hand tools and livestock equipment.

Gross profit increased 15.2% to $646.3 million from $561.0 million and gross margin rate decreased to 33.7% from 34.1% in the prior year’s fourth quarter. The decline in gross margin was primarily driven by a higher mix of C.U.E. products, which generally carry below chain average gross margin, and a slightly higher level of promotional activity. Freight expense did not have a significant impact on the quarter.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, including depreciation and amortization, increased 16.5% to $451.6 million from $387.7 million in the prior year period. As a percent of net sales, SG&A expenses remained flat at 23.6% compared to the fourth quarter of 2015. SG&A expenses as a percent of net sales benefited from leverage of occupancy costs resulting from the 53rd week of sales and the 3.1% increase in comparable store sales. These benefits were primarily offset by higher store personnel and advertising costs, related primarily to sales driving initiatives, as well as the incremental acquisition and operating expenses associated with the Petsense acquisition.

Net income increased 10.6% to $123.6 million from $111.7 million, and diluted earnings per share increased 14.6% to $0.94 from $0.82 in the fourth quarter of the prior year. The Company estimates that the 53rd week in 2016 represented a benefit of approximately $0.055 per diluted share.

The Company opened 21 new stores and closed one Del’s store in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to 26 new store openings and three store closures, two of which were Del’s stores, in the prior year period. Additionally in the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company acquired Petsense LLC. At the end of the fourth quarter, there were 143 Petsense stores, which included eight store openings and one store closure during the quarter.

Greg Sandfort, Chief Executive Officer, stated, “While it was obviously a challenging retail environment, our Tractor Supply team managed the business well and drove strong comparable store sales and earnings per share growth. Throughout the quarter, the team worked hard to take advantage of weather trends, localize assortments, manage inventory and shorten the supply chain. Our focus was on driving sales in key categories and keeping our inventory current in others. On a market-by-market basis, we aligned our business from all sides — merchandise, pricing, promotion and inventory. We did this by communicating regularly with our field managers and customers, analyzing sales and product data, and regularly reviewing pricing and promotional strategies. While we never have all the answers, we believe we were successful at driving growth in the fourth quarter through careful planning and execution of our business.”

Fiscal 2016 Results
Net sales increased 8.9% to $6.78 billion from $6.23 billion in fiscal 2015. Comparable store sales increased 1.6% versus a 3.1% increase in fiscal 2015. Gross profit increased 8.5% to $2.33 billion from $2.14 billion, and gross margin decreased to 34.3% from 34.4% in fiscal 2015.

SG&A expenses, including depreciation and amortization, increased 9.3% to $1.63 billion, and as a percent of sales, SG&A expenses increased to 24.1% compared to 24.0% in fiscal 2015.

Net income increased 6.5% to $437.1 million from $410.4 million, and diluted earnings per share increased 9.0% to $3.27 from $3.00 in fiscal 2015.

The Company opened 113 new stores and closed six stores, all of which were Del’s stores, in fiscal 2016 compared to 114 new store openings and eight store closures, five of which were Del’s stores, during fiscal 2015. The Company also acquired Petsense LLC, which operated 143 stores at the end of fiscal 2016.

Fiscal 2017 Outlook
The Company is providing the following initial guidance for the results of operations expected for fiscal 2017:

Net Sales $7.22 billion – $7.29 billion
Comparable Store Sales 2.0% – 3.0%
Net Income $445 million – $457 million
Earnings per Diluted Share $3.44 – $3.52
Capital Expenditures $270 million – $290 million

Anticipated capital expenditures include spending to support approximately 100 new Tractor Supply and 25 to 30 new Petsense store openings.

Conference Call Information
Tractor Supply Company will be hosting a conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time today to discuss the quarterly results. The call will be broadcast simultaneously over the Internet on the Company’s website at IR.TractorSupply.com.

Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the site and download the streaming media software required to listen to the Internet broadcast.

A replay of the webcast will also be available at IR.TractorSupply.com shortly after the conference call concludes.

About Tractor Supply Company
Founded in 1938, Tractor Supply Company is the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States. At December 31, 2016, the Company operated 1,595 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website at www.tractorsupply.com. Tractor Supply stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers and others who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses. Stores are located primarily in towns outlying major metropolitan markets and in rural communities. The Company offers the following comprehensive selection of merchandise: (1) equine, livestock, pet and small animal products, including items necessary for their health, care, growth and containment; (2) hardware, truck, towing and tool products; (3) seasonal products, including heating, lawn and garden items, power equipment, gifts and toys; (4) work/recreational clothing and footwear; and (5) maintenance products for agricultural and rural use.

Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer focused on meeting the needs of pet owners, primarily in small and mid-size communities, and offering a variety of pet products and services. At December 31, 2016, the Company operated 143 Petsense stores in 26 states. For more information on Petsense, visit www.petsense.com.

Forward Looking Statements
As with any business, all phases of the Company’s operations are subject to influences outside its control. This information contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding sales and earnings growth, estimated results of operations, capital expenditures, marketing, merchandising and strategic initiatives and new store and distribution center openings and expenses in future periods. These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to the finalization of the Company’s quarterly financial and accounting procedures, and may be affected by certain risks and uncertainties, any one, or a combination, of which could materially affect the results of the Company’s operations. These factors include, without limitation, national, regional and local economic conditions affecting consumer spending, the timing and acceptance of new products in the stores, the timing and mix of goods sold, purchase price volatility (including inflationary and deflationary pressures), the ability to increase sales at existing stores, the ability to manage growth and identify suitable locations, failure of an acquisition to produce anticipated results, the ability to successfully manage expenses and execute key gross margin enhancing initiatives, the availability of favorable credit sources, capital market conditions in general, the ability to open new stores in the manner and number currently contemplated, the impact of new stores on the business, competition, weather conditions, the seasonal nature of the business, effective merchandising initiatives and marketing emphasis, the ability to retain vendors, reliance on foreign suppliers, the ability to attract, train and retain qualified employees, product liability and other claims, changes in federal, state or local regulations, potential judgments, fines, legal fees and other costs, breach of information systems or theft of employee or customer data, ongoing and potential future legal or regulatory proceedings, management of the Company’s information systems, failure to develop and implement new technologies, the failure of customer-facing technology systems, business disruption including from the implementation of supply chain technologies, effective tax rate changes and results of examination by taxing authorities, the ability to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, and changes in accounting standards, assumptions and estimates. Forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company are based on knowledge of its business and the environment in which it operates, but because of the factors listed above, actual results could differ materially from those reflected by any forward-looking statements. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made are qualified by these cautionary statements and those contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There can be no assurance that the results or developments anticipated by the Company will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to or effects on the Company or its business and operations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contact:

Anthony F. Crudele
Chief Financial Officer
Christine Skold
Vice President, Investor Relations
(615) 440-4000

Investors: John Rouleau/Rachel Schacter, ICR
Media: Alecia Pulman/Brittany Rae Fraser, ICR
(203) 682-8200

Source: Tractor Supply Company

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The Container Store Group, Inc. to release financial results for the 3Q FY2016 on Tuesday, February 7, 2017

DALLAS, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Container Store Group, Inc. (NYSE:TCS) today (01/24/2017) announced that its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 will be released after market close on Tuesday, February 7, 2017. The Company will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the financial results. This call will include both live, prepared remarks as well as a Q&A session.

Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial 877-407-3982 (international callers please dial 201-493-6780) approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available online at investor.containerstore.com.

A taped replay of the conference call will be available within two hours of the conclusion of the call and can be accessed both online and by dialing 844-512-2921 (international callers please dial 412-317-6671). The pin number to access the telephone replay is 13654006. The replay will be available until March 7, 2017.

About The Container Store, Inc.

The Container Store (NYSE: TCS) is the nation’s leading retailer of storage and organization products – a concept they originated in 1978. Today, with 86 locations nationwide, the retailer offers more than 11,000 products designed to save space and time, a suite of custom closet systems and an array of digital shopping services. Visit www.containerstore.com for more information about store locations, the product collection and services offered. Visit www.containerstore.com/blog for real stories from the really organized and www.whatwestandfor.com to learn more about the company’s unique culture.

Investor:
ICR, Inc.
Farah Soi
203-682-8200
Farah.Soi@icrinc.com

Media:
The Container Store
Audrey Robertson
972-538-6623
AudreyR@containerstore.com

Source: The Container Store Group, Inc.

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Walgreens Boots Alliance announces financial results for the 1Q of fiscal 2017

First quarter highlights

  • GAAP diluted net earnings per share decrease 4.0 percent from the year-ago quarter, to $0.97; Adjusted diluted net earnings per share increase 6.8 percent to $1.10, up 9.7 percent on a constant currency basis
  • GAAP net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance decrease 5.0 percent from the year-ago quarter to $1.1 billion; Adjusted net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance increase 6.1 percent to $1.2 billion, up 8.2 percent on a constant currency basis
  • Sales decrease 1.8 percent to $28.5 billion, increase 1.1 percent on a constant currency basis
  • GAAP operating income decreases 1.4 percent to $1.4 billion; Adjusted operating income increases 0.4 percent to $1.7 billion, up 2.8 percent on a constant currency basis
  • GAAP net cash provided by operating activities was $525 million and free cash flow was $147 million

Fiscal 2017 guidance

  • Company raises the lower end of its guidance for fiscal year 2017 by 5 cents per share and now anticipates adjusted diluted net earnings per share of $4.90 to $5.20

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Jan-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA) today (January 05, 2017) announced financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2017, which ended 30 November 2016.

Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Stefano Pessina said, “Overall we are pleased with the progress this quarter, with results in line with our expectations. We continue to anticipate that growth in the second half of fiscal 2017 will reflect the new strategic pharmacy partnerships we announced last year. As a result, we have raised the lower end of our fiscal year guidance by 5 cents per share. In addition, we continue to work toward closing the pending acquisition of Rite Aid Corporation in the early part of this calendar year.”

Overview of First Quarter Results

Fiscal 2017 first quarter net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance determined in accordance with GAAP decreased 5.0 percent to $1.1 billion compared with the same quarter a year ago, while GAAP diluted net earnings per share decreased 4.0 percent to $0.97 compared with the same quarter a year ago. The decreases in GAAP net earnings and GAAP net earnings per share primarily reflect a lower impact of UK tax rate reductions.

Adjusted fiscal 2017 first quarter net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance1 increased 6.1 percent to $1.2 billion, up 8.2 percent on a constant currency basis, compared with the same quarter a year ago. Adjusted diluted net earnings per share for the quarter increased 6.8 percent to $1.10, up 9.7 percent on a constant currency basis, compared with the same quarter a year ago.

Sales in the first quarter were $28.5 billion, a decrease of 1.8 percent from the year-ago quarter, and an increase of 1.1 percent on a constant currency basis.

GAAP operating income in the first quarter was $1.4 billion, a decrease of 1.4 percent from the same quarter a year ago. Adjusted operating income in the first quarter was $1.7 billion, an increase of 0.4 percent from the same quarter a year ago, and an increase of 2.8 percent on a constant currency basis.

GAAP net cash provided by operating activities was $525 million and free cash flow was $147 million in the first quarter.

Rite Aid Acquisition

Walgreens Boots Alliance is actively engaged in discussions with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding its pending acquisition of Rite Aid Corporation, which was announced 27 October 2015. The company is working toward a close of the acquisition in the early part of this calendar year. The transaction is subject to the expiration or termination of applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and other customary closing conditions.

As announced 20 December 2016, Walgreens Boots Alliance and Rite Aid have entered into an agreement to sell 865 Rite Aid stores and certain assets related to store operations to Fred’s, Inc. for $950 million in an all-cash transaction. The divestiture transaction is subject to FTC approval, the approval and completion of the pending acquisition of Rite Aid by Walgreens Boots Alliance and other customary closing conditions.

Taking into account the expected divestitures, Walgreens Boots Alliance continues to expect that the acquisition will be accretive to its adjusted diluted net earnings per share in the first full year after closing of the transaction. The company also continues to expect that it will realize synergies from the acquisition in excess of $1 billion, to be fully realized within three to four years of closing of the merger. These synergies have been updated where practicable and, as previously disclosed, are expected to be derived primarily from procurement, cost savings and other operational matters.

Company Outlook

The company raised the lower end of its guidance for fiscal year 2017 by 5 cents per share and now anticipates adjusted diluted net earnings per share of $4.90 to $5.20.

This guidance assumes accretion of $0.05 to $0.12 from Rite Aid and is based on the above disclosure regarding expected store divestitures and timing of closing. Additionally, this guidance assumes current exchange rates for the rest of the fiscal year and continuation of its normal anti-dilutive share buyback program.

First Quarter Business Division Highlights

Retail Pharmacy USA:

Retail Pharmacy USA had first quarter sales of $20.7 billion, an increase of 1.4 percent over the year-ago quarter. Sales in comparable stores increased 1.1 percent compared with the same quarter a year ago.

Pharmacy sales, which accounted for 69.1 percent of the division’s sales in the quarter, increased 2.5 percent compared with the year-ago quarter. Comparable pharmacy sales increased 2.0 percent. The division filled 237.6 million prescriptions (including immunizations) adjusted to 30-day equivalents in the quarter, an increase of 3.0 percent over the year-ago quarter. Prescriptions filled in comparable stores increased 3.4 percent compared with the same quarter a year ago, primarily due to continued growth in Medicare Part D volume. The division’s retail prescription market share on a 30-day adjusted basis in the first quarter increased approximately 40 basis points over the year-ago quarter to 19.5 percent, as reported by IMS Health. Growth in comparable sales resulted from increased pharmacy volume and brand inflation, partially offset by reimbursement pressure and the impact of generics.

Retail sales decreased 0.9 percent in the first quarter compared with the year-ago period, which includes the impact of the previously announced closure of certain e-commerce operations. Comparable retail sales were down 0.5 percent in the quarter, due to declines in the consumables and general merchandise category and in the personal care category, partially offset by increases in the health and wellness category and beauty category. Since the end of the first quarter, the company has completed the first phase of the rollout of its new, differentiated beauty offering in more than 1,800 stores.

GAAP gross profit decreased 0.1 percent from the year-ago quarter. Adjusted gross profit increased 0.1 percent from the year-ago quarter.

GAAP first quarter selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) as a percentage of sales decreased 0.7 percentage point compared with the year-ago quarter, a decrease of 0.5 percentage point on an adjusted basis. These results demonstrate continuing benefits from the company’s previously announced $1.5 billion cost transformation program.

GAAP operating income in the first quarter increased 7.5 percent from the year-ago quarter to $1.1 billion. Adjusted operating income in the first quarter increased 3.7 percent from the year-ago quarter to $1.3 billion.

Retail Pharmacy International:

Retail Pharmacy International had first quarter sales of $3.0 billion, a decrease of 14.4 percent from the year-ago quarter due to the negative impact of currency translation. Sales increased 0.5 percent on a constant currency basis.

On a constant currency basis, comparable store sales decreased 0.1 percent compared with the year-ago quarter. Comparable pharmacy sales decreased 0.5 percent on a constant currency basis, primarily due to a reduction in government pharmacy funding in the UK, which was partially offset by growth in other international markets. Comparable retail sales increased 0.2 percent on a constant currency basis, reflecting growth in all countries except Chile and Mexico.

GAAP gross profit decreased 17.4 percent compared with the same quarter a year ago, largely due to currency translation. On a constant currency basis, adjusted gross profit decreased 2.7 percent, primarily due to lower margins in the UK.

GAAP SG&A as a percentage of sales increased 1.1 percentage points, primarily reflecting higher depreciation compared with the year-ago quarter. Adjusted SG&A as a percentage of sales, on a constant currency basis, increased by 0.7 percentage point.

GAAP operating income in the first quarter decreased 39.7 percent from the year-ago quarter to $182 million, while adjusted operating income decreased 32.4 percent to $213 million, down 21.6 percent on a constant currency basis.

Pharmaceutical Wholesale:

Pharmaceutical Wholesale had first quarter sales of $5.4 billion, a decrease of 6.5 percent from the year-ago quarter. On a constant currency basis, comparable sales increased 4.7 percent, which was slightly ahead of the company’s estimate of market growth weighted on the basis of country wholesale sales.

GAAP operating income in the first quarter was $160 million, which included $17 million from the company’s equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen Corporation, compared with $143 million in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted operating income increased 34.9 percent to $224 million, up 45.2 percent on a constant currency basis. Excluding $58 million in adjusted equity earnings from AmerisourceBergen, adjusted operating income was up 10.2 percent on a constant currency basis, with cost benefits outweighing margin pressures.

Conference Call

Walgreens Boots Alliance will hold a one-hour conference call to discuss the first quarter results beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time today, 5 January 2017. The conference call will be simulcast through the Walgreens Boots Alliance investor relations website at: http://investor.walgreensbootsalliance.com. A replay of the conference call will be archived on the website for 12 months after the call.

The replay also will be available from 11:30 a.m. Eastern time, 5 January 2017 through 12 January 2017, by calling +1 855 859 2056 within the USA and Canada, or +1 404 537 3406 outside the USA and Canada, using replay code 30360241.

1 Please see the “Supplemental Information (Unaudited) Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures” at the end of this press release for more detailed information regarding non-GAAP financial measures.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: All statements in this release that are not historical including, without limitation, those regarding estimates of and goals for future financial and operating performance (including those under “Company Outlook” above), the expected execution and effect of our business strategies, our cost-savings and growth initiatives and restructuring activities and the amounts and timing of their expected impact, and our pending agreement with Rite Aid and the transactions contemplated thereby and their possible effects, are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expect,” “likely,” “outlook,” “forecast,” “preliminary,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “can,” “will,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “guidance,” “target,” “aim,” “continue,” “sustain,” “synergy,” “on track,” “on schedule,” “headwind,” “tailwind,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “may,” “possible,” “assume,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, known or unknown, that could cause actual results to vary materially from those indicated or anticipated, including, but not limited to, those relating to the impact of private and public third-party payers’ efforts to reduce prescription drug reimbursements, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, the timing and magnitude of the impact of branded to generic drug conversions and changes in generic drug prices, our ability to realize synergies and achieve financial, tax and operating results in the amounts and at the times anticipated, supply arrangements including our commercial agreement with AmerisourceBergen, the arrangements and transactions contemplated by our framework agreement with AmerisourceBergen and their possible effects, the risks associated with the company’s equity method investment in AmerisourceBergen, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination, cross-termination or modification of any of our contractual obligations, the amount of costs, fees, expenses and charges incurred in connection with strategic transactions, whether the costs associated with restructuring activities will exceed estimates, our ability to realize expected savings and benefits from cost-savings initiatives, restructuring activities and acquisitions in the amounts and at the times anticipated, the timing and amount of any impairment or other charges, the timing and severity of cough, cold and flu season, changes in management’s assumptions, the risks associated with governance and control matters, the ability to retain key personnel, changes in economic and business conditions generally or in particular markets in which we participate, changes in financial markets and interest rates, the risks associated with international business operations, including the risks associated with the proposed withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, the risk of unexpected costs, liabilities or delays, changes in vendor, customer and payer relationships and terms, including changes in network participation and reimbursement terms, risks of inflation in the cost of goods, risks associated with the operation and growth of our customer loyalty programs, competition, risks associated with new business areas and activities, risks associated with acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and strategic investments, including those relating to our ability to satisfy the closing conditions and consummate the pending acquisition of Rite Aid and related matters (including the pending divestiture transaction to sell certain Rite Aid stores and assets to Fred’s, Inc.) on a timely basis or at all, the risks associated with the integration of complex businesses, outcomes of legal and regulatory matters, including with respect to regulatory review and actions in connection with the pending acquisition of Rite Aid and related matters, and changes in legislation, regulations or interpretations thereof. These and other risks, assumptions and uncertainties are described in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 31 August 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference, and in other documents that we file or furnish with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Except to the extent required by law, we do not undertake, and expressly disclaim, any duty or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement after the date of this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

Please refer to the supplemental information presented below for reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures used in this release to the most comparable GAAP financial measure and related disclosures.

Notes to Editors:

About Walgreens Boots Alliance

Walgreens Boots Alliance (Nasdaq: WBA) is the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise.

The company was created through the combination of Walgreens and Alliance Boots in December 2014, bringing together two leading companies with iconic brands, complementary geographic footprints, shared values and a heritage of trusted health care services through pharmaceutical wholesaling and community pharmacy care, dating back more than 100 years.

Walgreens Boots Alliance is the largest retail pharmacy, health and daily living destination across the USA and Europe. Walgreens Boots Alliance and the companies in which it has equity method investments together have a presence in more than 25* countries and employ more than 400,000* people. The company is a global leader in pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing retail and, together with the companies in which it has equity method investments, has over 13,200* stores in 11* countries as well as one of the largest global pharmaceutical wholesale and distribution networks, with over 390* distribution centers delivering to more than 230,000** pharmacies, doctors, health centers and hospitals each year in more than 20* countries. In addition, Walgreens Boots Alliance is one of the world’s largest purchasers of prescription drugs and many other health and wellbeing products.

The company’s portfolio of retail and business brands includes Walgreens, Duane Reade, Boots and Alliance Healthcare, as well as increasingly global health and beauty product brands, such as No7, Botanics, Liz Earle and Soap & Glory.

In October 2016 Walgreens Boots Alliance received the United Nations Foundation Global Leadership Award for its commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

More company information is available at www.walgreensbootsalliance.com.

* As of 31 August 2016, using publicly available information for AmerisourceBergen.

** For 12 months ending 31 August 2016, using publicly available information for AmerisourceBergen.

Contact:
Media Relations:
USA
Michael Polzin
+1 847 315 2935

International
Laura Vergani
+44 (0)207 980 8585

Investor Relations:
Gerald Gradwell and Ashish Kohli
+1 847 315 2922

Source: Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

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SSP Group announces its financial results for year ended 30 September 2016

LONDON, 2016-Nov-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, announces its financial results for year ended 30 September 2016.

Highlights:

  • Underlying operating profit1 of £121.4m: up 18.2% at constant currency, and 24.6% at actual exchange rates
  • Like-for-like sales up 3.0%: driven by growth in air passenger travel and retailing initiatives
  • Net gains of 1.7%: strong performances in North America and the Rest of the World
  • Revenue of £1,990m: up 5.0% at constant currency; 8.6% at actual exchange rates
  • Underlying operating margin1 up 70 basis points at constant currency to 6.1%: strategic initiatives delivering further improvements
  • Underlying profit before tax of £107.5m: up 31.1%. Reported profit before tax of £105.6m
  • Underlying earnings per share of 15.5 pence: up 26.0%. Reported earnings per share of 15.2 pence
  • Final dividend of 2.9 pence per share, bringing the full year dividend to 5.4 pence per share: up 26.0%
  • Underlying operating cash inflow of £78.3m, after increased investment in the business
  • Brand and concept portfolio further strengthened
  • Encouraging pipeline of new contracts

Commenting on the results, Kate Swann, CEO of SSP Group, said:

“SSP has delivered another good performance in 2016 and we continue to make progress on our strategic initiatives.  Constant currency operating profit was up 18% driven by good like-for-like sales growth, further operational improvements and higher new contract openings.  We continue to develop our presence across the world, particularly in North America and Asia Pacific.

“The new financial year has started in line with our expectations and whilst a degree of uncertainty always exists around passenger numbers in the short term, we continue to be well placed to benefit from the structural growth opportunities in our markets and our programme of operational improvements.”

If you are a journalist and have a press enquiry, please call:
Templemere Public Relations
+44 (0) 1306 735574
press.office@ssp-intl.com

Source: SSP Group

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Intershop announces financial results for the first nine months of 2016

  • Revenues of EUR 24.7 million (previous year: EUR 32.7 million)
  • Product business falls short of expectations, service revenues continue to stabilize
  • EBIT of EUR -2.0 million (previous year: EUR 0.05 million)
  • “Lighthouse 2020” strategy: Focus on wholesale and cloud business

Jena, 2016-Nov-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — Intershop Communications AG (ISIN: DE000A0EPUH1), a leading independent provider of innovative solutions for omni-channel commerce, generated revenues of EUR 24.7 million in the first nine months of 2016 (previous year: EUR 32.7 million). On the one hand, the 25% decline is attributable to a shift in projects and a shortfall of expected license orders, which sent product revenues falling by 27% to EUR 9.5 million. On the other hand, service revenues, at EUR 15.2 million, were still below the prior year level (-23%). This is due to the changed customer structure, with a focus on small and medium-sized customers. The quarterly comparison shows, however, that the service business has stabilized, with service revenues climbing from EUR 4.5 million in Q1 to EUR 5.4 million in Q3 2016.

Intershop’s product revenues break down into approx. EUR 3.5 million in license revenues (previous year: EUR 7.0 million) and EUR 6.0 million in maintenance revenues (previous year: EUR 6.0 million) in the first nine months of 2016. In the service segment, revenues from consulting contracts amounted to EUR 11.8 million, (previous year: EUR 15.1 million) while full service revenues stood at EUR 3.4 million (previous year: EUR 4.6 million).

The 44% gross margin for the nine months was consistent with the prior year period. Operating expenses declined by 9% to EUR 13.0 million. Due to the drop in revenues, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) declined to EUR -0.2 million (previous year: EUR 2.7 million). EBIT amounted to EUR -2.0 million in the reporting period, compared to EUR 0.05 million in the previous year. The result for the period stood at EUR -2.4 million (previous year: EUR -0.1 million). This is equivalent to earnings per share of EUR -0.07 (previous year: EUR 0.00).

The Intershop Group’s cash flow from operations amounted to EUR -1.4 million in the first nine months of 2016 (previous year: EUR 4.2 million), which is mainly attributable to the net loss for the period. Cash and cash equivalents totalled EUR 10.9 million at the interim reporting date. The equity ratio improved to 61% (31 December 2015: 58%).

Against the background of the ongoing market consolidation and the lack of growth momentum, Intershop has initiated the “Lighthouse 2020” strategy program. Following on from the concentration on the product business in the past two years, Intershop will focus on customers from the wholesale sector going forward. Another strategic focus of the program is on the continued expansion of the cloud business; in this context, the Intershop 7.8 Cloud Solution will be launched before the end of the year. The new cooperation with Microsoft will play an important role, as it allows customers to seamlessly integrate the Intershop systems with the cloud-based Dynamics NAV ERP solution from Microsoft.

According to the new roadmap, the Management Board projects sales revenues of between EUR 34 million and EUR 36 million as well as a negative result (EBIT) of between EUR 1 million and EUR 2.5 million, including extraordinary expenses of approx. EUR 1 million.

Says Dr. Jochen Wiechen, CEO of Intershop Communications AG: “In spite of the disappointing nine-month figures, we are convinced that our strategic positioning and the related reorganization are the right approach. We project revenues of EUR 50 million and an EBIT margin of 5% by 2020 and will do everything in our power to reach these growth targets.”

The interim report on the first nine months of 2016 is available for download at http://www.intershop.com/investors-financial-reports.

About Intershop

Intershop Communications AG (founded in Germany 1992; Prime Standard: ISH2) is the leading independent provider of omni-channel commerce solutions. Intershop offers high-performance packaged software for internet sales, complemented by all necessary services. Intershop also acts as a business process outsourcing provider, covering all aspects of online retailing up to fulfillment. Around the globe more than 300 enterprise customers, including HP, BMW, Würth, and Deutsche Telekom run Intershop solutions. Intershop is headquartered in Jena, Germany, and has offices in the United States, Europe, Australia, and China. More information about Intershop can be found online at www.intershop.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial and operational performance of Intershop. Actual events or performance may differ materially from those contained or implied in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could lead to such difference could include, among other things: Intershop’s limited operating history, the unpredictability of future revenues and expenses and potential fluctuations in revenues and operating results, significant dependence on large single customer deals, consumer trends, the level of competition, seasonality, risks related to electronic security, possible governmental regulation, and general economic conditions.

Contact:

Intershop Public Relations
HEIDE RAUSCH
Head of Corporate Communication
Phone: +49 3641 50-1000
Fax: +49 3641 50-1309

Source: Intershop Communications AG

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Apranga Group announces financial results for the nine months of 2016

Vilnius, Lithuania, 2016-Oct-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — The unaudited consolidated profit before income tax of Apranga Group amounted to EUR 4.9 million in Q3 2016, comparing to EUR 4.4 million in Q3 2015, the increase of 12.4%.The consolidated profit before income tax amounted to EUR 9.5 million in the nine months of 2016, while the Group has made the profit of EUR 8.3 million in the same period of 2015 (the increase of 14.4%).

Q3 2016 EBITDA of Apranga Group reached EUR 6.5 million, the increase of 10.5% compared to Q3 2015. EBITDA of the Group totalled EUR 14.1 million in the nine months 2016, and increased by 10.6% comparing to corresponding the year 2015 period.

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Apranga Group for nine months of 2016, as well as managers’ confirmation letter are ready for acquaintance in the attachments. The interim information is also available at: http://aprangagroup.lt/en/investors.

Saulius Bačauskas
Apranga Group CFO
+370 5 2390843

CONTACT FOR INVESTORS:

Saulius Bačauskas
APB Apranga Finance and Economics Director
Tel. +370 5 2390 808, +370 5 2390 843
Fax. +370 5 2390 800
E-mail: s.bacauskas@apranga.lt

Source: Apranga Group/globenewswire

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The Children’s Place announces financial results for the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2016

  • Delivers Q2 Comparable Retail Sales Increase of 2.4%
  • Reports Q2 GAAP Loss per Diluted Share of ($0.11) vs ($0.67) in Q2 2015 and
  • Q2 Adjusted Loss per Diluted Share of ($0.01) vs ($0.33) in Q2 2015
  • Increases Fiscal 2016 Adjusted EPS Guidance to $4.60 to $4.70 vs Previous Guidance of$4.17 to $4.27
  • Returns $86 Million to Shareholders Year to Date  

SECAUCUS, N.J., 2016-Oct-20 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Children’s Place, Inc.(Nasdaq:PLCE), the largest pure-play children’s specialty apparel retailer in North America, today announced financial results for the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2016.

Jane Elfers, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “We delivered another outstanding quarter. Based on these results and the consistently positive customer response to our merchandise assortments, we are raising our guidance for the full year. We continue to demonstrate our ability to deliver on our multi-pronged transformation strategy – superior product, business transformation through technology, global growth through alternate channels of distribution and store fleet optimization – despite the challenging retail environment and the continued weakness in store traffic.”

Financial Results
The Company’s results are reported in this press release on a GAAP and as adjusted, non-GAAP basis. A reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP financial information is provided at the end of this press release.

Second Quarter 2016 Results
Net sales increased 1.4% to $371.4 million in the second quarter of 2016. The quarter included the negative impact of approximately $1.7 million from currency exchange rate fluctuations. On a constant currency basis, net sales were $373.1 million, a 1.8% increase, compared to net sales of$366.5 million in the second quarter of 2015. Comparable retail sales increased 2.4% in the second quarter of 2016.

Net loss was ($2.0) million, or ($0.11) per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2016, compared to a net loss of ($13.7) million, or ($0.67) per diluted share, the previous year.  Adjusted net loss was ($0.2) million, or ($0.01) per diluted share, inclusive of a negative ($0.02) impact due to foreign exchange, compared to an adjusted net loss of ($6.8) million, or ($0.33) per diluted share, in the second quarter last year. On a constant currency basis, adjusted net income per diluted share was $0.01.

Gross profit and adjusted gross profit were $123.9 million in the second quarter, compared to$115.0 million in the second quarter of 2015 and leveraged 200 basis points to 33.4% of sales primarily as a result of merchandise margin and fixed cost leverage and a higher AUR.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $107.9 million compared to $118.3 million in the second quarter of 2015. Adjusted SG&A was $107.9 million compared to $108.6 million in the second quarter last year and leveraged 50 basis points as a percentage of sales primarily as a result of decreased store and administrative expenses which were partially offset by increased incentive compensation expenses.

Operating loss was ($2.9) million, compared to ($20.1) million in the second quarter of 2015. Adjusted operating income in the second quarter of 2016 was $0.1 million compared to an adjusted operating loss of ($8.9) million in the second quarter last year, and leveraged 240 basis points compared to last year.

For the second quarter, the Company’s adjusted results exclude charges of approximately $3.0 million, compared to excluded charges of approximately $11.2 million in the second quarter of 2015, comprising certain items which the Company believes are not reflective of the performance of its core business. These excluded charges are primarily related to asset impairment charges in the second quarter of 2016 and proxy and legal settlement costs in the second quarter of 2015.

Fiscal Year to Date
Net sales increased 2.5% to $790.8 million, including the negative impact of approximately $4.0 million from currency exchange rate fluctuations.  On a constant currency basis, net sales were$794.8 million, a 3.0% increase compared to net sales of $771.3 million in the prior year. Comparable retail sales increased 3.8% in the first half of fiscal 2016.

Net income was $24.0 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, in the first half of fiscal 2016, compared to net income of $1.9 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, the previous year. Adjusted net income was $25.6 million, or $1.32 per diluted share, inclusive of a negative ($0.03) impact due to foreign exchange, compared to $10.9 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, an increase of 154%, compared to the previous year. On a constant currency basis, adjusted net income per diluted share was$1.35, a 160% increase compared to the previous year.

Gross profit was $289.2 million in the first half of fiscal 2016, compared to $267.1 million last year.  Adjusted gross profit was $289.2 million, or 36.6% of net sales, leveraging 190 basis points compared to last year.

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the first half of fiscal 2016 were $217.1 million, compared to $232.9 million last year. Adjusted SG&A was $217.5 million, compared to $219.9 million last year, leveraging 100 basis points compared to last year.

Operating income was $36.7 million, compared to operating income of $3.1 million in the first half of fiscal 2015. Adjusted operating income was $39.3 million, or 5.0% of net sales, compared to$17.8 million, or 2.3% of net sales last year.

For the first half, the Company’s adjusted results exclude charges of approximately $2.6 million, compared to excluded charges of approximately $14.8 million in the first half of 2015, comprising certain items which the Company believes are not reflective of the performance of its core business. These excluded charges are primarily related to asset impairment charges in the first half of 2016 and proxy and legal settlement costs in the first half of 2015.

Store Openings and Closures
The Company closed 2 stores and opened 2 stores during the second quarter of 2016. The Company ended the second quarter with 1,064 stores and square footage of 4.967 million, a decrease of 2.0% compared to the prior year.  The Company’s international franchise partners opened 13 points of distribution in the second quarter, and the Company ended the quarter with 123 international points of distribution open and operated by its 6 franchise partners in 16 countries.

Capital Return Program
During the second quarter of 2016, the Company returned approximately $39 million to shareholders through the repurchase of 454,711 shares and its quarterly dividend payment of $0.20 per share. Year to date, the Company returned approximately $86 million to shareholders compared to approximately $68 million last year. Since 2009, the Company has returned over$710 million to its investors through share repurchases and dividends. At the end of the second quarter, approximately $192 million remained available for future share repurchases under the Company’s existing share repurchase program.

Additionally, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share, payable October 6, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 16, 2016.

Outlook
The Company is updating its outlook for fiscal 2016 and now expects adjusted net income per diluted share to be in the range of $4.60 to $4.70, inclusive of a ($0.08) negative impact from foreign exchange. This compares to the Company’s previous guidance of $4.17 to $4.27 per adjusted diluted share and to adjusted net income per diluted share of $3.60 in fiscal 2015. This guidance assumes a positive low single digit increase in comparable retail sales for the year. This guidance for adjusted net income per diluted share excludes year to date charges of approximately$2.6 million primarily related to asset impairment charges that the Company believes are not reflective of the performance of its core business.

The Company expects adjusted net income per diluted share in the third quarter of 2016 to be between $1.93 and $2.01, inclusive of an estimated ($0.03) negative impact from foreign exchange. This compares to adjusted net income per diluted share of $1.93 in the third quarter of 2015. This guidance assumes a positive low single digit increase in comparable retail sales for the quarter.

Financial Results
The Company’s results are reported in this press release on a GAAP and as adjusted, non-GAAP basis. Adjusted net income, adjusted net loss, adjusted net income per diluted share, adjusted net loss per diluted share, adjusted gross profit, adjusted SG&A, and adjusted operating income are non-GAAP measures, and are not intended to replace GAAP financial information and may be different from non-GAAP measures reported by other companies. The Company believes the items excluded as non-GAAP adjustments are not reflective of the performance of its core business and that providing this supplemental disclosure to investors will facilitate comparisons of the past and present performance of its core business.  The Company uses non-GAAP measures to evaluate and measure operating performance, including, as previously disclosed, to measure performance for purposes of the Company’s annual bonus and long-term incentive compensation plans. A reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP financial information is provided at the end of this press release.

Conference Call Information
The Children’s Place will host a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2016 results today at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The call will be broadcast live at http://investor.childrensplace.com. An audio archive will be available on the Company’s website approximately one hour after the conclusion of the call.

About The Children’s Place, Inc.
The Children’s Place is the largest pure-play children’s specialty apparel retailer in North America.  The Company designs, contracts to manufacture, sells at retail and wholesale, and licenses to sell fashionable, high-quality merchandise at value prices, primarily under the proprietary “The Children’s Place,” “Place” and “Baby Place” brand names.  As of July 30, 2016, the Company operated 1,064 stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, an online store at www.childrensplace.com, and had 123 international points of distribution open and operated by its 6 franchise partners in 16 countries.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains, and the above referenced conference call may contain, forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to statements relating to the Company’s strategic initiatives and adjusted net income per diluted share.  Forward-looking statements typically are identified by use of terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate” and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. These forward-looking statements are based upon the Company’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and performance to differ materially. Some of these risks and uncertainties are described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the “Risk Factors” section of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016. Included among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and performance to differ materially are the risk that the Company will be unsuccessful in gauging fashion trends and changing consumer preferences, the risks resulting from the highly competitive nature of the Company’s business and its dependence on consumer spending patterns, which may be affected by weakness in the economy that continues to affect the Company’s target customer, the risk that the Company’s strategic initiatives to increase sales and margin are delayed or do not result in anticipated improvements, the risk of delays, interruptions and disruptions in the Company’s global supply chain, including resulting from foreign sources of supply in less developed countries or more politically unstable countries, the risk that the cost of raw materials or energy prices will increase beyond current expectations or that the Company is unable to offset cost increases through value engineering or price increases, and the uncertainty of weather patterns. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contact:

Robert Vill
Group Vice President
Finance
(201) 453-6693

Source: Children’s Place, Inc/globenewswire

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Key historical data released on the financial results of Ahold Delhaize post their merger

Zaandam, the Netherlands, 2016-Oct-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ahold Delhaize today (October 6, 2016 ) published pro forma combined financial information following the merger between Ahold and Delhaize Group which was completed on July 23, 2016.

The unaudited pro forma information includes key historical data on the results of Ahold Delhaize and provides a comparative basis to facilitate assessment of the current performance of the combined company for illustrative purposes. The information, which may be subject to change, is presented in a format that is aligned with Ahold Delhaize’s future reporting structure and reporting segments.

The pro forma key historical data has been prepared assuming the merger became effective on the first day of Ahold’s 2015 financial year. Delhaize Group’s assets and liabilities have been accounted for at fair value, in accordance with IFRS 3, and calculated on the basis of values/data established on the date of merger completion, i.e. July 23, 2016. No adjustments were made for the difference in number of weeks per quarter. The reporting calendar will be aligned to 13 week quarters for all segments as of the first quarter of 2017.

The following main adjustments to the combined historical data were made to arrive at the pro forma information:

• Exclusion of the performance of remedy stores and other divestments
• Exclusion of merger transaction costs
• Inclusion of Purchase Price Allocation effects on Delhaize assets and liabilities, impacting depreciation and amortization, net interest expense and rent
• Alignment of Global Support Office functions and related costs
• Alignment of foreign exchange rates for consolidation of foreign group entities

Following provisional fair value adjustments were made to the Delhaize balance sheet:

• Property, Plant and Equipment increased by €0.8 billion
• Goodwill & non-amortizable intangibles increased by €5.2 billion, which includes €2.4 billion allocated to Ahold banners
• Other intangible assets increased by €0.9 billion
• Net debt increased by €0.7 billion to €2.7 billion

Media Contacts:

Email: media.relations@aholddelhaize.com
Phone: +31 88 659 9111

Source: Ahold Delhaize Group

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RioCan to release its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 on November 3, 2016

TORONTO, ONTARIO, 2016-Oct-05 — /EPR Retail News/ — RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (“RioCan”) (TSX:REI.UN) today (Oct. 3, 2016) announced that it is scheduled to release its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 prior to the market open on Thursday, November 3, 2016.

Interested parties are invited to participate in a conference call with management on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. eastern time. You will be required to identify yourself and the organization on whose behalf you are participating.

In order to participate, please dial 416-340-2216 or 1-866-223-7781. If you cannot participate in the live mode, a replay will be available until December 1, 2016. To access the replay, please dial 905-694-9451 or 1-800-408-3053 and enter passcode 5706428#.

Scheduled speakers include Edward Sonshine, O.Ont., Q.C., Chief Executive Officer, Rags Davloor, President and Chief Operating Officer and Cynthia Devine, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Management’s presentation will be followed by a question and answer period. To ask a question, press “star 1” on a touch-tone phone. The conference call operator will be notified of all requests in the order in which they are made, and will introduce each questioner.

Alternatively, to access the simultaneous webcast, go to the following link on RioCan’s website: http://investor.riocan.com/investor-relations/events-and-presentations/events/default.aspx and click on the link for the webcast. The webcast will be archived 24 hours after the end of the conference call and can be accessed for 120 days.

About RioCan

RioCan is Canada’s largest real estate investment trust with a total enterprise value of approximately $15 billion as at June 30, 2016. RioCan owns and manages Canada’s largest portfolio of shopping centres with ownership interests in a portfolio of 302 Canadian retail and mixed use properties, including 15 properties under development, containing an aggregate net leasable area of 45 million square feet. For further information, please refer to RioCan’s website
at www.riocan.com.

Contact Information:
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust
Christian Green
AVP, Investor Relations & Compliance
Tel: 416-864-6483
www.riocan.com

Source: RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust

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PREIT to release its financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2016 on November 2, 2016

PHILADELPHIA, 2016-Sep-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT/NYSE: PEI) intends to release its financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2016 after market trading closes on Wednesday, November 2, 2016.

Management has scheduled a conference call for 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, November 3, 2016, to review the Company’s results and future outlook.  To listen to the call, please dial 1-877-201-0168 (domestic toll free), or 1-647-788-4901 (international), and request to join the PREIT call, Conference ID 74250243, at least five minutes before the scheduled start time.  Investors can also access the call in a “listen only” mode via the internet at the Company’s website, preit.com.  Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the site and download the necessary software to listen to the Internet broadcast.  Financial and statistical information expected to be discussed on the call will also be available on the Company’s website. For best results when listening to the webcast, the Company recommends using Flash Player.

For interested individuals unable to join the conference call, the online archive of the webcast will also be available for one year following the call.

About PREIT

PREIT (NYSE:PEI) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust specializing in the ownership and management of differentiated shopping malls.  Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company owns and operates over 25 million square feet of retail space in the eastern half of the United States with concentration in the Mid-Atlantic region’s top MSAs. Since 2012, the company has driven a transformation guided by an emphasis on balance sheet strength, high-quality merchandising and disciplined capital expenditures. Additional information is available at preit.com, on Twitter or LinkedIn.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans, strategies, anticipated events, trends and other matters that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views about future events, achievements or results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that might cause future events, achievements or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In particular, our business might be materially and adversely affected by uncertainties affecting real estate businesses generally as well as the following, among other factors: our substantial debt, stated value of preferred shares and our high leverage ratio; constraining leverage, interest and tangible net worth covenants under our 2013 Revolving Facility, our 2014 Term Loans and our 2015 Term Loan; potential losses on impairment of certain long-lived assets, such as real estate, or of intangible assets, such as goodwill, including such losses that we might be required to record in connection with any dispositions of assets; changes to our corporate management team and any resulting modifications to our business strategies; our ability to refinance our existing indebtedness when it matures, on favorable terms or at all; our ability to raise capital, including through the issuance of equity or equity-related securities if market conditions are favorable, through joint ventures or other partnerships, through sales of properties or interests in properties, or through other actions; our ability to identify and execute on suitable acquisition opportunities and to integrate acquired properties into our portfolio; our partnerships and joint ventures with third parties to acquire or develop properties; our short- and long-term liquidity position; current economic conditions and their effect on employment, consumer confidence and spending and the corresponding effects on tenant business performance, prospects, solvency and leasing decisions and on our cash flows, and the value and potential impairment of our properties;  general economic, financial and political conditions, including credit market conditions, changes in interest rates or unemployment; changes in the retail industry, including consolidation and store closings, particularly among anchor tenants; the effects of online shopping and other uses of technology on our retail tenants;  our ability to sell properties that we seek to dispose of or our ability to obtain estimated sale prices; our ability to maintain and increase property occupancy, sales and rental rates, in light of the relatively high number of leases that have expired or are expiring in the next two years; acts of violence at malls, including our properties, or at other similar spaces, and the potential effect on traffic and sales;  increases in operating costs that cannot be passed on to tenants; risks relating to development and redevelopment activities which could be subject to delays or other risks and might not yield the returns we anticipate; concentration of our properties in the Mid-Atlantic region; changes in local market conditions, such as the supply of or demand for retail space, or other competitive factors; and potential dilution from any capital raising transactions.  Additional factors that might cause future events, achievements or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements include those discussed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in any subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” We do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT:  
Heather Crowell
SVP, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations
(215) 454-1241
Heather.crowell@preit.com

SOURCE: PREIT

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ascena retail group announces financial results for fiscal fourth quarter and full year ended July 30, 2016

MAHWAH, N.J., 2016-Sep-20 — /EPR Retail News/ — ascena retail group, inc. (NASDAQ – ASNA) (the “Company”) today (Sep. 19, 2016) reported financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter and full year ended July 30, 2016. Fiscal 2016 reflected a 53-week fiscal year for the Company, and as a result, the Company’s fourth quarter GAAP results for Fiscal 2016 reflect a 14-week period, while non-GAAP adjusted results reflect a 13-week period comparable to the prior year 13-week period. Additionally, the Company’s non-GAAP adjusted financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter ended July 30, 2016 exclude acquisition and integration expenses, and non-cash expenses associated with the purchase accounting adjustments of ANN’s assets and liabilities to fair market value. The Company’s non-GAAP adjusted financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter ended July 25, 2015 exclude a $306 million impairment of goodwill and an intangible asset related to Lane Bryant, and an expense of $51 million related to Justice pricing lawsuits.

For the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2016, the Company reported GAAP earnings of $0.07 per diluted share compared to a loss of $1.98 per diluted share in the same period of Fiscal 2015. The increase was driven by the acquisition of ANN, which closed during the first quarter of Fiscal 2016, along with prior year items including the impairment of goodwill and an intangible asset at Lane Bryant and the expense related to the Justice pricing lawsuits. For the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2016, the Company reported non-GAAP adjusted earnings of $0.08 per diluted share which excludes the purchase accounting expenses and acquisition and integration costs associated with the acquisition of ANN, as well as the estimated impact of the 53rd week.

For full year Fiscal 2016, the Company reported a GAAP loss of $0.06 per diluted share as a result of acquisition and integration costs, and the effect of non-cash purchase accounting adjustments, all of which were related to the acquisition of ANN. The Company reported a loss of $1.46 per diluted share in the same period of Fiscal 2015 primarily due to the previously discussed charges for the Lane Bryant impairments and Justice pricing lawsuits. Non-GAAP adjusted earnings for the 52-week period ending July 23, 2016 were$0.60 per diluted share, which excludes the aforementioned ANN items and the estimated impact of the 53rdweek.

David Jaffe, President and Chief Executive Officer of ascena retail group, inc., commented, “Fiscal 2016 was a challenging year for ascena, characterized by a highly competitive selling environment and significant store traffic headwinds. While we are seeing good customer demand during peak periods, off-peak demand has been inconsistent, and fourth quarter financial performance fell well below our expectations.”

Jaffe concluded, “Aside from the challenging business trend we’ve seen, I’d like to highlight progress in four key areas of our business that I believe lay the foundation for stronger future performance. First, we were pleased by the Justice turnaround. The Justice team delivered full-year operating margin in the middle of the guidance range we provided last September. Second, our integration of ANN continues to progress well, and we remain ahead of plan with our synergy and cost savings workstreams. Third, the new ascena omni-channel platform went live at Justice in the fourth quarter, and the early reads on demand growth have significantly exceeded our expectations. And finally, we continue to make progress with our enterprise transformation work, and we are currently moving forward to address identified opportunities.”

Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2016 Results

Net Sales and Comparable Sales

On a GAAP basis, Net sales for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2016 were $1.812 billion compared to $1.170 billion last year, with the increase driven by the acquisition of ANN, which was not included in the prior year. Fiscal 2016 also includes Net sales of approximately $82 million associated with the 53rd week. Comparable sales at the legacy ascena brands (excluding ANN) were down 4% for the quarter based on the comparable 13-week period. On a non-GAAP adjusted basis, Net sales were $1.731 billion.

For investors:
ascena retail group, inc.
Stacy Turnof
551-777-6928
Vice President of Investor Relations
stacy.turnof@ascenaretail.com

James Palczynski
203-682-8229
Partner
jp@icrinc.com

For media:
ascena retail group, inc.
Catherine Fisher
551-777-6725
Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer
catherine.fisher@ascenaretail.com

Source: ascena retail group, inc.

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DAVIDsTEA Inc. announces financial results for the three months and six months ended July 30, 2016

MONTREAL, 2016-Sep-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — DAVIDsTEA Inc. (Nasdaq:DTEA) today (Sept. 07, 2016) announced financial results for the three months and six months ended July 30, 2016.

For the three months ended July 30, 2016:

  • Sales increased by 25.3% to C$41.1 million from C$32.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. Comparable sales increased by 5.1%.
  • Gross profit increased by 23.6% to C$19.9 million from C$16.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, while gross profit as a percent of sales decreased to 48.5% from 49.0% in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. The decrease in gross profit as a percent of sales was driven primarily by the adverse impact of the stronger U.S. dollar on U.S. dollar denominated purchases, partially offset by supply chain efficiencies. On a constant currency basis, gross profit as a percent of sales increased 10 basis points to 49.1%.
  • Selling, general and administration expenses (“SG&A”) increased to C$22.8 million from C$18.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, due primarily to the hiring of additional staff to support the growth of the Company, higher store operating expenses to support the operations of 208 stores as of July 30, 2016 as compared to 165 stores as of August 1, 2015, as well as newly incurred public company costs. As a percent of sales, SG&A decreased to 55.5% from 55.6% in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. Excluding the loss on disposal of property and equipment in the prior year period, SG&A increased to C$22.8 million from C$17.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. As a percent of sales, SG&A excluding the loss on disposal of property and equipment in the prior year period increased to 55.5% from 54.6%.
  • Results from operating activities were C$(2.9) million as compared to C$(2.2) million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. Excluding the loss on disposal of property and equipment in the prior year period, results from operating activities decreased to C$(2.9) millionfrom C$(1.9) million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.
  • The Company opened 10 net new stores in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and ended the quarter with a total of 208 stores inCanada and the U.S. This represents an increase of 26% from the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2015.
  • Net income was C$(2.3) million compared to C$(52.1) million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 which, as previously stated, includes a C$50.2 million non-cash loss associated with the embedded derivative on Series A, A-1 and A-2 preferred shares as all preferred shares were converted into common shares in conjunction with the IPO transaction (see Reconciliation of IFRS basis to Adjusted net income (loss) table). Adjusted net income, which excludes IPO-related and other one-time income or expenses in the prior year period (see Reconciliation of IFRS basis to Adjusted net income (loss) table), was C$(2.3) million compared to C$(1.6) million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was C$0.2 million compared to C$0.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. Adjusted EBITDA excludes IPO-related and other non-cash or one-time costs (see Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA table).
  • Fully diluted income per common share was C$(0.09) compared to C$(2.73) in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. Adjusted fully diluted income per common share, which is adjusted net income on an adjusted fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding basis (see Reconciliation of fully diluted weighted average common shares outstanding table), was C$(0.09) per share compared toC$(0.07) per share in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

Sylvain Toutant, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are pleased with our second quarter results which are a testament to the strength of our brand and the progress we continue to make on our goals. In the U.S., strong e-commerce sales were offset by our store sales which were lower than expected. We continue to refine the U.S. model, learn from our customers and remain enthusiastic and focused on the expansion opportunity we see for our brand.”

Mr. Toutant concluded, “Given our first half performance and our outlook for the rest of the year, we are reaffirming our previously provided FY16 guidance. We are excited about our innovative product pipeline and marketing line-up for holiday that we believe will resonate with our customers, and we remain focused on delivering continued progress against our strategic priorities of building the brand, growing our store base and e-commerce footprint, driving profitability and realizing the significant potential we believe exists for this business.”

For the six months ended July 30, 2016:

  • Sales increased by 24.6% to C$85.5 million from C$68.6 million in the comparable period in fiscal 2015. Comparable sales increased by 5.0%.
  • Gross profit increased by 22.8% to C$43.1 million from C$35.1 million in the comparable period in fiscal 2015, while gross profit as a percent of sales decreased to 50.3% from 51.2% in the comparable period in fiscal 2015. The decrease in gross profit as a percent of sales was driven primarily by the adverse impact of the stronger U.S. dollar on U.S. dollar denominated purchases, partially offset by supply chain efficiencies. On a constant currency basis, gross profit as a percent of sales increased 60 basis points to 51.8%.
  • Selling, general and administration expenses (“SG&A”) increased to C$43.9 million from C$35.2 million in the comparable period in fiscal 2015, due primarily to the hiring of additional staff to support the growth of the Company, higher store operating expenses to support the operations of 208 stores as of July 30, 2016 as compared to 165 stores as of August 1, 2015, as well as newly incurred public company costs. As a percent of sales, SG&A increased to 51.4% from 51.3% in the comparable period in fiscal 2015. Excluding the loss on disposal of property and equipment in the prior year period, SG&A increased to C$43.9 million from C$34.9 million in the comparable period in fiscal 2015. As a percent of sales, SG&A excluding the loss on disposal of property and equipment in the prior year period increased to 51.4% from 50.9%.
  • Results from operating activities were C$(0.9) million as compared to C$(4.1) million in the comparable period in fiscal 2015. Excluding the stock-based compensation expense related to cashless exercise and the loss on disposal of property and equipment in the prior year period, results from operating activities decreased to C$(0.9) million from C$0.2 million in the comparable period in fiscal 2015.
  • The Company opened 15 net new stores in the comparable period in fiscal 2016 and ended the period with a total of 208 stores inCanada and the U.S. This represents an increase of 26% from the end of the comparable period in fiscal 2015.
  • Net income was C$(0.8) million compared to net income of C$(145.3) million in the comparable period in fiscal 2015 which, as previously stated, includes a C$140.9 million non-cash loss associated with the embedded derivative on Series A, A-1 and A-2 preferred shares as all preferred shares were converted into common shares in conjunction with the IPO transaction (see Reconciliation of IFRS basis to Adjusted net income (loss) table). Adjusted net income, which excludes IPO-related and other one-time income or expenses in the prior year period (see Reconciliation of IFRS basis to Adjusted net income (loss) table), was C$(0.8) million compared to C$(0.5) million in the comparable period in fiscal 2015.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was C$4.7 million compared to C$4.2 million in the comparable period in fiscal 2015. Adjusted EBITDA excludes IPO-related and other non-cash or one-time costs (see Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA table).
  • Fully diluted income per common share was C$(0.03) compared to C$(9.35) in the comparable period in fiscal 2015. Adjusted fully diluted income per common share, which is adjusted net income on an adjusted fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding basis (see Reconciliation of fully diluted weighted average common shares outstanding table), was C$(0.03) per share compared toC$(0.02) per share in the comparable period in fiscal 2015.

Balance sheet highlights as of July 30, 2016:

  • Cash: C$60.6 million.
  • Total liquidity (cash plus availability on a C$20.0 million revolving facility): C$80.6 million.

Third Quarter and Fiscal 2016 Outlook:

For the third quarter of fiscal 2016, sales are expected to be in the range of C$43.0 million to C$44.0 million based on opening 15 new stores and assuming a comparable sales increase in the low-single digit range. This low-single digit expected comp range is due to an August technical issue, which has since been resolved, with our e-mail distribution during which a significant portion of our marketing emails were not being delivered to our customers. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of C$0.6 million to C$0.9 million. Net loss  is expected to be in the range of C$(2.0) million to C$(2.3) million, with fully diluted income per common share in the range ofC$(0.08) to C$(0.09) on approximately 24.8 million fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

For fiscal 2016, sales are expected to be in the range of C$215.0 million to C$219.0 million based on opening 40 new stores for the full year and assuming a comparable sales increase in the mid-single digit range. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of C$31.0 million to C$33.0 million. Adjusted net income is expected to be in the range of C$13.0 million to C$14.0 million, with an adjusted fully diluted income per common share range of C$0.50 to C$0.54 on approximately 26.1 million adjusted fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

Conference Call Information:

A conference call to discuss the second quarter of fiscal 2016 financial results is scheduled for today, September 7, 2016, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The conference call will be webcast and may be accessed via the Company’s Investor Relations section of its website at www.davidstea.com. An online archive of the webcast will be available within two hours of the conclusion of the call and will remain available for one year.

Non-IFRS Information:

This press release includes non-IFRS measures including Adjusted results from operating activities, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income(loss), and Adjusted fully diluted income(loss) per share. Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income(loss) and Adjusted fully diluted income(loss) per share are not presentations made in accordance with IFRS, and the use of the terms Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income(loss) and Adjusted fully diluted income(loss) per share may differ from similar measures reported by other companies. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income(loss) and Adjusted fully diluted income(loss) per share provide investors with useful information with respect to our historical operations. We present Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income(loss) and Adjusted fully diluted income(loss) per share as supplemental performance measures because we believe they facilitate a comparative assessment of our operating performance relative to our performance based on our results under IFRS, while isolating the effects of some items that vary from period-to-period. Specifically, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income(loss) and Adjusted fully diluted income(loss) per share allow for an assessment of our operating performance and our ability to service or incur indebtedness without the effect of non-cash charges of the period or other one-time charges, such as depreciation, amortization, impairment costs, costs related to onerous contracts or contracts where we expect the costs of the obligations to exceed the economic benefit and non-recurring expenses relating to our initial public offering. These measures also function as benchmarks to evaluate our operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income(loss), and Adjusted fully diluted income(loss) per share are not measurements of our financial performance under IFRS and should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to net income, net cash provided by operating, investing or financing activities or any other financial statement data presented as indicators of financial performance or liquidity, each as presented in accordance with IFRS. We understand that although Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income(loss), and Adjusted fully diluted income(loss) per share are frequently used by securities analysts, lenders and others in their evaluation of companies, they have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under IFRS. Some of these limitations are:

  • Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income(loss), and Adjusted fully diluted income(loss) per share do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; and
  • Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements.

Because of these limitations, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income(loss), and Adjusted fully diluted income(loss) per share should not be considered as discretionary cash available to us to reinvest in the growth of our business or as a measure of cash that will be available to us to meet our obligations.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “believe,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “goal,” “project,” and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements address various matters including management’s beliefs about the Company’s growth prospects, product offerings and financial guidance for the coming fiscal quarter and fiscal year. The Company cannot assure investors that future developments affecting the Company will be those that it has anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to risks and uncertainties including: the Company’s ability to maintain and enhance its brand image, particularly in new markets; the Company’s ability to compete in the specialty tea and beverage category; the Company’s ability to expand and improve its operations; levels of foot traffic in locations in which the Company’s stores are located; changes in consumer trends and preferences; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; general economic conditions and consumer confidence; minimum wage laws; the importance of the Company’s first fiscal quarter to results of operations for the entire fiscal year; and other risks set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated April 12, 2016 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 13, 2016. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if any of the Company’s assumptions prove incorrect, the Company’s actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company in this release speaks only as of the date on which the Company makes it. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws.

About DAVIDsTEA:

DAVIDsTEA is a fast-growing retailer of specialty tea, offering a differentiated selection of proprietary loose-leaf teas, pre-packaged teas, tea sachets and tea-related gifts, accessories and food and beverages, primarily through 208 company-operated DAVIDsTEA stores throughout Canada and the United States as of July 30, 2016, and its website, davidstea.com. The Company is headquartered in Montréal, Canada.

Investor Contact:
ICR Inc.
Farah Soi/Rachel Schacter
(203)-682-8200
investors@davidstea.com

Source: DAVIDsTEA/GLOBE NEWSWIRE

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The Kroger Co. to host Q2 conference call on Friday, September 9, 2016

CINCINNATI, 2016-Aug-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) will host a conference call with investors on Friday, September 9, 2016 at 10 a.m. (ET) to discuss financial results for the second quarter 2016.

The presentation will be broadcast online at ir.kroger.com. Click on “Quarterly Results” to access the event. An on-demand replay of the webcast will be available at approximately 1 p.m. (ET) on Friday, September 9.

Every day, the Kroger Family of Companies makes a difference in the lives of eight and a half million customers and 431,000 associates who shop or serve in 2,778 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Kroger and its subsidiaries operate an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized, order online, pick up at the store service – in addition to our 2,231 pharmacies, 784 convenience stores, 323 fine jewelry stores, 1,387 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Kroger is recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

Media Contact:

Keith Dailey
Director, Media Relations/Corporate Communications
Office: 513-762-1304
Cell: 513-257-4955
Email: keith.dailey@kroger.com

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

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DDR Corp. to announce financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 on October 26, 2016

BEACHWOOD, Ohio, 2016-Aug-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — DDR Corp. (NYSE: DDR) will issue financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 after the market closes on Wednesday, October 26, 2016. The Company will conduct a conference call and audio webcast on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. ET.

To access the conference, dial 877-249-1119 (domestic), or 412-542-4143 (international) at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call.

The conference call webcast will be recorded and available for replay through the Investors portion of DDR’s website, http://ir.ddr.com.

About DDR Corp.
DDR is an owner and manager of 349 value-oriented shopping centers representing 113 million square feet in 37 states and Puerto Rico.  The Company’s assets are concentrated in high barrier-to-entry markets with stable population and high growth potential and its portfolio is actively managed to create long-term shareholder value.  DDR is a self-administered and self-managed REIT operating as a fully integrated real estate company, and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DDR.  Additional information about the Company is available at www.ddr.com.

SOURCE: DDR Corp.

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Ulta Beauty announces 2Q and 1H FY2016 financial results

BOLINGBROOK, Ill, 2016-Aug-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ:ULTA) today (Aug. 25, 2016) announced financial results for the thirteen week period (“Second Quarter”) and twenty-six week period (“First Six Months”) ended July 30, 2016, which compares to the same periods ended August 1, 2015.

“The Ulta Beauty team achieved another quarter of excellent top and bottom line performance, while making significant progress on many elements of our growth strategy,” said Mary Dillon, Chief Executive Officer. “Our second quarter results reflect a strong pipeline of newness and innovation in merchandising, progress in growing our brand awareness, major milestones related to our loyalty program, continued rapid growth in our e-commerce business, and successful execution of our supply chain investments.”

For the Second Quarter

  • Net sales increased 21.9% to $1,069.2 million from $877.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015;
  • Comparable sales (sales for stores open at least 14 months and e-commerce sales) increased 14.4% compared to an increase of 10.1% in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. The 14.4% comparable sales increase was driven by 9.7% growth in transactions and 4.7% growth in average ticket;
  • Retail comparable sales increased 12.6%, including salon comparable sales growth of 8.0%;
  • Salon sales increased 14.3% to $59.0 million from $51.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015;
  • E-commerce sales grew 54.9% to $55.9 million from $36.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, representing 180 basis points of the total company comparable sales increase of 14.4%;
  • Gross profit increased 110 basis points to 36.0% from 34.9% in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, due to improvements in merchandise margins and leverage in fixed store costs, partly offset by planned supply chain deleverage related to our new distribution centers;
  • Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense as a percentage of net sales increased 110 basis points to 22.1%, compared to 21.0% in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, due to increased headcount to support our growth initiatives and an impairment charge associated with the closure of our Chicago State Street store, due to damage resulting from construction in an adjacent building;
  • Pre-opening expenses increased to $4.7 million, compared to $4.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. Real estate activity in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 included 24 new stores, one relocation and five remodels compared to 20 new stores, one relocation and two remodels in the second quarter of fiscal 2015;
  • Operating income increased 21.4% to $143.8 million, or 13.5% of net sales, compared to $118.5 million, or 13.5% of net sales, in the second quarter of fiscal 2015;
  • Net income increased 21.3% to $90.0 million compared to $74.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015; and
  • Income per diluted share increased 24.3% to $1.43 compared to $1.15 in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

For the First Six Months

  • Net sales increased 22.8% to $2,142.9 million from $1,745.1 million in the first six months of fiscal 2015;
  • Comparable sales (sales for stores open at least 14 months and e-commerce sales) increased 14.8% compared to an increase of 10.8% in the first six months of fiscal 2015. The 14.8% comparable sales increase was driven by 10.4% growth in transactions and 4.4% growth in average ticket;
  • Retail comparable sales increased 13.3%, including salon comparable sales growth of 7.9%;
  • Salon sales increased 14.5% to $117.9 million from $102.9 million in the first six months of fiscal 2015;
  • E-commerce comparable sales grew 46.0% to $116.9 million from $80.1 million in the first six months of fiscal 2015, representing 150 basis points of the total company comparable sales increase of 14.8%;
  • Gross profit increased 130 basis points to 36.2% from 34.9% in the first six months of fiscal 2015;
  • SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales increased 70 basis points to 22.3% compared to 21.6% in the first six months of fiscal 2015;
  • Pre-opening expenses were equal to the first six months of 2015 at $7.2 million. Real estate activity in the first six months of 2016 included 37 new stores, one relocation and five remodels compared to 44 new stores, two relocations and two remodels in the first six months of fiscal 2015;
  • Operating income increased 28.7% to $290.9 million, or 13.6% of net sales, compared to $226.0 million, or 13.0% of net sales, in the first six months of fiscal 2015;
  • Net income increased 29.0% to $182.0 million compared to $141.1 million in the first six months of fiscal 2015; and
  • Income per diluted share increased 32.0% to $2.89 compared to $2.19 in the first six months of fiscal 2015.

Balance Sheet

Merchandise inventories at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2016 totaled $930.2 million, compared to $705.7 million at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2015, representing an increase of $224.5 million. Average inventory per store increased 18.7%, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2015. The increase in inventory was primarily driven by 90 net new stores, the opening of the Company’s fourth and fifth distribution centers in Greenwood, Indiana and Dallas, Texas, investments in inventory to ensure high in-stock levels to support sales growth, and incremental inventory for new brands and in-store prestige brand boutiques. Average inventory per store, excluding the investment in the new Dallas, Texas distribution center, increased 14.5%.

The Company ended the second quarter of fiscal 2016 with $304.1 million in cash and short-term investments.

Share Repurchase Program

During the second quarter, the Company repurchased 107,725 shares of its stock at a cost of $25.8 million under its 10b5-1 plan and completed the accelerated share repurchase (ASR) under an agreement entered into in March 2016. Under the ASR agreement, the Company paid $200 million and received initial delivery of 851,653 shares in the first quarter of 2016, which were retired and represented 80% of the total shares the Company expected to receive based on the market price at the time of the initial delivery. In May 2016, the ASR settled and an additional 153,418 shares were delivered to the Company and retired. The final number of shares delivered upon settlement was determined with reference to the average price of the Company’s common stock over the term of the agreement.

Year to date, including the ASR and activity under our 10b5-1 plan, the Company has repurchased 1,270,552 shares at an average price of $198.69. As of July 30, 2016, approximately$193 million remained available under the $425 million share repurchase program announced in March 2016.

Store Expansion

During the second quarter, the Company opened 24 stores located in Asheboro, NC; Baytown, TX; Beavercreek, OH; Canton Township, MI; Chambersburg, PA; Cincinnati, OH;Downey, CA; Elko, NV; Fort Collins, CO; Glenwood Springs, CO; Joliet, IL; King of Prussia, PA; Las Vegas, NV; Lodi, CA; Lufkin, TX; Naples, FL; Norwalk, CT; Oklahoma City, OK;Omaha, NE; Pittsburgh, PA; Porterville, CA; Salinas, CA; Tampa, FL and Yulee, FL. In addition, the Company closed three stores during the quarter. The Company ended the second quarter with 907 stores and square footage of 9,555,192, representing an 11% increase in square footage compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

Outlook

For the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company currently expects net sales in the range of $1,072 million to $1,090 million, compared to actual net sales of $910.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Comparable sales for the third quarter of 2016, including e-commerce sales, are expected to increase 11% to 13%. The Company reported a comparable sales increase of 12.8% in the third quarter of 2015.

Income per diluted share for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 is estimated to be in the range of $1.25 to $1.30. This compares to income per diluted share for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 of $1.11.

The Company is raising its previously announced fiscal 2016 guidance. The Company plans to:

  • achieve comparable sales growth of approximately 11% to 13%, including the impact of the e-commerce business, compared to previous guidance of 10% to 12%;
  • increase total sales in the high teens percentage range;
  • grow e-commerce sales in the 40% range;
  • expand square footage by approximately 11% with the opening of 100 net new stores;
  • remodel 12 locations;
  • deliver earnings per share growth in the low to mid-twenties percentage range, compared to previous guidance of low twenties percentage range, including the impact of the new Dallas distribution center, the accelerated rollout of prestige brand boutiques, the accelerated share repurchase program, and continued open market share repurchases; and
  • incur capital expenditures in the $390 million range in fiscal 2016, compared to $299 million in fiscal 2015. The planned increase in capital expenditures includes approximately $80 million to fund an accelerated rollout of prestige brand boutiques and enhancements to the Ulta Beauty Collection and fragrance fixtures in hundreds of stores.

Conference Call Information

A conference call to discuss second quarter results is scheduled for today, August 25, 2016, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial (877) 705-6003. The conference call will also be web-cast live at http://ir.ulta.com and remain available for 90 days. A replay of this call will be available until 11:59 p.m. (ET) on September 8, 2016 and can be accessed by dialing (877) 870-5176 and entering conference ID number 13642433.

About Ulta Beauty

Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA) is the largest beauty retailer in the United States and the premier beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skin, hair care products and salon services. Since opening its first store in 1990, Ulta Beauty has grown to become the top national retailer providing All Things Beauty, All in One Place™. The Company offers more than 20,000 products from over 500 well-established and emerging beauty brands across all categories and price points, including Ulta Beauty’s own private label. Ulta Beauty also offers a full-service salon in every store featuring hair, skin and brow services. Ulta Beauty is recognized for its commitment to personalized service, fun and inviting stores and its industry-leading ULTA mate Rewards loyalty program. As of July 30, 2016 Ulta Beauty operates 907 retail stores across 48 states and the District of Columbia and also distributes its products through its website, which includes a collection of tips, tutorials and social content. For more information, visit www.ulta.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and financial performance. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “estimates,” “targets,” “strategies” or other comparable words. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon our historical performance and on current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates, targets, strategies or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation: the impact of weakness in the economy; changes in the overall level of consumer spending; the possibility that we may be unable to compete effectively in our highly competitive markets; the possibility that cyber security breaches and other disruptions could compromise our information or result in the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information; the possibility that the capacity of our distribution and order fulfillment infrastructure and the performance of our newly opened distribution centers may not be adequate to support our recent growth and expected future growth plans; our ability to gauge beauty trends and react to changing consumer preferences in a timely manner; our ability to attract and retain key executive personnel; customer acceptance of our rewards program and technological and marketing initiatives; our ability to sustain our growth plans and successfully implement our long-range strategic and financial plan; the possibility that our continued opening of new stores could strain our resources and have a material adverse effect on our business and financial performance; the possibility of material disruptions to our information systems; changes in the wholesale cost of our products; the possibility that new store openings and existing locations may be impacted by developer or co-tenant issues; weather conditions that could negatively impact sales; our ability to successfully execute our common stock repurchase program or implement future common stock repurchase programs; and other risk factors detailed in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including risk factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016, as such may be amended or supplemented in our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Our filings with the SEC are available at www.sec.gov. Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, the Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:

Scott Settersten
Chief Financial Officer
(630) 410-4807

Laurel Lefebvre
Vice President, Investor Relations
(630) 410-5230

Karen May
Director, Public Relations
(630) 410-5457

Source: Ulta Beauty

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Tiffany & Co. reports 2Q and 1H FY2016 financial results

NEW YORK, 2016-Aug-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tiffany & Co. (NYSE:TIF) reported its financial results for the three months (“second quarter”) and six months (“first half”) ended July 31, 2016. Worldwide net sales were below the prior year in both periods, which management attributed to declines in sales to both local customers and foreign tourists in most regions. Net earnings as reported in the second quarter were above the prior year (but declined when compared with adjusted net earnings in the equivalent prior-year period – see “Non-GAAP Measures”) and declined in the first half. In both periods, earnings benefited from higher gross margins, but there was a lack of sales leverage on operating expenses.

In the second quarter:

  • Worldwide net sales declined 6% to $932 million and comparable store sales declined 8%. On a constant-exchange-rate basis that excludes the effect of translating foreign-currency-denominated sales into U.S. dollars (see “Non-GAAP Measures”), worldwide net sales and comparable store sales declined 6% and 9%, respectively.
  • Net earnings rose 1% to $106 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, from $105 million, or $0.81, in the prior year. Net earnings declined 5% from the prior-year period’s $111 million, or $0.86 per diluted share, which excludes a specific charge in that period (see “Non-GAAP Measures”).

In the first half:

  • Worldwide net sales of $1.8 billion were 7% below the prior year and comparable store sales declined 9%. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, worldwide net sales and comparable store sales declined 6% and 9%, respectively.
  • Net earnings of $193 million, or $1.53 per diluted share, included a tax benefit of $0.05 per diluted share in the first quarter related to the settlement of a tax examination. This compared with the prior year’s $210 million, or $1.62 per diluted share, as reported, and $216 million, or $1.67 per diluted share, when adjusted for the charge referenced above (see “Non-GAAP Measures”).

Frederic Cumenal, chief executive officer, said, “The global environment continues to reflect well known challenges that we believe have had broad effects on spending by local customers, as well as foreign tourists, especially from China. We are managing expenses efficiently, but also maintaining our marketing spending as a percentage of sales and continuing to invest in key strategic initiatives and opportunities to further strengthen Tiffany’s competitive position among global luxury brands. By delivering extraordinary products and experiences to our customers around the world, we remain focused on growing sales, operating margins and earnings, and creating greater value for stockholders.”

Net sales by region were as follows:

  • In the Americas, total sales of $434 million in the second quarter and $837 million in the first half were both 9% below last year, with declines of 9% and 10%, respectively, in comparable store sales. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, total sales and comparable store sales declined 8% and 9%, respectively, in both the second quarter and first half. Management attributed the declines to lower spending by U.S. customers as well as by Chinese and other foreign tourists.
  • In the Asia-Pacific region, total sales of $230 million in the second quarter and $469 million in the first half were 6% and 7%, respectively, lower than the prior year, and comparable store sales declined 12% and 13%, respectively. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, total sales and comparable store sales declined 3% and 9%, respectively, in the second quarter and 4% and 11%, respectively, in the first half. Sales growth in China and Korea was offset by a continuation of significant declines in Hong Kong and more moderate declines in most other markets.
  • In Japan, total sales increased 10% to $138 million in the second quarter and rose 9% to $269 million in the first half due to comparable store sales growth of 13% and 12%, respectively. However, on a constant-exchange-rate basis, total sales and comparable store sales declined 5% and 3%, respectively, in the second quarter and declined 2% and rose 1%, respectively, in the first half. Management noted lower spending by Chinese tourists in both periods.
  • In Europe, total sales declined 12% to $111 million in the second quarter and 11% to $208 million in the first half, due to respective declines of 17% and 16% in comparable store sales. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, total sales and comparable store sales declined 8% and 13%, respectively, in the second quarter and 7% and 13%, respectively, in the first half. Lower sales in continental Europe were attributed by management to weak demand by foreign tourists and local customers, in contrast to better performance in the United Kingdom.
  • Other sales declined 3% to $18 million in the second quarter and 20% to $40 million in the first half, reflecting comparable store sales declines of 22% and 21%, respectively. Management noted lower retail sales in the United Arab Emirates(“UAE”) and an increase in wholesale sales of diamonds.
  • Tiffany opened four Company-operated stores in the second quarter and closed one existing location. At July 31, 2016, the Company operated 311 stores (125 in the Americas, 83 in Asia-Pacific, 55 in Japan, 43 in Europe, and five in theUAE), compared with 304 stores a year ago (124 in the Americas, 79 in Asia-Pacific, 56 in Japan, 40 in Europe, and five in the UAE).

Other financial highlights:

  • Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of net sales) increased to 61.9% in the second quarter and 61.6% in the first half, from 59.9% and 59.5% in the respective prior-year periods. The increases were due to lower product input costs, changes in product sales mix and price increases taken in the past year.
  • SG&A expenses declined 4% in the second quarter and 1% in the first half, reflecting lower variable labor-related costs, lower sales-related variable costs, lower marketing expenses and higher store-related costs. Excluding the effect of a specific charge in the prior year period, SG&A expenses declined 2% in the second quarter and increased less than one percent in the first half.
  • The effective tax rates were 34.5% in the second quarter and 32.1% in the first half, compared with 34.2% and 34.4%, respectively, in the comparable prior-year periods. The decline in the first half rate was due to a benefit related to the conclusion of a tax examination.
  • Net inventories at July 31, 2016 were 1% lower than at July 31, 2015.
  • Capital expenditures of $101 million in the first half were slightly higher than $98 million in last year’s first half.
  • The Company maintained an active pace of share repurchases in the second quarter, buying approximately 1.1 million shares of its Common Stock at an average cost of approximately $63 per share; in the first half the Company bought approximately 2.3 million shares at an average cost of approximately $65 per share. At July 31, 2016, $344 million remained available for repurchases under a program that authorizes the repurchase of up to $500 million of the Company’s Common Stock and that expires on January 31, 2019.
  • Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $720 million at July 31, 2016, versus $771 million at July 31, 2015. Total short-term and long-term debt as a percentage of stockholders’ equity was 37% at both July 31, 2016 and 2015.

Outlook:

For the full 2016 fiscal year, management is maintaining its outlook to expect: (i) worldwide net sales declining by a low single-digit percentage from the prior year and (ii) earnings per diluted share declining by a mid-single-digit percentage from 2015’s adjusted earnings of $3.83 per diluted share (which excluded loan impairment and certain staffing and occupancy charges – see “Non-GAAP Measures”). These expectations are approximations and are based on the Company’s plans and assumptions, including: (i) worldwide gross retail square footage increasing 2%, net through 11 openings, 6 relocations and 9 closings; (ii) operating margin below the prior year’s 19.7% (excluding the prior year’s charges – see “Non-GAAP Measures”) due to an anticipated increase in gross margin (although at a considerably lesser rate in the second half than in the first half of the year) more than offset by SG&A expense growth; (iii) interest and other expenses, net unchanged from 2015; (iv) an effective income tax rate slightly lower than the prior year; (v) the U.S. dollar unchanged from current spot rates for the balance of the year; and (vi) weighted average diluted shares outstanding modestly lower than in fiscal 2015.

Management also expects for the full 2016 fiscal year: (i) net cash provided by operating activities of at least $660 million and (ii) free cash flow (net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures) of at least $400 million. These expectations are also based on the Company’s plans and assumptions, including: (i) net inventories unchanged from the prior year, (ii) capital expenditures of $260 million and (iii) net earnings in line with management’s expectations as described above.

Today’s Conference Call:

The Company will conduct a conference call today at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) to review actual results and the outlook. Please click on http://investor.tiffany.com (“Events and Presentations”).

Next Scheduled Announcement:

The Company expects to report third quarter results on Tuesday November 29th before the market opens. To be notified of future announcements, please register at http://investor.tiffany.com (“E-Mail Alerts”).

Tiffany is the internationally-renowned jeweler founded in New York in 1837. Through its subsidiaries, Tiffany & Co. manufactures products and operates TIFFANY & CO. retail stores worldwide, and also engages in direct selling through Internet, catalog and business gift operations. For additional information, please visit www.tiffany.com or call our shareholder information line at 800-TIF-0110.

Forward-Looking Statements:

The historical trends and results reported in this document and on our second quarter earnings call should not be considered an indication of future performance. Further, statements contained in this document and made on such call that are not statements of historical fact, including those that refer to plans, assumptions and expectations for the current fiscal year and future periods, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the statements under “Outlook” as well as statements that can be identified by the use of words such as ‘expects,’ ‘projects,’ ‘anticipates,’ ‘assumes,’ ‘forecasts,’ ‘plans,’ ‘believes,’ ‘intends’, ‘estimates,’ ‘pursues,’ ‘continues,’ ‘outlook,’ ‘may,’ ‘will,’ ‘can,’ ‘should’ and variations of such words and similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding the Company’s plans, assumptions, expectations, beliefs and objectives with respect to store openings and closings; product introductions; sales; sales growth; retail prices; gross margin; operating margin; expenses; interest and other expenses, net; effective income tax rate; net earnings and net earnings per share; share count; inventories; capital expenditures; cash flow; liquidity; currency translation; growth opportunities; the collectability of amounts due under financing arrangements with diamond mining and exploration companies; and certain ongoing or planned product, marketing, retail, manufacturing and other operational and strategic initiatives.

These forward-looking statements are based upon the current views and plans of management, speak only as of the date on which they are made and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control. Actual results could therefore differ materially from the planned, assumed or expected results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. While we cannot predict all of the factors that could form the basis of such differences, key factors include, but are not limited to: global macroeconomic and geopolitical developments; changes in interest and foreign currency rates; shifting tourism trends; regional instability, violence (including terrorist activities) and weather conditions that may affect local and tourist consumer spending; changes in consumer confidence, preferences and shopping patterns, as well our ability to accurately predict and timely respond to such changes; shifts in the Company’s product and geographic sales mix; variations in the cost and availability of diamonds, gemstones and precious metals; changes in our competitive landscape; disruptions impacting the Company’s business and operations; gains or losses in the trading value of the Company’s stock, which may impact the amount of stock repurchased; and our ability to successfully control costs and execute on, and achieve the expected benefits from, the operational and strategic initiatives referenced above. Developments relating to these and other factors may also warrant changes to the Company’s operating and strategic plans, including with respect to store openings, closings and renovations, capital expenditures, inventory management, and continuing execution on, or timing of, the aforementioned initiatives. Such changes could also cause actual results to differ materially from the expected results expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements.

Additional information about potential risks and uncertainties that could affect the Company’s business and financial results is included under “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016 and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Readers of these documents should consider the risks, uncertainties and factors outlined above and in the Form 10-K in evaluating, and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on, the forward-looking statements contained herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by applicable law or regulation.

Contact:

Mark L. Aaron
212-230-5301
mark.aaron@tiffany.com

Source: Tiffany & Co.

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DAVIDsTEA Inc. to release 2Q FY2016 financial results on September 7, 2016

MONTREAL, 2016-Aug-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — DAVIDsTEA Inc. (Nasdaq:DTEA) today announced that its financial results for the second quarter fiscal 2016 will be released after market close on Wednesday, September 7, 2016.  The Company will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time that day to discuss the financial results.

The Company has also announced its participation at the 23rd Annual Goldman Sachs Global Retailing Conference held at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Sylvain Toutant, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Luis Borgen, Chief Financial Officer, are currently scheduled to present on Thursday, September 8, 2016, at 2:25 p.m. Eastern Time.

Both the earnings conference call and the conference presentation will be broadcast on the Company’s website at http://www.davidstea.com, in the “investor relations” section. Online archives of the webcasts will be available within two hours of the conclusion of the events and will remain available for one year.

About DAVIDsTEA Inc.
DAVIDsTEA is a fast-growing retailer of specialty tea, offering a differentiated selection of proprietary loose-leaf teas, pre-packaged teas, tea sachets and tea-related gifts, accessories and food and beverages, primarily through 198 company-operated DAVIDsTEA stores throughout Canada and the United States as of April 30, 2016, and its website, davidstea.com. The Company is headquartered in Montréal, Canada.

Investor Contact:

ICR, Inc.
Farah Soi
Rachel Schacter
203-682-8200
investors@davidstea.com

Source: DAVIDsTEA Inc./ GLOBE NEWSWIRE

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SpartanNash Company reports Q2 FY2016 financial results

Byron Center, MI, 2016-Aug-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — SpartanNash Company (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: SPTN) today (Aug 17th, 2016) reported financial results for the 12-week second quarter and 28-week period ended July 16, 2016.

Second Quarter Results

Consolidated net sales for the 12-week second quarter increased to $1.83 billion from $1.80 billion in the prior year quarter, driven by increases in the food distribution and military segments.

Reported operating earnings were $32.6 million compared to $36.8 million for the prior year quarter primarily due to higher restructuring and asset impairment charges. Adjusted operating earnings improved $2.1 million to $39.3 million from $37.2 million for the prior year quarter due to lower operating expenses resulting from productivity and efficiency initiatives as well as the benefit from increased sales, partially offset by higher health care costs and expenses related to the start-up of new business.

Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (Adjusted EBITDA) was $58.7 million, or 3.2 percent of net sales, compared to $58.5 million, or 3.3 percent of net sales in the prior year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) financial measure. Please see the financial tables at the end of this press release for a reconciliation of net earnings to Adjusted EBITDA, and a reconciliation of each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable measure prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.

Reported earnings from continuing operations for the second quarter were $17.6 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, compared to $20.3 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter. Adjusted earnings from continuing operations for the second quarter increased to $21.7 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, from $19.8 million, or $0.53 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter. Current year adjusted earnings from continuing operations exclude net after-tax charges of $0.11 per diluted share primarily related to asset impairment charges, restructuring activities associated with the Company’s warehouse rationalization plan, and ongoing merger integration activities. Prior year adjusted earnings from continuing operations excluded a net after-tax gain of $0.01 per diluted share related to a benefit associated with tax planning initiatives and net gains on sales of previously closed stores, partially offset by expenses associated with merger integration activities. Adjusted earnings from continuing operations is a non-GAAP operating financial measure.

“We are generally pleased with our execution in the second quarter and the progress we have made operationally and strategically, particularly our ability to grow sales in a challenging operating environment,” stated Dennis Eidson, SpartanNash’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “New business growth and operational efficiencies helped mitigate the impact of deflation on our bottom line. We are also encouraged by our diverse pipeline of sales opportunities and remain on track to achieve our financial objectives for the year. Additionally, we continue to take steps to position the company for growth by: enhancing our merchandising, pricing, and promotional strategies to drive greater customer engagement and improve the overall shopping experience; expanding our organic and private brand product offerings to provide our customers with quality products at affordable prices; investing in select retail markets; and improving operations and expense leverage through our supply chain optimization and merger integration efforts.”

Gross profit margin for the second quarter was 14.4 percent compared to 14.6 percent in the prior year quarter primarily due to changes in the mix of business operations, new business, and deflationary impacts.

Reported operating expenses for the second quarter were $230.1 million, or 12.6 percent of sales, compared to $225.2 million, or 12.5 percent of sales, in the prior year quarter. Second quarter operating expenses would have been $223.4 million, or 12.2 percent of net sales, compared to $224.9 million, or 12.5 percent of net sales in the prior year quarter, if restructuring, asset impairment, and merger integration charges were excluded from both periods and last year’s net gains on property sales and expenses related to tax planning initiatives were excluded. The decrease as a rate to sales would have been primarily due to lower: depreciation expense associated with fully depreciated assets; utility and occupancy costs; and various operating expenses resulting from productivity and efficiency initiatives, partially offset by higher health care costs.

Food Distribution Segment

Net sales for the food distribution segment increased to $820.3 million from $782.7 million in the prior year quarter primarily due to new business gains and growth of existing accounts.

Reported operating earnings for the food distribution segment were $19.2 million compared to $19.4 million in the prior year quarter. Second quarter adjusted operating earnings increased to $21.6 million from $18.5 million in the prior year quarter. The increase was due to improvements from new sales, supply chain optimization efforts, merger synergies and lower depreciation expense partially offset by higher health care costs.

Second quarter adjusted operating earnings exclude $2.4 million of net pre-tax charges consisting of restructuring charges related to the Company’s warehouse optimization plan and merger integration expenses. The prior year second quarter excludes $0.9 million of pre-tax gains related to a legal settlement, net of merger integration costs and professional fees associated with tax planning initiatives. Adjusted operating earnings is a non-GAAP operating financial measure.

Retail Segment

Net sales for the retail segment were $501.8 million in the second quarter compared to $516.1 million for the prior year quarter. The decrease was primarily attributable to a 3.0 percent decrease in comparable store sales, excluding fuel; $9.8 million in lower sales resulting from the closure of retail stores and fuel centers; and $4.1 million due to lower retail fuel prices compared to the prior year; partially offset by contributions from stores acquired in the second quarter of last year.

Comparable store sales reflect the continued challenging economic conditions in select geographies, retail price deflation and competitive store openings, particularly in the Company’s western region.

Reported operating earnings in the retail segment were $10.9 million compared to $13.5 million in the prior year quarter primarily due to asset impairment charges incurred in the current year. Adjusted operating earnings increased to $15.5 million from $14.7 million in the prior year quarter. Current year adjusted operating earnings exclude $4.6 million of pre-tax asset impairment and merger integration charges. The prior year second quarter excludes $1.2 million of pre-tax merger integration and acquisition costs and net gains on the sales of previously closed stores. The increase in adjusted operating earnings was primarily due to improved fuel margins and favorable rebate programs, partially offset by the lower comparable store sales volumes.

During the second quarter, the Company completed one remodel in Michigan and eight remodels in Omaha. Grand re-openings for the Omaha stores, which were re-bannered to Family Fare, were held the first week of the third quarter. SpartanNash ended the quarter with 160 Company-owned retail stores, 79 pharmacies, and 29 fuel centers.

Military Segment

Net sales for the Company’s military segment increased to $505.4 million from $497.0 million in the prior year quarter. The increase was primarily due to new business gains associated with the distribution of fresh products, partially offset by continued lower sales at the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) operated commissaries.

Reported operating earnings for the military segment were $2.5 million compared to $3.9 million in the prior year quarter. The decrease was primarily due to the lack of inflationary gains, higher health care costs, and a shift in business mix. Second quarter adjusted operating earnings were $2.2 million compared to $4.0 million in the prior year period.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

Cash flow provided by operating activities for the year-to-date period was $54.7 million, compared to $123.4 million in the comparable period last year. The decrease was primarily due to changes in working capital, particularly around the timing of vendor and income tax payments and increased working capital requirements to support sales growth.

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, including current maturities, were $492.5 million at July 16, 2016 compared to $486.8 million at January 2, 2016. Net long-term debt (including current maturities and capital lease obligations and subtracting cash) for the Company was $468.7 million as of July 16, 2016 compared to $464.1 million at January 2, 2016. The Company’s total net long-term debt-to-capital ratio is 0.4-to-1.0 and net long-term debt to Adjusted EBITDA is 2.0-to-1.0 as of July 16, 2016. Net long-term debt is a non-GAAP financial measure.

Outlook

Mr. Eidson continued, “With current market headwinds and economic conditions likely to persist, particularly in our western geographic areas, we remain focused on operating our business with a disciplined approach. We will continue to implement our initiatives to enhance our merchandising, pricing and promotional strategies, including expanding our organic and private brand product offerings, improving our produce offering, and driving greater customer engagement through our loyalty program. We are excited about the initial roll out of Open Acres™, our new private brand for fresh products, as this will provide our consumers in both Company-owned and independent store locations with quality fresh products at a significant savings. Additionally, we recently completed eight remodels and re-banners to Family Fare in Omaha, Nebraska, improving our offering to the customer while highlighting our variety and value, especially as it relates to produce and private brand, and have been encouraged by the initial customer response. In our combined food distribution and military network, we consolidated our Statesboro, Georgia warehouse facility and continue to look for ways to optimize our supply chain. We also continue to see opportunities to drive new business and growth, including those within the alternative channel space, and we remain dedicated to offering solutions to complicated logistic issues. We will also proactively pursue financially and strategically attractive acquisition opportunities.”

Based on the first half results and outlook for the remainder of the year, the Company is maintaining its previously issued fiscal 2016 guidance of adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations of approximately $2.07 to $2.18, excluding merger integration costs and other adjusted charges and gains, compared to $1.98 in the prior year. We anticipate that reported earnings from continuing operations will be in the range of approximately $1.66 to $1.77 per diluted share, compared to $1.67 in the prior year. The guidance is based on expectations for the second half of the year of sales growth in food distribution; continued contributions from new fresh business in the Company’s military division, which will lessen the volume impact of the poor performance at the DeCA operated commissaries; and slightly negative to flat comparable retail store sales, reflecting deflation and the competitive sales environment, partially offset by improvements resulting from capital investments, merchandising initiatives and the cycling of competitive openings. The Company anticipates that fourth quarter adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations will be lower than the prior year due to the significant inflation-related benefit from LIFO realized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 of approximately $0.07 per diluted share.

The Company continues to expect capital expenditures for fiscal year 2016 to be in the range of $72.0 million to $75.0 million, with depreciation and amortization of approximately $76.0 million to $78.0 million and total interest expense of approximately $18.0 to $20.0 million.

Conference Call

A telephone conference call to discuss the Company’s second quarter of fiscal 2016 financial results is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, Thursday, August 18, 2016. A live webcast of this conference call will be available on the Company’s website, www.spartannash.com/webcasts. Simply click on “For Investors” and follow the links to the live webcast. The webcast will remain available for replay on the Company’s website for approximately ten days.

About SpartanNash

SpartanNash (SPTN) is a Fortune 400 company and the leading distributor serving U.S. military commissaries and exchanges in the world, in terms of revenue. The Company’s core businesses include distributing grocery products to military commissaries and exchanges and independent and Company-owned retail stores located in 47 states and the District of Columbia, Europe, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Bahrain and Egypt. SpartanNash currently operates 160 supermarkets, primarily under the banners of Family Fare Supermarkets, Family Fresh Markets, D&W Fresh Markets, and Sun Mart.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These include statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “outlook,” “pipeline,” “optimistic,” “committed,” “anticipates,” “continue,” “expects,” “look forward,” “guidance,” “opportunities,” “position,” “focus,” or “plan” or similar expressions or that an event or trend “will” occur, or is “beginning.” Forward-looking statements relating to expectations about future results or events are based upon information available to SpartanNash as of today’s date, and are not guarantees of the future performance of the combined company, and actual results may vary materially from the results and expectations discussed. Additional risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the company’s ability to compete in the highly competitive grocery distribution, retail grocery, and military distribution industries. Additional information concerning these and other risks is contained in SpartanNash’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, recent Current Reports on Form 8-K and other SEC filings. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning SpartanNash, the merger, or other matters and attributable to SpartanNash or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. SpartanNash does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date hereof.

Investor Contact:
Chris Meyers
Executive Vice President & CFO
(616) 878-8023

Media Contact:
Meredith Gremel
Vice President Corporate Affairs and Communications
(616) 878-2830

Source: SpartanNash Company

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Sears Holdings Corporation to release financial results for its 2Q FY2016 on August 25, 2016

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., 2016-Aug-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD) today announced the company currently plans to release financial results for its fiscal 2016 second quarter on or about Thursday, August 25, 2016.

About Sears Holdings Corporation
Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD) is a leading integrated retailer focused on seamlessly connecting the digital and physical shopping experiences to serve our members – wherever, whenever and however they want to shop. Sears Holdings is home to Shop Your Way®, a social shopping platform offering members rewards for shopping at Sears and Kmart as well as with other retail partners across categories important to them. The company operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation, with full-line and specialty retail stores across the United States. For more information, visit www.searsholdings.com.

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:

Sears Holdings Public Relations
(847) 286-8371

SOURCE Sears Holdings Corporation

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SpartanNash Company to announce its 2Q FY2016 financial results on August 17, 2016

Byron Center, MI, 2016-Aug-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — SpartanNash Company (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: SPTN) will announce its second quarter fiscal year 2016 financial results after the stock market close on Wednesday, August 17, 2016.

The Company will host a conference call to discuss these results with additional comments and details on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. ET. The call will be broadcast live over the Internet hosted at SpartanNash’s website at www.spartannash.com/webcasts under the “Investor Relations” section and will remain available for replay on the Company’s website for approximately ten days.

About SpartanNash
SpartanNash (SPTN) is a Fortune 400 company and the leading distributor serving U.S. military commissaries and exchanges in the world, in terms of revenue. The Company’s core businesses include distributing grocery products to military commissaries and exchanges and independent and Company-owned retail stores located in 47 states and the District of Columbia, Europe, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Bahrain and Egypt. SpartanNash currently operates 160 supermarkets, primarily under the banners of Family Fare Supermarkets,Family Fresh Markets, D&W Fresh Markets, and Sun Mart.

Investor Contact:
Chris Meyers
616-878-8023
Executive Vice President & CFO

Media Contact:
Meredith Gremel
616-878-2830
Vice President Corporate Affairs and Communications

Source: SpartanNash

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RioCan announces 2Q2016 financial results

TORONTO, ONTARIO, 2016-Aug-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (“RioCan”) (TSX:REI.UN)

RioCan’s HIGHLIGHTS for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 were:

  • During the quarter, RioCan completed the sale of its U.S. operations. With the proceeds from the sale, RioCan has reduced its Total Debt to Total Assets ratio (net of cash, on a proportionate basis) to a historically low 38.0% as at June 30, 2016, from 46.3% as at December 31, 2015;
  • On June 1, 2016 RioCan entered into a new $1 billion unsecured operating credit facility (“Operating
    Facility”), which replaced RioCan’s secured operating credit facilities;
  • The new Operating Facility, together with the debt repayments from the sale of the U.S. portfolio enabled RioCan to grow its unencumbered asset pool as at June 30, 2016 to $5.4 billion, or 256% of the Trust’s unsecured debt;
  • As expected due to the sale of RioCan’s U.S. operations during the quarter, Operating Funds From Operations (“Operating FFO”) for the Second Quarter was lower by $1 million, or 0.9% at $135 million as compared to $136 million for the same period in 2015. On a per unit basis Operating FFO was $0.42 per unit as compared to $0.43 per unit for the second quarter in 2015, representing decline of 2.9%. However, RioCan’s Canadian or continuing operations produced solid results;
  • On a continuing operations basis, Operating FFO increased $8.8 million, or 8.1% to $118 million in the
    Second Quarter as compared to $109 million the second quarter of 2015;
  • Same Store Net Operating Income (“NOI”) turned positive in the three months ended June 30, 2016 (“Second Quarter”). Canadian same store NOI increased 0.8%, or $1.1 million in the Second Quarter compared to the same period in 2015;
  • RioCan’s concentration of annualized net rental revenue in Canada’s six major markets as at June 30,
    2016 increased to 75.7% from 74.4% as at June 30, 2015;
  • RioCan’s AFFO payout ratio for the twelve months ended June 30, 2016 improved to 89.9% as compared to 94.5 % for the twelve months ended June 30, 2015;
  • Committed occupancy improved 200 basis points in Canada, to 95.1% at June 30, 2016 from its lowest point in the prior year of 93.1% at June 30, 2015;
  • After the quarter end, RioCan acquired CPPIB’s interest in four properties at an aggregate purchase price of $352 million, and since September 30, 2015 RioCan has acquired, net of dispositions, an interest in more than $1.1 billion of income producing properties in Canada; and
  • In RioCan’s development portfolio RioCan REIT, Allied Properties REIT and Diamond corp (collectively, “The Well JV”) entered into a binding agreement to sell the residential component of The Well to Tridel Builders Inc. and Woodbourne Canada Partners III (CA) LP. This agreement will reduce the financial exposure to the project, and is expected to enable the partners to develop The Well in a single phased development.

RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (“RioCan”) today (July 29, 2016) announced its financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016.

“During the past quarter we achieved three very significant milestones in the history of the Trust. Through the sale and repatriation of our capital from our very successful venture into the U.S., we reduced our leverage to its lowest level in our history,” said Edward Sonshine, Chief Executive Officer of RioCan. “I am quite satisfied with our growth in Operating FFO in our Canadian operations and expect it to grow over the next two years. Our recently announced acquisitions, completions in our ongoing development programme, and lease up of current vacancies lead me to be confident about RioCan’s Canadian growth in the near term. Over the long term, our urban development and intensification strategy will be the key contributor to our future Operating FFO growth. Our ability to achieve all of this without materially increasing our leverage from its current historical low level is a direct result of our strategic move into and out of the United States, and the significant new capital creation resulting from that profitable strategy.”

Financial Highlights

All figures are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. For further information about RioCan’s results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, this earnings release should be read in conjunction with our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements (“Consolidated Financial Statements”), as well as, management’s discussion and analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 together with our 2015 Annual Report.

RioCan’s Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Consistent with RioCan’s management framework, management uses certain financial measures to assess RioCan’s financial performance, which are not generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) under IFRS. For full definitions of these measures, please refer to the “Use of Non-GAAP Measures” in RioCan’s June 30, 2016 Management’s Discussion and Analysis. As a result of the recently completed sale of its U.S. operations, we have reported our former U.S. geographic segment performance as “discontinued operations” with comparative income statement amounts adjusted to reflect this change, unless otherwise noted.

FOR FULL RELEASE: http://investor.riocan.com/English/investor-relations/press-releases/press-release-details/2016/RioCan-Real-Estate-Investment-Trust-Announces-Financial-Results-and-81-Growth-in-Continuing-Operating-Funds-From-Operations-for-the-Second-Quarter-of-2016/default.aspx

Contact Information:
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust
Cynthia J. Devine
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Corporate Secretary
(647) 253-4973
www.riocan.com

Source: RioCan

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Dollar General Corporation to report 2QFY2016 financial results ended July 29, 2016 on August 25, 2016

GOODLETTSVILLE, 2016-Aug-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:DG) plans to report its financial results for its fiscal 2016 second quarter ended July 29, 2016, on Thursday, August 25, 2016. In connection with the announcement, Todd Vasos, chief executive officer, and John Garratt, chief financial officer, will host a conference call on Thursday, August 25, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. CT/10:00 a.m. ET.

If you wish to participate, please call (855) 576-2641 at least 10 minutes before the conference call is scheduled to begin. The conference ID is 53436019. The call will also be broadcast live online at www.dollargeneral.com under “Investor Information, Conference Calls and Investor Events.” A replay of the conference call will be available through Thursday, September 8, 2016, and will be accessible online or by calling (855) 859-2056. The conference ID for the replay is 53436019.

About Dollar General Corporation
Dollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for over 75 years. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day!® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, clothing for the family, housewares and seasonal items at low everyday prices in convenient neighborhood locations. Dollar General operated 12,719 stores in 43 states as of April 29, 2016. In addition to high quality private brands, Dollar General sells products from America’s most-trusted manufacturers such as Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, Unilever, Kellogg’s, General Mills, Nabisco, Hanes, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola. Learn more about Dollar General at www.dollargeneral.com.

Contacts:

Investor Contacts:
Mary Winn Pilkington
615-855-5536

Matt Hancock
615-855-4811

Media Contacts:
Dan MacDonald
615-855-5209

Crystal Ghassemi
615-855-5210

Source: Dollar General Corporation

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The Container Store Group, Inc. to release its financial results for the month of March and Q1-FY2016 on August 9, 2016

DALLAS, 2016-Jul-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Container Store Group, Inc. (NYSE:TCS) today announced that its financial results for the month of March and the first quarter of fiscal 2016 will be released after market close on Tuesday, August 9, 2016. The Company will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the financial results. This call will include both live, prepared remarks as well as a Q&A session.

Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial 877-407-3982 (international callers please dial 201-493-6780) approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available online at investor.containerstore.com.

A taped replay of the conference call will be available within two hours of the conclusion of the call and can be accessed both online and by dialing 877-870-5176 (international callers please dial 858-384-5517). The pin number to access the telephone replay is 13640929. The replay will be available until September 9, 2016.

About The Container Store, Inc.
The Container Store (NYSE:TCS) is the nation’s leading retailer of storage and organization products and the only retailer solely devoted to the storage and organization category of retailing. The company originated the concept of storage and organization retailing when it opened its first store in 1978. Today, the retailer has 80 store locations nationwide that each average 25,000 square feet. The Container Store has over 11,000 products to help customers save space and, ultimately, save them time. As the pace of modern life accelerates and being organized is not a luxury anymore but a necessity, The Container Store is devoted to making customers more productive, relaxed and happier by selling customized, complete solutions. Since its inception, the retailer has nurtured an employee-first culture and couples its one-of-kind product collection with a high level of customer service delivered by its highly trained organization experts. The company has been named to FORTUNE magazine’s list of 100 Best Companies to Work For® 17 years in a row. Visit www.containerstore.com for more information about store locations, the product collection and services offered. To find out more about The Container Store’s unique culture, Foundation Principles and devotion to Conscious Capitalism®, visit the retailer’s blog at www.whatwestandfor.com.

Contacts:

Investor:
ICR, Inc.
Farah Soi
Anne Rakunas
203.682.8200
Farah.Soi@icrinc.com

Media:
The Container Store
Casey Shilling
972.538.6621
casey@containerstore.com

Source: The Container Store Group Inc.

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BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. announces financial results for its Q2-FY2016 ended Tuesday, June 28, 2016

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., 2016-Jul-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.(NASDAQ:BJRI) today reported financial results for its fiscal 2016 second quarter ended Tuesday, June 28, 2016, and announced that its Board of Directors has approved a $100 million increase to the Company’s share repurchase program.

Second Quarter 2016 Highlights Compared to Second Quarter 2015

  • Total revenues grew 7.9% to $250.3 million
  • Total restaurant operating weeks increased approximately 10%
  • Comparable restaurant sales declined 0.2%
  • Net income increased 10.9% to $13.8 million
  • Diluted net income per share grew 19.5% to $0.56

“Our new restaurant growth, coupled with our successful efficiency initiatives, drove another quarter of record earnings,” commented Greg Trojan, President and CEO.  “Continued success from Project Q, our other ongoing cost savings initiatives and our ability to leverage fixed costs as we further expand our national footprint resulted in a 20 basis point year-over-year increase in operating income margin to 7.8% and healthy restaurant level operating margins of 20.6%.  As a result of the strong operating leverage in our model, combined with the impact of our share repurchases, our 7.9% rise in revenue enabled us to realize a 19.5% growth in diluted net income per share.”

“While industry-wide second quarter comparable restaurant sales were softer than anticipated, we outperformed the industry average.  We are addressing the current operating environment with several menu and marketing initiatives that are planned for the second half of this year.  These menu innovations include the recent additions to our ‘Loaded Burgers’ lineup, a Monday through Thursday daily ‘Brewhouse Special’ and several new items for our very successful ‘Enlightened Menu’ category.  These new ‘Enlighted Menu’ items will focus on today’s more popular ‘superfoods’ and will roll out in the fall.  Additional areas of focus aimed at growing sales over the balance of 2016 include increased engagement with our guests through our loyalty program and mobile app, and a revised marketing plan to introduce the BJ’s brand to guests in our newest markets while further elevating brand awareness in our existing markets.  Most importantly, we continue to drive sales by providing a higher quality, more differentiated casual dining experience for our guests.  We believe our team members’ relentless execution of every detail, during every shift, will support our goal of driving growth for the near and long-term.”

Development Update
In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, BJ’s opened three new restaurants in Pensacola, Florida;Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and Lexington, Kentucky, and to date in 2016, the Company has opened seven new restaurants.  Trojan added, “The majority of our fiscal 2016 restaurant openings are in newer markets in the mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley and the Northeast, where we believe there is tremendous opportunity to grow our brand.  Our pipeline for new restaurants over the balance of 2016 is in excellent shape as we remain on track to open 18 to 19 new restaurants this year.  We expect to open a total of five new restaurants in the third quarter and up to seven new restaurants in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016.  In addition, our development team is making great progress in building a solid pipeline for our fiscal 2017 and 2018 new restaurant openings.  With only 177 restaurants opened as of today, and estimated national capacity for at least 425 BJ’s restaurants, our prospects for near and long-term growth remain strong.”

Share Repurchase Program Update
BJ’s announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a $100 million expansion of the Company’s share repurchase program.  The expansion brings the total amount authorized under the share repurchase program to $350 million.   During the second quarter of 2016, the Company did not repurchase any shares and, with this $100 million increase to the plan, has $129.9 million available under the repurchase authorization. Since the Company’s first share repurchase authorization was approved in April 2014, BJ’s has repurchased and retired approximately 5.5 million shares at a cost of approximately $220.1 million.  “Reflecting our strong operating cash flow and solid balance sheet, we believe BJ’s is well positioned to continue executing our restaurant expansion plan, while simultaneously and opportunistically returning capital to shareholders,” commented Trojan.

Pursuant to the share repurchase authorization, purchases may be made from time to time through various methods in accordance with applicable securities laws, including open market transactions, block trades, accelerated share repurchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, certain of which may be effected pursuant to a trading plan adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The timing and actual amount of shares to be purchased will be subject to management’s evaluation of market conditions, applicable legal requirements, the Company’s ongoing evaluation of its capital position and capital requirements and other factors.  The Company is not obligated to purchase any additional shares under its expanded repurchase program, and repurchases may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice.

Investor Conference Call and Webcast
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. will conduct a conference call on its second quarter 2016 earnings release today, July 26, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time).  Senior management will discuss the financial results and host a question and answer session.  In addition, a live audio webcast of the call will be accessible to the public on the “Investors” page of the Company’s website located at http://www.bjsrestaurants.com and a recording of the webcast will be archived on the site for 30 days following the live event.  Please allow 15 minutes to register and download and install any necessary software.

About BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. currently owns and operates 177 casual dining restaurants under the BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse®, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery®, BJ’s Pizza & Grill® and BJ’s Grill® brand names.  BJ’s Restaurants offer an innovative and broad menu featuring award-winning, signature deep-dish pizza complemented with generously portioned salads, appetizers, sandwiches, soups, pastas, entrees and desserts, including the Pizookie® dessert.  Quality, flavor, value, moderate prices and sincere service remain distinct attributes of the BJ’s experience.  All restaurants feature BJ’s critically acclaimed proprietary craft beers, which are produced at several of the Company’s Restaurant & Brewery locations, its two brewpubs in Texas and by independent third party craft brewers.  The Company’s restaurants are located in the 23 states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas,California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington. Visit BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. on the Web at http://www.bjsrestaurants.com for locations and additional information.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer
Certain statements in the preceding paragraphs and all other statements that are not purely historical constitute “forward-looking” statements for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby.  Such statements include, but are not limited to, those regarding expected comparable restaurant sales and margin growth in future periods, total potential domestic capacity, the success of various sales-building and productivity initiatives, future guest traffic trends, construction cost savings initiatives and the number and timing of new restaurants expected to be opened in future periods.  These “forward-looking” statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results to be materially different from those projected or anticipated.  Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (i) our ability to manage an increasing number of new restaurant openings, (ii) construction delays, (iii) labor shortages, (iv) increases in minimum wage and other employment related costs, including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, (v) the effect of credit and equity market disruptions on our ability to finance our continued expansion on acceptable terms, (vi) food quality and health concerns and the effect of negative publicity about us, our restaurants, other restaurants, or others across the food supply chain, due to food borne illness or other reasons, whether or not accurate, (vii) factors that impact California, where 62 of our current 177 restaurants are located, (viii) restaurant and brewery industry competition, (ix) impact of certain brewing business considerations, including without limitation, dependence upon suppliers, third party contractors and related hazards, (x) consumer spending trends in general for casual dining occasions, (xi) potential uninsured losses and liabilities due to limitations on insurance coverage, (xii) fluctuating commodity costs and availability of food in general and certain raw materials related to the brewing of our craft beers and energy, (xiii) trademark and service-mark risks, (xiv) government regulations and licensing costs, (xv) beer and liquor regulations, (xvi) loss of key personnel, (xvii) inability to secure acceptable sites, (xviii) legal proceedings, (xix) other general economic and regulatory conditions and requirements, (xx) the success of our key sales-building and related operational initiatives, and (xxi) numerous other matters discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its recent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K.  The “forward-looking” statements contained in this press release are based on current assumptions and expectations, and BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update or alter its “forward-looking” statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

Greg Levin
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.
(714) 500-2400

JCIR
(212) 835-8500
bjri@jcir.com.

Source: BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.