MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 09/11/15 -- Le Chateau Inc. (TSX: CTU.A), a leading Canadian brand in specialty retailing, offering a broad array of contemporary fashion apparel, accessories and footwear for style-conscious women and men, today reported its results for the second quarter ended August 1, 2015. The 2015 year refers to the 26-week period ended August 1, 2015 while the 2014 year refers to the 26-week period ended July 26, 2014.
Sales for the second quarter ended August 1, 2015 decreased 7.3% to $63.3 million from $68.3 million for the second quarter ended July 26, 2014. Sales were negatively impacted for the second quarter of 2015 by reduced mall and store traffic. The retail environment remains competitive but some signs of improvements are appearing in the aftermath of significant industry consolidation. Comparable store sales decreased 3.9% for the second quarter as compared to last year. Included in comparable store sales are online sales which increased 34.5% for the second quarter.
Earnings (loss) before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, write-off and/or impairment of property and equipment ("Adjusted EBITDA") (see non-GAAP measures below) for the second quarter amounted to $2.2 million, compared to $2.9 million for the same period last year. The decrease of $647,000 in adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was primarily attributable to the decrease of $1.7 million in gross margin dollars, offset by a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses of $1.1 million. The decrease of $1.7 million in gross margin dollars was the result of the 7.3% decline in sales for the second quarter of 2015, offset by the increase in gross margin percentage to 66.6% from 64.2% in 2014. The gross margin improvement in the second quarter of 2015 resulted from reduced promotional activity.
Net loss for the second quarter ended August 1, 2015 amounted to $4.0 million or $(0.13) per share compared to a net loss of $3.0 million or $(0.10) per share for the same period last year.
Six-month Results
Sales for the six months ended August 1, 2015 decreased 6.2% to $114.0 million from $121.6 million last year. Comparable store sales decreased 5.0% versus the same period a year ago. Included in comparable store sales are online sales which increased 29.3% for the six months ended August 1, 2015.
Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended August 1, 2015 amounted to $(4.9) million, compared to $(6.4) million last year. The improvement of $1.5 million in adjusted EBITDA for the first six months was primarily attributable to a decline in selling, general and administrative expenses of $3.0 million, offset by a decrease of $1.5 million in gross margin dollars. The decrease of $1.5 million in gross margin dollars was the result of the 6.2% decline in sales for the first half of 2015, offset by the increase in gross margin percentage to 65.6% from 62.7% in 2014. The gross margin improvement in the first half of 2015 resulted from reduced promotional activity.
Net loss for the six-month period ended August 1, 2015 amounted to $16.4 million or $(0.55) per share compared to a net loss of $16.0 million or $(0.57) per share the previous year.
During the first six months of 2015, the Company closed two stores and renovated five existing locations. Total square footage for the Le Chateau network as at August 1, 2015 amounted to 1,203,000 square feet, compared to 1,237,000 square feet as at July 26, 2014.
Third Quarter of 2015
During the preceding three years, in response to significant competition entering the Company's markets, the Company embarked on a major product repositioning and rebranding project. In conjunction with the project, the Company initiated a store renovation program and in mid-August, launched a marketing campaign across Canada in collaboration with Sid Lee. The campaign combines TV, billboards and social media, and aims to raise brand awareness. Consumers are rediscovering our brand and products, and we believe this will have a sustainable impact. We remain optimistic about the opportunity to grow our business and improve our margins.
For the first five weeks ended September 5, 2015, total retail sales decreased 1.6% and comparable store sales increased 3.2% compared to the same period last year. Included in comparable store sales are online sales which increased 16.1%.
For the year-to-date, the Company renovated four stores: Scarborough Town Centre in Ontario on April 1, 2015, Fairview Pointe Claire in Quebec on May 21, 2015, Mayfair Shopping Centre in British Columbia on September 3, 2015 and Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Ontario on September 10, 2015. The Company plans to launch an additional renovated store in September 2015 at the St. Laurent Shopping Centre in Ottawa, Ontario.
Profile
Le Chateau is a leading Canadian brand in specialty retailing, offering a broad array of contemporary fashion apparel, accessories and footwear for style-conscious women and men. The Le Chateau brand is sold exclusively through the Company's 220 retail locations, of which 219 are located in Canada. The Company's retail locations are primarily found in major urban shopping malls, as well as street-front locations with high pedestrian traffic. In addition, the Company has 4 stores under license in the Middle East. Le Chateau's web-based marketing is further broadening the Company's customer base among internet shoppers in both Canada and the United States. With its 56-year tradition of vertical integration, emphasizing a design and manufacturing approach to retailing, Le Chateau is unique among Canadian fashion merchants.
Non-GAAP Measures
In addition to discussing earnings measures in accordance with IFRS, this press release provides adjusted EBITDA as a supplementary earnings measure, which is defined as earnings (loss) before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, write-off and/or impairment of property and equipment. Adjusted EBITDA is provided to assist readers in determining the ability of the Company to generate cash from operations and to cover financial charges. It is also widely used for valuation purposes for public companies in our industry.
The following table reconciles adjusted EBITDA to loss before income tax recovery for the three and six-month periods ended August 1, 2015 and July 26, 2014:
(Unaudited) For the three months ended For the six months ended (In thousands of August 1, July 26, August 1, July 26, Canadian dollars) 2015 2014 2015 2014 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Loss before income tax recovery $ (4,022) $ (2,970) $ (16,380) $ (17,731) Depreciation and amortization 4,335 4,609 8,733 9,200 Write-off and impairment of property and equipment 869 533 889 713 Finance costs 1,066 726 1,872 1,413 Finance income (5) (8) (7) (11) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,243 $ 2,890 $ (4,893) $ (6,416) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company also discloses comparable store sales which are defined as sales generated by stores that have been open for at least one year. Comparable store sales exclude sales from stores converted to outlet or clearance stores during the year of conversion.
The above measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements relating to the Company and/or the environment in which it operates that are based on the Company's expectations, estimates and forecasts. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and/or are beyond the Company's control. A number of factors may cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed. These factors also include those set forth in other public filings of the Company. Therefore, readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. In addition, these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and the Company disavows any intention or obligation to update or revise any such statements as a result of any event, circumstance or otherwise except to the extent required under applicable securities law.
Factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: the ability of the Company to successfully implement its business initiatives and whether such business initiatives will yield the expected benefits; competitive conditions in the businesses in which the Company participates; changes in consumer spending; general economic conditions and normal business uncertainty; seasonality and weather patterns; changes in the Company's relationship with its suppliers; lease renewals; information technology security and loss of customer data; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; interest rate fluctuations; liquidity risk and changes in laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Company. The foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect our results.
The Company's unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the second quarter ended August 1, 2015 are available online at www.sedar.com.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
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(Unaudited) As at
(In thousands of Canadian As at As at January 31,
dollars) August 1, 2015 July 26, 2014 2015
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ASSETS
Current assets
Cash $ 1,614 $ 2,468 $ 1,195
Accounts receivable 1,240 1,691 2,025
Income taxes refundable 419 1,319 619
Inventories 120,162 122,996 115,357
Prepaid expenses 2,790 2,671 1,079
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Total current assets 126,225 131,145 120,275
Property and equipment 54,037 66,851 58,091
Intangible assets 2,476 3,557 2,961
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$ 182,738 $ 201,553 $ 181,327
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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current portion of credit
facility $ 17,964 $ 22,052 $ 14,737
Trade and other payables 19,755 16,723 16,133
Deferred revenue 2,805 3,135 3,452
Current portion of provisions 676 332 678
Derivative financial instruments - 372 -
Current portion of long-term debt 1,268 5,169 2,007
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Total current liabilities 42,468 47,783 37,007
Credit facility 27,126 20,400 33,674
Long-term debt 22,768 6,543 5,836
Provisions 1,553 481 1,473
Deferred lease credits 10,341 12,373 11,354
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Total liabilities 104,256 87,580 89,344
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Shareholders' equity
Share capital 47,967 47,967 47,967
Contributed surplus 7,318 4,140 4,439
Retained earnings 23,197 62,238 39,577
Accumulated other comprehensive
loss - (372) -
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Total shareholders' equity 78,482 113,973 91,983
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$ 182,738 $ 201,553 $ 181,327
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS
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(Unaudited) For the three months For the six months
ended ended
(In thousands of Canadian
dollars, except per share August 1, July 26, August 1, July 26,
information) 2015 2014 2015 2014
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Sales $ 63,292 $ 68,304 $ 114,038 $ 121,609
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Cost of sales and expenses
Cost of sales 21,152 24,453 39,283 45,406
Selling 36,659 37,469 72,361 74,656
General and administrative 8,442 8,634 16,909 17,876
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66,253 70,556 128,553 137,938
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Results from operating
activities (2,961) (2,252) (14,515) (16,329)
Finance costs 1,066 726 1,872 1,413
Finance income (5) (8) (7) (11)
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Loss before income taxes (4,022) (2,970) (16,380) (17,731)
Income tax recovery - - - (1,716)
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Net loss $ (4,022) $ (2,970) $ (16,380) $ (16,015)
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Net loss per share
Basic $ (0.13) $ (0.10) $ (0.55) $ (0.57)
Diluted (0.13) (0.10) (0.55) (0.57)
Weighted average number of
shares outstanding ('000) 29,964 28,524 29,964 27,933
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
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(Unaudited) For the three months For the six months
ended ended
(In thousands of Canadian August 1, July 26, August 1, July 26,
dollars) 2015 2014 2015 2014
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Net loss $ (4,022) $ (2,970) $ (16,380) $ (16,015)
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Other comprehensive income
(loss) to be reclassified
to profit or loss in
subsequent periods
Change in fair value of
forward exchange contracts - (360) - (388)
Income tax expense - (8) - -
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- (368) - (388)
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Realized forward exchange
contracts reclassified to
net loss - 16 - (402)
Income tax recovery - - - 113
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- 16 - (289)
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Total other comprehensive
loss - (352) - (677)
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Comprehensive loss $ (4,022) $ (3,322) $ (16,380) $ (16,692)
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
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(Unaudited) For the three months For the six months
ended ended
(In thousands of Canadian August 1, July 26, August 1, July 26,
dollars) 2015 2014 2015 2014
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SHARE CAPITAL
Balance, beginning of period $ 47,967 $ 42,962 $ 47,967 $ 42,960
Issuance of subordinate
voting shares upon
conversion of long-term
debt - 5,000 - 5,000
Issuance of subordinate
voting shares upon exercise
of options - 3 - 5
Reclassification from
contributed surplus due to
exercise of share options - 2 - 2
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Balance, end of period $ 47,967 $ 47,967 $ 47,967 $ 47,967
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CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS
Balance, beginning of period $ 5,015 $ 3,871 $ 4,439 $ 3,581
Fair value adjustment for
long-term debt 2,157 - 2,560 -
Stock-based compensation
expense 146 271 319 561
Exercise of share options - (2) - (2)
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Balance, end of period $ 7,318 $ 4,140 $ 7,318 $ 4,140
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RETAINED EARNINGS
Balance, beginning of period $ 27,219 $ 65,208 $ 39,577 $ 78,253
Net loss (4,022) (2,970) (16,380) (16,015)
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Balance, end of period $ 23,197 $ 62,238 $ 23,197 $ 62,238
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ACCUMULATED OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Balance, beginning of period $ - $ (20) $ - $ 305
Other comprehensive loss for
the period - (352) - (677)
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Balance, end of period $ - $ (372) $ - $ (372)
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Total shareholders' equity $ 78,482 $ 113,973 $ 78,482 $ 113,973
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
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(Unaudited) For the three months For the six months
ended ended
(In thousands of Canadian August 1, July 26, August 1, July 26,
dollars) 2015 2014 2015 2014
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OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss $ (4,022)$ (2,970) $ (16,380) $ (16,015)
Adjustments to determine net
cash from operating activities
Depreciation and amortization 4,335 4,609 8,733 9,200
Write-off and impairment of
property and equipment 869 533 889 713
Amortization of deferred lease
credits (443) (589) (1,045) (1,173)
Deferred lease credits 32 260 32 134
Stock-based compensation 146 271 319 561
Provisions 156 144 78 157
Finance costs 1,066 726 1,872 1,413
Interest paid (661) (686) (1,372) (1,261)
Income tax recovery - - - (1,716)
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1,478 2,298 (6,874) (7,987)
Net change in non-cash working
capital items related to
operations 11,297 4,425 (3,018) (2,735)
Income taxes refunded 350 4,650 350 5,548
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Cash flows related to operating
activities 13,125 11,373 (9,542) (5,174)
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FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase (decrease) in credit
facility (20,932) (7,662) (3,224) 11,945
Financing costs (401) - (432) -
Proceeds of long-term debt 15,000 - 20,000 5,000
Repayment of long-term debt (425) (2,065) (1,300) (4,118)
Issue of share capital upon
exercise of options - 3 - 5
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Cash flows related to financing
activities (6,758) (9,724) 15,044 12,832
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INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property and
equipment and intangible assets (3,608) (1,515) (5,083) (6,636)
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Cash flows related to investing
activities (3,608) (1,515) (5,083) (6,636)
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Increase in cash 2,759 134 419 1,022
Cash (bank indebtedness),
beginning of period (1,145) 2,334 1,195 1,446
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Cash, end of period $ 1,614 $ 2,468 $ 1,614 $ 2,468
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Contacts:
Emilia Di Raddo, CPA, CA
President
(514) 738-7000
Johnny Del Ciancio, CPA, CA
Vice-President, Finance
(514) 738-7000
MaisonBrison:
Pierre Boucher
(514) 731-0000
Source:
Le Chateau Inc.
