Company Reports Loss of $0.13 Per Share Before Discontinued Operations, Including Merger-Related Expenses, Asset Impairment Charges and Store Closing Costs of Approximately $0.13 Per Share
Genesco Inc. (NYSE: GCO) today (August 30) reported a loss before discontinued operations of $2.9 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, for the second quarter ended August 4, 2007. Results for the quarter included $5.5 million pretax, or approximately $0.13 per diluted share, in expenses related to the Company's proposed merger with a subsidiary of The Finish Line Inc., retail store asset impairment charges and costs related to the previously announced decision to close certain underperforming stores, primarily in the Underground Station Group. For the second quarter ended July 29, 2006, earnings before discontinued operations were $5.9 million, or $0.24 per diluted share. Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 increased 8% to $328 million, compared to $304 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2007.
Genesco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Hal N. Pennington said, "Our second quarter results were affected by the combination of a later start to back-to-school, later sales tax holidays in Texas and Florida and a generally challenging retail environment, especially in footwear. While back-to-school season is still in progress, we are encouraged by the improving trend in sales for the third quarter to date.
"Net sales in the Journeys Group increased 8% to approximately $148 million in the second quarter, while same store sales declined 7%. The shift in sales tax holidays in Texas and Florida from the second quarter last year to the third quarter this year had an especially pronounced effect on the Journeys Group, since approximately 16% of Journeys stores are located in those two states. Journeys' same store sales in Texas and Florida decreased 13% and 20%, respectively, in the quarter. We expect the Journeys business for the balance of the year to benefit from the later back-to-school and tax holiday sales and from more pronounced competitive merchandising advantages in the fall and holiday seasons, and are pleased with the week-to-week improvement in comparable sales thus far in the quarter: Journeys Group's same store sales have improved from a 10% decline in the first week in August, to a 3% increase in the second week, to a 9% increase for the week most recently ended, for a 1% increase for the month to date.
"Net sales in the Hat World Group increased 15% to approximately $90 million, while same store sales declined 2% in the second quarter, primarily due to fewer store-wide promotions compared to last year, ongoing challenges in the urban market and the back-to-school and tax holiday shift. Hat World's core business, particularly Major League Baseball products, performed well during the quarter and the Canadian business remains strong across the board. Through the third week of fiscal August, same store sales for the Hat World Group increased 4%.
"Net sales for the Underground Station Group, which includes the remaining Jarman stores, were $25 million, and same store sales declined 23%, in line with our expectations for the quarter. Same store sales again reflected the weak urban market, a difficult Nike comparison, and continued softness in the athletic category. Additionally, the tax holiday shift exacerbated the comparison, as 21% of Underground Station stores are located in Texas and Florida. For the first three weeks of August, same store sales in the Underground Station Group declined 20%. We expect Underground Station to benefit in the second half from new merchandising strategies for the fall and from easier comparisons with last year, as Nike's significance to last year's sales progressively diminishes and overall comparisons moderate.
"Johnston & Murphy Group's net sales increased 9% to approximately $46 million in the second quarter. Wholesale sales rose 18%, same store sales for the shops were up 5% and operating margin increased 200 basis points to 7.9%, reflecting continuing strength across Johnston & Murphy's product lines. For the first three weeks of August, same store sales increased 7%.
"Second quarter sales of Licensed Brands increased 18% to approximately $19 million, and operating margin increased 370 basis points to 12%. The Dockers Footwear product continued to perform well in the volume moderate channel and its business with the specialty shoe chains was strong."
The Company said that because of its merger agreement with a subsidiary of The Finish Line, Inc., it does not expect to issue specific guidance with respect to sales and earnings expectations for the balance of the year. -Genesco
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