DSW Inc. slightly reduced its guidance for the year due to lower expectations for Ebuys and the impact of weather related disruptions this quarter.

Roger Rawlins, chief executive officer stated, “Much of our core business performed in-line with expectations this quarter, despite an unusually severe hurricane season which impacted comps and earnings. Additionally, cold weather related product struggled to gain the traction we had anticipated; however, tight inventory management protected our bottom line from excessive markdowns and we ended the quarter with inventories below last year. Our business model remains healthy, generating strong cash flow which allows us to invest in both organic and non-organic growth. We activated new customers, accelerated digital demand and continued to deliver concrete progress in many of our strategic priorities, such as our Power Stores, our new Lab Store and the expansion of DSW kids. Additionally, we are starting to test several new services with our new Rewards VIP program that will further differentiate the DSW brand.”

“At Ebuys, we’ve moderated the long-term financial expectations and have reduced its carrying value on our balance sheet. However, we believe the business provides valuable expertise to manage end-of-season clearance through online marketplaces. The successful integration of this business will unlock future synergies across our brand portfolio,” Mr. Rawlins concluded.

Third Quarter Operating Results
Sales increased 1.7 percent to $708.3 million.Comparable sales decreased 0.4 percent with a negative impact of 50 to 60 bps from hurricane disruption.Reported gross profit decreased by 120 bps due to our market share initiative, higher shipping expenses and  costs related to the integration of Ebuys.

Reported operating expenses, as a percent of sales, increased by 20 bps, with higher technology and marketing expenses offset by lower overhead costs.

Reported net income was $4 million, or 5 cents per diluted share, including pre-tax charges totaling $52.7 million, or 40 cents per diluted share, related to net non-cash impairment charges related to goodwill and intangible assets, offset by a reduction in contingent consideration related to the company’s acquisition of Ebuys. In the year-ago period, earnings were $47 million, or 47 cents a share.

Adjusted net income was $35.9 million, or 45 cents per diluted share, including weather related impact of  approximately 5 cents per diluted share That’s down 13.9 percent from $41.7 million, or 51 cents a share, in the same period a year ago.

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Impairment
The company updated its long term expectations for Ebuys based on its performance over the last eighteen months. Although Ebuys brings valuable proprietary capabilities to compete on digital marketplaces, the company believes it is necessary to moderate the growth assumptions assumed at the time of the acquisition. As a result, the company significantly reduced its future contingent liability while simultaneously impairing the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets related to the original target price of the acquisition. The total net non-cash charges related to the impairment of Ebuys’ goodwill and intangible assets was $52.7 million, or 40 cents per diluted share, and is not included in the company’s Adjusted results.

Nine Months Ended October 28, 2017 Operating Results
Sales increased 2.1 percent to $2.1 billion.Comparable sales decreased 1 percent compared to last year’s 1.6 percent decrease.Reported gross profit decreased by 80 bps, driven by incremental clearance activity and inventory reserves and distribution costs related to the ongoing integration of Ebuys.

Reported operating expenses, as a percent of sales, improved by 10 bps due to tighter expense management.Reported net income was $55.6 million, or 69 cents per diluted share, including pre-tax charges totaling $59.9 million, or 45 cents per diluted share, related to acquisition and impairment costs, restructuring expenses and foreign exchange loss.

Adjusted net income was $92.2 million, or $1.14 per diluted share.

Third Quarter Balance Sheet

Highlights
Cash and investments totaled $330 million compared to $216 million in the third quarter last year.During the quarter, the company acquired 0.5 million shares for $9.4 million and has $524 million remaining in its current share repurchase program. Since 2013, the company has returned to shareholders over $600 million in dividends and share repurchases.Inventories were $547 million compared to $563 million for the same period last year. Excluding Ebuys and Gordmans, inventories decreased 3 percent on a cost per square foot basis.Regular Dividend

DSW Inc.’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 20 cents per share. The dividend will be paid on December 29, 2017 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 15, 2017.

Fiscal 2017 Annual Outlook
The company updated its full year outlook for adjusted earnings in the range of $1.40 to $1.45 per diluted share to reflect lower expectations for Ebuys and the impact of weather related disruptions this quarter. Guidance does not include net charges related to the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets. Previously, adjusted earnings were expected in the range of $1.45 to $1.55 per diluted share.

Photo courtesy DSW