Gander Mountain Co. said it expects consolidated sales for the fourth quarter of approximately $333 million compared to $318 million a year ago, a 4.9% increase. Net income is expected to reach approximately $20 million compared to net income of $5.8 million for the same quarter last year. The latest quarter includes a net loss from the Direct segment of approximately $3.5 million.


 


Retail segment sales were approximately $321 million, an increase of $9 million or 2.9%, as compared to the fiscal 2007 fourth quarter. Direct segment sales were approximately $12.1 million for the quarter, compared to $5.5 million for the same quarter last year. The increase in Direct segment sales resulted primarily from the inclusion of Overton's, acquired in December 2007, for the full quarter in fiscal 2008 and the startup of the new Gander Direct Internet and catalog operations in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.


 


Record retail segment net income was approximately $23 million compared to net income of $7 million for the fourth quarter last year, an improvement of $16 million. The improvement resulted primarily from increased product margins and decreased SG&A costs.


 


Comparable store sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 were down 0.2%, an improvement over 6.5% in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. The firearms, ammunition, seasonal hunting and footwear categories all experienced strong sales performance during the quarter. Comparable store sales were a positive 2.7% during the quarter, excluding the 2.9% impact of boat and ATV sales and power sport services.


 


Improvement in inventory management resulted in a decrease in Retail segment inventory of 18% per square foot, year-over-year, and a 20% decrease in Retail clearance inventory.


 


Consolidated SG&A costs, as a percentage of sales, declined approximately 170 basis points to 20.0% of sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 as compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.


 


Record cash flows from operating activities for the quarter were approximately $108 million, an improvement of approximately $34 million over the comparable quarter last year. During the year, the company reduced its total debt by approximately $38 million.


 


“Record retail segment net income, improved cash flows from operations and reduced debt reflect a second consecutive quarter of progress at the 'New Gander Mountain.' We continue to apply a more disciplined approach to our operations, capital, and expense decisions,” said David C. Pratt, chairman and interim chief executive officer. “Heading into 2009, the retail environment is as difficult as any in memory. We believe that our ongoing efforts to build the leadership team, manage costs, improve operating margins, increase cash flows and reduce debt will continue the momentum we generated this last fiscal year.”


 


The retailer said these preliminary results are subject to the completion of the customary year end audit procedures by the company's independent auditors. The company will report final fiscal fourth quarter and year end results in March 2009.