Finish Line Inc. reported consolidated net sales reached $466.9 million in the fiscal second quartered ended Aug. 30, up 7.1 percent over the prior year period. Comparable store sales increased 1.5 percent. Net income came in at $26.2 million, or 54 cents per diluted share, flat with a year earlier and below analysts consensus estimate of 60 cents. 

Our second quarter results fell short of our expectations due to softness within elements of our basketball offering while our running business was up mid single digits driven by casual and performance styles, said Glenn Lyon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. We are confident that we can reaccelerate sales trends in basketball by working closely with our brand partners to improve our assortments. In combination with our market leadership position in running, advanced omnichannel capabilities and growing business relationship with Macys, this will fuel sustainable sales and earnings growth over the long-term.

Finish Line ended the period with consolidated merchandise inventories of $329.9 million, up 11.5 percent compared to $296.0 million as of Aug. 31, 2013.

The company repurchased 133,333 shares of its common stock in the second quarter, totaling $3.6 million. The company has 3.1 million shares remaining on its current Board authorized repurchase program. As of Aug. 30, 2014, the company had no interest-bearing debt and $190.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to $203.8 million in the prior year.

For the fiscal year ending Feb. 28, 2015, the company still expects Finish Line comparable store sales to be up mid-single digits and earnings per share to increase in the high-single to low-double-digit range over fiscal year 2014 non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $1.66.

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Finish Line has approximately 1,020 Finish Line branded locations primarily in U.S. malls and shops inside Macys department stores as well as finishline.com.  Finish Line also operates the Running Specialty Group. This includes 58 specialty running stores in 12 states and the District of Columbia under The Running Company, Run On!, Blue Mile, Boulder Running Company, Ronckers Running Spot, Running Fit and VA Runner banners.

The Finish Line, Inc.


Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)



(In thousands, except per share and store/shop data)







Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

 

Twenty-Six Weeks Ended






August 30,


2014


 

August 31,


2013




August 30,


2014


 

August 31,


2013


Net sales





$

466,880



$

436,030




$

873,411



$

787,083


Cost of sales (including occupancy costs)





311,760

 


289,693

 



589,411

 


533,751

 

Gross profit





155,120



146,337




284,000



253,332


Selling, general and administrative expenses





111,882



103,455




220,778



202,811


Store closing costs





115



17




361



203


Impairment charges





264

 




 



2,332

 




 

Operating income





42,859



42,865




60,529



50,318


Interest (expense) income, net





(1

)


10

 



6

 


24

 

Income before income taxes





42,858



42,875




60,535



50,342


Income tax expense





16,699

 


16,682

 



23,721

 


19,635

 

Net income





26,159



26,193




36,814



30,707


Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest





(2

)


314

 



1,778

 


875

 

Net income attributable to The Finish Line, Inc.





$

26,157

 


$

26,507

 



$

38,592

 


$

31,582

 

Diluted earnings per share attributable to The Finish Line, Inc.
shareholders





$

0.54

 


$

0.54

 



$

0.79

 


$

0.64

 

Diluted weighted average shares





48,202

 


48,757

 



48,281

 


48,744

 

Dividends declared per share





$

0.08

 


$

0.07

 



$

0.16

 


$

0.14