Finish Line Inc. reported earnings rose 19.4 percent in its second-quarter ended Sept 1, to $25.0 million, or 49 cents a share, and raised its earnings outlook for the year. Q2 comp store sales increased 12.3 percent.

For the thirteen weeks ended September 1, 2012:

  • Consolidated net sales, inclusive of Finish Line and The Running Company, increased 16.1 percent to $385.0 million.
  • Finish Line comparable store sales increased 12.3 percent on top of an 11.0 percent increase for the same period a year ago.
  • Digital comparable sales, which are included in the comparable store sales results, were up 29.6 percent.
  • Earnings per diluted share increased 25.6 percent to $0.49.

“We are very pleased with the strength of our second quarter performance,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Glenn Lyon. “Our ability to achieve double digit comps in the second quarter, on top of a double digit comp increase in the prior year period illustrates our ability to further expand our leadership position in athletic footwear. Second quarter sales were driven by market share gains in running and basketball as we have been able to capitalize on recent trends in each category enabled by our strong relationships with both vendors and consumers. Importantly, we translated a 16 percent top-line increase into 26 percent earnings growth even as we make the necessary investments in order to successfully execute our omni-channel vision. We move forward with sound strategies in place that we believe will further improve our consumer mindshare, deliver consistent sales and earnings growth, and return increased value to our shareholders.”

Balance Sheet

As of September 1, 2012, consolidated merchandise inventories increased 9.0 percent to $250.6 million compared to $229.8 million as of August 27, 2011. For Finish Line, merchandise inventories increased by 6.3 percent.

As of September 1, 2012, the company had no interest-bearing debt and $254.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to $289.6 million a year ago.

Outlook

Based on second quarter results, the company now expects earnings per share for the fiscal year ending March 2, 2013 to increase between 6 to 9 percent over the $1.53 in fiscal 2012, which excludes the 7 cents per share impact from the 53rd week, up from its most recent guidance of 6 to 7 percent growth. This guidance assumes an annual comparable store sales increase of 6 to 8 percent.

The Finish Line, Inc. is a premium retailer of athletic shoes, apparel and accessories. The company has two retail divisions — Finish Line, which operates 638 Finish Line brand stores in malls across the U.S., and The Running Specialty Group, which operates 19 specialty running shops in seven states and the District of Columbia under The Running Company banner.







The Finish Line, Inc.






Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)






(In thousands, except per share and store data)















 






Thirteen



Thirteen



Twenty-Six



Twenty-Six






Weeks Ended



Weeks Ended



Weeks Ended



Weeks Ended






September 1,



August 27,



September 1,



August 27,






2012



2011



2012



2011















 

Net sales





$

385,011




$

331,514




$

704,060




$

630,988


Cost of sales (including occupancy costs)





 

250,461

 



 

215,180

 



 

464,851

 



 

411,391

 

Gross profit






134,550





116,334





239,209





219,597
















 

Selling, general and administrative expenses






94,711





82,076





179,557





158,751


Store closing costs





 

325

 



 

580

 



 

420

 



 

597

 

Operating income






39,514





33,678





59,232





60,249
















 

Interest income, net





 

58

 



 

139

 



 

129

 



 

281

 

Income before income taxes






39,572





33,817





59,361





60,530
















 

Income tax expense





 

15,136

 



 

12,897

 



 

22,844

 



 

23,194

 

Net income






24,436





20,920





36,517





37,336


Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest





 

537