Sport Chalet, Inc. reported that sales for the fiscal third quarter ended December 31, 2003 increased from $72.3 million last year to $79.7 million this year, a 10.3% increase. The increase is the result of opening five new stores since November 2002, as well as a same store sales
increase of 2.9%.
Gross profit margin increased from 31.3% for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 to 32.6% for the same period this year, as improving inventory purchase controls allowed management to reduce low margin sales promotions. Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of
sales, increased from 25.3% for the three months ended December 31, 2002, to 26.1% for the same period this year, primarily a result of an increase in reserves for workers' compensation claims required by changing historical
trends for past claims.
Increased sales at higher profit margins improved net income 18% from $2.6 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, in the third quarter last year to $3.1 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, for the same period this year.
During the nine months ended December 31, 2003, sales increased from
$179.8 million last year to $194.8 million this year, an 8.4% increase. The
increase is the result of opening five new stores since November 2002, as well
as a same store sales increase of 1.7%. Gross profit margin increased from
29.6% for the nine months ended December 31, 2002, to 30.4% for the same
period this year due to lower markdowns as a result of the Company's focus on
improved inventory procurement and administration. Selling, general and
administrative expenses, as a percentage of sales, increased from 25.7% for
the nine months ended December 31, 2002, to 26.7% for the same period this
year as a result of the write-off of undepreciated assets from two large-scale
store remodels in the first quarter and an increase in reserves for workers'
compensation claims. Net income increased from $4.1 million, or $0.59 per
diluted share, for the nine months ended December 31, 2002, to $4.2 million,
or $0.61 per diluted share, for the same period this year.
The Company plans on opening five new stores during 2004. The continued
expansion into Northern California includes Roseville and Elk Grove in the
Sacramento area, along with Pleasanton and Visalia. In addition the Company
will open a store in the Santa Anita mall in the city of Arcadia within its
Southern California market.
Commenting on the results, Craig Levra, Chairman and CEO said, “I'm proud
of our employees who worked very hard to get three stores opened during
November and December while maintaining the standards our customers have come
to expect.” Mr. Levra continued, “Our improvements in systems and logistics
are beginning to pay off and with continued expansion we will further leverage
these investments.”
SPORT CHALET, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) Three months ended Nine Months Ended December 31, December 31, 2003 2002 2003 2002 Net sales $79,704,678 $72,271,486 $194,832,656 $179,803,490 Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy 53,743,477 49,627,384 135,585,117 126,592,231 Gross profit 25,961,201 22,644,102 59,247,539 53,211,259 Selling, general and administrative expenses 20,807,415 18,292,489 52,109,629 46,232,790 Income from operations 5,153,786 4,351,613 7,137,910 6,978,469 Interest expense 72,314 147,858 162,070 272,385 Income before taxes 5,081,472 4,203,755 6,975,840 6,706,084 Income tax provision 1,997,000 1,598,000 2,757,000 2,599,000 Net income $3,084,472 $2,605,755 $4,218,840 $4,107,084 Earnings per share: Basic $0.46 $0.39 $0.64 $0.62 Diluted $0.44 $0.38 $0.61 $0.59