Sporting goods retailer Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. (DKS: Quote) on Monday reported higher profit for the fourth quarter, as sales climbed 12 percent from last year. However, the company issued first-quarter and full year earnings forecast below Street view, sending the shares lower by nearly 6 percent in pre-market activity.
Further, Dick’s said its Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $1 billion of its common stock over the next five years. The retailer currently expects to finance the repurchases from cash on hand and if necessary, availability under its credit facility.
Consolidated net income for the 14 weeks ended February 2, 2013 climbed to $129.75 million or $1.03 per share from $111.08 million or $0.88 per share earned in the fourth quarter ended January 28, 2012. The latest quarterly results included $0.03 per share for the 14th week. Dick’s had guided for earnings of $1.03 to 1.05 per share.
On average, 28 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected earnings of $1.06 per share for the quarter. Analysts’ estimates typically exclude special items.
Net sales increased 12 percent to $1.805 billion from $1.611 billion, while analysts expected revenues of $1.86 billion.
The retailer attributed the increase to growth of the store network, a 1.2 percent growth in consolidated same store sales on a 13-week to 13-week basis, and inclusion of the 14th week of sales. The same store sales increase consisted of a 2.2 percent decrease at Dick’s Sporting Goods stores, a 1.3 percent increase at Golf Galaxy and a 54.2 percent increase in the eCommerce business.
By chain, including eCommerce business, Dick’s Sporting Goods same store sales increased 1.2 percent and Golf Galaxy same store sales increased 1.3 percent.
Edward Stack, chairman and CEO, said, ”In the fourth quarter, we experienced continued momentum in athletic footwear and apparel along with strong sales in hunting that exceeded our expectations. These increases were partially offset by lower-than-anticipated sales in outerwear and cold weather accessories, as well as a significant decline in the fitness category.”
The firm reduced its inventory levels of cold weather merchandise due to unusually warm weather conditions, including during peak selling periods in December. This was to align with lower consumer demand and avoid carrying over excess inventory after a second successive year of warm weather.
While this enabled the company to effectively manage inventory and protect its margins, it also limited its ability to capture sales in January when temperatures dropped and snowfall increased.
In fitness, comp decline resulted from lower large-equipment sales like treadmills and ellipticals.
In the quarter, the company opened seven new Dick’s Sporting Goods stores, relocated one Dick’s Sporting Goods store and repositioned one Golf Galaxy store.
Looking ahead to the first quarter, adjusted earnings are estimated to be $0.47 to $0.49 per share, compared to earnings per share of $0.45 in the first quarter of 2012. Wall Street expects $0.50 per share in first quarter earnings.
Consolidated same store sales, adjusted for the shifted calendar due to the 53rd week in 2012, are currently expected to be negative 2 percent to negative 1 percent or flat to 1 percent not adjusted, as compared to an 8.4 percent increase in the first quarter of 2012.
The company expects consolidated earnings per share of $2.84 to 2.86 for 2013. For the 53 weeks ended February 2, the company reported consolidated adjusted earnings per share of $2.53. Analysts look for annual earnings of $2.92 per share.
Consolidated same store sales are currently expected to increase 2 percent to 3 percent on a 52-week to 52-week comparative basis, compared to a 4.3 percent increase in fiscal 2012.
The company plans to open around 40 new Dick’s Sporting Goods stores, relocate one Dick’s Sporting Goods store and complete four full and 75 partial remodels of Dick’s Sporting Goods stores in 2013.
DKS, which closed at $50.60 on Friday, is declining 5.8 percent in pre-market activity.
To receive FREE breaking news email alerts for Dicks Sporting Goods Inc and others in your portfolio
by RTT Staff Writer
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.comBusiness News