Q1 2022 Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp Earnings Call

Okay.

Good day, ladies and gentlemen.

Welcome to the Big five sporting goods first quarter 2022 earnings results conference call.

Today's call is being recorded.

But that's pretty are Mr. Steve Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer.

And Mr. Barry Emerson Chief.

Chief Financial Officer of Big five sporting goods.

At this time.

For opening remarks and introductions.

I'd like to turn the conference over to Mr. Miller.

Please go ahead Sir.

Thank you operator, good afternoon, everyone welcome to our 2022 first quarter conference call today, We will review our financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 as well as for why did the outlook for the second quarter I will now turn the call over to Barry to read our Safe Harbor statement. Thanks.

Except for statements of historical fact, any remarks that we may make about our future expectations plans and prospects constitute forward looking statements made pursuant to the safe Harbor provisions of the private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties.

That may cause our actual results in current and future periods to differ materially from forecasted results.

These risks and uncertainties include those more fully described in our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward looking statements that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf.

Thank you Barry we are pleased to report very strong first quarter earnings which came in slightly above the high end of our guidance and significantly ahead of any pre pandemic first quarter in our company's history.

The foundation of our business remains very solid as we transitioned from a pandemic environment of the past two years.

Our mix of diverse product categories continue to resonate with consumers seeking recreational opportunities and we continue to capitalize on shifts in demand through our nimble merchandising strategy.

These core strengths of our model coupled with improved operating leverage relative to historical rates are driving earnings to remain well above pre pandemic levels.

We have a strong balance sheet, which is highlighted by our healthy cash position and no debt.

This provides us with great financial flexibility.

And so we look at our results on a year over year basis. It is important to keep in mind that for the first two quarters of this year, we are facing extremely difficult comparisons against last year's record result, when sales surged due to COVID-19 related factors.

Given the unusual pandemic related factors that drove 2021 results.

Year over year comparisons are highly distorted way.

We think that's comparing this year to the pre pandemic 2019 period provides more relevant context to evaluate our performance and so we will compare results to 2019 today as well.

In this year's first quarter, many product categories performed very well, especially on a historical basis, even though we faced several headwinds.

Unfavorable winter weather.

<unk> Serge supply chain issues and inflationary pressures.

Net sales for the fiscal 2022 first quarter were $242 million compared to net sales of $272 8 million for the first quarter of last year same.

Same store sales for the first quarter were in line with expectations.

Creasing 11, 4% versus last year and were flat versus 2019.

While everything starts with sales as we look at our business a key metric that we focus on is gross margin dollars, which reflects the combination of both sales and merchandise margin.

Although our Q1 same store sales were flat versus 2019, our gross profit dollars were up approximately 10% driven.

Driven by the strength of our merchandise margins, which have been a huge contributor to our success over the last couple of years.

Merchandise margins for the first quarter were up 119 basis points compared to Q1 of 2021 and up 461 basis points compared to Q1 of 2019.

Looking at the rollout of the quarter.

As we reported in our last call the start of the quarter faced headwinds due to unseasonably warm and dry winter weather in our markets.

Along with the Omicron Serge.

Versus last year January sales were down in the low 20% range.

February was essentially flat and March was down low double digits versus a very challenging comp against March 2021.

As you May recall last year's large sales benefited greatly from pent up demand as COVID-19 restrictions began to ease which allows the resumption allowed to resumption of in person schooling. Unfortunately, while stimulus checks were being distributed on a widespread basis.

Comparing our sales for 2019 January was down low single digits in February was down mid single digits as 2019 benefited from extremely positive winter product sales driven by favorable winter weather.

However, as we transition from winter to spring our March sales were up mid single digits versus 2019.

Looking at the bottom line, our sales and margin performance combined with strong focus on expense management.

That's a first quarter EPS of <unk>, 41, which was more than 20% higher than in any pre pandemic first quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA was a healthy $15 million.

Turning now to current trends.

In this years second quarter to date, most categories are performing well against pre pandemic period.

We are particularly encouraged by the early reads in our summer seasonal products and we believe our inventory is well positioned to capitalize on summer seasonal demand.

That said historically April is a low volume months.

And that's always the key to the quarter will revolve around the high volume periods of Memorial day father's day and the lead up to the fourth of July holiday, which this year falls on the first day of our third quarter.

The year over year comparisons remain challenging during the second quarter as we will be up against last year's record sales that benefited greatly from a continuation of the strong pent up demand following the easing of pandemic related restrictions.

For the quarter to date same store sales compared to last year are running down in the mid 20% range.

However, compared to 2019, our quarter to date sales are running up approximately 10%.

Taking a step back for a moment.

Over the last couple of years, our business has achieved unprecedented growth in the face of unprecedented challenges.

If some of these challenges are now beginning to recede our earnings results continue to significantly outpace historical levels.

We certainly set the bar high last year, but keep in mind that we don't need to beat last year's result, produced another very profitable and successful quarter and year.

We feel very optimistic about our ability to continue to capitalize on many of the recent drivers of our success include.

Including favorable product trends expanded merchandise margins and meaningfully reduce print advertising spend cup.

Coupled with more flexible purchasing and pricing.

And perhaps more importantly, we have a highly experienced team that knows how to execute our model to drive results.

Now I'll turn it over to Barry to provide additional details regarding our first quarter performance and second quarter outlook.

Thanks, Steve.

As previously mentioned, our net sales for the fiscal 2022 first quarter with $242 million versus net sales of $272 8 million for the fiscal 'twenty 'twenty. One first quarter same store sales decreased 11, 4% for the <unk>.

First quarter of fiscal 2022 versus the comparable period in fiscal 2020, one which represented our historical high first quarter sales.

Same store sales for this year were flat versus the pre pandemic first quarter of fiscal 2019.

Gross profit for the fiscal 2022 first quarter was $85 9 million compared to $97 9 million in the first quarter of the prior year.

Our gross profit margin was 35, 5% in the fiscal 2022 first quarter.

Which was down slightly compared to 35, 9% in the first quarter of the prior year.

The decrease in gross profit margin year over year, primarily reflects higher store occupancy expense as a percentage of net sales, partially offset by higher merchandise margins.

Compared to the 39% gross profit margin, we reported in the first quarter of 2019, our gross margin. This year was up significantly due mainly to our success in driving higher merchandise margin.

Overall, selling and administrative expense increased $5 2 million in the fiscal 2022 first quarter versus the prior year period, primarily due to broad based inflation.

Which particularly impacted employee labor and benefit related expenses.

Also expenses last year were reduced by $1 2 million, mainly related to the elimination of an employment agreement liability.

As a percent of net sales SG&A was 31, 1% in the fiscal 2022 first quarter versus 25, 7% in the 2021 first quarter, reflecting a combination of higher expenses and lower sales.

Compared to the pre pandemic first quarter of fiscal 2019, SG&A expense as a percent of net sales. This year was up approximately 150 basis points.

Now looking at our bottom line.

Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 was $9 1 million or 41 cents per diluted share.

This compares to record first quarter net income of $21 5 million or 96 cents per diluted share in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 one.

Which included a previously reported benefit of <unk> <unk> per diluted share.

And once again for added perspective, this year's first quarter EPS of 41 cents compares to eight says that we generated pre pandemic in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

Adjusted EBITDA continues to be very healthy and totaled $15 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to $30 3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2021.

Turning to the balance sheet, our merchandise inventory at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2022 increased 18, 2% year over year, reflecting more normalized inventory levels relative to sales.

Along with higher carryover of winter related inventory following unfavorably warm and dry winter weather in the first quarter.

Most of the carryover winter inventory with fresh coming into the season, and we feel confident in our ability to reintroduce it again next winter season.

Compared to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2019, our merchandise inventory. This year was actually two 6% lower.

Excluding winter related inventory, our merchandize inventory was down over 20 million versus 2019 in part because our reduction in advertising allows us to operate with reduced inventory compared to what we have carried historically.

While some supply chain disruption still persist, we generally feel good about our ability to source product and we believe our assortment is well positioned for the spring and summer seasons.

Looking at our capital spending our capex, excluding noncash acquisitions totaled $2 9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2022.

For the fiscal 2022 full year, we expect capex in the range of $14 million to $18 million, primarily representing investments in store related remodeling, new stores distribution center equipment, and computer hardware and software purchases.

During fiscal 2022, the company expects to open approximately four stores and close approximately two stores.

Now looking at our cash flow.

Net cash used in operating activities was $23 7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2022.

This compares to positive operating cash flow of $42 million in the prior year period the.

The year over year decrease in operating cash flow, primarily reflects increased funding of merchandise inventory.

We ended the first quarter of fiscal 2022 with zero borrowings under our credit facility and a cash balance of 62 million, which compares to zero borrowings and $97 $4 million of cash at the end of fiscal 2020 one.

The change in cash was primarily due to higher merchandize inventory as I discussed a moment ago.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we repurchased $1 6 million of common stock under the company's $25 million share repurchase authorization. Additionally.

Additionally, today, just today, we announced that our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of <unk> 25 per share.

Now I'll spend a moment on our guidance.

For the fiscal 2022 second quarter, we expect same store sales to decrease in the high teens compared to our record sales in the fiscal 2021 second quarter.

As a reminder, reflecting strong pent up demand following an easing of pandemic related restrictions in many of our markets.

Next net sales in the 2021 second quarter.

We're more than 82 million or 34% higher than in any pre pandemic second quarter in our history.

Compared to the 2019 second quarter the company's guidance range reflects an expected same store sales increase in the high single digit range.

We expect fiscal 2022 second quarter earnings per diluted share in the range of 40 to 50 cents.

Which compares to record earnings per diluted share of $1 63 in the second quarter of fiscal 2020 one.

Although our net income for the second quarter is expected to be lower year over year, our EPS guidance for the second quarter would produce higher net income than in any of the pre pandemic second quarter in the company's history.

That concludes our prepared remarks, operator, we are now ready to answer any questions.

Thank you.

At this time well be conducting a question and answer fishing.

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One moment, please while we poll for questions.

Our first question is from Mark Smith with Lake Street Capital markets. Please go ahead.

Hey, guys first question for me just wanted first a housekeeping item your tax rate was lower than expected here. This quarter. What do you have built in for Q2 on a tax rate basis.

26% Mark.

Okay.

And then second you know.

Can you just talk margins look pretty decent for merchandise margin perspective talk a little bit about soft goods versus hard goods, maybe some of your you.

You know different categories different trends that you're seeing today.

Okay.

Sure Mark.

It's very distorted looking at last year's business I mean, so you know as.

As a whole our margins are strong relative to historical norm across all all product categories.

Our goods.

Footwear and apparel.

Ah.

We're seeing tremendous strength.

So virtually no pre pandemic period, so as far as you know, we don't get granular and talk in specific categories, but.

So I give you enough to go on Mark what more can I tell you I mean from a margin standpoint, you know.

You know our Q, our Q1 was.

400, and the <unk>.

61 basis points ahead of what we achieved in the prior year. So with that said in 2019, and then one of them didn't way in 2019.

That's fair.

The last one for me is just looking at the inventory. It sounds like you guys have a fair amount of comfort with your inventory levels today, and it's back to maybe a normalized level, but.

As we look at the inventory is there anything besides maybe winter gear that youre going to carry over the next year that you feel as you know you've got plenty of or maybe getting bloated at all and then similarly anything that you really just can't get in stock today, you know, that's hurting sales by not being able to get in stock.

Okay.

Well I think as far as you know carryover product I think right now from a seasonality standpoint, you know winter is the one and only category that we really will have carryover into next season because it.

It turned out to be a very disappointing winter season.

We had a good start in Q4 of.

2021, it turned very unseasonably warm and dry over most of 2020 'twenty. Two so we do have a a larger than normal carryover not unprecedented as Barry said, the good point and that is that.

Uh huh.

We can reintroduce this product or we own it.

Those that are probably favorable to what we would have repurchased the product for for the.

Season, So we feel good about that.

Supply chain issues still persist, but were still almost more of a normal product coming late rather than being on time, but you know our inventories are more normalized from a historical standpoint, and as a whole we feel very good about being prepared for the.

Summer season so.

Compared to where we've been we're in a much better shape.

From a product standpoint.

And any categories that you feel like are just holes that you just are not able to get or keep in stock.

I mean it.

It's a little it's cyclical and then we catch up and we may fall behind but.

We certainly you know them.

Miss some opportunity during the baseball season, because we were.

Our <unk> product was a very very late in coming in and certain other aspects of of baseball and with that we had a very solid baseball season versus historical norm again, you can't compare to last year because last year in the first quarter. There was no baseball until really the last.

The last two weeks, but.

I don't know that there's any glaring holes in our inventory again, we may fall short at given times and then.

And catch up just given that it seems more the norm than the not that product deliveries R. R.

A little bit late.

Okay. That's great. Thank you guys.

Thanks, Mark Thank you Mark.

Thank you.

That concludes our question and answer session I'll now turn the call back to Mr. Miller for any closing remarks.

Thank you operator, and thank you all for joining us on today's call. We appreciate your interest in big five sporting goods and look forward to speaking with you again after the conclusion of our second quarter.

Thank you. This concludes today's conference.

May disconnect at this time, thank you for your participation.

Sure.