FL Foot Locker Inc

NEW YORK, May 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE: FL), the New York-based specialty athletic retailer, reported today financial results for its first quarter ended April 29, 2017.

First Quarter Results
Net income for the Company's first quarter ended April 29, 2017 was $180 million, or $1.36 per share, compared with net income of $191 million, or $1.39 per share in the same period of 2016.

First quarter comparable-store sales increased 0.5 percent.  Total sales increased 0.7 percent, to $2,001 million this year, compared with sales of $1,987 million for the corresponding prior-year period.  Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, total sales for the first quarter increased 1.8 percent.  The Company's gross margin rate decreased to 34.0 percent of sales from 35.0 percent a year ago, and the selling, general, and administrative expense rate increased 30 basis points to 18.5 percent of sales.

"The first quarter was one of our most profitable quarters ever, but it did fall short of our original expectations," said Richard Johnson, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.  "The slow start we experienced in February, which we believe was largely due to the delay in income tax refunds, was unfortunately not fully offset by much stronger sales in March and April.  Nonetheless, we believe our banners remain at the center of a vibrant sneaker culture.  We are confident that our customers have not lost their tremendous appetite for athletic footwear and apparel and that our position in the industry is stronger than ever."

Financial Position
At April 29, 2017, the Company's merchandise inventories were $1,279 million, 1.5 percent higher than at the end of the first quarter last year.  Using constant currencies, inventory increased 2.8 percent.  The Company's cash totaled $1,049 million, while the debt on its balance sheet was $127 million.  The Company spent $38 million to repurchase 546 thousand shares during the quarter and paid a quarterly dividend of $0.31 per share.

"Our overall financial position remains very strong," said Lauren Peters, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  "In addition, the tight inventory discipline we have maintained over the last several years is serving us well now, because even with first quarter sales that ran below expectations, we believe our inventory is still well positioned to drive improved top line results over the balance of the year.  At the same time, we are aggressively reviewing and implementing opportunities to lower expenses as we work to achieve a mid-single digit EPS increase for the full year."

Store Base Update
During the first quarter, the Company opened 30 new stores, remodeled or relocated 61 stores, and closed 39 stores.  As of April 29, 2017, the Company operated 3,354 stores in 23 countries in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.  In addition, 62 franchised Foot Locker stores were operating in the Middle East and South Korea, as well as 15 franchised Runners Point stores in Germany.

The Company is hosting a live conference call at 9:00 a.m. (EDT) today, May 19, 2017, to review these results and discuss the outlook for the remainder of 2017, and comment on the status of its current initiatives.  This conference call may be accessed live by dialing 1-800-749-1342 (U.S. and Canada) or +44 203-300-0091 (International), or via the Investor Relations section of the Foot Locker, Inc. website at http://www.footlocker-inc.com.  Please log on to the website 15 minutes prior to the call in order to register.  A replay of the call will be available via webcast from the same Investor Relations section of the Foot Locker, Inc. website at http://www.footlocker-inc.com through June 2, 2017.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Other than statements of historical facts, all statements which address activities, events, or developments that the Company anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, but not limited to, such things as future capital expenditures, expansion, strategic plans, financial objectives, dividend payments, stock repurchases, growth of the Company's business and operations, including future cash flows, revenues, and earnings, and other such matters, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on many assumptions and factors which are detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the effects of currency fluctuations, customer demand, fashion trends, competitive market forces, uncertainties related to the effect of competitive products and pricing, customer acceptance of the Company's merchandise mix and retail locations, the Company's reliance on a few key vendors for a majority of its merchandise purchases (including a significant portion from one key vendor), cybersecurity breaches, pandemics and similar major health concerns, unseasonable weather, deterioration of global financial markets, economic conditions worldwide, deterioration of business and economic conditions, any changes in business, political and economic conditions due to the threat of future terrorist activities in the United States or in other parts of the world and related U.S. military action overseas, the ability of the Company to execute its business and strategic plans effectively with regard to each of its business units, and risks associated with global product sourcing, including political instability, changes in import regulations, and disruptions to transportation services and distribution.

For additional discussion on risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" disclosed in the 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could produce significantly different results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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SOURCE Foot Locker, Inc.