CPWM Cost Plus, Inc. (MM)

Cost Plus, Inc. (NASDAQ:CPWM) today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 28, 2012 and provided its financial outlook for the first quarter and full year of fiscal 2012.

Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2011 Highlights

• Same store sales for the quarter increased 7.6% on top of a 7.7% increase for the quarter last year.
• Same store customer count for the quarter increased 3.4% and same store average ticket increased 4.1%.
• Net sales for fiscal 2011 were $963.8 million, a 5.2% increase compared to $916.6 million for fiscal 2010.
• Net income from continuing operations for fiscal 2011 was $17.7 million compared to $4.7 million for fiscal 2010.
• Earnings per diluted share from continuing operations for fiscal 2011 was $0.76 compared to $0.21 last year.
• No outstanding borrowings as of January 28, 2012 compared to $25.4 million outstanding borrowings last year.
• Non-GAAP EBITDA from continuing operations for fiscal 2011 was $51.3 million compared to $39.5 million for fiscal 2010.

Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2011 Results from Continuing Operations

Net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 were $364.3 million, a 6.7% increase compared to $341.6 million for the fourth quarter of last year. Same store sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 increased 7.6% on top of a 7.7% increase for the fourth quarter of last year. The increase in same store sales for the fourth quarter was due to an increase in customer count of 3.4% and an increase in the average ticket per customer of 4.1%. Net sales for fiscal 2011 were $963.8 million, a 5.2% increase compared to $916.6 million for fiscal 2010, and same store sales increased 5.4% on top of a 7.2% increase for fiscal 2010.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 increased 120 basis points to 34.3% compared to 33.1% for the fourth quarter of last year. The improvement in gross profit for the quarter was primarily due to higher merchandise margin and to a lesser extent lower occupancy costs as a percentage of net sales. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for fiscal 2011 increased 40 basis points to 32.1% compared to 31.7% last year. The improvement in gross profit for the year was due to lower occupancy costs, partially offset by lower merchandise margin related to the clearance of seasonal outdoor merchandise in the first half of fiscal 2011.

Barry Feld, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Fiscal 2011 marked another year of significant progress for Cost Plus World Market. Growth in revenue was driven by continued improvement in customer count and our first annual increase in the average ticket since 2007. Notably, we saw acceleration in same store sales growth during the second half of fiscal 2011, culminating in a 7.6% comp in the fourth quarter. This momentum has continued into the first quarter of fiscal 2012, reinforcing management’s view that Cost Plus World Market is uniquely positioned to capture market share in a value based economy while steadily increasing bottom line profitability.”

Mr. Feld concluded, “We now have two years of solid growth and profitability behind us, as well as a very promising year ahead. We entered 2012 debt free and remain optimistic about our growth trajectory across all channels as evidenced by our 2012 outlook. Our fiscal 2012 plan calls for measured investment in the business, which will be funded by cash flow from operations. Management will continue to tightly control expenses as we execute our initiatives to ensure top and bottom line growth.”

As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 decreased 80 basis points to 22.6% compared to 23.4% for the fourth quarter last year. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses for fiscal 2011 also decreased 80 basis points to 28.8% compared to 29.6% last year. The decrease in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales for the quarter and the year was primarily due to increased leverage from higher sales.

Net income from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 was $36.8 million, or $1.56 per diluted share, compared to net income from continuing operations of $28.8 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Net income from continuing operations for fiscal 2011 was $17.7 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, compared to net income from continuing operations of $4.7 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, last year.

Net income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 was $36.5 million, or $1.55 per diluted share, compared to net income of $28.5 million, or $1.23 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Net income for fiscal 2011 was $16.5 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, compared to net income of $2.9 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, last year.

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, non-GAAP earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”) from continuing operations was $47.2 million compared to $37.6 million for the fourth quarter last year. For fiscal 2011, EBITDA from continuing operations was $51.3 million compared to $39.5 million last year.

As a result of paying off the asset-based credit facility, the Company ended the year with no outstanding borrowings and $9.6 million in letters of credit outstanding, compared to $25.4 million in outstanding borrowings and $10.8 million in letters of credit outstanding at the end of last year. The percentage utilization under the credit facility at the end of fiscal 2011 was 7% compared to 28% a year ago. The revolving credit facility expires in January 2016. The Company's liquidity position is sufficient to meet planned expenditures through the next 12 months and the foreseeable future.

First Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2012 Outlook from Continuing Operations

The Company is providing its outlook for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 as follows:

• Net sales in the range of $210 million to $214 million, based on a same store sales increase in the range of 6% to 8% compared to a same store sales increase of 5.5% for the first quarter of fiscal 2011.
• Gross profit as a percentage of net sales in the range of 31.8% to 31.9% compared to 31.7% for the first quarter of fiscal 2011.
• Net loss from continuing operations in the range of $1.6 million to $0.8 million, or $0.07 to $0.03 per diluted share, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $3.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2011.
• EBITDA from continuing operations in the range of $5.4 million to $6.5 million compared to EBITDA from continuing operations of $5.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2011.
• The Company plans to open one new store during the first quarter of fiscal 2012, and no store closures, compared to no new stores and four store closures during the first quarter of fiscal 2011.

The Company is providing its outlook for the full year of fiscal 2012 as follows:

• Net sales in the range of $1.0 billion to $1.1 billion, based on a same store sales increase in the range of 5% to 6% compared to a same store sales increase of 5.4% for fiscal 2011. Comparable store sales for fiscal 2012 were measured on a 53 to 53 week basis, while comparable store sales for fiscal 2011 were measured on a 52 to 52 week basis.
• Gross profit as a percentage of net sales in the range of 32.6% to 32.7% compared to 32.1% for fiscal 2011.
• Income tax expense in the range of $7 million to $8 million compared to $1.6 million for fiscal 2011.
• Net income from continuing operations in the range of $26 million to $28 million, or $1.07 to $1.12 per diluted share, compared to net income from continuing operations of $17.7 million for fiscal 2011.
• EBITDA from continuing operations in the range of $63 million to $66 million compared to EBITDA from continuing operations of $51.3 million for fiscal 2011.
• The Company is targeting to open five to ten new stores and the outlook includes an estimate of eight new stores, including two relocations, compared to five store closures and one relocation during fiscal 2011.

Cost Plus, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer of casual home living and entertaining products. As of March 22, 2012, the Company operated 258 stores in 30 states.

Conference Call Information

The Company’s fourth quarter and fiscal 2011 earnings conference call will be today, March 22, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. PT. The conference call will be in a “listen-only” mode for all participants other than the sell-side and buy-side investment professionals who regularly follow the Company. The toll-free phone number for the call is (866) 277-1184 and the access code is 30528087. Callers should dial in approximately 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. A telephonic replay will be available at (888) 286-8010, access code: 38327485, from 3:30 p.m. PT Thursday, March 22, 2012 until 11:59 p.m. PT on Thursday, April 5, 2012. Investors may also access the live call or the replay over the internet at www.streetevents.com, www.fulldisclosure.com and at Investor Information section of the Company's website at www.worldmarket.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those forecasted. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to our first quarter and fiscal 2012 outlook, pursuing growth initiatives, controlling expenses, and our liquidity position for the next 12 months and the foreseeable future. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: changes in economic conditions that affect consumer spending; changes in the competitive environment; currency fluctuations; timely introduction and customer acceptance of merchandising offerings; foreign and domestic labor market fluctuations; interruptions in the flow of merchandise; changes in the cost of goods and services purchased including fuel, transportation and insurance; a material unfavorable outcome with respect to litigation, claims and assessments; unseasonable weather and other seasonal considerations; the effects associated with terrorist acts; and changes in accounting rules and regulations. Please refer to documents on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, for a more detailed discussion of the Company’s risk factors. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update its forward-looking statements.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information

This release references the non-GAAP financial measure of EBITDA. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measure allows management and investors to understand and compare the Company's operating results in a more consistent manner for the fourth quarter and full year of fiscal 2011 and for the outlook amounts provided for the first quarter and full year of fiscal 2012. The non-GAAP measure presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The non-GAAP measure should be considered supplemental and not a substitute for the Company's financial results that are recorded in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for the periods presented.

The following table is a reconciliation of the Company’s net income from continuing operations to EBITDA from continuing operations for the fourth quarter and full year of fiscal 2011 and 2010:

  Fourth Quarter   Full Year (In thousands) FY11   FY10 FY11   FY10     Net income from continuing operations $ 36,754 $ 28,775 $ 17,711 $ 4,674 Add back: Net interest expense 3,171 2,900 12,814 11,115 Income tax expense 2,633 715 1,554 876 Depreciation and amortization expense   4,688     5,189   19,235     22,791 EBITDA from continuing operations $ 47,246   $ 37,579 $ 51,314   $ 39,456

The following table is a reconciliation of the Company’s projected net income/(loss) from continuing operations to EBITDA from continuing operations for the first quarter and full year of fiscal 2012 compared to actual results for the first quarter and full year of fiscal 2011:

  First Quarter   Full Year (In thousands) FY121 Outlook   FY11 FY121 Outlook   FY11             Net income/(loss) from continuing operations ($ 1,600 )   ($ 800 ) ($ 3,035 ) $ 26,000   $ 28,000 $ 17,711 Add back: Net interest expense 3,000 3,000 3,081 12,000 12,000 12,814 Income tax (benefit)/expense (400 ) (100 ) (85 ) 7,000 8,000 1,554 Depreciation and amortization expense   4,400       4,400       5,023     18,000     18,000     19,235 EBITDA from continuing operations $ 5,400     $ 6,500     $ 4,984   $ 63,000   $ 66,000   $ 51,314

1. The projected results for fiscal 2012 are provided in the table in a range for the first quarter and the full year.

  COST PLUS, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share amounts, unaudited)              

Fourth Quarter

January 28, 2012

January 29, 2011

  Net sales $ 364,312 100.0 % $ 341,563 100.0 % Cost of sales and occupancy   239,232   65.7   228,599   66.9 Gross profit 125,080 34.3 112,964 33.1   Selling, general and administrative expenses 82,377 22.6 80,090 23.4 Store closure costs 145 0.0 478 0.1 Store preopening expenses   0   0.0   6   0.0   Income from continuing operations, before interest and taxes 42,558 11.7 32,390 9.5 Net interest expense   3,171   0.9   2,900   0.8   Income from continuing operations before income taxes 39,387 10.8 29,490 8.6 Income tax expense   2,633   0.7   715   0.2   Net income from continuing operations 36,754 10.1 28,775 8.4   Loss from discontinued operations   (253 ) (0.1 )   (278 ) (0.1 )   Net income $ 36,501 10.0 % $ 28,497 8.3 %   Net income per share from continuing operations - diluted $ 1.56 $ 1.24 Net loss per share from discontinued operations - diluted $ (0.01 ) $ (0.01 ) Net income per share - diluted $ 1.55 $ 1.23   Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 23,520 23,226   New stores opened 0 0   For the Twelve Month Period Ended

January 28, 2012

January 29, 2011

  Net sales $ 963,833 100.0 % $ 916,564 100.0 % Cost of sales and occupancy   654,208   67.9   625,619   68.3 Gross profit 309,625 32.1 290,945 31.7   Selling, general and administrative expenses 277,411 28.8 270,853 29.6 Store closure (income)/costs (41 ) (0.0 ) 3,173 0.3 Store preopening expenses   176   0.0   254   0.0   Income from continuing operations, before interest and taxes 32,079 3.3 16,665 1.8 Net interest expense   12,814   1.3   11,115   1.2   Income from continuing operations before income taxes 19,265 2.0 5,550 0.6 Income tax expense   1,554   0.2   876   0.1   Net income from continuing operations 17,711 1.8 4,674 0.5   Loss from discontinued operations   (1,213 ) (0.1 )   (1,816 ) (0.2 )   Net income $ 16,498 1.7 % $ 2,858 0.3 %   Net income per share from continuing operations - diluted $ 0.76 $ 0.21 Net loss per share from discontinued operations - diluted $ (0.05 ) $ (0.08 ) Net income per share - diluted $ 0.71 $ 0.13   Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 23,357 22,621   New stores opened 1 2       COST PLUS, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, unaudited)  

January 28, 2012

January 29, 2011

  ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,870 $ 2,691 Merchandise inventories, net 199,707 181,853 Other current assets   13,426     12,420     Total current assets 219,003 196,964   Property and equipment, net 135,411 145,678 Other assets, net   5,216     6,007     Total assets $ 359,630 $ 348,649     LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 78,423 $ 55,822 Accrued compensation 19,017 17,516 Revolving line of credit and term loan 0 25,400 Current portion of distribution center sale-leaseback obligations 929 885 Other current liabilities   26,268     27,363     Total current liabilities 124,637 126,986   Capital lease obligations 4,461 6,029 Long-term distribution center sale-leaseback obligations 110,918 111,847 Other long-term obligations 21,185 25,422   Shareholders' equity: Common stock 224 221 Additional paid-in capital 176,331 172,768 Accumulated deficit   (78,126 )   (94,624 )   Total shareholders' equity   98,429     78,365     Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 359,630 $ 348,649