"July ended much weaker than we projected, which we believe was in part due to the impact of the late back to school starts in Florida and Texas, two of our most significant markets. On a positive note, strength in our PacSun juniors' business is an indicator that we have identified the right fashion trends for back to school."
Total sales for the first half (26 weeks) ended August 4, 2007 were $664.8 million, an increase of 8.4 percent over total sales of $613.6 million during the first half (26 weeks) ended July 29, 2006.
Total Company same-store sales increased 0.4 percent during the first half. By concept, PacSun same-store sales increased 1.9 percent and demo same-store sales decreased 11.5 percent. Due to the 53rd week in fiscal year 2006, same-store sales for the first half of fiscal 2007 are compared to the 26-week period ended August 5, 2006.
For the first half of fiscal 2007, the Company recorded a net loss of $15.6 million, or $(0.22) per diluted share, compared to net income of $21.6 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, in the first half of fiscal 2006 ended July 29, 2006. Lease termination and other liquidation charges associated with the previously announced 74 demo stores closed accounted for $0.17 per diluted share of the loss.
The previously announced store impairment charges related to One Thousand Steps accounted for $0.08 per diluted share of the loss. Excluding the demo lease termination and inventory liquidation charges and the One Thousand Steps store impairment charges, the Company had net income of $1.9 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the first half of fiscal 2007.
Financial Outlook:
Assuming flat to low single digit increases in total Company same-store sales, comprised of positive low single digits for PacSun and negative mid-teens for demo, the Company is comfortable with third quarter GAAP earnings in the range of $0.10 to $0.13 per diluted share.
This estimate assumes approximately 300-350 basis points in gross margin improvement, offset by a similar increase in selling, general and administrative expenses primarily attributable to planned home office headcount additions, strategic consulting expenses and store payroll and depreciation deleverage.
Pacific Sunwear of California Inc
marketing@alchempro.com
