Lumber Liquidators Announces 2012 Financial Results

TOANO, VA -- Lumber Liquidators (NYSE: LL), the largest specialty retailer of hardwood flooring in North America, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended Dec. 31, 2012, as well as its outlook for 2013.

Fourth Quarter Results

Net sales increased $36.2 million, or 20.8%, to $210.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2012 from $174.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. Comparable store net sales increased 13.2% for the quarter, driven by a 9.1% increase in the number of customers invoiced and a 3.9% increase in the average sale. Non-comparable store net sales increased $13.1 million over the prior year period. As of Dec. 31, 2012, the Company operated 288 stores, including four stores opened during the fourth quarter of 2012, for a total of 25 stores opened during the year.

Gross margin was 39.1% in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to 35.5% in the fourth quarter of 2011. The increase in gross margin reflects generally lower product costs due to sourcing initiatives and sales mix, as well as lower net transportation costs and a reduction in the estimated shrink of merchandise inventories.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses decreased as a percentage of net sales to 27.4% for the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to 27.7% for the fourth quarter of 2011. Operating margin increased 390 basis points to 11.6% in the fourth quarter of 2012, from 7.7% in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Net income increased 63.2% to $13.8 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2012 from $8.5 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of the prior year. The Company’s effective tax rate was 43.7% for the fourth quarter of 2012, compared to an effective tax rate of 38.7% in the fourth quarter of 2011, primarily due to the recording of a $1.3 million valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets.

Cash and cash equivalents at Dec. 31, 2012 totaled $64.2 million compared with $61.7 million at Dec. 31, 2011.

Robert M. Lynch, president and chief executive officer, commented, “Our team continued to execute on our key strategic initiatives to enhance the value proposition to our customer. In doing so, we delivered a record quarter, in total net sales, gross and operating margin, net income and free cash flow. We were particularly pleased with the increases in both traffic and ticket as the broadening of our advertising and branding message resonated with a larger population of flooring customers. Our team’s focus on continuous improvement helped drive our performance, and with these outstanding fourth quarter and full year results, we have a strong foundation upon which we can generate sustainable additional growth as we enter 2013.”

Full Year Results

Net sales increased 19.3% to $813.3 million in 2012 from $681.6 million in 2011, as comparable store net sales increased 11.4%, or $77.2 million, and non-comparable store net sales increased $54.5 million.

Gross margin increased to 38.0% in 2012 compared to 35.3% in the prior year. SG&A expenses decreased as a percentage of net sales to 28.3% in 2012, compared to 29.1% in 2011. Operating margin increased to 9.6% in 2012 from 6.2% in 2011.

Net income increased 79.2% to $47.1 million, or $1.68 per diluted share, in 2012 compared to $26.3 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, in the prior year. The Company’s effective tax rate was 40.0% for 2012 compared to an effective tax rate of 39.0% in 2011.

During 2012, pursuant to its previously announced stock repurchase program, the Company repurchased approximately 1.6 million shares of its common stock for $49.1 million, including approximately 171,000 shares in the fourth quarter of 2012. At December 31, 2012, approximately $50.9 million remained available under the Company’s $100 million stock repurchase program.

Company Outlook

In 2013, the Company expects to achieve the following for the full year:

  • Net sales in the range of $885 million to $920 million.
  • Comparable store net sales increasing in the mid-single digits.
  • The opening of a total of 25 to 35 new store locations.
  • Earnings per diluted share in the range of $1.90 to $2.15, based on a diluted share count of approximately 28.0 million shares, which is exclusive of any future impact of the stock repurchase program.

Lynch concluded, “I am excited to lead this team into 2013. We expect to deliver continued growth in our operating margin by building on strategic initiatives both currently underway and those to be launched in 2013, including our ‘store of the future’ with its expanded showroom. In the coming year, we will aggressively pursue share in our highly fragmented market, and we expect to further enhance our assortment of quality products, optimize our supply chain and strengthen our commitment to develop the best people serving our customers. We are pleased that we have been able to maintain our strong capital structure and debt-free balance sheet, allowing us to invest in the long-term health of our business while rewarding our long-term shareholders. As we move forward, we believe we are well-positioned to further expand our footprint and deliver multi-year expansion of our net sales and operating margin.”

Raymond James Annual Institutional Investors Conference

The Company today also announced that Lynch and Daniel E. Terrell, Chief Financial Officer, will present at the Raymond James Annual Institutional Investors Conference. The Company’s presentation is scheduled for Monday, March 4, 2013, at 10:25 a.m. Eastern Time in Orlando. The live webcast and replay of the Company’s presentation may be accessed via audio webcast at the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, LumberLiquidators.com.

About Lumber Liquidators

With over 290 locations, Lumber Liquidators is North America’s largest specialty retailer of hardwood flooring. The Company features more than 340 first quality flooring varieties, including solid and engineered hardwood, bamboo, cork, laminate and resilient vinyl. Additionally, Lumber Liquidators provides a wide selection of flooring enhancements and accessories to complement, install and maintain your new floor. Every location is staffed with flooring experts who can provide advice and useful information about Lumber Liquidators’ low priced product, much of which is in-stock and ready for delivery.

With quality brands including Bellawood Prefinished Hardwood and Morning Star Bamboo, Lumber Liquidators’ flooring is often featured on popular television shows such as HGTV’s Dream Home.

For more information, please visit lumberliquidators.com or call 1.800.HARDWOOD. You can also follow the Company on Facebook and Twitter.







Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share data)







December 31,



2012


2011
Assets



Current Assets:



Cash and Cash Equivalents
$ 64,167

$ 61,675
Merchandise Inventories

206,704


164,139
Prepaid Expenses

5,168


4,292
Other Current Assets

12,106


7,863
Total Current Assets

288,145


237,969
Property and Equipment, net

47,764


44,147
Goodwill

9,693


9,693
Other Assets

1,785


3,045
Total Assets
$ 347,387

$ 294,854





Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity



Current Liabilities:



Accounts Payable
$ 55,110

$ 38,161
Customer Deposits and Store Credits

25,747


18,120
Accrued Compensation

7,969


2,509
Sales and Income Tax Liabilities

4,314


5,092
Other Current Liabilities

7,887


6,839
Total Current Liabilities

101,027


70,721





Deferred Rent

3,653


3,328
Deferred Tax Liability

8,166


5,721





Stockholders’ Equity:



Common Stock ($0.001 par value; 35,000,000 authorized; 27,214,144 and 27,894,543 outstanding, respectively)

29


28
Treasury Stock, at cost (1,719,706 and 58,730 shares, respectively)

(50,552 )

(1,116 )
Additional Capital

131,724


110,163
Retained Earnings

153,267


106,203
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

73


(194 )
Total Stockholders’ Equity

234,541


215,084
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
$ 347,387

$ 294,854





Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income
(in thousands, except share data and per share amounts)







Three Months Ended
Year Ended


December 31,
December 31,



2012


2011


2012


2011


(unaudited)



Net Sales
$ 210,655

$ 174,454

$ 813,327

$ 681,587
Cost of Sales

128,373


112,544


504,542


440,912
Gross Profit

82,282


61,910


308,785


240,675









Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

57,800


48,405


230,439


198,237
Operating Income

24,482


13,505


78,346


42,438









Interest and Other Income, net

(40 )

(284 )

(140 )

(587 )
Income Before Income Taxes

24,522


13,789


78,486


43,025









Provision for Income Taxes

10,714


5,331


31,422


16,769
Net Income
$ 13,808

$ 8,458

$ 47,064

$ 26,256
Net Income per Common Share—Basic
$ 0.51

$ 0.30

$ 1.71

$ 0.95
Net Income per Common Share—Diluted
$ 0.50

$ 0.30

$ 1.68

$ 0.93
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:







Basic

27,240,235


27,804,219


27,448,333


27,706,629
Diluted

27,845,214


28,379,994


28,031,453


28,379,693



Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)





Year Ended December 31,



2012


2011


2010
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:





Net Income
$ 47,064

$ 26,256

$ 26,266
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:





Depreciation and Amortization

9,957


8,328


5,773
Deferred Income Taxes

160


2,402


4,300
Stock-Based Compensation Expense

3,997


4,005


3,091
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:





Merchandise Inventories

(42,712 )

(9,197 )

(21,789 )
Accounts Payable

16,756


4,467


1,136
Customer Deposits and Store Credits

7,626


6,104


2,234
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

(2,835 )

(1,943 )

(3,548 )
Other Assets and Liabilities

7,256


3,679


(487 )
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

47,269


44,101


16,976







Cash Flows from Investing Activities:





Purchases of Property and Equipment

(13,376 )

(16,988 )

(20,535 )
Cash Paid for Acquisition




(4,725 )


Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

(13,376 )

(21,713 )

(20,535 )







Cash Flows from Financing Activities:





Payments for Stock Repurchases

(49,436 )

(249 )

(389 )
Proceeds from the Exercise of Stock Options

10,454


3,070


1,796
Excess Tax Benefits on Stock Option Exercises

7,131


1,690


1,307
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities

(31,851 )

4,511


2,714
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents

450


(54 )


Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

2,492


26,845


(845 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year

61,675


34,830


35,675
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year
$ 64,167

$ 61,675

$ 34,830





Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.

Other Supporting Schedules
(unaudited)







Three Months Ended
Year Ended


December 31,
December 31,



2012


2011


2012


2011


(dollars in thousands)
Net sales
$ 210,655

$ 174,454

$ 813,327

$ 681,587
Percentage increase

20.8 %

13.9 %

19.3 %

9.9 %









Number of stores open at end of period

288


263


288


263
Number of stores opened in period

4


7


25


40


Percentage increase (decrease)









Average sale1

3.9 %

1.0 %

2.5 %

2.8 %
Average retail price per unit sold2

2.2 %

6.4 %

0.2 %

6.8 %









Comparable Stores3:







Net sales

13.2 %

1.9 %

11.4 %

(2.0 %)
Customers invoiced4

9.1 %

0.9 %

8.6 %

(4.7 %)
Net sales of stores operating for 13 to 36 months

19.7 %

14.8 %

23.3 %

12.0 %
Net sales of stores operating for more than 36 months

12.5 %

(2.5 %)

9.1 %

(5.5 %)









Net sales in markets with all stores comparable (no cannibalization)

15.6 %

6.8 %

13.3 %

2.2 %
Net sales in cannibalized markets

34.5 %

19.1 %

33.3 %

18.6 %

___________________

1 Average sale, calculated on a total company basis, is defined as the average invoiced sale per customer, measured on a monthly basis and excluding transactions of less than $250 (which are generally sample orders, or add-ons or fill-ins to previous orders) and of more than $30,000 (which are usually contractor orders)
2 Average retail price per unit sold is calculated on a total company basis and excludes certain service revenue, which consists primarily of freight charges for in-home delivery
3A store is generally considered comparable on the first day of the thirteenth full calendar month after opening
4Approximated by applying our average sale to total net sales at comparable stores

The significant drivers of gross margin expansion and their estimated impact compared to the prior quarter and the prior year are as follows:





Three Months Ended
Year Ended




December 31,
December 31,
Driver
Description
2012
2011
2012
2011





(in basis points)

expansion (contraction)


















Cost of Product
Cost of acquiring the products we sell from our suppliers, including the impact of our sourcing initiatives; Changes in the mix of products sold; Changes in the average retail price per unit sold.

220


260


200


140

















Transportation
International and domestic transportation costs, including the impact of international container rates; Customs and duty charges; Fuel and fuel surcharges; Impact of mill shipments received directly by our stores; Transportation charges from our distribution centers to our stores; Transportation charges between stores and the cost of delivery to our customers.

20


(80 )

40


(60 )

















All Other
Investments in our quality control procedures; Warranty costs; Changes in finishing costs to produce a unit of our proprietary brands; Inventory shrink; Net costs of producing samples.

120


(30 )

30


(30 )

















Total Change in Gross Margin from the prior year

360


150




270


50

















The following table sets forth components of SG&A expenses for the periods indicated, as a percentage of net sales.








Three Months Ended
Year Ended


December 31,
December 31,


2012
2011
2012
2011
Total SG&A expenses
27.4 %
27.7 %
28.3 %
29.1 %
Salaries, Commissions and Benefits
11.9 %
12.2 %
12.1 %
11.8 %
Advertising
6.4 %
6.2 %
7.2 %
7.7 %
Occupancy
3.8 %
4.1 %
3.8 %
4.0 %
Depreciation and Amortization
1.2 %
1.2 %
1.2 %
1.2 %
Stock-based Compensation
0.5 %
0.6 %
0.5 %
0.6 %
Other SG&A Expenses
3.7 %
3.5 %
3.5 %
3.8 %

 

Source: Lumber Liquidators

Lumber Liquidators Investor Relations
Ashleigh McDermott, 757-566-7512

Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.