Lumber Liquidators (NYSE:LL), the largest specialty retailer of hardwood flooring in North America, today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016.
Third quarter Results
Net sales in the third quarter of 2016 were $244.1 million, an increase of 3.4% from the third quarter of 2015. This includes a comparable store net sales increase of 1.0%, which reflected a 0.5% increase in customers invoiced in comparable stores. Non-comparable store net sales increased $5.6 million over the comparable prior year period. The Company opened one new store during the third quarter of 2016.
Gross margin was 31.4% in the third quarter of 2016, compared with 30.1% in the prior year period. The increase in gross margin was favorably impacted by the items highlighted in the attached supplemental schedule along with changes in the Company’s pricing strategy, where it reduced promotional activity and the sale of clearance product from 2015 levels, and increases in the sales mix of laminates and vinyl, which generally have lower retail price points and above average gross margins.
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses in the third quarter of 2016 were $100.7 million compared to $88.3 million in the prior year quarter. The costs in both periods were heavily impacted by the items highlighted in the attached supplemental schedule. The increase in SG&A year over year was driven by $3.3 million in higher payroll related costs as a result of greater store level staffing, commissions, and corporate function investment, net of retention costs incurred in 2015, $3.5 million in higher advertising, and the balance reflecting changes in other corporate expenses and legal and regulatory expenses. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A increased to 41.2% from 37.4% during the prior year period,
Net loss for the third quarter of 2016 was $18.4 million, or a loss of $0.68 per diluted share, as compared to a net loss of $8.5 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, during the prior year period.
Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2016 totaled $8.8 million compared with $26.7 million at December 31, 2015. At September 30, 2016, the Company had $20.0 million outstanding on its revolving credit facility, with remaining availability of $95.7 million. In August 2016, the Company increased its asset-based revolving credit facility to $150 million.
John Presley, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are pleased with the direction of our sales performance this quarter but recognize we have work to do to restore Lumber Liquidators to growth and profitability for the long term. We continue to invest in our value proposition while focusing on execution within the business and have taken steps to strengthen our financial position. We remain committed to the strategic direction we set for the Company and believe our actions will improve our performance over time.”
Conference Call and Webcast Information
The Company plans to host a conference call and audio webcast on October 31, 2016, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The conference may be accessed by dialing (877) 407-9039 or (201) 689-8470. A replay will be available approximately two hours after the call ends through November 7, 2016 and may be accessed by dialing (877) 870-5176 or (858) 384-5517 and entering pin number 13645805. The live conference call and replay can also be accessed via audio webcast at the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, www.lumberliquidators.com.
About Lumber Liquidators
With more than 375 locations, Lumber Liquidators is North America’s largest specialty retailer of hardwood flooring. The Company features more than 400 top 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 premier brands including Bellawood and Morning Star Bamboo, Lumber Liquidators’ flooring is often featured on popular television shows such as HGTV’s Dream Home and This Old House. For more information, please visitwww.LumberLiquidators.com or call 1.800.HARDWOOD.
Lumber Liquidators aims to be the industry leader in sustainability. For more information, please visit www.LumberLiquidators.com/Sustainability. Learn more about our corporate giving program at LayItForward.LumberLiquidators.com. You can also follow the Company on Facebook and Twitter.
