Business news :Finish Line's Earnings Climb in Q2

Finish Line Inc. reported earnings rose 19.4 percent in its second-quarter ended Sept 1, to $25.0 million, or 49 cents a share, and raised its earnings outlook for the year. Q2 comp store sales increased 12.3 percent.

For the thirteen weeks ended September 1, 2012:

• Consolidated net sales, inclusive of Finish Line and The Running Company, increased 16.1 percent to $385.0 million.
• Finish Line comparable store sales increased 12.3 percent on top of an 11.0 percent increase for the same period a year ago.
• Digital comparable sales, which are included in the comparable store sales results, were up 29.6 percent.
• Earnings per diluted share increased 25.6 percent to $0.49.

"We are very pleased with the strength of our second quarter performance," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Glenn Lyon. "Our ability to achieve double digit comps in the second quarter, on top of a double digit comp increase in the prior year period illustrates our ability to further expand our leadership position in athletic footwear. Second quarter sales were driven by market share gains in running and basketball as we have been able to capitalize on recent trends in each category enabled by our strong relationships with both vendors and consumers. Importantly, we translated a 16 percent top-line increase into 26 percent earnings growth even as we make the necessary investments in order to successfully execute our omni-channel vision. We move forward with sound strategies in place that we believe will further improve our consumer mindshare, deliver consistent sales and earnings growth, and return increased value to our shareholders."

Balance Sheet

As of September 1, 2012, consolidated merchandise inventories increased 9.0 percent to $250.6 million compared to $229.8 million as of August 27, 2011. For Finish Line, merchandise inventories increased by 6.3 percent.

As of September 1, 2012, the company had no interest-bearing debt and $254.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to $289.6 million a year ago.

Outlook

Based on second quarter results, the company now expects earnings per share for the fiscal year ending March 2, 2013 to increase between 6 to 9 percent over the $1.53 in fiscal 2012, which excludes the 7 cents per share impact from the 53rd week, up from its most recent guidance of 6 to 7 percent growth. This guidance assumes an annual comparable store sales increase of 6 to 8 percent.

The Finish Line, Inc. is a premium retailer of athletic shoes, apparel and accessories. The company has two retail divisions -- Finish Line, which operates 638 Finish Line brand stores in malls across the U.S., and The Running Specialty Group, which operates 19 specialty running shops in seven states and the District of Columbia under The Running Company banner. 

( SportsOneSource Media )