The Children's Place posts solid results for Q2

23 Aug '10

4 min read

The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc., the largest pure-play children's specialty apparel retailer in North America, announced second quarter net sales of $345.3 million for the thirteen weeks ended July 31, 2010, a 9.4% increase compared to $315.7 million in the second quarter of 2009.

Comparable retail sales, which include online sales, increased 4.7% in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to a decline of 8.5% the previous year. During the second quarter of 2010, comparable store sales increased 3.3% in the U.S. and 0.8% in Canada, and comparable online sales increased 30.4%.

The loss from continuing operations after tax was $8.3 million, or $0.30 per share, in the second quarter of 2010, compared to a loss of $7.2 million in the second quarter of 2009, or $0.24 per share, including several transactions affecting comparability between the quarters. Excluding those items that affect comparability, the loss from continuing operations in the second quarter of 2010 narrowed 33% from the second quarter of 2009 when the Company reported an adjusted loss from continuing operations of $12.4 million, or $0.42 per share.

Adjusted loss from continuing operations excluding transactions that affect comparability is a non-GAAP measure. The Company believes the excluded items are not indicative of the performance of its core business and that by providing this supplemental disclosure to investors it will facilitate comparisons of its past and present performance. A reconciliation of loss from continuing operations as reported is included in Table 3 of this press release.

"We posted solid results for the second quarter, narrowing our seasonal operating loss through a combination of top line growth and disciplined expense management. We also continued to make substantial progress on our longer-term growth initiatives and believe we are well positioned to gain market share," commented Jane Elfers, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Children's Place. "While the economic environment remains uncertain, we are focused on driving improved sales and profitability in our business for the long term."

Elfers continued, "Our Board of Directors has authorized a $100 million share repurchase program. We believe the timing is right and this strategic decision to utilize the significant amount of cash on our balance sheet is aligned with the Company's commitment to increasing returns on capital and creating shareholder value."

During the second quarter of 2010, the Company opened 18 stores and closed three.

Fiscal Year-to-Date
Net sales from continuing operations were $767.4 million fiscal year-to-date 2010, a 6.9% increase compared to $717.6 million for the same period last year. Comparable retail sales increased 1.7% fiscal year-to-date 2010 compared to a 3.3% decline last year.

Income from continuing operations after tax was $19.7 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, fiscal year-to-date 2010, compared to $16.5 million, or $0.56 per diluted share, last year, including several transactions that affect comparability. Excluding those items that affect comparability, income from continuing operations after tax in the first half of 2010 increased 111% compared to the first half of 2009 when the Company reported adjusted income from continuing operations of $9.3 million, or $0.31 per diluted share. As previously noted, this is a non-GAAP measure which the Company is providing as a supplemental disclosure.

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