Finish Line delivers double digit sales growth in Q2 FY'13

For the thirteen weeks ended September 1, 2012:

• Consolidated net sales, inclusive of Finish Line and The Running Company, increased 16.1% to $385.0 million.
• Finish Line comparable store sales increased 12.3% on top of an 11.0% increase for the same period a year ago.
• Digital comparable sales, which are included in the comparable store sales results, were up 29.6%.
• Earnings per diluted share increased 25.6% 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% top-line increase into 26% 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% to $250.6 million compared to $229.8 million as of August 27, 2011. For Finish Line, merchandise inventories increased by 6.3%.

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% over the $1.53 in fiscal 2012, which excludes the $0.07 impact from the 53rd week, up from its most recent guidance of 6 to 7% growth. This guidance assumes an annual comparable store sales increase of 6 to 8%.

The Finish Line, Inc. is a premium retailer of athletic shoes, apparel and accessories.

Finish Line Inc