Net income zooms 29.5% at Cabela in FY 2012

For the quarter, adjusted for certain items, total revenue increased 15.2% to $1.133 billion; Retail store revenue increased 26.3% to $663.6 million; Direct revenue increased 1.7% to $385.5 million; and Financial Services revenue increased 7.2% to $83.2 million. For the quarter, comparable store sales increased 12.0%.

During the quarter, the Company recognized a $12.5 million revenue reduction in its Financial Services business related to the previously disclosed Visa antitrust settlement. On a reported basis, total revenue increased 13.9% and Financial Services revenue decreased 8.9%. A detailed reconciliation and explanation regarding the Visa antitrust settlement is provided later in this release.

For the quarter, net income increased 19.7% to $89.8 million compared to $75.0 million in the year ago quarter, and earnings per diluted share were $1.25 compared to $1.06 in the year ago quarter, each adjusted for certain items. The Company reported GAAP net income of $68.0 million and earnings per diluted share of $0.95 as compared to GAAP net income of $69.8 million and earnings per diluted share of $0.99 in the year ago quarter.

Fourth quarter 2012 GAAP results include impairment charges of $20.3 million primarily related to land held for sale and a $12.5 million revenue reduction related to the Visa antitrust settlement. Fourth quarter 2011 GAAP results include impairment charges of $7.8 million mostly related to the value of economic development bonds.

For fiscal 2012, net income increased 29.5% to $195.3 million compared to $150.8 million last year, and earnings per diluted share were $2.72 compared to $2.12 a year ago, each excluding certain items. The Company reported GAAP net income of $173.5 million and earnings per diluted share of $2.42 as compared to GAAP net income of $142.6 million and earnings per diluted share of $2.00 a year ago.

Fiscal 2012 GAAP results include impairment charges of $20.3 million primarily related to land held for sale and a $12.5 million revenue reduction related to the Visa antitrust settlement. Fiscal year 2011 results include impairment and restructuring charges of $12.2 million.

"Every area of our Company performed at very high levels in the fourth quarter," said Tommy Millner, Cabela's Chief Executive Officer. "Sales and profit per square foot at our next-generation stores were 40% higher than our legacy stores. Comparable store sales, aided by a surge in firearms and ammunition, increased 12.0%, a new record, and our Direct business grew 1.7%, the first increase in 11 quarters. Assuming more normalized sales of firearms and ammunition, comparable store sales would have increased 5.0%. These strong results combined to improve ROIC by 160 basis points to 15.9% for the full year, the highest level we have seen in eight years."