Adjusted net income for the first quarter of 2013 was $11.5 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, excluding $0.6 million net of tax charges related to a secondary equity offering, compared to adjusted net income for the first quarter of 2012 of $9.2M, or $0.21, excluding $0.5 million net of tax charges related to a secondary equity offering.

Neill Davis, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We delivered on our earnings expectations as well as several strategic goals in the first quarter. We opened 56 new boutiques increasing our market presence to 416 boutiques, achieved record direct-to-consumer sales now representing 2.1% of total Company sales for the quarter, and successfully completed the rollout of our new point-of-sale system in our boutiques.

"Our continued execution on key growth initiatives combined with our differentiated business model and unique brand experience position us well for long term growth."

FIRST QUARTER SUMMARY

Net sales for the thirteen weeks increased 29% to $79.0 million driven by 56 new boutique openings in the first quarter. Sales growth rates were strongest in jewelry and accessories, outpacing increases in clothing and gifts. 

Comparable sales, including direct-to-consumer sales, increased 2% on top of a 16% increase in the prior year quarter. Direct-to-consumer achieved record sales with a 97% increase over the prior year quarter driven by increases in traffic, conversion rates, and average transaction values.

Comparable sales, excluding direct-to-consumer sales, were flat to the prior year quarter and below the Company's expectations of an increase in the range of 4% to 5%. The decrease was driven by lower than expected transactions as a reflection of the unseasonable weather conditions that persisted throughout the quarter.

Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, was 52.4% compared to 53.1% in the prior year quarter, resulting from lower merchandise margins due to higher levels of promotions compared to the prior year quarter.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses excluding $0.6 million in charges related to a secondary equity offering increased 31% to $22.8 million or 28.8% of net sales compared to the prior year quarter, excluding $0.5 million in charges related to a secondary equity offering, of $17.4 million or 28.4% of sales. The increase was principally due to operating additional boutiques and infrastructure investments to support the larger boutique base and direct-to-consumer sales growth.

Adjusted income from operations for the quarter increased 23% to $18.6 million or 23.5% of net sales compared to $15.1 million or 24.7% of net sales in the prior year quarter. 

Francesca's Holdings