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Le Château Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-end Results

  • Positive Fourth Quarter EBITDA of $1.7 million
  • Store Rightsizing Plan to Be Completed at the End of the Current Fiscal Year

MONTRÉAL, May 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Le Château Inc. (TSX VENTURE:CTU), today reported that sales for the fourth quarter ended January 27, 2018 amounted to $56.0 million as compared with $62.6 million for the fourth ended January 28, 2017, a decrease of 10.6%, with 27 fewer stores in operation. Comparable store sales decreased 1.7% for the fourth quarter as compared to last year, with comparable regular store sales decreasing 0.5% and comparable outlet store sales decreasing 7.2% (see non-GAAP measures below). Included in comparable store sales are online sales which increased 23.5% for the fourth quarter. Considering the closure of a large number of non-performing stores in the past few years, comparable store sales of regular stores have levelled-off. However, the retail brick-and-mortar environment remains highly competitive and continues to be adversely impacted by reduced store traffic which reflects in part the increase in the digital shopping behavior of today’s consumer.

Adjusted EBITDA (see non-GAAP measures below) for the fourth quarter of 2017 amounted to $1.7 million, compared to $(2.9) million for the same period last year. The improvement of $4.6 million in adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was primarily attributable to the reduction of $5.8 million in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, partially offset by the decrease in gross margin dollars of $1.2 million. The decrease in SG&A expenses resulted primarily from the reduction in store operating expenses due mainly to store closures. The decrease of $1.2 million in gross margin dollars was the result of the 10.6% overall sales decline for the fourth quarter of 2017, partially offset by an increase in the gross margin percentage to 63.1% from 58.4% in 2016. The gross margin benefited from the closure of non-performing stores in recent quarters and improved inventory levels and quality, partially offset by the short-term liquidation process of store merchandise during the closing period of stores.

Net loss for the fourth quarter ended January 27, 2018 amounted to $3.0 million or $(0.10) per share compared to a net loss of $8.8 million or $(0.29) per share for the same period last year.

Year-end Results
Sales for the year ended January 27, 2018 amounted to $204.4 million as compared with $226.6 million last year, a decrease of 9.8%, with 27 fewer stores in operation. Comparable store sales decreased 2.6% versus the same period a year ago, with comparable regular store sales decreasing 1.4% and comparable outlet store sales decreasing 7.7%. Included in comparable store sales are online sales which increased 20.3% for the year ended January 27, 2018.

Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended January 27, 2018 amounted to $(5.4) million, compared to $(16.3) million last year. The improvement of $10.9 million in adjusted EBITDA for 2017 was primarily attributable to the reduction of $19.5 million in SG&A expenses, partially offset by the decrease in gross margin dollars of $8.6 million. The decrease in SG&A expenses resulted primarily from the reduction in store operating expenses due mainly to store closures. The decrease of $8.6 million in gross margin dollars was the result of the 9.8% overall sales decline for 2017, partially offset by the increase in the gross margin percentage to 64.4% from 61.9% in 2016.

Net loss for the year ended January 27, 2018 amounted to $24.0 million or $(0.80) per share compared to a net loss of $37.2 million or $(1.24) per share the previous year.

Outlook
In light of the impact of e-commerce on consumer behavior, the execution of our business plan required a significant reduction in the number of stores and of retail square footage. Over the past two years, the Company has made significant progress. In the past fiscal year, the Company closed 27 stores as part of its retail right-sizing strategy. This represents the largest number of store closures in one year, surpassing the 25 closures in the previous year. In 2018, the Company is planning to close approximately 20 stores and expects its total square footage to decline from 896,000 square feet to approximately 800,000 square feet. Most of the executed store closures and those forecasted for this year are related to outlet stores. By the end of the current fiscal year the network optimization process will be mostly completed.

During the store closure process, the planned increase in promotional activities had a significant impact on store contribution as merchandise from those stores were heavily discounted, thus reducing our margins. Despite the impact of store closures, the gross margin improved by 250 basis point to 64.4% for the year ended January 27, 2018. For the current fiscal year, considering the significant decline in the number of non-performing stores in the network and the improved inventory level and quality, the Company’s gross margin should see further improvement.

For 2018, the projected capital expenditures are $3.0 to $3.5 million, of which $1.8 million is expected to be invested in the renovation of two existing stores, with $1.2 to $1.7 million to be used for investments in information technology and infrastructure.

Profile
Le Château de Montréal is a leading Canadian specialty retailer and manufacturer of exclusively designed apparel, footwear and accessories for contemporary and style-conscious women and men, with an extensive network of 151 prime locations across Canada and an e-com platform servicing Canada and the U.S. Le Château, committed to research, design and product development, manufactures approximately 30% of the Company’s apparel in its own Canadian production facilities. 

Non-GAAP Measures
In addition to discussing earnings measures in accordance with IFRS, this press release provides adjusted EBITDA as a supplementary earnings measure, which is defined as earnings (loss) before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, write-off and/or impairment of property and equipment and intangible assets and accretion of First Preferred shares series 1 (“Adjusted EBITDA”). Adjusted EBITDA is provided to assist readers in determining the ability of the Company to generate cash from operations and to cover financial charges. It is also widely used for valuation purposes for public companies in our industry.

The following table reconciles adjusted EBITDA to loss before income taxes for the fourth quarters and years ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017:

(Unaudited) For the three months ended   For the year ended
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) January 27, 2018 
January 28, 2017 January 27, 2018
January 28, 2017
Loss before income taxes $ (3,012) $ (8,750) $ (23,973) $ (37,226)
Depreciation and amortization   2,403   3,670   10,526   14,303
Write-offs and net impairment of property and equipment and intangible assets    382   913   1,064   1,489
Finance costs   1,322   1,268   5,460   5,092
Accretion of First Preferred shares series 1   588   -   1,536   -
Adjusted EBITDA $ 1,683 $ (2,899) $ (5,387) $ (16,342)

The Company also discloses comparable store sales which are defined as sales generated by stores that have been open for at least one year on a comparable week basis. Comparable store sales exclude sales from stores converted to outlet or clearance stores during the year of conversion.

The following table reconciles comparable store sales to total sales disclosed in the consolidated statements of loss for the fourth quarters and years ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017:

(Unaudited) For the three months ended For the year ended
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) January 27, 2018
January 28, 2017   January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017
Comparable store sales – Regular stores $ 44,857 $ 45,079 $ 158,879 $ 161,096
Comparable store sales – Outlet stores   9,137   9,850   36,117   39,145
Total comparable store sales   53,994   54,929   194,996   200,241
Non-comparable store sales   1,978   7,691   9,373   26,346
Total sales $ 55,972 $ 62,620 $ 204,369 $ 226,587

The above measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements relating to the Company and/or the environment in which it operates that are based on the Company's expectations, estimates and forecasts. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and/or are beyond the Company's control. A number of factors may cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed. These factors also include those set forth in other public filings of the Company. Therefore, readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. In addition, these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and the Company disavows any intention or obligation to update or revise any such statements as a result of any event, circumstance or otherwise except to the extent required under applicable securities law.

Factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: the ability of the Company to successfully implement its business initiatives and whether such business initiatives will yield the expected benefits; liquidity risks; competitive conditions in the businesses in which the Company participates; changes in consumer spending; general economic conditions and normal business uncertainty; seasonality and weather patterns; changes in the Company's relationship with its suppliers; lease renewals; information technology security and loss of customer data; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; interest rate fluctuations and changes in laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Company. There can be no assurance that borrowings will be available to the Company, or available on acceptable terms, in an amount sufficient to fund the Company's needs or that additional financing will be provided by any of the controlling shareholders of the Company. The foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect our results.

The Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended January 27, 2018 are available online at www.sedar.com.

For further information

Emilia Di Raddo, CPA, CA, President (514) 738-7000
Johnny Del Ciancio, CPA, CA, Vice-President, Finance, (514) 738-7000
MaisonBrison:  Pierre Boucher, (514) 731-0000
Source:  Le Château Inc.


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  
 
(Unaudited)
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)
As at
January 27, 2018
  As at
January 28, 2017
 
ASSETS    
Current assets    
Cash $ -   $ 266  
Accounts receivable   957     992  
Income taxes refundable   449     459  
Inventories   89,911     101,128  
Prepaid expenses   1,747     1,604  
Total current assets   93,064     104,449  
Deposits   485     621  
Property and equipment   27,052     36,969  
Intangible assets    2,434       2,900  
  $ 123,035   $ 144,939  
         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY        
Current liabilities        
Bank indebtedness $ 261   $ -  
Current portion of credit facility   6,322     54,564  
Trade and other payables   17,342       19,335  
Deferred revenue   2,842       3,022  
Current portion of provision for onerous leases   576       846  
Current portion of long-term debt    -       1,643  
Total current liabilities     27,343       79,410  
Credit facility   32,221     -  
Long-term debt   30,518       32,113  
Provision for onerous leases   924       1,364  
Deferred lease credits   7,111       8,192  
First Preferred shares series 1   24,718     -  
Total liabilities   122,835       121,079  
         
Shareholders' equity        
Share capital      47,967       47,967  
Contributed surplus     9,600       9,287  
Deficit   (57,367 )   (33,394 )
Total shareholders' equity   200     23,860  
  $ 123,035   $ 144,939  




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
 
(Unaudited)   For the three months ended For the year ended
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share information) January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017
Sales $   55,972   $   62,620   $   204,369   $   226,587  
Cost of sales and expenses        
Cost of sales     20,670     26,068       72,737     86,317  
Selling   29,417     35,740     118,694     139,778  
General and administrative     6,987     8,294       29,915     32,626  
      57,074     70,102     221,346     258,721  
Results from operating activities     (1,102 )   (7,482 )     (16,977 )   (32,134 )
Finance costs   1,322      1,268       5,460     5,092  
Accretion of First Preferred shares series 1     588     -       1,536     -  
Loss before income taxes     (3,012 )   (8,750 )     (23,973 )   (37,226 )
Income tax recovery      -     -       -     -  
Net loss and comprehensive loss $   (3,012 ) $   (8,750 ) $   (23,973 ) $   (37,226 )
         
Net loss per share        
  Basic $   (0.10 ) $   (0.29 ) $   (0.80 ) $   (1.24 )
  Diluted     (0.10 )   (0.29 )     (0.80 )   (1.24 )
Weighted average number of shares outstanding ('000)     29,964     29,964       29,964     29,964  


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
(Unaudited)  For the three months ended For the year ended
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017
         
SHARE CAPITAL $   47,967   $   47,967   $   47,967   $   47,967  
CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS        
Balance, beginning of period $   9,572   $   9,154   $   9,287   $   8,555  
Fair value adjustment of long-term debt     -       50       99     397  
Stock-based compensation expense   28     83       214     335  
Balance, end of period $   9,600   $   9,287   $   9,600   $   9,287  
RETAINED EARNINGS (DEFICIT)        
Balance, beginning of period $    (54,355 ) $   (24,644 ) $   (33,394 ) $   3,832  
Net loss     (3,012 )     (8,750 )     (23,973 )     (37,226 )
Balance, end of period $   (57,367 ) $   (33,394 ) $   (57,367 ) $    (33,394 )
Total shareholders’ equity $   200   $   23,860   $     200   $     23,860  




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
 
(Unaudited)   For the three months ended For the year ended  
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017  
OPERATING ACTIVITIES          
Net loss $   (3,012 ) $   (8,750 ) $   (23,973 ) $   (37,226 )  
Adjustments to determine net cash from operating activities          
Depreciation and amortization     2,403       3,670       10,526       14,303    
Write-off and net impairment of property and equipment and  intangible assets     382       913     1,064       1,489    
Amortization of deferred lease credits     (273 )     (390 )     (1,484 )     (1,546 )  
Deferred lease credits   -       -     403       225    
Stock-based compensation     28       83       214       335    
Provision for onerous leases   (164 )     (61 )   (710 )     137    
Finance costs   1,322      1,268        5,460        5,092    
Accretion of First Preferred shares series 1     588     -       1,536     -    
Interest paid     (944 )     (662 )     (3,139 )     (2,934 )  
Deposits     136     -     136     -    
      466     (3,929 )     (9,967 )   (20,125 )  
Net change in non-cash working capital items related to operations     6,283     13,218       7,246     12,397    
Income taxes refunded       -       250     300    
Cash flows related to operating activities     6,749     9,289       (2,471 )   (7,428 )  
           
FINANCING ACTIVITIES          
Increase (decrease) in credit facility     (7,557 )   (11,494 )     (15,324 )   9,418    
Financing costs     (2 )   -        (1,025 )   -    
Proceeds from long-term debt     -     1,685       19,500     4,185    
Repayment of long-term debt     -     -       -     (848 )  
Cash flows related to financing activities   (7,559 )   (9,809 )   3,151     12,755    
           
INVESTING ACTIVITIES          
Additions to property and equipment and intangible assets   (128 )   (228  )   (1,807 )     (4,516 )  
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment     -       -     600     -    
Cash flows related to investing activities     (128 )   (228  )     (1,207 )     (4,516 )  
           
Increase (decrease) in cash (bank indebtedness)     (938 )   (748 )     (527 )   811    
Cash (bank indebtedness), beginning of period   677     1,014       266     (545 )  
Cash (bank indebtedness), end of period $   (261 ) $   266   $   (261 ) $   266    

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