TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb 6, 2015) - Danier Leather Inc. (TSX:DL) ("Danier" or the "Company") today announced its unaudited interim consolidated financial results for the 13-week and 26-week periods ended December 27, 2014.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS ($000s, except earnings per share (EPS), square footage and number of stores):

For the 13 Weeks EndedFor the 26 Weeks Ended
Dec. 27,
2014
Dec. 28,
2013
Dec. 27,
2014
Dec. 28,
2013
Sales$55,710 $ 62,012$76,282 $ 86,210
EBITDA(1)5,117 10,377(1,535) 6,281
Adjusted EBITDA(1)5,060 9,996(2,009) 6,479
Net Earnings (Loss)3,475 6,860(2,442) 3,303
EPS - Basic$0.90 $ 1.79$(0.63) $ 0.86
EPS - Diluted$0.89 $ 1.73$(0.63) $ 0.84
Number of Stores92 9192 91
Retail Square Footage288,543 288,302288,543 288,302

Sales during the second quarter of fiscal 2015 decreased by 10% to $55.7 million compared with $62.0 million during the second quarter last year. Over the same period, comparable store sales(2) decreased by 13%. Year-to-date sales decreased by 12% or $9.9 million to $76.3 million, while comparable store sales decreased by 14%, compared to the corresponding period last year.

Revenue during the relevant periods was adversely affected mainly as a result of shifts in the marketplace and a highly promotional retail environment. Danier has been taking corrective actions, which steps are discussed further below.

In February 2014, Danier launched its eCommerce click-to-buy website for orders within Canada. While not currently a significant portion of Danier's overall sales, eCommerce revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2015 increased by 265% compared to revenue from the phone order channel during the same quarter last year. Year-to-date eCommerce revenue increased by 205% compared to the first half of last year.

Gross profit as a percentage of revenue during the second quarter decreased by 400 basis points to 48.7% compared with 52.7% during the second quarter last year. Gross profit margin during the first half of fiscal 2015 decreased by 370 basis points to 48.2% compared with 51.9% during the first six months of last year. The decrease in gross margin was mainly due to management's decision to increase promotional activity and implement deeper than planned markdowns during the second quarter in order to reduce inventory. The reduction in inventory is expected to allow the Company to enter the Spring season with fresh merchandise. Inventory at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2015 was $6.1 million lower than inventory at the end of the second quarter last year.

Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") during the second quarter of fiscal 2015 decreased by $0.5 million to $22.8 million, compared with $23.3 million during the second quarter last year. Year-to-date SG&A decreased by approximately $0.6 million to $39.9 million compared with $40.5 million during the first half of last year.

Danier has implemented a cost reduction initiative to achieve reductions in head office staff and expenses, and in marketing, non-selling expenditures and capital expenditures. The Company's objective is to achieve annualized savings of between $5 million and $7 million during fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2014. During January 2015, head office staff was reduced by approximately 15%. Severance costs of approximately $1 million related to this reduction will be recorded during the third quarter of fiscal 2015.

Net earnings during the second quarter of fiscal 2015 decreased by approximately $3.4 million to $3.5 million ($0.89 per diluted share) compared with $6.9 million ($1.73 per diluted share) during the second quarter last year. For the year-to-date period, net loss was $2.4 million ($0.63 loss per diluted share), compared with net earnings of $3.3 million ($0.84 per diluted share) during the first six months of last year.

At the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2015, Danier had working capital(3) of $26.8 million, no long-term debt and a book value of $11.97 per outstanding share.

"We are disappointed with the Company's unsatisfactory financial results and are implementing a number of changes which we believe will produce meaningful improvements," said Jeffrey Wortsman, President and Chief Executive Officer. Action currently being taken to improve the Company's performance include, among other things:

  • Implementing a company-wide cost reduction initiative to achieve annualized savings of between $5 million and $7 million as discussed above;
  • Enhancing our competitiveness in the broader outerwear category by complementing the core leather business with fabric and leather combination alternatives, including down, wool, shearling and cashmere;
  • Improving the product offering to achieve a better balance of merchandise for both Danier's traditional core customer and younger demographic, including through better year-round flow of merchandise to enhance newness, the addition of more winter-weight linings in our fall and winter collections and more colour in our upcoming spring collection; and
  • Enhancing the Company's brand image and awareness through better communication of Danier's leather quality, craftsmanship and heritage.

The Company is also exploring strategic alternatives as outlined in a separate press release issued today.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). In order to provide additional insight into the business, the Company has also provided certain non-IFRS data, including EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and comparable store sales, each as defined below. Non-IFRS measures such as EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and comparable store sales are not recognized measures for financial presentation under IFRS. These non-IFRS measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded companies, nor should they be construed as an alternative to other financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS.

(1) EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA - EBITDA is defined as net earnings (loss) before interest expense, interest income, income taxes and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA (as defined above) before impairment loss on property and equipment, foreign exchange loss (gain) and termination benefits. EBITDA is a financial metric used by management and some investors to compare companies on the basis of ongoing operating results before taxes, interest expense, interest income and amortization and its ability to incur and service debt. Adjusted EBITDA is a financial metric used by management to compare EBITDA (as defined above) before impairment loss on property and equipment, foreign exchange loss (gain) and termination benefits. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are also used by management to measure performance against internal targets, prior period results and other retailers. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are calculated as outlined in the following table:

For the 13 Weeks Ended For the 26 Weeks Ended
Dec 27,
2014
Dec 28,
2013
Dec 27,
2014
Dec 28,
2013
($000)($000)($000)($000)
Net earnings (loss) $ 3,475 $ 6,860 $ (2,442 ) $ 3,303
Add (deduct) impact of the following:
Income tax 760 2,466 (783 ) 1,011
Interest expense 84 20 105 39
Interest income - (6 ) (10 ) (46 )
Amortization 798 1,037 1,595 1,974
EBITDA $ 5,117 $ 10,377 $ (1,535 ) $ 6,281
Impairment loss on property and equipment 402 - 1,017 -
Foreign exchange loss (gain) (671 ) (381 ) (1,708 ) 192
Termination benefits 212 - 217 6
Adjusted EBITDA $ 5,060 $ 9,996 $ (2,009 ) $ 6,479

(2) Comparable store sales are defined as sales generated by stores that have been open during the full current fiscal year as well as the full prior fiscal year. Comparable store sales is a key indicator used by the Company to measure performance against internal targets and prior period results and excludes sales fluctuations due to new stores, store closings and certain permanent store relocations. This measure is also commonly used by financial analysts and investors to compare Danier to other retailers. Comparable store sales is calculated as outlined in the following tables:

For the 13 Weeks Ended
Dec 27, 2014 Dec 28, 2013 % change
($000)($000)
Comparable stores $ 52,527 $ 60,371 (13 %)
Non-comparable stores & direct-to customer 4,507 2,798 61 %
Alterations revenue 241 312 (23 %)
Sales return provision (increase)/decrease (1,565 ) (1,469 ) 7 %
Revenue $ 55,710 $ 62,012 (10 %)
For the 26 Weeks Ended
Dec 27, 2014 Dec 28, 2013 % change
($000)($000)
Comparable stores $ 71,454 $ 83,365 (14 %)
Non-comparable stores & direct-to customer 6,074 3,891 56 %
Alterations revenue 370 468 (21 %)
Sales return provision (increase)/decrease (1,616 ) (1,514 ) 7 %
Revenue $ 76,282 $ 86,210 (12 %)

(3) Working capital is defined as total current assets minus total current liabilities. Working capital is a key indicator and financial metric used by the Company to measure short-term liquidity for those assets that can easily be converted into cash to satisfy both short-term liabilities and upcoming operating expenses. Working capital is calculated as outlined in the following table:

Dec 27, 2014 Dec 28, 2013
($000)($000)
Total current assets $ 46,436 $ 58,935
Total current liabilities $ 19,672 $ 19,803
Working capital $ 26,764 $ 39,132

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements which reflect the current view of Danier with respect to the Company's objectives, plans, goals, strategies, future growth, results of operations, financial and operating performance and business prospects and opportunities. Wherever used, the words "may", "will", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "expect", "plan", "believe" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information should not be read as guarantees of future events, performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at which, such events, performance or results will be achieved. All of the statements in this press release containing forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, if any, are qualified by these cautionary statements.

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are based on information available at the time they are made, underlying estimates, opinions and assumptions made by management and management's good faith belief with respect to future events, performance and results and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, decreases in sales from existing stores, a decline in general economic conditions, consumer confidence, or consumer spending or increases in consumer debt levels, risks associated with foreign supply, sourcing and manufacturing, including increasing leather prices and increasing constraints on foreign vendors' capacity, branding, merchandising, fashion and apparel and leather industry risks that can adversely affect demand for the Company's products and result in inventory mark-downs and reduced gross margin, the Company's inability to successfully implement its business strategy or financial, capital expenditure, cost reduction or budgetary activities and initiatives, the Company being unable to successfully grow revenues, gross profit, gross margin and generate net earnings or to generate the necessary cash flows and earnings, or any other material disruption to or decline in the Company's operations. For additional information with respect to Danier's inherent risks and uncertainties, reference should be made to Danier's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with the Canadian Securities Regulatory Authorities, including the Company's most recent annual information form, quarterly and annual reports and financial statements and notes thereto, and supplementary information, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.danier.com. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that Danier currently believes to be less significant may also adversely affect the Company.

Danier cautions readers that such factors and uncertainties are not exhaustive and that should certain risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying estimates or assumptions prove incorrect, actual events, performance and results may vary significantly from those expected. There can be no assurance that the actual results, performance, events or activities anticipated by the Company will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating forward-looking information and forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements. Danier disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws.

About Danier

Danier Leather Inc. is a leading integrated designer, manufacturer, and retailer of high-quality fashion-oriented leather apparel and accessories. The Company's merchandise is marketed exclusively under the well-known Danier brand name and is available at its 90 shopping mall, street-front and outlet stores as well as the online store at danier.com. For more information about the Company and our products, visit www.danier.com.

DANIER LEATHER INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS) & COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (LOSS)
(thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares) - unaudited
For the 13 Weeks EndedFor the 26 Weeks Ended
December 27,
2014
December 28,
2013
December 27,
2014
December 28,
2013
Revenue $ 55,710 $ 62,012 $ 76,282 $ 86,210
Cost of sales 28,553 29,356 39,522 41,447
Gross profit 27,157 32,656 36,760 44,763
Selling, general and administrative expenses 22,838 23,316 39,890 40,456
Interest income - (6 ) (10 ) (46 )
Interest expense 84 20 105 39
Earnings (loss) before income taxes 4,235 9,326 (3,225 ) 4,314
Provision for (recovery of) income taxes 760 2,466 (783 ) 1,011
Net earnings (loss) and comprehensive earnings (loss) $ 3,475 $ 6,860 $ (2,442 ) $ 3,303
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic $ 0.90 $ 1.79 $ (0.63 ) $ 0.86
Diluted $ 0.89 $ 1.73 $ (0.63 ) $ 0.84
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic 3,854,168 3,841,699 3,854,168 3,836,933
Diluted 3,897,148 3,955,489 3,912,241 3,954,262
Number of shares outstanding at period end 3,854,168 3,847,568 3,854,168 3,847,568
DANIER LEATHER INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(thousands of Canadian dollars) - unaudited
December 27,
2014
December 28,
2013
June 28,
2014
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash $ 8,318 $ 23,165 $ 13,507
Accounts receivable 6,290 1,725 638
Income taxes recoverable 4,122 383 3,461
Inventories 27,187 33,258 21,721
Prepaid expenses 519 404 643
46,436 58,935 39,970
Non-current Assets
Property and equipment 16,948 17,911 16,826
Computer software 1,530 1,849 1,459
Deferred income tax asset 2,496 1,869 2,374
$ 67,410 $ 80,564 $ 60,629
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
Payables and accruals $ 16,199 $ 16,267 $ 9,185
Deferred revenue 1,763 1,923 1,511
Sales return provision 1,710 1,613 94
19,672 19,803 10,790
Non-current Liabilities
Deferred lease inducements and rent liability 1,601 1,387 1,432
21,273 21,190 12,222
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share capital 11,772 11,647 11,772
Contributed surplus 1,212 1,002 1,040
Retained earnings 33,153 46,725 35,595
46,137 59,374 48,407
$ 67,410 $ 80,564 $ 60,629

Approved by the Board of Directors

February 6, 2015

DANIER LEATHER INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
(thousands of Canadian dollars) - unaudited
For the 13 Weeks EndedFor the 26 Weeks Ended
December 27,
2014
December 28,
2013
December 27,
2014
December 28,
2013
Cash provided by (used in)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings (loss) $ 3,475 $ 6,860 $ (2,442 ) $ 3,303
Adjustments for:
Amortization of property and equipment 717 898 1,414 1,748
Amortization of computer software 81 139 181 226
Impairment loss on property and equipment 402 - 1,017 -
Amortization of deferred lease inducements (20 ) (19 ) (41 ) (39 )
Proceeds from deferred lease inducements - - 125 -
Straight line rent expense 40 17 85 34
Stock-based compensation 87 51 172 88
Interest income - (6 ) (10 ) (46 )
Interest expense 84 20 105 39
Provision for (recovery of) income taxes 760 2,466 (783 ) 1,011
Changes in working capital 6,712 6,417 (2,169 ) (2,584 )
Interest paid (54 ) 8 (54 ) 8
Interest received - 6 16 61
Income taxes paid - (298 ) - (742 )
Net cash generated from (used in) operating activities 12,284 16,559 (2,384 ) 3,107
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase in bank indebtedness - - 2,991 -
Repayment of bank indebtedness (2,991 ) - (2,991 ) -
Subordinate voting shares issued - 74 - 74
Net cash (used in) generated from financing activities (2,991 ) 74 - 74
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of property and equipment (1,598 ) (1,034 ) (2,553 ) (3,625 )
Acquisition of computer software (164 ) (484 ) (252 ) (932 )
Net cash used in investing activities (1,762 ) (1,518 ) (2,805 ) (4,557 )
Increase (decrease) in cash 7,531 15,115 (5,189 ) (1,376 )
Cash, beginning of period 787 8,050 13,507 24,541
Cash, end of period $ 8,318 $ 23,165 $ 8,318 $ 23,165
DANIER LEATHER INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(thousands of Canadian dollars) - unaudited
Share
Capital
Contributed
Surplus
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
Retained
Earnings
Total
Balance - June 28, 2014 $ 11,772 $ 1,040 $ - $ 35,595 $ 48,407
Net loss - - - (2,442 ) (2,442 )
Stock-based compensation related to stock options - 172 - - 172
Balance - December 27, 2014 $ 11,772 $ 1,212 $ - $ 33,153 $ 46,137
Share
Capital
Contributed
Surplus
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
Retained
Earnings
Total
Balance - June 29, 2013 $ 11,533 $ 954 $ - $ 43,422 $ 55,909
Net earnings - - - 3,303 3,303
Stock-based compensation related to stock options - 88 - - 88
Exercise of stock options 114 (40 ) - - 74
Balance - December 28, 2013 $ 11,647 $ 1,002 $ - $ 46,725 $ 59,374