Cache Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2013 Results

Cache, Inc. (NASDAQ:CACH), a specialty chain of women’s apparel stores, reported results for the thirteen (“third quarter”) and thirty-nine week periods (“first nine months”) ended September 28, 2013.

For the 13-week period ended September 28, 2013:

• Net sales increased 3.1% to $47.2 million from $45.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2012. Comparable store sales increased 6.0%, as compared to a decrease of 2.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2012;
• Gross profit increased 7.9% to $15.8 million, or 33.5% of net sales, compared to $14.7 million, or 32.0% of net sales, in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, due to the improvement in sales and a decrease in markdowns;
• Operating loss totaled $8.0 million, as compared to an operating loss of $8.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2012;
• Net loss totaled $8.0 million or $0.38 per share, as compared to net loss of $6.4 million or $0.49 per share, in the prior year period; and
• Adjusted net loss totaled $7.4 million, or $0.35 per share, as compared to adjusted net loss of $4.9 million or $0.38 per share in the third quarter of fiscal 2012. (See reconciliation of adjusted net loss to net loss.)

Jay Margolis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Our third quarter results included solid progress on our key merchandising, store and e-commerce initiatives that we identified at the start of the year and are expected to position Cache for profitability and sustained long term growth. Specifically, we generated increased net sales, positive comparable store sales and an expansion in gross profit margin, as compared to a year ago. During the quarter, we saw a favorable consumer response to our initial efforts to differentiate Cache from peers with unique event dresses, tops, sportswear and accessories. This positive performance was partially offset by our actions to clear product that was not consistent with our go-forward strategy. We also continued to significantly reduce promotional activity in our e-commerce channel to enhance our profitability and importantly create brand integrity as we present a clear pricing message to our customers.”

“I am confident in our outlook as we enter the all important holiday season, Mr. Margolis continued. “We have exciting plans in place to capitalize on the gift giving season and our merchandise is positioned to take advantage of our customers’ needs during the festivities of the season. Our overarching goal remains to maximize our white space opportunity, which we have defined as “the events in a woman’s life,” and we believe we have the right talent, merchandise, store base and marketing to achieve this objective.”

For the 39-week period ended September 28, 2013:

• Net sales decreased 1.6% to $160.8 million from $163.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2012. Comparable store sales increased 1.4%, as compared to an increase of 4.0% in the first nine months of fiscal 2012;
• Gross profit decreased 16.1% to $53.1 million, or 33.0% of net sales compared to $63.2 million, or 38.7% of net sales, in the first nine months of fiscal 2012;
• Operating loss totaled $19.4 million, as compared to an operating loss of $8.5 million, in the first nine months of fiscal 2012;
• Net loss was $29.7 million or $1.70 per share, as compared to net loss of $6.6 million or $0.51 per share, in the first nine months of fiscal 2012; and
• Adjusted net loss totaled $16.4 million, or $0.94 per share, as compared to adjusted net loss of $4.8 million, or $0.38 per share in the first nine months of fiscal 2012. (See reconciliation of net loss to adjusted net loss.)

Gross profit for the third quarter of fiscal 2013 was $15.8 million, or 33.5% of net sales, compared to $14.7 million, or 32.0% of net sales, in the third quarter of fiscal 2012. For the first nine months of fiscal 2013, gross profit was $53.1 million, or 33.0% of net sales, compared to $63.2 million, or 38.7% of net sales, in the first nine months of fiscal 2012. The increase in gross margin in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 was primarily due to lower design, production and sourcing costs, as well as a decrease in markdowns and higher sales, as compared to last year.

In total, operating expenses for the third quarter of fiscal 2013 were $23.8 million, 50.3% of net sales, as compared to $22.8 million, or 49.7% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2012. For the first nine months of fiscal 2013, total operating expenses were $72.5 million, or 45.0% of net sales, compared to $71.7 million, or 43.8% of net sales, in the first nine months of fiscal 2012. The increase in total operating expenses for the first nine months of fiscal 2013 primarily reflected increased general and administrative costs and employee separation charges of $2.5 million, which were partially offset by a decrease store operating expense, as compared to the same period in fiscal 2012.

At September 28, 2013, cash and marketable securities totaled $6.1 million, compared to $16.4 million in cash and marketable securities at September 29, 2012. Total inventory at cost decreased 9.3% at September 28, 2013, as compared to the prior year period.

A table summarizing financial results follows:

Store Count Information

During the third quarter, there was no change in the number of stores open, as the Company ended the period with 250 stores in operation. During the balance of fiscal 2013, the Company expects to open no new stores and close one additional store, ending the year with 249 stores and approximately 500,000 square feet in operation.

Conference Call information

The Company announced that it will conduct a conference call to discuss its third quarter fiscal 2013 results today, November 12, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial (877) 705-6003 approximately ten minutes prior to the start of the call. The conference call will also be web-cast live at www.cache.com. A replay of this call will be available at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on November 12, 2013 until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 19, 2013 and can be accessed by dialing (877) 870-5176 and entering PIN number 13572556.

About Cache, Inc.

Cache is a nationwide, mall-based specialty retailer of sophisticated sportswear and social occasion dresses targeting style-conscious women who have a youthful attitude and are self-confident. The Company currently operates 250 stores, primarily situated in central locations in high traffic, upscale malls in 41 states, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed within this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Although Cache, Inc. believes the statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that these expectations will be attained. Actual results and timing of certain events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including, without limitation, our ability to successfully implement our business strategy and to integrate new members of management, industry trends, merchandise and fashion trends, competition, seasonality, changes in general economic conditions and consumer spending patterns, factors specific to our Company and merchandise, such as demand for our merchandise and markdowns, well as other risks outlined from time to time in the filings of Cache, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In this press release, the Company’s financial results are provided both in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and using certain non-GAAP financial measures. In particular, the Company provides adjusted net loss, adjusted net loss per share, historic loss and loss per diluted share, each adjusted to exclude certain costs and accounting adjustments, which are non-GAAP financial measures. These results are included as a complement to results provided in accordance with GAAP because management believes these non-GAAP financial measures help identify underlying trends in the Company’s business and provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of the Company’s core operating results. These measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results.