American Apparel, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2013 Financial Results and Reiterates Outlook for Full Year 2013

CHART 1: Comparable Store Sales Retail Stores (Graphic: Business Wire)

LOS ANGELES--()--American Apparel, Inc. (NYSE MKT: APP), a vertically integrated manufacturer, distributor, and retailer of branded fashion-basic apparel, announced financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2013.

Financial Performance Highlights for the First Quarter of 2013

  • Net sales increased 4% to $138.1 million on an 8% increase in comparable store sales and a 1% increase in wholesale net sales
  • Adjusted EBITDA improved by $1.4 million to a loss of $0.7 million from a loss of $2.1 million in the first quarter 2012

John Luttrell, Chief Financial Officer of American Apparel, Inc. stated, “Today we reported a $1.4 million improvement in Adjusted EBITDA to a loss of $ 0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from a loss of $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012. Though the first quarter is historically the slowest quarter of the year, retail and online sales growth and the related leveraging of fixed costs helped us reduce our EBITDA loss. These results were substantially in line with plan and, accordingly, we reiterate our adjusted EBITDA guidance of $47 to $54 million for the full year 2013. We expect key initiatives in the areas of merchandise planning, supply chain, and inventory control to drive further sales and expense improvements for the balance of the year.”

Dov Charney, Chairman and CEO of American Apparel, Inc. stated: “Although we are pleased with our first quarter performance, we will not be satisfied until we exceed prior productivity levels in our stores (see Chart 1), significantly increase our online sales penetration levels (see Chart 2), and drive additional volume through our wholesale channel. Despite some liquidity challenges over the past two years, we have made the necessary investments that should allow us to exceed our prior EBITDA levels (see Chart 3). We have significantly improved our store presentation, responsibly added stores when it was appropriate to do so, improved technology in all three channels, increased inventory productivity and substantially improved the effectiveness of our supply chain operation.”

Explanation of non-cash charges

Two non-operating and non-cash items substantially explain the increase in net loss from $7.9 million or $0.07 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2012 to $46.5 million or $0.42 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2013:

(1) Lion Capital holds 21.6 million warrants at $0.75 per share and as our share price increases the warrants become more valuable and we have to book an expense to recognize the increase in value of warrants. Conversely, when our share price decreases we have to book a gain to recognize decrease in the value of warrants. Therefore, as our share price increased during the first quarter of 2013, we booked a non-cash charge of $23.6 million as a result of a mark-to-market adjustment to our warrants. These charges do not represent a change in cash obligations of the company.

(2) A non-cash gain of $11.6 million due to an amendment to a prior credit agreement with Lion Capital during the first quarter of 2012.

Although the charges associated with the warrants are appropriate and required under GAAP, they do not impact the operating performance of the company. Also, they do not represent obligations that will be settled with cash. Instead, warrants will be reclassified to equity when exercised.

Excluding these non-operating/non-cash items from both periods, net loss would have been $22.9 million in the first quarter 2013 compared to $18.8 million in the first quarter 2012.

Operating Results - First Quarter 2013

Comparing the first quarter 2013 to the corresponding period last year, net sales increased 4% to $138.1 million on an 8% increase in comparable store sales in the retail and online business and a 1% increase in net sales in the wholesale business. The following delineates the components of the increases for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012 as compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year:

    2013 First Quarter   2012 First Quarter (1)
Comparable Store Sales 5 % 13 %
Comparable Online Sales 24 % 23 %
Comparable Retail & Online 8 % 14 %
Wholesale Net Sales 1 % 17 %
Total Net Sales 4 % 14 %

(1) Comparable store sales has been adjusted to exclude impact of extra leap-year day in 2012.

Gross profit of $72.9 million for the first quarter 2013 represented an increase of 4% from $70.1 million reported for the first quarter 2012. Gross margin remained unchanged at 52.8% for the quarters ended March 31, 2013 and 2012. Higher margins from an improved sales mix were offset by higher freight costs.

Operating expenses of $83.3 million for the first quarter 2013 represented an increase of 4% from $79.9 million for the first quarter 2012. As a percent of revenue, operating expenses remained unchanged at 60% for both quarters. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to higher share-based compensation costs of $1.7 million. Additionally, we incurred higher rent expenses of $1.6 million related to higher CAM (common area maintenance) charges and lease termination costs, as well as rent for our new distribution center and $0.8 million in higher expenses associated with RFID-related supplies and travel for other store refurbishment activities. This increase was offset by lower store payroll of $1.1 million and lower advertising expenses of $1.1 million.

Operating loss for the first quarter 2013 was $10.5 million compared to $9.8 million in the first quarter 2012.

Adjusted EBITDA loss in the first quarter of 2013 improved to $0.7 million from a loss of $2.1 million in the first quarter of 2012. For a reconciliation of consolidated adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to consolidated net income or loss, as applicable, please refer to the Table A attached to this press release.

Other expense for the first quarter 2013 was $35.6 million as compared with other income of $2.2 million in the prior year quarter. The $37.8 million change in non-operating expenses was primarily the result of an increase in the market value of our outstanding warrants: the unrealized losses on the change in fair value of our warrants were $23.6 million and $0.7 million for the 2013 and 2012 quarters, respectively. Additionally, during the first quarter 2012, we recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt of $11.6 million.

Income tax provision in the first quarter 2013 was $0.5 million versus $0.3 million in the 2012 first quarter. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we have discontinued recognizing potential tax benefits associated with current operating losses. As of March 31, 2013, we had available federal net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $95.6 million and unused federal and state tax credits of $24.5 million.

Net loss for the first quarter of 2013 was $46.5 million, or $0.42 per common share, compared to net loss for the first quarter of 2012 of $7.9 million, or $0.07 per common share. The 2013 first quarter includes a non-cash/non-operating income statement charge of $23.6 million ($0.22 per common share) associated with an increase in the fair value of outstanding warrants. The 2012 first quarter includes a similar non-cash/non-operating charge of $0.7 million ($0.01 per common share) for the increase in the fair value of such warrants and a non-cash/non-operating gain of $11.6 million on the extinguishment of debt. Excluding these non-cash/non-operating charges from both periods, net loss for the first quarter 2013 would have been $22.9 million, or $0.21 per share, compared to $18.8 million, or $0.18 per share, in the first quarter 2012.

Fully-diluted weighted average shares outstanding were 109.9 million in the first quarter of 2013 versus 105.7 million for the first quarter of 2012. As of May 1, 2013 there were approximately 107.8 million shares outstanding.

Cash used in operating activities was $6.0 million in the first quarter of 2013 as compared with cash used in operating activities of $8.6 million in the 2012 quarter primarily as a result of improvements in sales.

Capital expenditures during the first quarter of 2013 increased by $3.7 million to $7.4 million as compared with $3.7 million in the 2012 quarter as we neared completion of our RFID implementation activities. In addition, we continued to make other improvements to our stores and make additional investments in manufacturing equipment.

2013 EBITDA and Sales Guidance

For 2013, we are reiterating our outlook for adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $47 million to $54 million. This outlook assumes net sales between $652 million and $660 million. Raw material costs are estimated at current prices and foreign currency exchange rates are estimated to remain at current levels.

For a reconciliation of the forecasted guidance range of adjusted EBITDA to net loss, please refer to our earnings press release for the fourth quarter and full year 2012.

About American Apparel

American Apparel is a vertically integrated manufacturer, distributor and retailer of branded fashion basic apparel based in downtown Los Angeles, California. As of May 1, 2013 American Apparel had approximately 10,000 employees and operated 248 retail stores in 20 countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, United Kingdom, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, South Korea and China. American Apparel also operates a global e-commerce site that serves over 60 countries worldwide at http://www.americanapparel.net. In addition, American Apparel also operates a leading wholesale business that supplies high quality T-shirts and other casual wear to distributors and screen printers.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release, and other statements that the Company may make, may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and include statements regarding, among other things, the Company's future financial condition, results of operations and plans and the Company's prospects, expectations, goals and strategies for future growth, operating improvements and cost savings, and the timing of any of the foregoing. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of American Apparel's management, but are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results and/or the timing of events to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, including, among others: the ability to generate sufficient liquidity for operations and debt service; changes in the level of consumer spending or preferences or demand for the Company's products; increasing competition, both in the U.S. and internationally; the evolving nature of the Company's business; the Company's ability to hire and retain key personnel and the Company's relationship with its employees; suitable store locations and the Company's ability to attract customers to its stores; the availability of store locations at appropriate terms and the Company's ability to identify and negotiate new store locations effectively and to open new stores and expand internationally; effectively carrying out and managing the Company's strategy, including growth and expansion both in the U.S. and internationally; disruptions in the global financial markets; failure to maintain the value and image of the Company's brand and protect its intellectual property rights; declines in comparable store sales and wholesale revenues; financial nonperformance by the Company's wholesale customers; the adoption of new accounting pronouncements or changes in interpretations of accounting principles; seasonality of the business; consequences of the Company's significant indebtedness, including the Company's relationships with its lenders and the Company's ability to comply with its debt agreements, including the risk of acceleration of borrowings thereunder as a result of noncompliance; the Company's ability to generate cash flow to service its debt; the Company's liquidity and losses from operations; the Company's ability to develop and implement plans to improve its operations and financial position; costs of materials and labor, including increases in the price of yarn and the cost of certain related fabrics; the Company's ability to pass on the added cost of raw materials to its wholesale and retail customers; the Company's ability to improve manufacturing efficiency at its production facilities; the Company's ability to effectively manage inventory and inventory reserves; location of the Company's facilities in the same geographic area; manufacturing, supply or distribution difficulties or disruptions; risks of financial nonperformance by customers; investigations, enforcement actions and litigation, including exposure from which could exceed expectations; compliance with or changes in U.S. and foreign government laws and regulations, legislation and regulatory environments, including environmental, immigration, labor and occupational health and safety laws and regulations; costs as a result of operating as a public company; material weaknesses in internal controls; interest rate and foreign currency risks; loss of U.S. import protections or changes in duties, tariffs and quotas and other risks associated with international business including disruption of markets and foreign supply sources and changes in import and export laws; technological changes in manufacturing, wholesaling, or retailing; the Company's ability to upgrade its information technology infrastructure and other risks associated with the systems that are used to operate the Company's online retail operations and manage the Company's other operations; adverse changes in its credit ratings and any related impact on financing costs and structure; general economic and industry conditions, including U.S. and worldwide economic conditions; disruptions due to severe weather or climate change; and other risks detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013. The Company's filings with the SEC are available at www.sec.gov. You are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements herein and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

   
AMERICAN APPAREL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
2013   2012
Net sales $ 138,060   $ 132,660
 
Cost of sales 65,192   62,604  
 
Gross profit 72,868 70,056
 
Operating expenses 83,345   79,851  
 
Loss from operations (10,477 ) (9,795 )
 
Interest expense 11,214 9,553
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain) 713 (950 )
Unrealized loss on change in fair value
of warrants 23,645 651
Gain on extinguishment of debt (11,588 )
Other (income) expense (5 ) 128  
 
Loss before income taxes (46,044 ) (7,589 )
Income tax provision 467   302  
 
Net Loss $ (46,511 ) $ (7,891 )
 
 
Loss per share, basic and diluted $ (0.42 ) $ (0.07 )
 
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted 109,918 105,707
 
   
AMERICAN APPAREL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 
March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash $ 5,688 $ 12,853
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances 23,042 22,962
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 9,295 9,589
Inventories, net 177,351 174,229
Restricted cash 2,678 3,733
Income taxes receivable and prepaid income taxes 259 530
Deferred income taxes, net of valuation allowance 426   494  
Total current assets 218,739 224,390
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net 68,173 67,778
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES, net of valuation allowance 1,209 1,261
RESTRICTED CASH 1,629
OTHER ASSETS, net 37,201   34,783  
TOTAL ASSETS $ 326,951   $ 328,212  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Cash overdraft $ 1,340 $
Revolving credit facilities and current portion of long-term debt 68,116 60,556
Accounts payable 41,784 38,160
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 40,675 41,516
Fair value of warrant liability 40,886 17,241
Income taxes payable 2,257 2,137
Deferred income tax liability, current 257 296
Current portion of capital lease obligations 1,737   1,703  
Total current liabilities 197,052 161,609
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of unamortized discount 118,358 110,012
CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS, net of current portion 2,632 2,844
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY 247 262
DEFERRED RENT, net of current portion 20,115 20,706
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES 10,932   10,695  
TOTAL LIABILITIES 349,336   306,128  
 
STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY
Common stock 11 11
Additional paid-in capital 180,627 177,081
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (4,229 ) (2,725 )
Accumulated deficit (196,637 ) (150,126 )
Less: Treasury stock (2,157 ) (2,157 )
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY (22,385 ) 22,084  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY $ 326,951   $ 328,212  
 
 
AMERICAN APPAREL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
2013   2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Cash received from customers $ 137,654 $ 133,818
Cash paid to suppliers, employees and others (139,649 ) (141,724 )
Income taxes refunded 9 745
Interest paid (4,040 ) (1,376 )
Other 18   (109 )
Net cash used in operating activities (6,008 ) (8,646 )
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures (7,354 ) (3,690 )
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets 12 34
Restricted cash (622 ) (6,802 )
Net cash used in investing activities (7,964 ) (10,458 )
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Cash overdraft 1,340 114
Repayments of expired revolving credit facilities, net (45,121 )
Borrowings under current revolving credit facilities, net 7,624 29,997
(Repayments) borrowings of term loans and notes payable (3 ) 35,785
Payments of debt issuance costs (1,678 ) (4,696 )
Repayments of capital lease obligations (176 ) (271 )
Net cash provided by financing activities 7,107   15,808  
 
EFFECT OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH (300 ) 305
   
NET DECREASE IN CASH (7,165 ) (2,991 )
CASH, beginning of period 12,853   10,293  
CASH, end of period $ 5,688   $ 7,302  
 
 
AMERICAN APPAREL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)

(Amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
2013   2012
RECONCILIATION OF NET LOSS TO NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss $ (46,511 ) $ (7,891 )
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, and other assets 6,031 5,852
Retail store impairment 78
Loss on disposal of property and equipment 13 18
Share-based compensation expense 3,547 1,842
Unrealized loss on change in fair value of warrants 23,645 651
Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs 2,610 2,943
Gain on extinguishment of debt (11,588 )
Accrued interest paid-in-kind 4,564 5,234
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain) 713 (950 )
Allowance for inventory shrinkage and obsolescence 254 128
Bad debt expense 139 41
Deferred income taxes (7 )
Deferred rent (448 ) (8 )
Changes in cash due to changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivables (545 ) 1,117
Inventories (4,811 ) (93 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 220 (1,668 )
Other assets (1,825 ) (583 )
Accounts payable 3,999 2,333
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 1,859 (7,043 )
Income taxes receivable/payable 460   1,026  
Net cash used in operating activities $ (6,008 ) $ (8,646 )
 
 
AMERICAN APPAREL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

(Amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

The following table presents key financial information for American Apparel's business segments before unallocated corporate expenses:

 

 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
U.S. Wholesale   U.S. Retail   Canada   International   Consolidated
Net sales to external customers $ 43,826 $ 44,344 $ 12,357 $ 37,533 $ 138,060
Gross profit 12,021 29,191 7,420 24,236 72,868
Income (loss) from segment operations 5,165 (2,447 ) (652 ) 1,031 3,097
Depreciation and amortization 1,603 2,970 433 1,025 6,031
Capital expenditures 3,076 2,900 183 1,195 7,354
Retail store impairment 78 78
Deferred rent expense (benefit) 20 (212 ) (131 ) (125 ) (448 )
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
U.S. Wholesale U.S. Retail Canada International Consolidated
Net sales to external customers $ 41,335 $ 42,609 $ 13,338 $ 35,378 $ 132,660
Gross profit 11,758 28,288 7,068 22,942 70,056
Income (loss) from segment operations 6,526 (3,104 ) (2,714 ) 597 1,305
Depreciation and amortization 1,738 2,645 339 1,130 5,852
Capital expenditures 1,093 1,444 512 641 3,690
Deferred rent expense (benefit) 49 117 (48 ) (126 ) (8 )
 
 
AMERICAN APPAREL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

(Amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
Reconciliation to Income (Loss) before Income Taxes 2013   2012
Income from segment operations $ 3,097 $ 1,305
Unallocated corporate expenses (13,574 ) (11,100 )
Interest expense (11,214 ) (9,553 )
Foreign currency transaction (loss) gain (713 ) 950
 
Unrealized loss on warrants (23,645 ) (651 )
Gain on extinguishment of debt 11,588
Other income (expense) 5   (128 )
Consolidated loss before income taxes $ (46,044 ) $ (7,589 )
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
Net sales to external customers 2013   2012
 
U.S. Wholesale
Wholesale $ 34,708 $ 33,920
Online consumer 9,118   7,415
Total $ 43,826   $ 41,335
 
U.S. Retail $ 44,344   $ 42,609
 
Canada
Wholesale $ 2,579 $ 2,855
Retail 9,112 9,920
Online consumer 666   563
Total $ 12,357   $ 13,338
 
International
Wholesale $ 1,941 $ 2,222
Retail 30,452 28,703
Online consumer 5,140   4,453
Total $ 37,533   $ 35,378
 
Consolidated
Wholesale $ 39,228 $ 38,997
Retail 83,908 81,232
Online consumer 14,924   12,431
Total $ 138,060   $ 132,660
 

Table A
American Apparel, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Calculation and Reconciliation of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA
(Amounts in thousands)
(unaudited)

In addition to its GAAP results, American Apparel considers non-GAAP measures of its performance. Adjusted EBITDA, as defined below, is an important supplemental financial measure of American Apparel's performance that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP. EBITDA represents net income (loss) before income taxes, interest expense and depreciation and amortization. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA further adjusted for other expense (income), foreign currency loss (gain), retail store impairment, and share based compensation expense. American Apparel's management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a financial measure to assess the ability of its assets to generate cash sufficient to pay interest on its indebtedness, meet capital expenditure and working capital requirements, pay taxes, and otherwise meet its obligations as they become due. American Apparel's management believes that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information regarding American Apparel's results of operations because they assist in analyzing and benchmarking the performance and value of American Apparel's business. American Apparel believes that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to stockholders as a measure of comparative operating performance, as it is less susceptible to variances in actual performance resulting from depreciation and amortization and more reflective of changes in pricing decisions, cost controls and other factors that affect operating performance.

Adjusted EBITDA also is used by American Apparel's management for multiple purposes, including:

  • to calculate and support various coverage ratios with American Apparel's lenders
  • to allow lenders to calculate total proceeds they are willing to loan to American Apparel based on its relative strength compared to its competitors
  • to more accurately compare American Apparel's operating performance from period to period and company to company by eliminating differences caused by variations in capital structures (which affect relative interest expense), tax positions and amortization of intangibles.

In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is an important valuation tool used by potential investors when assessing the relative performance of American Apparel in comparison to other companies in the same industry. Although American Apparel uses Adjusted EBITDA as a financial measure to assess the performance of its business, there are material limitations to using a measure such as Adjusted EBITDA, including the difficulty associated with using it as the sole measure to compare the results of one company to another and the inability to analyze significant items that directly affect a company's net income (loss) or operating income because it does not include certain material costs, such as interest and taxes, necessary to operate its business. In addition, American Apparel's calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be consistent with similarly titled measures of other companies and should be viewed in conjunction with measures that are computed in accordance with GAAP. American Apparel's management compensates for these limitations in considering Adjusted EBITDA in conjunction with its analysis of other GAAP financial measures, such as net income (loss).

 

Table A (continued)

American Apparel, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Calculation and Reconciliation of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA

(Amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
2013   2012
Net Loss $ (46,511 ) $ (7,891 )
Income tax provision 467 302
Interest expense 11,214 9,553
Depreciation and amortization 6,031 5,852
Unrealized loss on change in fair value of warrants 23,645 651
Unrealized gain on extinguishment of debt (11,588 )
Share-based compensation expense 3,547 1,842
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain) 713 (950 )
Retail store impairment 78
Other adjustments 123   128  
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA $ (693 ) $ (2,101 )
 

Contacts

American Apparel, Inc.
John J. Luttrell
Chief Financial Officer
(213) 488-0226
or
ICR, Inc.
John Rouleau
Managing Director
(203) 682-8342
John.Rouleau@icrinc.com

Contacts

American Apparel, Inc.
John J. Luttrell
Chief Financial Officer
(213) 488-0226
or
ICR, Inc.
John Rouleau
Managing Director
(203) 682-8342
John.Rouleau@icrinc.com