Poor comps, expenses widen loss at Hhgregg

INDIANAPOLIS — Hhgregg's first quarter loss widened to $5.7 million, or 16 cents per diluted share, from a loss of $0.8 million, or 2 cents per diluted share, for the comparable prior year period, thanks to same-store sales decline of 5.1% and increased expenses.



Dennis May, president and CEO commented, “As we announced in our pre-release, our first fiscal quarter proved to be more challenging than anticipated with sales and earnings coming in below our original expectations. We reacted to the sales shortfall by making adjustments to our cost structure. We expect subsequent quarters to benefit from our cost cutting measures. We are looking at new ways to enhance our store sales productivity through the testing of new products and merchandise that leverage our consultative sales force, delivery and installation network and private label consumer credit card offering. During the company’s 57 year history, we have been successful in adapting our business to fit the changing needs of consumers, and remain confident in our ability to navigate through this difficult cycle.”



Net sales for the quarter increased 13.5% to $489.9 million compared with $431.5 million in the comparable prior year period. The increase in net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2012 was attributable to the net addition of 30 stores during the past 12 months partially offset by a comparable-store sales decrease of 5.1%.



The decrease in comparable-store sales for the three month period ended June 30 was driven primarily by a decrease in revenues in the video and other categories, partially offset by increases in revenues in the appliance and computing and mobile phones categories.



The company expects fiscal 2013 net income to range between 90 cents and $1.05 for fiscal 2013. Comparable-store sales are expected to increase 3% to 6% for the year.