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Sears Holdings (SHLD) Posts Q2 GAAP Loss of $5.39/Share; Comps Fell 0.1%

August 21, 2014 6:04 AM EDT

Sears Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: SHLD) reported Q2 EPS of ($5.39), which may not compare with the analyst estimate of ($2.63). Revenue for the quarter came in at $8.01 billion versus the consensus estimate of $8.13 billion.

Adjusted EBITDA was $(313) million for the second quarter of 2014, compared to $(78) million in the prior year second quarter.

Sears Full-line stores experienced comparable store sales growth of 0.1% for the quarter as compared to a decline of 0.8% in the second quarter of last year, despite the continuing impact of consumer electronics industry trends. Excluding the impact of consumer electronics, comparable store sales growth would have been 1.6%.

Kmart comparable stores sales were down 1.7% for the quarter as compared to a 2.1% decline last year, also despite the continuing impact of consumer electronics industry trends, as well as the impact of our grocery & household goods business. Excluding the impact of both, comparable store sales would have declined 1.0%.

"We have continued to show progress in our transformation, as demonstrated by our year-over-year increase in online and multi-channel sales, and with our member sales now representing 73% of eligible sales," said Edward S. Lampert, Sears Holdings' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "However, our second quarter earnings are unacceptable and we are taking steps to address our performance on several levels. This includes reducing costs as we evolve our business model, investing in our Shop Your Way and Integrated Retail customer initiatives, rationalizing our physical footprint and improving pricing and promotions. As we move through the transformation, our new programs are becoming more prominent both in how we run the company and in how we serve our members, and we are pleased with how our members are responding."

Mr. Lampert continued, "As we progress with our transformation by investing in new programs and platforms, we continue to bear the costs of two promotional models, which adversely impacts margins. There is more work to be done to get results where we expect them to be. Like any transformation, we must first overcome the burden of the initial costs before we can enjoy the benefits. We have a large and valuable portfolio of assets that provide us with the flexibility we need to fund our transformation as we proactively work to return Sears Holdings to profitable growth and deliver shareholder value."

Rob Schriesheim, Sears Holdings' Chief Financial Officer, said, "During the first half, we generated approximately $665 million in additional liquidity, including the $500 million dividend received from the separation of Lands' End. BofA Merrill Lynch continues to assist us in exploring strategic alternatives for our 51% interest in Sears Canada, including a potential sale of our interest or Sears Canada as a whole. Our interest in Sears Canada has a current market value of approximately $765 million as of August 19, 2014. We also continue to reduce unprofitable stores as leases expire and in some cases will accelerate closings when it is economically prudent. We have already announced the closure of approximately 130 underperforming stores in fiscal 2014 and may close additional stores during the remainder of the year. As previously indicated, when including the $500 million received in connection with the Lands' End spin-off, we expect to raise in excess of $1.0 billion in proceeds to Sears Holdings in fiscal 2014, creating value and helping to fund our transformation."

Mr. Schriesheim added, "As we have previously disclosed, we are continuing to evaluate strategic alternatives for our Sears Auto Center business. We have had discussions with third parties regarding a variety of opportunities, including partnerships. In addition, over the next six to 12 months, we intend to work with our lenders and others to evaluate our capital structure with a goal of achieving more long-term flexibility, and may take other actions as appropriate."

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Sears Holding Corp. (SHLD) click here.



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