ATLANTA, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HAVERTYS (NYSE:  HVT and HVT.A) reports earnings per share of $0.39 for the third quarter of 2018, compared to $0.28 for the third quarter in 2017.  The earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is $0.98, compared to $0.84 for the same period of 2017.

Clarence H. Smith, chairman, president and chief executive officer, said, “We had a solid third quarter and made strides in key operational areas of distribution and store count right-sizing. Our sales for the period were good and we had improved gross margins for the quarter. The performance of several of our new product lines is very encouraging as we enter the fourth quarter. 

“The 10% tariff on furniture, accessories, and related components imported into the U.S. from China went into effect for goods received at U.S. ports on September 25, 2018. This new tariff is scheduled to increase to 25% on January 1, 2019. We have been working closely with our vendor partners to find workable solutions related to this new cost. We do not believe that the tariffs will have a significant impact on our results from operations for the fourth quarter of 2018. The result of an increase to 25% is less clear and more pessimistic for the start of next year. We are currently talking with our suppliers on 2019 pricing and possible options for movement of production to other countries and we are evaluating retail price increases and merchandise selection. We anticipate having better visibility on resolution on many of these variables by the end of the year.”

Financial Highlights

Third Quarter 2018 Compared to Third Quarter 2017

• As previously announced, net sales increased 1.4% to $210.5 million.  Comparable store sales increased 2.6%.
• Total written sales were up 1.8% and written comparable store sales rose 2.6%.
• Average written ticket increased 5.9% and custom upholstery written business grew 10.6%.
• Gross profit margins increased 90 basis points to 54.8%. Merchandise pricing and product mix and reduced product markdowns contributed to the improvement with a smaller negative LIFO impact.
  
• SG&A costs as a percent of sales were 49.0% in 2018 and 49.2% in 2017. Total SG&A dollars were up $1.1 million as higher labor and fuel costs drove increases in warehouse and delivery expenses and administrative costs rose due to increased compensation expense. These increases were partly offset by decreased occupancy expense.
• Other expense (income), net is composed primarily of a $0.8 million loss on disposal of property used as a delivery truck drop-site.

Nine Months ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Same Period of 2017

• Net sales increased 0.6% to $608.8 million.  Comparable store sales increased 0.9%.
• Average written ticket rose 3.7% and custom upholstery sales increased 9.6%.
• Gross profit margins were 54.6% versus 54.3% as a percent of sales.
• SG&A costs as a percent of sales were 49.8% for 2018 versus 49.5% for 2017. Total SG&A dollars rose $3.6 million due to increased warehouse and delivery costs, administrative expenses, and selling costs.
• Other expense (income), net is primarily from the disposal of assets.

Expectations and Other

• Total delivered sales for the fourth quarter to date of 2018 are up approximately 0.2% and comparable store sales are up 0.6% over the same period last year.  Total written sales for the fourth quarter to date of 2018 are approximately 2.3% below the same period last year and written comparable store sales are down 1.8%.
• We expect that gross profit margins for the full year 2018 will be approximately 54.5%.
• Our estimate for fixed and discretionary type SG&A expenses for 2018 is $257.0 to $259.0 million compared to $257.0 million for these same costs in 2017. The variable type costs within SG&A for the full year of 2018 are expected to be 18.5% percent of sales compared to 18.2% in 2017.
• We plan to enter the Chattanooga, TN market with a store at the end of 2018 and are closing stores in Raleigh, NC and Monroe, LA during the fourth quarter.
• Our standard selling square footage should decrease approximately 2.2% in 2018 and the expansion of the western distribution center increased warehouse square footage by 156,000. Total capital expenditures are estimated to be approximately $20.0 million in 2018.
  
  

SG&A Expense Classification

We classify our SG&A expenses as either variable or fixed and discretionary.  Our variable expenses are comprised of selling and delivery costs.  Selling expenses are primarily compensation and related benefits for our commission-based sales associates, the discount we pay for third party financing of customer sales and transaction fees for credit card usage.  We do not outsource delivery so these costs include personnel, fuel, and other expenses related to this function.  Fixed and discretionary expenses are comprised of rent, depreciation and amortization and other occupancy costs for stores, warehouses and offices, and all advertising and administrative costs.

Conference Call Information

The company invites interested parties to listen to the live audiocast of the conference call on Wednesday, October 31 at its website, havertys.com under the investor relations section.  If you cannot listen live, a replay will be available on the day of the conference call at the website or via telephone at approximately 1:00 p.m. ET through Wednesday, November 7.  The number to access the telephone playback is 1‑888-203-1112 (access code:  8583097).

About Havertys

Havertys (NYSE:  HVT and HVT.A), established in 1885, is a full-service home furnishing retailer with 120 showrooms in 16 states in the Southern and Midwestern regions providing its customers with a wide selection of quality merchandise in middle to upper middle price ranges.  Additional information is available on the company’s website, havertys.com.

Safe Harbor

This press release includes statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws.  Generally, the words "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "will" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which are not historical in nature. We intend for all forward-looking statements contained herein or on our website, and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf, to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (which Sections were adopted as part of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Forward-looking statements may relate to, for example, future operations, financial condition, economic performance (including gross profit margins and expenses), capital expenditures, and demand for our products.  The Company cautions that its forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and while we believe that our expectations for the future are reasonable in view of currently available information, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements.  Actual results or events may differ materially from those indicated as a result of various important factors.  Such factors may include, among other things, the state of the economy; state of the residential construction and housing markets; the consumer spending environment for big ticket items; effects of competition; management of relationships with our suppliers and vendors and disruptions in their operations; the imposition of tariffs and other trade barriers and the effect of retaliatory trade measures; new regulations or taxation plans, as well as other risks and uncertainties discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and from time to time in the Company's filings with the SEC.

Contact:
Havertys (404) 443-2900
Richard B. Hare
  EVP & CFO
Jenny Hill Parker
  SVP, Finance, Secretary and Treasurer

SOURCE:  Havertys