ALBANY, N.Y., May 16 /PRNewswire/ — Trans World Entertainment Corporation
(Nasdaq: TWMC) today announced total sales of $309 million for its first
quarter ended May 5, 2001, compared to $310 million for the same period last
year. The net loss for the quarter was $2.1 million, or $0.05 per diluted
share, compared to net income of $8.9 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, in
the comparable quarter of 2000.
As disclosed in the May 3 earnings guidance announcement, comparable store
sales in the first quarter of 2001 decreased 5%, as compared to an 8% increase
last year. Gross profit for the first quarter was 33.4% of sales, compared to
last year’s 35.7% of sales. Selling, general and administrative expenses
increased to 31.4% of sales as compared to 28.7% in the first quarter last
year.
“As reported earlier, the first quarter was challenging, up against a
strong first quarter last year. However, we anticipate stronger sales growth
beginning in June when the new releases will be stronger than last year,”
commented Robert J. Higgins, Trans World’s Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer. “The re-branding of our mall stores and our eWorks initiative are
progressing as expected and will position us well to enhance our long term
growth and profitability.”
Trans World Entertainment is a leading specialty retailer of music and
video products. The Company operates retail stores in 45 states, the District
of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and an e-commerce site,
http://www.twec.com. Mall locations include Camelot, Record Town, The Wall,
FYE, Disc Jockey and Saturday Matinee. Freestanding locations include
Coconuts Music and Movies, Strawberries Music, Spec’s and Planet Music.
Certain statements in this release set forth management’s intentions,
plans, beliefs, expectations or predictions of the future based on current
facts and analyses. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated
in such statements. Additional information on factors that may affect the
business and financial results of the Company can be found in filings of the
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
TRANS WORLD ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION Financial Results
INCOME STATEMENTS:
(in millions, except per share data)
Thirteen Weeks Ended
May 5, % to April 29, % to 2001 Sales 2000 Sales Sales $309.1 $310.1 Cost of sales 206.0 66.6% 199.3 64.3% Gross profit 103.1 33.4% 110.8 35.7% Selling, general and administrative expenses 97.1 31.4% 89.0 28.7% Depreciation and amortization 9.7 3.2% 8.7 2.8% Income (loss) from operations (3.7) -1.2% 13.1 4.2% Interest expense (income) (0.4) -0.1% (1.2) -0.4% Income (loss) before income taxes (3.3) -1.1% 14.3 4.6% Income tax expense (benefit) (1.2) -0.4% 5.4 1.7% NET INCOME (LOSS) $(2.1) -0.7% $8.9 2.9% Basic earnings (loss) per common share: Earnings (loss) per share $(0.05) $0.18 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 42.5 49.7 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share: Earnings (loss) per share $(0.05) $0.18 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding -diluted 42.5 50.7 SELECTED BALANCE SHEET CAPTIONS: (in millions, except store data) Cash and cash equivalents $45.7 $113.3 Merchandise inventory 481.6 421.6 Fixed assets (net) 148.8 137.3 Accounts payable 251.5 215.8 Long-term debt, less current portion 12.3 18.1 Shareholders' equity 437.0 463.8 Stores in operation 979 941 MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X43896623
SOURCE Trans World Entertainment Corporation
CONTACT: John Sullivan, Chief Financial Officer of Trans World
Entertainment Corporation, 518-452-1242 ext. 7400; or Michael Lendener,
Investor Relations Counsel of The MWW Group, 212-704-9727, ,