Kirkland's Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2013 Results

Kirkland's, Inc. (NASDAQ: KIRK) today reported financial results for the 13-week and 52-week periods ended February 1, 2014.

Net sales for the 13 weeks ended February 1, 2014, decreased 4.2% to $156.1 million compared with $162.9 million for the 14 weeks ended February 2, 2013. On a 13-week basis, comparable store sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, including e-commerce sales, were flat compared with a decrease of 2.6% in the prior-year quarter. Kirkland’s opened 8 stores and closed 7 during the fourth quarter, bringing the total number of stores to 324 at quarter end.

Net sales for the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2014, increased 2.7% to $460.6 million compared with $448.4 million for the 53 weeks ended February 2, 2013. On a 52-week basis, comparable store sales for fiscal 2013, including e-commerce sales, increased 0.5% compared with a 3.0% decrease in fiscal 2012. The Company opened 24 stores and closed 23 during fiscal 2013.

The Company reported net income of $12.3 million, or $0.69 per diluted share, for the 13 weeks ended February 1, 2014, compared with net income of $14.3 million, or $0.82 per diluted share, for the 14 weeks ended February 2, 2013.

For the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2014, the Company reported net income of $14.5 million, or $0.82 per diluted share, compared with net income of $13.8 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, for the 53 weeks ended February 2, 2013.

Robert Alderson, Kirkland's President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Our results for the fourth quarter were slightly better than our adjusted guidance, and we finished fiscal 2013 in a solid position with over $89 million in cash. Despite continued adverse weather events throughout February and into March, the early first quarter sales and margin trends have been positive and encouraging. As we look to fiscal 2014, we remain excited about the investments in store growth, merchandise systems and process improvement, greater e-commerce capabilities and focused branding initiatives that we expect to drive improved traffic, sales and earnings results.”

Fiscal 2014 Outlook

Store Growth:

For the 52-week period ending January 31, 2015 (“fiscal 2014”), the Company expects to achieve approximately 10% square footage growth with 35 to 40 new store openings and 10 to 15 store closings. New store openings will be weighted more toward the second half of the year, and store closings will be weighted more toward the first half of the year.

Sales:

Total sales for fiscal 2014 are expected to increase approximately 8% to 10% compared with fiscal 2013. This level of sales performance would imply a comparable store sales increase of approximately 3% to 4% for fiscal 2014.

Margin & Expenses:

The Company expects year-over-year improvement in merchandise and gross profit margins that is expected to result from a lower markdown rate, lower inbound freight costs, and sales leverage. Operating expenses are expected to increase on a dollar basis due to the growth in stores and incremental investments in corporate headcount. The Company is also anticipating approximately $0.03 to $0.04 per diluted share in additional costs associated with its second half lease expiration and transition to replacement corporate headquarters space.

Earnings:

Based on the above assumptions, the Company expects fiscal 2014 earnings per share to be in the range of $0.90 to $1.00. The Company expects its full year tax rate to be approximately 39%.

Cash Flow:

Capital expenditures in fiscal 2014 are estimated to range between $33 million and $36 million. Based on the above assumptions, the Company expects to generate positive cash flow in fiscal 2014.

First Quarter Fiscal 2014 Outlook

The Company issued guidance for the first quarter ending May 3, 2014, of net income of $0.09 to $0.12 per diluted share. Net sales are expected to be in the range of $105 million to $106 million with a comparable store sales increase in the range of 2% to 3%. The Company expects to open approximately 6 stores and close approximately 7 stores during the quarter.

Investor Conference Call and Web Simulcast

Kirkland’s will issue its earnings release for the fourth quarter before the market opens on Thursday, March 13, 2014, and will host a conference call on the same day at 11:00 a.m. ET. The number to call for the interactive teleconference is (212) 231-2918. A replay of the conference call will be available through Thursday, March 20, 2014, by dialing (402) 977-9140 and entering the confirmation number, 21706372.

A live broadcast of Kirkland's quarterly conference call will be available online at the Company's website www.kirklands.com under Investor Relations or http://www.videonewswire.com/event.asp?id=97960 on March 13, 2014, beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. The online replay will follow shortly after the call and continue for one year.

About Kirkland’s, Inc.

Kirkland's, Inc. was founded in 1966 and is a specialty retailer of home décor in the United States. Although originally focused in the Southeast, the Company has grown beyond that region and currently operates 321 stores in 35 states. The Company's stores present a broad selection of distinctive merchandise, including framed art, mirrors, candles, lamps, picture frames, accent rugs, garden accessories and artificial floral products. The Company's stores also offer an extensive assortment of gifts, as well as seasonal merchandise. More information can be found at www.kirklands.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this release are forward-looking and made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause Kirkland's actual results to differ materially from forecasted results. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the competitive environment in the home décor industry in general and in Kirkland's specific market areas, inflation, product availability and growth opportunities, seasonal fluctuations, and economic conditions in general. Those and other risks are more fully described in Kirkland's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 18, 2013. Kirkland's disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

KIRKLAND'S, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)

13-Week

Period Ended

14-Week

Period Ended

February 1,February 2,
20142013
Net sales $ 156,073 $ 162,885
Cost of sales 91,441 96,751
Gross profit 64,632 66,134
Operating expenses:
Operating expenses 39,939 39,245
Depreciation 4,157 3,833
Operating income 20,536 23,056
Other income, net 4 4
Income before income taxes 20,540 23,060
Income tax expense 8,214 8,807
Net income $ 12,326 $ 14,253
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 0.71 $ 0.83
Diluted $ 0.69 $ 0.82
Shares used to calculate earnings per share:
Basic 17,297 17,076
Diluted 17,903 17,440
KIRKLAND'S, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)

52-Week

Period Ended

53-Week

Period Ended

February 1,February 2,
20142013
Net sales $ 460,563 $ 448,365
Cost of sales 279,747 279,749
Gross profit 180,816 168,616
Operating expenses:
Operating expenses 140,877 133,913
Depreciation 15,947 13,175
Operating income 23,992 21,528
Other expense, net (33 ) (34 )
Income before income taxes 23,959 21,494
Income tax expense 9,429 7,699
Net income $ 14,530 $ 13,795
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 0.84 $ 0.79
Diluted $ 0.82 $ 0.77
Shares used to calculate earnings per share:
Basic 17,207 17,463
Diluted 17,685 17,856
KIRKLAND'S, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
February 1,February 2,
20142013
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 89,050 $ 67,797
Inventories, net 52,637 49,577
Income taxes receivable 446 832
Deferred income taxes 2,777 1,602
Other current assets 8,371 9,370
Total current assets 153,281 129,178
Property and equipment, net 80,329 78,499
Other assets 1,838 1,559
Total assets $ 235,448 $ 209,236
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 23,102 $ 21,642
Income taxes payable 5,875 1,352
Other current liabilities 23,670 21,009
Total current liabilities 52,647 44,003
Non-current deferred income taxes 3,337 3,128
Deferred rent and other long-term liabilities 44,235 44,230

Total liabilities

100,219 91,361
Net shareholders' equity 135,229 117,875
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 235,448 $ 209,236
KIRKLAND'S, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

52-Week

Period Ended

53-Week

Period Ended

February 1,February 2,
20142013
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities $ 39,213 $ 32,347
Investing activities (17,954 ) (31,373 )
Financing activities (6)(16,300)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Net increase (decrease) 21,253 (15,326 )
Beginning of the period 67,79783,123
End of the period $89,050$67,797

Contacts:

Kirkland's, Inc.
W. Michael Madden, 615-872-4800
Senior Vice President & CFO
or
Corporate Communications, Inc.
Tripp Sullivan, 615-324-7335

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