LL Flooring Reports Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Lumber Liquidators (“LL Flooring” or “Company”), a leading specialty retailer of hard-surface flooring in North America, announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021.

“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our associates, we delivered strong second quarter financial results as measured on both a one- and two-year basis,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Charles Tyson. “We delivered comparable sales growth of 31.3% and operating margin expansion of 290 basis points versus the second quarter of 2020. We also delivered comparable sales growth of 10.0% on a two-year stack basis and grew our operating margin by 600 basis points versus the second quarter of 2019. Our strong sales and profitability results were driven by increasing traction on our transformation initiatives as well as continued strong demand for home improvement projects and consumers’ growing comfort allowing contractors into their homes as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“As we look ahead, we are encouraged by the increasing traction we are gaining on our transformation that will position us well for sustainable long-term growth,” Tyson continued. “In the near term, we are cautious about the potential impact of continued supply chain disruptions as well as related higher transportation and materials costs. To minimize the impact of these headwinds, we are keenly focused on rebuilding inventory to drive sales, executing our pricing and promotion strategies to optimize gross margin, and maintaining disciplined expense management as we continue to invest in our growth strategies.”

Second Quarter Financial Highlights

Net sales of $301.4 million increased 30.9% compared to the same period last year and 4.4% compared to the second quarter of 2019, driven primarily by strong pro customer and services sales.

Total comparable store sales increased 31.3% versus the same period last year, and increased 10.0% on a two-year stack basis (which does not reflect the impact of store closures and openings between periods).

Gross margin of 37.4% decreased 90 basis points as a percent of sales compared to the same period last year and increased 190 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2019; Adjusted gross margin1 of 37.4% decreased 90 basis points as a percent of sales compared to the same period last year, primarily reflecting higher tariffs, materials and inbound transportation costs that were partially offset by pricing, promotion and sourcing strategies; and increased 220 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2019, primarily reflecting the Company’s pricing, promotion and sourcing strategies that more than mitigated higher tariffs.

SG&A as a percent of sales of 31.9% leveraged 380 basis points compared to the second quarter of last year and 410 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2019; Adjusted SG&A1 as a percent of sales of 31.8% leveraged 370 basis points compared to the second quarter of last year on higher net sales, and leveraged 220 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2019 on more efficient marketing spend and disciplined expense management.

Operating margin of 5.5% increased 290 basis points compared to the second quarter of last year and 600 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2019; Adjusted operating margin1 of5.6% increased 280 basis points compared to the second quarter of last year, and 440 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2019.

Diluted EPS of $0.41 increased $0.32 compared to the second quarter of last year and increased $0.51 compared to the second quarter of 2019; Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share1 of $0.41 increased $0.31 compared to the second quarter of last year and increased $0.38 compared to the second quarter of 2019.

During the second quarter, the Company repaid all $101.0 million of outstanding debt.

During the second quarter, the Company opened four new stores, bringing total stores to 416 as of June 30, 2021.

Cash Flow & Liquidity

As of June 30, 2021, the Company had liquidity of $241.0 million, consisting of excess availability under its Credit Agreement of $128.6 million, and cash and cash equivalents of $112.4 million. This represents an increase in liquidity of $55.0 million from June 30, 2020.

During the first six months of 2021, the Company generated $53.3 million of cash flows from operating activities, primarily due to positive changes in working capital, reflecting continued inventory supply constraints, as well as $22.6 million of net income.

2021 Outlook

For the foreseeable future, there remains uncertainty in the macro environment related to consumer spending as well as global supply chain disruptions, and the potential impact of the COVID-19 Delta variant. As a result, while we are pleased with the traction we are gaining on our transformation initiatives, we are not providing financial guidance at this time. However, we believe it is prudent to plan for slowing comparable sales on a two-year stack basis for the second half of 2021 compared to the 10% two-year stack comparable sales we delivered in the second quarter.

For the complete press release, click here.

 

About Lumber Liquidators

LL Flooring is one of North America’s leading specialty retailers of hard-surface flooring with 416 stores as of June 30, 2021. The Company seeks to offer the best customer experience online and in stores, with more than 500 varieties of hard-surface floors featuring a range of quality styles and on-trend designs. LL Flooring’s online tools also help empower customers to find the right solution for the space they’ve envisioned. LL Flooring’s extensive selection includes vinyl plank, solid and engineered hardwood, laminate, bamboo, porcelain tile, and cork, with a wide range of flooring enhancements and accessories to complement. Our stores are staffed with flooring experts who provide advice, pro partnership services and installation options for all of LL Flooring’s products, the majority of which is in stock and ready for delivery.

Contact:

Julie MacMedan – Head of Investor Relations – ir@lumberliquidators.com – (804) 420-9801

Source: Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.