Robert D. Davis
Analyst · Canaccord
Thank you, Mitch. I want to spend just a few moments updating everyone on the financial results during the quarter, and then review our updated 2013 annual guidance. And then after that, we'll open the call to questions. As outlined in the press release, our total revenues were $760.5 million during the second quarter of 2013, an increase of $10.8 million or 1.4% as compared to the second quarter of last year. Our net earnings in the quarter were $42 million, while diluted earnings per share equated to $0.76, an increase of 2.7%. These results in the quarter include about an $0.08 drag on earnings due to the continued investment and ramp-up of our international growth initiatives. Operating margins in the quarter declined 30 basis points, primarily due to the negative same-store sales results. Similarly, our second quarter EBITDA margin declined 40 basis points to 12.8%. With our current forecast for positive same-store sales in the fourth quarter in the core segment, both of these margins are expected to increase over the prior year during that quarter. We generated positive cash flow during the second quarter and year-to-date, we've generated over $115 million in operating cash flow. During the quarter, the company, reflecting continued confidence in our long-term growth prospects and strong cash flows, we continue to invest in new stores, new channels and new markets. We executed a $200 million accelerated share repurchase. We financed it through a newly issued low coupon bond and made a $12 million dividend payment. Furthermore, we'll make our 13th consecutive quarterly cash dividend payment later this week. We believe we've taken a fair and balanced approach to total shareholder return. We did in the quarter with over $78 million in cash on hand and a leverage ratio of 2.1x, which is well below the floor on our covenant requirement of 3.25x. We continue to believe our balance sheet is in extraordinary shape. And as such, we believe we remain well positioned to execute on our growth initiatives. And in terms of guidance, based on how we have performed year-to-date, both operationally and financially, while considering our outlook for the remainder of the year and taking into consideration the net impact of our accelerated share repurchase, we are increasing our annual 2013 EPS guidance. We are now expecting diluted EPS to range between $3.03 and $3.15, which includes an approximate net $0.25 drag on EPS relating to our international growth initiatives. We now expect total revenues to increase approximately 3%, with same-store sales ranging between flat and a positive 1. In terms of EBITDA and free cash flow, the company continues to believe EBITDA will approximate $400 million, with free cash flow expected to be roughly $65 million. And while we continue to invest for growth and for the long term for 2013, we expect both our consolidated operating and EBITDA margins to decline approximately 25 basis points or so. Yet in both cases, we're expecting the dollars will remain essentially flat for the prior year. Now this expected decline in those 2 margins is an improvement or less of a decline than we had forecasted previously, primarily due to improvements in gross margins in all segments and our expense management. Going back to EPS guidance for a moment. And while reviewing some of the current analysts' estimates by quarter for the remainder of the year, I want to provide some additional color on our EPS expectations for the next 2 quarters. As you know, we have adopted the practice of providing annual guidance only as opposed to quarterly guidance, in large part, due to our growth initiatives and the impact these initiatives have on our results. As an example, the significant ramp-up in location count for our RAC of business model can be somewhat unpredictable on a quarterly basis, due in part to the demand from our retail partners, but less so on an annual basis. In any event, providing only annual guidance can lead to quarterly analyst estimates that are varied from management's view, although the year may be in sync. So in an attempt to alleviate some of this, we have provided some data points on our website regarding the historical spread of our annual results of our quarter. This is meant to be a guide, not a predictor, meaning other elements come into play that can cause results to vary from the historical data points provided, such as same-store sales results, number of new stores opened by segment, average age of the store-based bus segment, et cetera. So in that vein, I want to point out that management currently expects the spread of EPS results for the third and fourth quarter to be wider than the last couple of years. A few explanations as to why include a fourth-quarter forecast of positive same-store sales in the core segment; fewer new store openings this fourth quarter, meaning less dilution; as well as the more mature store base on average in the fourth quarter from our initiatives, which means more accretion when considering how stores ramp up in our model. These are helpful parts to consider as you update your estimates for the remainder of the year. Dave Carpenter will follow up with each of you after the call to answer any questions you have regarding this topic, specifically. Now this 2013 guidance does not include the potential impact of any repurchases of our common stock that the company may make, changes to future dividends, material changes to outstanding indebtedness or the potential impact of acquisitions, dispositions or store closures that may be completed or occur after the date of this press release. With that, Shirley, would you please now open the call to questions?