Dec 28, 2019

SpartanNash Q4 2019 Earnings Report

SpartanNash grew net sales and reported positive retail comparable store sales, generating profitability in line with guidance.

Key Takeaways

SpartanNash reported a 5.3% increase in net sales to $2.0 billion for the fourth quarter of 2019, driven by the acquisition of Martin's and higher sales in the Food Distribution segment. Retail comparable store sales were positive for the second consecutive quarter at 0.5%. The company's EPS was $0.15 per share, with an adjusted EPS of $0.23.

Net sales increased by 5.3% to $2.00 billion, marking the fifteenth consecutive quarter of growth.

Retail comparable store sales were positive for the second consecutive quarter, with a growth of 0.5%.

EPS was reported at $0.15 per share, with an adjusted EPS of $0.23, including $0.11 in CEO transition and supplemental incentive program costs.

Significant improvements in working capital were achieved, including over $45 million in inventory reductions, excluding the impact of the Martin’s acquisition.

Total Revenue
$2B
Previous year: $1.9B
+5.3%
EPS
$0.23
Previous year: $0.32
-28.1%
Retail Comp Sales
0.5%
Gross Profit
$287M
Previous year: $245M
+16.8%
Cash and Equivalents
$24.2M
Previous year: $18.6M
+30.1%
Free Cash Flow
$105M
Previous year: $153M
-31.0%
Total Assets
$2.28B
Previous year: $1.97B
+15.4%

SpartanNash

SpartanNash

SpartanNash Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

For the 53-week fiscal year ending January 2, 2021, the Company anticipates low-single digit percentage sales growth and adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations of approximately $1.12 to $1.20.

Positive Outlook

  • Company anticipates low-single digit percentage sales growth.
  • Food Distribution segment will continue to achieve mid-single digit sales growth driven by existing customers and new business.
  • Company expects positive Retail segment comparable sales for fiscal 2020 to range from 0.1% to 0.7%.
  • Company will also benefit from an additional week of sales compared to the 52-week year ended December 28, 2019, which will be reflected in the Company’s fourth quarter fiscal 2020 results.
  • Company is also initiating fiscal 2020 adjusted EBITDA guidance of $180 million to $190 million, consistent with the Company’s projected increases in operating earnings.

Challenges Ahead

  • On a 52-week basis, the Company expects the Food Distribution segment will be partially offset by attrition in the independent retail base and the closure of the Fresh Kitchen operations.
  • In the Military Distribution segment, the Company expects a continued decline in the DeCA comparable sales trend.
  • The favorable contributions from initiatives associated with Project One Team are expected to be partially offset by the increase in costs to achieve normalized incentive compensation levels.
  • With the low volume post-Easter week moving into fiscal 2020’s first quarter, the Company expects Retail comparable sales to be approximately flat.
  • Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 are expected to be slightly above the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income