Shoe Carnival (NasdaqGS:SCVL) Q4 2026 Earnings call March 26, 2026 09:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsCliff Sifford - Interim President and CEOKerry Jackson - EVP and CFOConference Call ParticipantsJim Chartier - AnalystMitch Kummetz - Senior AnalystSam Poser - Equity AnalystOperatorGood morning, and welcome to Shoe Carnival's fourth quarter 2025 earnings conference call. Today's conference call is being recorded and is also being broadcast via webcast. Any reproduction or rebroadcast of any portion of this ca ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q2 net sales of $306.4 million, a decrease from $332.7 million in the prior year, reflecting a 7.9% change due to a strategic focus on higher margin business [26] - Gross profit margin reached 38.8%, representing a 270 basis point expansion compared to the previous year, driven by disciplined pricing and improved inventory availability [29][30] - Net income was $19.2 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, down from $22.6 million, or $0.82 per share in the prior year [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Shoe Station sales grew by 1.6%, with comparable store sales essentially flat, while Shoe Carnival sales declined by 10.1% due to pricing discipline amidst pressure on low-income consumers [27][28] - The children's category saw high single-digit growth in sales, while the adult athletics category grew in the low 20s, contributing to overall positive comparable sales growth [12][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing a shift in customer demographics, with a growing number of customers from households earning over $50,000, which is driving improved economics and reducing exposure to economic downturns [9][20] - The company reported that the sub-$30,000 income consumer is facing ongoing pressure, leading to a strategic shift away from this segment [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a rebanner strategy, prioritizing margin dollars over lower quality sales, and investing in inventory depth to improve availability [7][10] - By the end of fiscal 2025, the company plans to operate 145 Shoe Station stores, which will represent approximately one-third of its entire fleet, indicating a significant shift in its business model [14][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's financial position, highlighting a debt-free status and cash and securities exceeding $148 million, up over 10% year over year [20][31] - The company raised its annual EPS guidance range to reflect the Q2 profit beat and positive August comparable sales growth results [25][34] Other Important Information - The company is investing approximately $25 million in its rebanner strategy, expecting a two to three-year ROI payback [21] - Inventory levels were reported at $449 million, up 5% year over year, reflecting strategic investments to improve product availability [31][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sales performance in Q2 and unexpected changes - Management noted that opportunistic buys and additional inventory performed better than expected, contributing to higher margins [43] Question: Third quarter guidance on sales and margins - The company expects Q3 sales in the range of $290 million to $300 million, with gross margins targeted at 37% to 37.5% [46] Question: Managing Shoe Carnival as a cash generator - Management clarified that they are not chasing low-income customers with aggressive pricing, focusing instead on maintaining margin integrity [48][50] Question: Impact of rebannering on next year's earnings - Management indicated that reaching 51% of the fleet as Shoe Station will lead to sustained positive comparable sales growth [52] Question: Inventory levels and gross margin guidance - Management acknowledged having higher inventory levels but emphasized that it is strategically positioned for margin opportunities [60][64]