Vince.(US:VNCE)2020-12-22 01:25Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company net sales for Q3 2020 decreased 34% to $69 million compared to $104.5 million in Q3 2019, showing significant improvement from a 59.9% decline in Q2 2020 [28] - Gross profit for Q3 was $31.7 million or 45.9% of net sales, down from $51 million or 48.8% in the same period last year, primarily due to increased promotional activity [31] - Net income for Q3 was $5 million or $0.42 per diluted share, compared to $6 million or $0.50 per diluted share in Q3 2019 [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Vince brand's consolidated net sales decreased 28.7% to $61.6 million compared to $86.4 million in the same prior year period [28] - Direct-to-consumer segment sales for Vince decreased 35.4% to $22.8 million in Q3 [28] - Rebecca Taylor and Parker combined net sales decreased 58.9% to $7.5 million compared to the same period last year [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International sales in Q3 were considerably less negative than in the U.S., indicating a stronger recovery in international markets [17] - The online business at wholesale partners remained strong, although in-store traffic continued to be challenged [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing liquidity to support brand strategies, resulting in $42.3 million in excess availability under the revolving credit facility [8][37] - The strategy includes expanding the Vince brand's size offerings and enhancing the Rebecca Taylor brand through a cohesive collection and digital marketing efforts [11][22] - The company is strategically evaluating attractive real estate opportunities for new store openings, including short-term leases [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate challenges posed by COVID-19 and emphasized the importance of health and safety for customers and team members [9] - The company believes it is well-positioned to advance growth strategies as it emerges from the crisis in the latter half of 2021 [9][42] - Management noted that the brand remains a top performer in the contemporary luxury segment and is gaining market share [6][42] Other Important Information - The company took proactive steps to enhance liquidity, including entering into a $20 million Third Lien Credit Facility [37] - Net inventory at the end of Q3 was $88.6 million, up from $71.6 million at the end of Q3 2019, with a focus on working through seasonal inventory [40][41] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the performance of specific categories in DTC and wholesale? - Management noted strong performance in sweaters and tops, with consumer response to promotions and new products being positive [46][47] Question: What is the breakdown of expense reductions? - The largest reduction came from payroll, with furloughs and a reduction in force contributing to the decrease [48][49] Question: How does the new credit facility affect interest expenses? - The new facility will increase interest expenses but will be paid in kind, allowing for a decline in cash interest costs [52] Question: What is the expected future split between DTC and wholesale? - Management did not provide a specific percentage but indicated strong performance in wholesale and ongoing investments in e-commerce [53][54]