Stage Stores Inc. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the first quarter ended March 4, 2013. For the quarter, the company reported net sales of $378,637,000 compared to $365,694,000 a year ago. Loss before income tax was $10,946,000 compared to $677,000 a year ago. Net loss was $6,856,000 or $0.21 per basic and diluted share compared to $418,000 or $0.01 per basic and diluted share a year ago. Net cash used in operating activities was $34,779,000 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $13,066,000 a year ago. Additions to property, equipment and leasehold improvements were $16,809,000 compared to $9,780,000 a year ago. Comparable store sales for the quarter increased 0.7%. The company reported an adjusted loss for the quarter, excluding one-time items, of $0.8 million, or $0.02 per share. This compares to adjusted earnings, excluding one-time items, of $1.4 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, for the prior year first quarter. The company provided earnings guidance for the fiscal year 2013. The company is maintaining its comparable store sales guidance for the year of an increase of 2% to 4%. The company is also maintaining its adjusted EPS guidance, excluding one-time items, of $1.45 to $1.55. The one-time items are associated with the consolidation of the company's South Hill operations into its Houston headquarters and are estimated to be approximately $16 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, for the year. The company expects sales to be in the range of $1,698 million to $1,730 million. The company continues to anticipate net capital expenditures of $57 million for the year to cover the major initiatives.

Stage Stores Inc. announced that they will report Q1, 2013 results at 6:00 AM, US Eastern Standard Time on May 17, 2013

Stage Stores Inc., Q1 2013 Earnings Call, May 17, 2013