Dick's Sporting Goods Beats EPS And Revenue Estimates; Guides Higher (DKS)

Dick's Sporting Goods DKS beat EPS estimates of $0.72, coming in at $0.76. DKS also beat revenue consensus of $1.45B, coming in at $1.52B. The company also guided near the high end of Q1 EPS and revenue estimates. At last check, the shares of DKS were trading higher by 0.8% from yesterday's close.

Dick's Sporting Goods DKS today reported sales and earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ended January 29, 2011.

Fourth Quarter Results

The Company reported consolidated non-GAAP net income for the fourth quarter ended January 29, 2011 of $94.0 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, excluding an after-tax charge of $6.5 million, or $0.05 per diluted share from litigation settlement costs. These costs are from the previously disclosed fourth quarter settlement of wage and hour class action lawsuits and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. The fourth quarter consolidated non-GAAP earnings per diluted share exceeded estimated earnings expectations provided on November 16, 2010 of $0.69 - 0.71 per diluted share.

On a GAAP basis, the Company reported consolidated net income for the fourth quarter ended January 29, 2011 of $87.5 million, or $0.71 per diluted share. The GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations are included in a table later in the release under the heading "Non-GAAP Net Income and Earnings Per Share Reconciliation." For the fourth quarter ended January 30, 2010, the Company reported consolidated net income of $67.4 million, or $0.56 per diluted share (GAAP and non-GAAP).

Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2010 increased by 13.6% from the fourth quarter of 2009 to $1,518.9 million due primarily to a 9.4% increase in consolidated same store sales and the opening of new stores. The 9.4% consolidated same store sales increase consisted of an 8.6% increase at Dick's Sporting Goods stores, a 2.2% increase at Golf Galaxy and a 36.3% increase in our e-commerce business.

"In 2010, we generated significant earnings growth while maintaining our focus on strengthening our balance sheet," said Edward W. Stack, Chairman and CEO. "We have successfully navigated the storms of the recession and have executed our business plan by posting six consecutive quarters of same store sales gains, opening 26 new stores in 2010, expanding our margin rates and reducing inventory per square foot. As a result, we are solidly positioned to generate further growth and increased operating margins in the coming years."

Stores

In the fourth quarter, the Company opened eight new Dick's Sporting Goods stores, remodeled one Dick's Sporting Goods store, relocated one Dick's Sporting Goods store, closed one Dick's Sporting Goods Store and opened two new Golf Galaxy stores. The new stores are listed in a table later in the release under the heading "Store Count and Square Footage."

As of January 29, 2011, the Company operated 444 Dick's Sporting Goods stores in 42 states, with approximately 24.6 million square feet and 81 Golf Galaxy stores in 30 states, with approximately 1.3 million square feet.