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FORM 8-K
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
JULY 8, 1998
(Date of Report, date of earliest event reported)
STAGE STORES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Commission file number 000-21011
DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction of 76-0407711
incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identifications No.)
10201 MAIN STREET, HOUSTON, TEXAS
(Address of principal executive 77025
offices) (Zip Code)
(713) 667-5601
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
NOT APPLICABLE
(Former name or address, if changed since last report)
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ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS.
A press release regarding anticipated second quarter earnings was issued
by the Company July 8, 1998 and is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(a) Financial statements of business acquired.
Not applicable.
(b) Pro forma financial information.
Not applicable.
(c) Exhibits.
99.1 Press release dated July 8, 1998 issued by the Company.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
STAGE STORES, INC.
JULY 8, 1998 /s/ JAMES A. MARCUM
(Date) James A. Marcum
Vice Chairman and
Chief Financial Officer
EXHIBIT 99.1
NEWS RELEASE
CONTACT:
Bob Aronson
Director of Investor Relations
(800) 579-2302
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STAGE STORES, INC. ANTICIPATES SECOND QUARTER EARNINGS TO BE IN THE RANGE OF
$0.27 TO $0.30 PER SHARE
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HOUSTON, TX, July 8, 1998 - In response to heightened activity in the Company's
common stock, Stage Stores, Inc. (NYSE: SGE) today announced that, based on
quarter-to-date sales results and continuing sales trends, the Company expects
to report earnings of between $0.27 - $0.30 per share for the second quarter
ending August 1, 1998, as compared to $0.25 per share for the second quarter of
last year. The current analysts'consensus earnings estimate for the second
quarter, according to First Call, is $0.32 per share. The Company's second
quarter financial results will be reported on Thursday, August 20, 1998.
Carl E. Tooker, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "The
extremely hot and dry weather that has persisted throughout most our primary
market areas for much of the second quarter has negatively impacted the customer
traffic in our stores. This has caused both comparable store sales and total
sales to be below plan for the quarter-to-date period. There are still over
three weeks remaining between now and the end of the quarter which could impact
the Company's final results. We continue to manage our inventory levels well and
are focusing on our promotional calendar in order to make those adjustments that
we think are necessary to increase customer traffic. We believe that what we are
experiencing is a temporary weather-related phenomenon and we remain positive on
our outlook for the third and fourth quarters."
The Company also announced that it will host a conference call on Thursday, July
9, 1998 at 9:00 AM (Eastern Time). All those wishing to participate should call
703-736-7235.
Stage Stores, Inc. brings nationally recognized brand name family apparel,
accessories, cosmetics and footwear for the entire family to small towns and
communities throughout the central United States. The company operated 616
stores in 25 states at the end of the first quarter, primarily under the Stage,
Bealls and Palais Royal trade names.
Any statements in this press release that may be considered forward-looking
statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in
periodic reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange
Commission that the Company urges investors to consider.
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