Talbots EPS up 9%, sales climbs 8% to $446.5mn for 13-week period ended April'05
19 May '05
4 min read
Leading national specialty women's, children's & men's apparel & shoe catalog retailer and The Talbots Inc announced results for the thirteen-week period ended April 30, 2005 compared to the thirteen-week period ended May 1, 2004.
Net sales for the quarter increased 8% to $446.5 million from $412.2 million reported for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2004. Retail store sales increased 8% to $378.1 million this year compared to $348.6 million last year. Included in retail store sales was an increase in comparable store sales of 4.3% for the thirteen-week period. Direct marketing sales, which include catalog and Internet, increased 8% to $68.4 million, compared to $63.6 million in the prior year period.
Net income in the first quarter was $34.5 million compared to $33.5 million in the first quarter last year. Earnings per diluted share were $0.63, a 9% increase from last year's first quarter earnings per diluted share of $0.58.
Arnold B. Zetcher, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are delighted to have achieved record first quarter earnings per diluted share of $0.63, in line with our recently updated outlook and the current First Call consensus estimate. This performance represents a 9% increase in earnings per diluted share over last year's reported $0.58 and a very healthy level of profitability, with net income at 7.7% of sales."
"We ended the first quarter having delivered our fifth consecutive month of positive comps. During the period, we experienced strength in our core women's businesses across all regions and channels, resulting in comparable store sales growth of 4.3%, and an 8% increase in our direct marketing business," Mr. Zetcher continued.
News 
marketing@alchempro.com
