Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M) today reported first quarter 2018 earnings per diluted share of $0.45, or $0.48 excluding impairment and other costs. This compares to $0.26 per share in the first quarter of 2017 for both reported and adjusted diluted earnings per share. Also excluding asset sale gains, earnings per diluted share attributable to Macy’s, Inc. were $0.42 in the first quarter of 2018. This compares to $0.12 per share in the first quarter of 2017.
The company also reported comparable sales on an owned basis that were up 3.9 percent in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017. On an owned plus licensed basis, comparable sales were up 4.2 percent for the first quarter of 2018.
“Macy’s, Inc.’s results for the first quarter of 2018 reflect continuing momentum in the business. We exceeded our expectations and saw strong performance across all three brands–Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Bluemercury–as well as across all geographic regions and families of business. We are maintaining a healthy inventory position, which helped us deliver improved gross margin,” said Jeff Gennette, Macy’s, Inc. chairman and chief executive officer. “The winning formula for Macy’s, Inc. is a healthy brick & mortar business, robust e-commerce and a great mobile experience. While we have more work to do, the continuing improvement in our stores is encouraging and we once again achieved double-digit growth in the digital business. Our best customer is responding well to the improvements we’ve made to her experience in our stores, on .com and through the Macy’s app.”
“Our first quarter performance reflects solid execution of our North Star Strategy, including merchandising and marketing activities. We also saw continued healthy consumer spending and significant improvements in international tourism. Taken together, these positive factors give us confidence to raise both our sales and earnings guidance for the fiscal year,” continued Gennette. “Heading into the second quarter, we are intensely focused on laying the foundation for our 2018 strategic initiatives to support improved performance in the back half of the year.”
Sales
Net sales in the first quarter of 2018 totaled $5.541 billion, an increase of 3.6 percent, compared with sales of $5.350 billion in the first quarter of 2017. Comparable sales on an owned basis were up 3.9 percent in the first quarter and up 4.2 percent on an owned plus licensed basis.
The company estimates that comparable sales in the first quarter of 2018 benefited approximately 250 basis points from the shift of Friends and Family from the second quarter to the first. Excluding this, the company estimates that comparable sales were up 1.7 percent on an owned plus licensed basis.
Operating Income and Net Income
Macy’s, Inc.’s operating income for the first quarter of 2018 totaled $238 million, or 4.3 percent of sales, compared to $219 million, or 4.1 percent of sales, for the first quarter of 2017. Operating income for the first quarter of 2018 totaled $257 million, or 4.6 percent of sales, excluding impairment and other costs of $19 million, which primarily relate to the wind-down of Macy’s China Limited as discussed below. The company anticipates recognizing additional charges of approximately $10 million related to the wind-down over the course of fiscal 2018. There were no impairment and other costs in the first quarter of 2017.
Net income attributable to Macy’s, Inc. shareholders for the first quarter of 2018 totaled $139 million, or 2.5 percent of sales, compared to $78 million, or 1.5 percent of sales, for the first quarter of 2017. Net income for the first quarter of 2018 totaled $149 million, or 2.7 percent of sales, excluding impairment and other costs. This compares to $80 million, or 1.5 percent of sales, in the first quarter of 2017, excluding premiums on the early retirement of debt. Also excluding asset sale gains, net income for the first quarter of 2018 totaled $131 million, or 2.4 percent of sales, compared to $38 million, or 0.7 percent of sales, in the first quarter of 2017.
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