Stage Stores Inc. (SSI) reported a first-quarter net loss of $6.9 million or $0.21 per share, compared to a loss of $0.4 million or $0.01 per share, last year. The net loss includes one-time items, which total approximately $9.7 million, or $0.19 per share, associated with the consolidation of the company's South Hill, Virginia operations into its Houston headquarters.
Adjusted loss for the quarter was $0.8 million, or $0.02 per share, compared to adjusted profit of $1.4 million, or $0.05 per share, last year.
Total sales increased 3.5% to $379 million from $366 million last year. Comparable store sales for the quarter increased 0.7%. The company noted that its best performing categories were accessories and home & gifts.
On average, eight analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report profit per share of $0.09 for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude speical items. Analysts expected revenue of $388.43 million for the quarter.
Michael Glazer, President and CEO, said, "The unseasonably cool weather in March and April, particularly when compared to last year's warm spring, strongly impacted our sales performance. We managed our inventory aggressively and ended the quarter in a clean inventory position. We feel good about our merchandise assortments going into the second quarter."
The company maintained its comparable store sales guidance for the year of an increase of 2% to 4%. The company also maintained its adjusted profit per share guidance, excluding one-time items, of $1.45 to $1.55. Sales are expected to be in the range of $1.70 billion- $1.73 billion. Analysts expect the company to report fiscal 2013 profit per share of $1.55 on revenue of $1.72 billion.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com