Comparable store sales for the first quarter increased 2.7 per cent, as compared to the same period last year, driven by increases in both brick-and-mortar store sales and sales from the company’s e-commerce business. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 32.0 per cent versus the fiscal year 2017 first quarter gross profit percentage of 30.7 per cent, reflecting the highest gross margin rate achieved in the first quarter since 2005.

First quarter GAAP operating income improved significantly to income of $3.5 million, which included non-operating charges of $0.8 million. Excluding the $0.8 million of non-operating charges, adjusted non-GAAP operating income was well above the company’s prior guidance at $4.3 million, and the prior year’s GAAP operating loss of $3.9 million and the non-GAAP operating loss of $2.3 million, which excluded $1.6 million of non-operating charges.

"We were pleased to have a strong start to the year reporting first quarter operating income that significantly exceeded guidance driven by strength across all key financial metrics, including positive comparable store sales in both our store and e-commerce channels, expansion in gross margin and disciplined expense management. GAAP operating income rose $7.3 million from the first quarter last year, continuing the favorable momentum we have seen in our business for the past 5 quarters," Gregory Scott, New York & Company’s CEO, said.

GAAP net income for the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 improved by $7.3 million to $3.1 million, or earnings of $0.05 per diluted share, as compared to the prior year’s GAAP net loss of $4.2 million, or a loss of $0.07 per diluted share. On a non-GAAP basis, the company’s first quarter 2018 adjusted net income was $3.9 million, or earnings of $0.06 per diluted share. This compares to prior year’s first quarter, non-GAAP adjusted net loss of $2.7 million, or a loss of $0.04 per diluted share.

"As we look ahead, we remain excited about our business prospects. Our strong balance sheet and positive cash flow positions us well to continue to execute our strategy and invest in growth initiatives. We expect to add a third celebrity brand this year to support our Soho jeans sub-brand and also to continue to integrate and expand our recently acquired brand, Fashion to Figure. We reintroduced Fashion to Figure in February, opening 8 locations and launching the brand on our e-commerce platform. We continue to look forward to the success of these initiatives and we are optimistic that they will lead to sustainable growth in sales and profits while also increasing long-term value for our shareholders," said Scott.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India