New York based retailer Coach Inc announced an increase of 48 percent in earnings per diluted share before option expense to $0.26 for its first fiscal quarter ended October 1, 2005, up from $0.17 per diluted share a year ago.
Net of option expense of approximately $0.02 in both periods, earnings per share rose 53 percent to $0.24 from $0.16. This substantial increase in earnings from the prior year's first quarter reflected a 30 percent gain in net sales combined with operating margin improvement.
Coach, with headquarters in New York, is a leading American marketer of fine accessories and gifts for women and men, including handbags, women's and men's small leathergoods, business cases, weekend and travel accessories, footwear, watches, outerwear, scarves, sunwear and related accessories. Coach is sold worldwide through Coach stores, select department stores and specialty stores.