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Apparel retailer J Jill releases Q4 earnings guidance

19 Jan '06

2 min read

Women's specialty apparel retailer J Jill Group Inc announced that, although it is still in the process of closing its books for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, it currently expects to report net sales of $131.0 million for the fourth quarter compared to $119.4 million for the same period last year.

Additionally, the company anticipates reporting a fourth quarter comparable store sales decrease of 3.0 percent.

The company also expects to report earnings per diluted share of $0.12 to $0.14 for the quarter versus earnings per diluted share of $0.13 a year ago.

The J Jill Group currently plans to report actual fourth quarter sales and earnings on or about March 9, 2006.

Gordon R Cooke, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Their fourth quarter results were better than anticipated.

In direct, net sales and gross margin exceeded expectations, largely driven by the strong performance of their Holiday catalogs and the resulting lower-than-anticipated inventory overstocks.

In retail, although their fourth quarter comparable store sales performance was lower than expected, better-than-anticipated full-price and off-price margins offset the weakness in the top-line and allowed us to exceed profitability expectations for the segment.

It is noteworthy that the better-than-expected fourth quarter results also include expenses totaling $0.9 million associated with the company's decision in early December to explore strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value."

The J Jill Group is a multi-channel specialty retailer of women's apparel, including accessories and footwear.

The company currently markets its products through its retail stores, catalogs and website jjill.com.

J Jill is designed to appeal to active, affluent women age 35 and older.

J Jill Group Inc

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