Barnes & Noble 1Q better than expected

NEW YORK Barnes & Noble reported that total sales for the first quarter were $1.1 billion, a 4% decrease compared to the prior year. Barnes & Noble store sales decreased 3.5% to $989 million, with comparable-store sales decreasing 5.7% for the quarter, slightly better than guidance for a decrease of 6% to 9%. Barnes & Noble.com sales were $93 million for the quarter, a 7% decrease compared to the prior year.

The first quarter net loss from continuing operations was $2.1 million or 4 cents per share, compared to guidance of a loss per share of 10 cents to 20 cents.

For the second quarter, the company expects comparable-store sales at Barnes & Noble stores to decline 5% to 7%. Second quarter earnings per share is expected to be in a range of 5 cents to 15 cents, compared to 18 cents from continuing operations a year ago (excluding a physical inventory benefit).

Based on the company’s better than expected performance during the first quarter, the company is raising its full-year earnings per share guidance range to $1.10 to $1.40, from $0.95 to $1.25. For the full year, the company now expects comparable-store sales at Barnes & Noble stores to decline 3% to 5%, better than previous guidance for a comparable store sales decline of 4% to 6%.