Hibbett reports strong Q1, raises outlook

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. Hibbett Sports reported that net sales for the first quarter ended May 1 increased 17% to $184.5 million compared with $157.7 million for the first quarter ended May 2, 2009. Comparable-store sales increased 14.5%.

Net income for the first quarter of Fiscal 2011 increased 58.9% to $17.3 million compared with $10.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010. Earnings per diluted share increased 56.8% to 59 cents compared with 38 cents for the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

Jeff Rosenthal, president and CEO, stated, “The strong sales trend we experienced in the fourth quarter of last year continued throughout the first quarter of this year and into the second quarter. Our overall positive sales performance was driven by double-digit increases in footwear and apparel. The broad-based improvement and exceptional operating margin give us confidence in our optimistic outlook for the remainder of the year.”

The company increased its earnings guidance for fiscal 2011 to a range of $1.35 to $1.50 per diluted share based on mid- to high-single-digit increases in comparable-store sales for the full year.