Sears Holdings posts 1Q loss

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. Sears Holdings reported a net loss of $56 million, or 43 cents loss per diluted share, for the first quarter ended May 3, compared with net income of $223 million, or $1.45 per diluted share, for the first quarter ended May 5, 2007.

For the quarter, Sears Domestic's comparable-store sales declined 9.8% while Kmart's comparable-store sales declined 7.1%. Total domestic comparable-store sales declined 8.6%. Sears contributed the comps decline to increased competition and weakness in the general economy and housing market, as well as the impact on its customers of the increased costs of consumer staples such as food and gas.

"Our first quarter results reflect the difficult economic environment and intense competition for consumer business. That said, since May 3, 2008, our sales declines have moderated somewhat," said Bruce Johnson, Sears Holdings' interim ceo and president. "As a result of actions we have taken and will continue to take to manage our costs, our current forecast for 2008 reflects higher EBITDA than we achieved last year. At the same time we are managing costs, we will continue to invest in our future by hiring talented leaders and improving our online and multi-channel capabilities."