Talbots 4Q loss widens

HINGHAM, Mass. Talbots reported a fourth quarter net loss from continuing operations was $136.3 million or $2.55 per share, including special items, compared to last year’s net loss of $10.3 million or 19 cents per share.

Fiscal year 2008 net loss from continuing operations was $144.5 million or $2.70 per share, including special items, compared to last year’s breakeven net income per share.

As previously reported, total sales for the thirteen weeks ended Jan. 31 were $327.9 million compared to last year’s sales of $427.7 million. Retail store sales for the thirteen weeks were $278.7 million compared to $361.2 million last year. Comparable-store sales declined 24.6% for the thirteen week period.

The company currently expects a loss per share from continuing operations to be in the range of 47 cents to 52 cents, excluding restructuring and impairment charges, compared to last year’s earnings per share of 35 cents on a comparable basis.