FINANCE

Bruised by weak fourth-quarter results, department stores are now planning more cautiously for 2017 as they re-evaluate how to compete in a rapidly changing retail environment,   

A jolly holiday season helped Gap Inc. post fourth-quarter earnings and sales that beat expectations, leading to speculation that the chain’s turnaround may be starting to take hold.    The nation’s largest apparel retailer reported net income of $220.0 million, or 55 cents per share, up from $214.0 million, or 53 cents per share, last year.   Sales totaled $4.43 billion, up from $4.39 billion and ahead of the $4.41 billion analysts had expected.   

Despite strong online volume, low store traffic translated into weak fourth quarter sales for Kohl’s.   For the quarter ended January 28, 2017, the department store chain’s profits fell 15% to $252 million, or $1.44 per share, from $296 million for the same period last year. Meanwhile, revenue dropped 2.8% to $6.21 billion, from $6.39 billion in 2015. Yet, the company still exceeded analysts’ expectations of revenue hitting $6.2 billion, or $1.32 per share.  

Nordstrom Inc. reported better-than-expected profit for its fourth quarter amid a strong performance by Nordstrom Rack and cost cuts.    The department store retailer reported that it earned $201 million, or $1.15 per share, for the quarter ended Jan. 28, compared with $180 million in the year-ago quarter. Excluding certain items, the adjusted earnings came to $1.37 per share. Analysts had estimated $1.15 a share on average.  

L Brands is preparing for steep losses in the near-future, specifically across its Victoria’s Secret brand.    For the quarter ended January 28, 2017, net sales were $4.489 billion, an increase of 2% compared to $4.395 billion for the quarter ended January 30, 2016. The company’s net income was $631.7 million compared to $636 million last year.  

Weaker results in its European, Saks Off 5th and Gilt operations contributed to lower fourth quarter sales for Hudson’s Bay Company   For the fourth quarter ended January 28, 2017, the company’s consolidated comparable sales decreased 1.2%. Specifically, DSG (Hudson’s Bay, Lord & Taylor and Home Outfitters) same-store sales increased 0.6%, and Saks Fifth Avenue comparable sales increased 0.1%.   

Wayfair credits innovation, increasing brand awareness and repeat customers for its strong fourth quarter growth.   The home decor brand’s total net revenue for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2016, rose 33.1% from last year to $984.6 million, topping analysts’ expectations for $975.32 million. The company’s gross profit was $238.6 million, or 24.2% of total net revenue.  

Better inventory management and reduced promotions are helping to keep Chico’s FAS on the right financial path.   For the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2017, Chico’s reported net income of $13.5 million compared to a net loss of $21.1 million for the same period last year.