J. Jill Inc. posted its first earnings report as a public company.
For the three months ended Jan. 28, net income rose 41 percent to $2 million, or 5 cents a diluted share, from $1.4 million, or 3 cents, a year ago. On an adjusted basis, diluted EPS was 8 cents, compared with 4 cents a year ago. Net sales were up 14.8 percent to $166.9 million from $145.4 million. The company said comparable-store sales, which include direct to consumer, rose 10.8 percent.
Paula Bennett, president and chief executive officer, said, “We have now delivered positive total company comparable sales in 18 of the last 20 quarters, and year-over-year earnings growth for 20 consecutive quarters. Our 10.8 percent total company comparable sales growth for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 demonstrates our ability to delight our customers with the product assortment and omni-channel shopping experience that builds loyalty for our brand.”
She added that the company has the ”right strategies in place to grow profitably.”