The Buckle, Inc. reported second-quarter earnings slid 2.3 percent to $24.5 million, or 51 cents a share, missing Wall Street’s consensus estimate of 53 cents a share.
Revenues increased 1.4 percent to $235.7 million. Comps dipped 0.5 percent. Online sales (which are not included in comparable store sales) increased 1.7 percent to $17.1 million.
Men's merchandise sales – approximately 44 percent of net sales – for the quarter were up approximately 6 percent, with strong categories including denim and casual bottoms, knit shirts, shorts, and accessories, officials said on a conference call. Women's merchandise sales – 56 percent of sales – were down approximately 2 percent, with strong categories including sweaters, active apparel, and footwear.
Combined accessories sales 9.5 percent of sales – were up approximately 1 percent and combined footwear sales accounting for 6 percent of revenues – were up approximately 2 percent.
Gross margin for the quarter was 40.3 percent, down approximately 30 basis points due to deleveraged occupancy, buying, and distribution expenses resulting from the comparable store sales decline.
Buckle operated 456 stores at the quarter’s close.