Federated Department Stores reported total sales of $1.098 billion for the four weeks ended October 30, 2004, an increase in total sales of 3.8 percent compared to total sales of $1.057 billion in the same period last year. On a same-store basis, Federated's October sales were up 4.0 percent.
For the third quarter of 2004, the company's total sales were $3.492 billion, an increase of 0.2 percent compared to total sales of $3.486 billion in the same 13-week period last year. On a same-store basis, Federated's third-quarter sales were up 0.4 percent.
For the year to date, Federated's sales totaled $10.557 billion, up 3.4 percent from total sales of $10.211 billion in the first 39 weeks of 2003. On a same-store basis, Federated's year-to-date sales also were up 3.4 percent.
Terry J. Lundgren, Federated's chairman, president and chief executive officer, said the company was pleased with its October sales results, which exceeded prior forecasts of a 2 to 3 percent same-store sales increase. Lundgren attributed Federated's stronger-than-anticipated performance to an improving overall sales trend, as well as a post-hurricane sales rebound in Florida.
Federated also revised its third-quarter earnings guidance to 38-40 cents a share, up from prior guidance of 30-32 cents a share. The company reports its earnings for the third quarter on November 10.
For the fourth quarter, Federated continues to expect same-store sales to increase 1.5 to 3 percent, with earnings of $2.45 to $2.55 a share. Lundgren said Federated is anticipating that November same-store sales will be flat to up 2 percent, while December will benefit from having two extra pre-Christmas shopping days this year, resulting in an anticipated same-store sales increase of 1 to 3 percent.
