The Buckle reported a solid increase in sales and income for the fiscal third quarter. Sales grew 10.2% to $133.7 million compared to $121.3 million for fiscal 2003. Comparable store sales were up 5.1% for the quarter.
Gross margin was 39.1% of net sales, up 310 basis points from 36.0% last year. SG&A expense also rose, climbing 90 basis points to 18.5% compared to 17.6% last year. This brought net income up 22.4% to $14.9 million compared to $12.2 million. Diluted EPS was 67 cents per share compared to 56 cents per share in Q3 2003.
The Buckle currently operates 329 stores in 38 states, a net gain of ten stores compared to last year.
