RadioShack Q4 Sales, Comps Flat, But Earnings Rise

By Jeff Malester On Feb 23 2004 - 8:00am

Although RadioShack posted both flat sales and comps for its fourth quarter, the retailer reported favorable earnings, due to increased diligence in its "organizational disciplines," such as "buying, pricing, staffing and other areas driving higher profit."

RadioShack sales for the three months, ended Dec. 31, edged downward, to $1.49 billion, from $1.50 billion in the same period in 2002. Comp-store sales for the year's last quarter were flat, compared with the prior year period.

Net income in the fourth quarter increased to $127.3 million, up from $109.1 million in the same three months a year earlier, while operating income for the period climbed to $207 million, compared with $180.6 million year-on-year.

"Improved management of product mix, supply chain initiatives, markdowns, along with other factors related to gross margin, favorably impacted our quarterly earnings beyond our expectations," said Len Roberts, RadioShack chairman/CEO.

Sales for the full year increased 2 percent, to $4.65 billion, compared with the $4.58 billion registered in 2002.

Full year net income was $298.5 million, up from the $263.4 million recorded in the same period a year earlier, while operating income for the 12 months jumped to $483.7 million, up from $425.4 million year-over-year.