BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BJ) reported its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2024, showcasing a mixed performance across various metrics.
The company experienced a 4.0% year-over-year increase in net sales, reaching $4.81 billion, while total revenues grew by 4.1% to $4.92 billion. Membership fee income saw a notable rise of 8.6%, amounting to $111.4 million.
However, the company faced challenges in its merchandise gross margin rate, which decreased by 50 basis points due to lower ancillary income. Operating income also declined by 13.9%, falling to $160.8 million from $186.8 million in the same quarter of the previous year.
Despite these setbacks, BJ’s Wholesale Club managed to maintain a steady earnings per diluted share (EPS) of $0.83, with an adjusted EPS of $0.85. The company’s comparable club sales increased by 1.6% year-over-year, although this growth was more modest at 0.6% when excluding gasoline sales.
Digitally enabled comparable sales growth was a standout, soaring by 21.0% year-over-year, reflecting the company’s successful push into digital conveniences and e-commerce. Additionally, BJ’s opened one new club and one new gas station during the quarter, contributing to its strategic growth initiatives.
BJ’s Wholesale Club Beats EPS and Revenue Expectations in Q1
When comparing the current quarter’s performance to expectations, BJ’s Wholesale Club met the anticipated EPS of $0.83, and the adjusted EPS figure exceeded expectations.
Revenue for the quarter was $4.81 billion, slightly below the expected $4.85 billion. This shortfall can be attributed to various factors, including increased selling, general, and administrative expenses (SG&A), which rose to $721.8 million from $689.3 million the previous year.
The rise in SG&A expenses was primarily driven by increased labor and occupancy costs due to new club and gas station openings and other investments aimed at driving strategic priorities.
The company’s net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 decreased to $111.0 million from $116.1 million in the same period of fiscal 2023. Adjusted EBITDA also saw a decline, dropping to $236.4 million from $251.5 million year-over-year.
Despite these declines, BJ’s Wholesale Club’s adjusted EPS remained consistent at $0.85, indicating that the company managed to control costs and maintain profitability on an adjusted basis. However, the decrease in operating income and net income highlights the challenges the company faced in managing expenses amidst its expansion efforts.
BJ’s Wholesale Club Remains Optimistic for FY 2024
BJ’s Wholesale Club remains optimistic about its growth prospects for the rest of fiscal 2024. The company’s outlook remains unchanged, focusing on maintaining strength in traffic, unit volumes, and market share.
“As we look ahead to the rest of the year, we remain confident in our ability to maintain our strength in traffic, unit volumes and market share led by our continued focus on delivering value to our members and executing on our strategic priorities,” said Laura Felice, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of BJ’s Wholesale Club.
The company plans to open a total of 12 new clubs this year, which is expected to further enhance its market presence and drive revenue growth. BJ’s Wholesale Club’s strategic priorities include enhancing its merchandising improvements and digital conveniences to provide compelling value to its members.
Disclaimer: The author does not hold or have a position in any securities discussed in the article.
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