The year has begun well for Blue Nile, Inc. The online diamond and jewelry retailer said Thursday that net sales increased 16.9 percent to $97.1 million for the first quarter ended March 31, led by a near 20-percent increase in U.S. engagement jewelry sales and overall strong growth in all markets.
Net income totaled $832,000, or $0.07 per diluted share, compared with $154,000 in the first quarter of 2012. Operating income for the period totaled $1.2 million, representing an operating margin of 1.2 percent of net sales.
Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA for the quarter totaled $3.1 million. For the trailing 12-month period ended March 31, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $21.3 million compared to $18.4 million for the same period of the prior year. For the same trailing 12-month period, non-GAAP free cash flow totaled $18.6 million.
“We are pleased to announce significant revenue growth along with expanding profitability in the first quarter of 2013,” said Harvey Kanter, Blue Nile president and CEO. “Clearly our value proposition continues to resonate with consumers, both in the U.S. and internationally.”
Other first quarter 2013 highlights for the Seattle-based company include:
* U.S. engagement net sales increased 19 percent to $55.3 million.
* U.S. non-engagement net sales increased 7.4 percent to $24.2 million.
* International net sales increase of 24.8 percent to $17.6 million. Excluding the impact from foreign exchange rates, international net sales increased 25.9 percent.
* Gross profit totaled $17.6 million. As a percent of net sales, gross profit was 18.2 percent compared to 18.4 percent for the first quarter of 2012.
* Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first quarter 2013 were $16.5 million, compared to $15.1 million in the first quarter of 2012. This includes stock-based compensation expense of $1.1 million for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012.
* Earnings per diluted share for the first the period included stock based compensation expense of $0.05 compared to $0.05 for the first quarter of 2012.
* Cash and cash equivalents totaled $40.5 million.
In its guidance Blue Nile said it expects net sales in the second quarter to be between $100 million and $105 million with earnings per diluted share are projected at $0.13 to $0.17.
The company also said that net sales for fiscal year 2013 (ending December 29) are expected to be between $440 million and $470 million with earnings per diluted share projected at $0.75 to $0.85.
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