- Staples (NASDAQ:SPLS) reports sales in North America fell 6.9% to $2.699B in Q4 as store closing continued.
- International sales were down 11.1% to $898M as foreign exchange translation played a factor.
- Online sales rose 8% during the quarter.
- The company's gross profit rate was up 62 bps during the month.
- Operating margin rate -69 bps to 5.07% due in part to new growth investments and incentive compensation.
- Earnings guidance: Staples expects Q1 EPS of $0.16-$0.18 vs. $0.17 consensus.
- Store count guidance: 225 store closings planned for 2015.
- Previously: Staples beats by $0.01, misses on revenue