Retailer Roots reports third-quarter sales up 13 per cent from year ago

TORONTO – Retailer Roots Corp. says sales were up 13 per cent in its latest quarter compared with a year ago as it released its first quarterly report since completing its initial public offering.

Sales totalled $89.7 million for what was the company’s third quarter, up from $79.4 million in the same quarter last year.

The increase was driven by comparable sales growth of 10.1 per cent and the opening of four net new corporate stores compared with a year ago.

The retailer (TSX:ROOT) earned $5 million or 12 cents per share for the 13 weeks ended Oct. 28 compared with a profit of $5.9 million or 14 cents per share in the same period last year.

The drop came as selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $40.8 million compared with $32.3 million a year ago, boosted by costs to support higher sales, investments in the business and costs related to the initial public offering.

On an adjusted basis, Roots says it earned $9.5 million or 23 cents per share, up from $7.6 million or 18 cents per share a year ago. Analysts had expected a profit of 17 cents per share, according to Thomson Reuters.