Staples Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2013 Performance
International Operations
Sales in International Operations for the third quarter of 2013 were $1.0 billon, a decrease of eight percent in U.S. dollars, as well as on a local currency basis, compared to the third quarter of 2012. The sales decline reflects weakness in European delivery, a negative impact of approximately two percent due to 48 European store closures during the 12 months preceding the third quarter of 2013, and to a lesser extent, weakness in Australia. Comparable store sales in Europe declined two percent with modest declines in both traffic and average order size. Operating income rate increased 31 basis points to 0.16 percent compared to the third quarter of 2012. Excluding $16 million of accelerated Australia tradename amortization during the third quarter of 2012, operating income rate decreased 111 basis points. This decline primarily reflects the negative impact of fixed expenses on lower sales, as well as lower product margins in Australia and European delivery, partially offset by reduced marketing and rent expense.