=J. Jill (JILL) reported earnings on Thur 15 March 18 (b/o)

J. Jill beats by $0.05, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS below consensus; Q4 comps +8.9%

• Reports Q4 (Jan) earnings of $0.13 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.05 better than the Capital IQ Consensus of $0.08; revenues rose 13.1% year/year to $188.7 mln vs the $179.64 mln Capital IQ Consensus. Total company comparable sales increased by 8.9%. This includes comparable store and direct to consumer sales on a thirteen week basis. 
• Co issues downside guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.18-0.20 vs. $0.27 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate. In light of current business trends and the challenges in our Direct business, the Company expects for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 total comparable sales to decrease in the mid-single digit range. Diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 assumes a $0.04 benefit versus the prior year from the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (primarily the lower U.S. corporate income tax rate), which is expected to reduce the company's effective income tax expense rate to approximately 26%.

J. Jill announced that Paula Bennett will retire as President and CEO and Director of J.Jill, Inc 

• Bennett will be succeeded by Linda Heasley, who currently serves on the Board of Directors of J.Jill, Inc., effective April 16, 2018. Ms. Bennett will work closely with Ms. Heasley and the leadership team to ensure a smooth transition.
• Heasley has served on the Board of J.Jill since March 2017 and most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of The Honey Baked Ham Company, LLC since February 2017. Prior to joining HoneyBaked Ham, she served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Lane Bryant