PriceSmart Says Fiscal Q3 Revenues Increased 11.9% TO $895.3 Million USD

PriceSmart (NASDAQ: PSMT), the California based warehouse club operator with stores in Latin America and the Caribbean reported that total revenues for the third quarter of fiscal year 2021 increased 11.9% to $895.3 million compared to $799.9 million in the comparable period of the prior year. For the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, net merchandise sales increased 11.6% to $857.5 million from $768.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020.

Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations impacted comparable net merchandise sales negatively by $11.8 million or 1.5% versus the same period in the prior year. Comparable net merchandise sales for the 45 warehouse clubs that have been open for greater than 13 ½ calendar months increased 8.8% for the 13-week period ended May 30, 2021 compared to the comparable period of the prior year.

“Operational efficiencies, digital capabilities, optionality for our supply chain, and we believe, the trust of our employees and members to do our best to anticipate their needs and keep them safe, have contributed to our strong performance for the third quarter. Our total and comparable sales grew in the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, 11.6% and 8.8%, respectively, versus the same period last year. We continue to navigate through significant challenges in several of our markets, including rising COVID cases, club closures and restrictions, social unrest and economic pressures. However, our team is unwavering in its commitment to excel and deliver great value to our members, regardless of the circumstances,” said CEO Sherry S. Bahrambeygui.

“We are on target with plans to open new warehouse clubs in Guatemala City, Guatemala and Bucaramanga, Colombia in the fall of 2021, and in Portmore, Jamaica in the spring of 2022.”

PriceSmart had 47 warehouse clubs in operation as of May 31, 2021 compared to 45 warehouse clubs in operation as of May 31, 2020.

“Efforts to expand Membership benefits continue, such as our Wellness initiatives in Optical, Pharmacy and Audiology services. Our investments in technology and our omni-channel initiatives have enabled us to further enhance services, benefits, and convenience for our Members, among other things. Our trailing 12-month Membership renewal rate is 87.6% – higher than its pre-COVID level – and our Membership base is rapidly approaching its peak pre-COVID level,” said Bahrambeygui.

Comparable net merchandise sales for the 45 warehouse clubs that have been open for greater than 13 ½ calendar months increased 8.8% for the 13-week period ended May 30, 2021, compared to the comparable period of the prior year.

Pricesmart recorded operating income during the fiscal third quarter of $36.0 million compared to operating income of $24.0 million in the prior year period. Net income attributable to PriceSmart was $22.5 million, or $0.73 per diluted share, in the third quarter of fiscal year 2021 as compared to $12.7 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020.

“Our team has innovated, elevated performance and delivered results in unprecedented ways. This has inspired us all for the future of our company,” added Bahrambeygui in a written statement shared by PriceSmart.