On Feb. 22, OfficeMax (NYSE:OMX) released fourth-quarter earnings for the period ended Dec. 30.

  • Sales decreased 8.1%, following a reduction in store count and one fewer week in the quarter.
  • The gross margin increased by 190 basis points, thanks to improved vendor income, lower delivery costs, and more focus on higher margin sales.
  • The operating margin increased by 290 basis points. The benefits of reduced integration costs and targeted cost-reduction programs were partially offset by the deleveraging of fixed costs.
  • OfficeMax is a one-star stock in our Motley Fool CAPS community intelligence tool, while competitors Staples (NASDAQ:SPLS) and Office Depot (NYSE:ODP) both earn three-star ratings.

(Figures in millions, except per-share data)

Income Statement Highlights

Q4 2006

Q4 2005

Change

Sales

$2,256.8

$2,455.4

(8.1%)

Net Profit*

$54.4

($22.6)

N/A

EPS*

$0.71

($0.33)

N/A

Diluted Shares

75.5

70.8

6.6%

* From continuing operations.

Get back to basics with a look at the income statement.

Margin Checkup

Q4 2006

Q4 2005

Change*

Gross Margin

25.6%

23.8%

1.9

Operating Margin

2.9%

(0.0%)

2.9

Net Margin

2.4%

(0.9%)

3.3

*Expressed in percentage points.

Margins are the earnings engine. See how they work.

Balance Sheet Highlights

Assets

Q4 2006

Q4 2005

Change

Cash + ST Invest.

$282.1

$72.2

290.7%

Accounts Rec.

$562.5

$600.2

(6.3%)

Inventory

$1,071.5

$1,114.6

(3.9%)



Liabilities

Q4 2006

Q4 2005

Change

Accounts Payable

$997.7

$991.5

0.6%

Long-Term Debt

$1,854.2

$1,877.2

(1.2%)



Learn the ways of the balance sheet.

Cash Flow Highlights

2006

2005

Change

Cash From Ops.

$375.7

($57.7)

N/A

Capital Expenditures

$174.8

$152.5

14.6%

Free Cash Flow

$200.9

($210.1)

N/A



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