LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / April 23, 2018 / Active-Investors.com has just released a free earnings report on Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF) ("Tiffany"). If you want access to this report all you need to do is sign up now by clicking the following link www.active-investors.com/registration-sg/?symbol=TIF. Tiffany reported its fourth quarter and fiscal 2017 operating and financial results on March 15, 2018. The Company beat earnings estimates for the seventh consecutive quarter. Register today and get access to over 1,000 Free Research Reports by joining our site below:

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Active-Investors.com is focused on giving you timely information and the inside line on companies that matter to you. This morning, Tiffany most recent news is on our radar and our team decided to put out a fantastic report on the company that is now available for free below:

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Earnings Highlights and Summary

During Q4 2017, Tiffany's worldwide net sales rose 9% to $1.33 billion compared to $1.22 billion in Q4 2016, resulting from growth in all regions and across all product categories. The Company's reported quarter comparable store sales rose 3%. Tiffany's reported numbers beat analysts' estimates of $1.30 billion.

For fiscal year 2017, Tiffany's Worldwide net sales increased 4% to $4.17 billion compared to $4.00 billion in FY16.

During Q4 2017, Tiffany's gross margin was 63.7% compared to 64.1% in Q4 2016. In the reported quarter, favorable product input costs were partly, or completely, offset by the dilutive effects from increased wholesale distribution and increased wholesale sales of diamonds. The Company's operating margin was 23.0% in the reported quarter compared to 20.9% in the prior year's same quarter.

For Q4 2017, Tiffany's net earnings were $62 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, compared to $158 million, or $1.26 per diluted share, in Q4 2016. The Company's results included charges totaling $146 million, or $1.17 per diluted share, in the reported quarter related to the enactment of the US Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Tiffany's Q4 2016 net earnings included a net charge of $38 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, related to certain impairments.

Tiffany's adjusted net earnings rose to $208 million, or $1.67 per diluted share, in Q4 2017 from earnings of $182 million, or $1.45 per diluted share, in Q4 2016. The Company's earnings beat Wall Street's estimates of $1.63 per share.

For FY17, Tiffany's net earnings were $370 million, or $2.96 per diluted share, compared to $446 million, or $3.55 per diluted share, in FY16. The Company's non-GAAP net earnings were $516 million, or $4.13 per diluted share, in FY17 compared to $470 million, or $3.75 per diluted share, in FY16.

Net sales by region

During Q4 2017, Tiffany's net sales in the Americas, rose 5% to $619 million and comparable store sales increased 5% on a y-o-y basis. In Asia/Pacific, the Company's total net sales jumped 13% to $320 million in the reported quarter, while comparable store sales rose 3%. Total net sales growth reflected higher wholesale and retail sales.

In Japan, Tiffany's net sales rose 2% to $189 million and comparable store sales gained 1% for Q4 2017. In Europe, the Company's total net sales rose 13% to $165 million in the reported quarter, reflecting the positive effects from currency translation, new stores and ecommerce sales growth, while comparable store sales rose 1%.

Store Update

Tiffany opened nine company-operated stores in FY17 and closed seven. At January 31, 2018, the Company operated 315 stores (124 in the Americas, 87 in Asia/Pacific, 54 in Japan, 46 in Europe, and 4 in the UAE), versus 313 stores a year ago (125 in the Americas, 85 in Asia/Pacific, 55 in Japan, 43 in Europe, and 5 in the UAE).

Cash Matters

During FY17, Tiffany generated $932 million of cash flow from operations versus $706 million in FY16. In FY16, the Company generated $693 million in free cash flow in FY17 versus $483 million in FY16.

Tiffany repurchased more than one million shares in FY17, including approximately 400,000 shares in Q4 2017, at a total cost of $99 million in FY17 and $39 million in the reported quarter, representing an average price of $95 in FY17 and $99 in Q4 2017. At January 31, 2018, Tiffany had $211 million remained available for repurchases under the program that authorizes the repurchase of up to $500 million of the Company's Common Stock and that expires on January 31, 2019.

At January 31, 2018, Tiffany's cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $1.3 billion and total debt was $1.0 billion.

Fiscal 2018 Outlook

For fiscal 2018, Tiffany is forecasting worldwide net sales to grow by a mid-single-digit percentage on a y-o-y basis. The Company's net earnings are expected to be in the band of $4.25 - $4.45 per diluted share. Tiffany is estimating net cash provided by operating activities of $660 million and free cash flow of $380 million.

Stock Performance Snapshot

April 20, 2018 - At Friday's closing bell, Tiffany's stock was marginally up 0.83%, ending the trading session at $98.84.

Volume traded for the day: 1.53 million shares.

Stock performance in the last month ? up 1.85%; previous six-month period ? up 4.68%; and past twelve-month period ? up 7.27%

After last Friday's close, Tiffany's market cap was at $12.45 billion.

Price to Earnings (P/E) ratio was at 33.43.

The stock has a dividend yield of 2.02%.

The stock is part of the Services sector, categorized under the Jewelry Stores industry.

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