Apparel stores operator JoS. A. Bank Clothiers Inc. reported Wednesday a lower first-quarter profit, despite about 4 percent growth in net sales. Both earnings per share and revenues missed analysts’ expectations.

The Hampstead, Maryland-based men’s clothing and accessories company noted that so far the second quarter was much better than the first quarter. For the month of May, both comparable store sales and Direct Marketing sales were higher than last year, it added.

Net income was $14.8 million or $0.53 per share, compared with $17.8 million or $0.64 per share last year. On average, 6 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report earnings of $0.62 per share. Analysts’ estimates typically exclude special items.

However, quarterly total sales rose 4.2% to $201.4 million from $193.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011. Five analysts estimated revenue of $208.91 million for the quarter. Comparable-store sales and Direct Marketing sales each were down 1.0% in the recent quarter.

Neal Black, president and CEO of the company stated: “Sales started more slowly than we had planned for the first eight weeks of the quarter. After making marketing changes beginning in week nine, sales improved substantially.”

While reporting its fourth-quarter results in March end, the company had issued a cautious outlook for the first quarter, as comparable store sales and Direct Marketing sales for the first 8 weeks of the quarter declined mainly due to weaker than expected traffic and a warmer winter weather.

The company’s net income for the first quarter declined to $14.83 million or $0.53 per share from $17.81 million or $0.64 per share reported last year. On average, 6 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to earn $0.62 per share for the quarter. Analysts’ estimates typically exclude special items.