Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the third quarter and nine months ended November 29, 2014. For the quarter, the company's net sales were $2,942,980,000 compared to $2,864,837,000 a year ago. Operating profit was $352,683,000 compared to $374,647,000 a year ago. Earnings before provision for income taxes was $333,114,000 compared to $375,961,000 a year ago. Net earnings was $225,408,000 compared to $237,197,000 a year ago. Net earnings per share - diluted was $1.23 compared to $1.12 a year ago. Comparable sales in the fiscal third quarter of 2014 increased by approximately 1.7%, compared with an increase of approximately 1.3% in last year's fiscal third quarter.

For the nine months, the company's net sales were $8,544,583,000 compared to $8,300,649,000 a year ago. Operating profit was $1,022,125,000 compared to $1,087,514,000 a year ago. Earnings before provision for income taxes was $990,934,000 compared to $1,086,928,000 a year ago. Net earnings was $636,413,000 compared to $688,991,000 a year ago. Net earnings per share - diluted was $3.31 compared to $3.20 a year ago. Net cash provided by operating activities was $504,197,000 compared to $601,936,000 a year ago. Capital expenditures was $230,993,000 compared to $228,928,000 a year ago. Slightly more than half of these expenditures were for technology enhancements, with the remaining balance being used primarily for new stores, existing store improvements and other projects important to future. Comparable sales for the fiscal nine months of 2014 increased by approximately 1.9%, compared with an increase of approximately 2.7% in last year's fiscal nine months.

The company continues to model net earnings per diluted share to be approximately $1.78 to $1.83 for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2014.

Net earnings per diluted share to be approximately $5.05 to $5.09 for the fiscal full year. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2014 are now planned to be $330 million, with slightly more than half for technology enhancements. The company anticipates interest expense of approximately $82 million.