Francesca's Ups 4Q Guidance - Analyst Blog
January 16 2013 - 1:24PM
Zacks
The apparel and accessories retailer Francesca’s Holding
Corp (FRAN) raised its guidance for the upcoming fourth
quarter ending February 2, 2013. The upward revision came on the
back of strong sales and margin performance in the holiday
season.
The company raised its earnings per share guidance to the range
of 29 cents to 30 cents from the previously announced range of 27
cents to 28 cents. Net sales for the fourth quarter are projected
to be around $84.5 million to $85.0 million, up 37% to 38% over the
comparable prior-year quarter. Net sales were guided up from the
range of $82.5 million to $83.5 million announced during the third
quarter conference call.
November same-store sales were above expectations despite the
negative effects of Hurricane Sandy, and prompted the company to
raise its guidance for the upcoming quarter.
The company’s boutiques saw customer traffic during the holiday
season. Moreover, its ‘broad and shallow merchandising strategy’
was a big hit.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the fourth quarter of 2012
increased by one cent to 29 cents per share in the past 30 days, as
2 out of 5 estimates were raised. The current projection implies an
estimated year-over-year growth of 54.7%.
Francesca's reported third-quarter earnings of 24 cents a share,
beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a couple of cents or 9.1%.
Earnings more than doubled from the prior-year quarter earnings of
11 cents. Net sales came in at $72 million, up 44% year over year
and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $71 million. Comparable
boutique sales improved 16.7%.
Operating income jumped 120.4% to $17.7 million. Operating
margin expanded 855 basis points to 24.6%, reflecting selling,
general and administrative expense leverage, as well as gross
margin improvement of 96 basis points to 52.6%.
The company’s stores are widespread across the U.S. enabling it
to reach a large number of customers. It has also increased focus
on e-commerce, which is expected to boost revenue in the near
future.
Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, Francesca’s
Holdings Corporation operates a chain of retail boutiques under the
Francesca’s collections brand in the United States. It is a holding
company operating through its subsidiary, Francesca’s Collections
Inc.
The company targets female customers and offers a diverse and
uniquely balanced mix of high-quality, trendy apparel, jewelry,
accessories and gifts at attractive prices. Francesca’s Holdings
carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and competes with
Urban Outfitters Inc. (URBN)
carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and ANN Inc. (ANN)
carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
ANN INC (ANN): Free Stock Analysis Report
FRANCESCAS HLDG (FRAN): Free Stock Analysis Report
URBAN OUTFITTER (URBN): Free Stock Analysis Report
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