Francesca's Posts Upbeat Q4 Earnings, But Issues Weak Forecast

reported better-than-expected financial results for the fourth quarter, but issued a weak earnings outlook. The Houston, Texas-based company posted a quarterly profit of $5.97 million, or $0.14 per share, versus a year-ago profit of $10.6 million, or $0.25 per share. Its adjusted net income came in at $8.8 million, or $0.21 per share, down from $11.4 million, or $0.27 per share, in the year-ago period. Its net sales rose 17% to $107.6 million from $92.1 million. However, analysts were expecting a profit of $0.20 per share on revenue of $104 million. Its comparable sales rose 1%, while direct-to-consumer sales climbed 42%. Gift sales climbed 30% to $21.1 million, while apparel sales rose 7% to $39.6 million in the quarter. Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, shrank to 45.7% from 50.6%. Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses rose 23% to $33.9 million in the fourth quarter, compared to $27.7 million in the year-ago quarter. At year end, the company had $39.1 million in total cash and cash equivalents, versus $37.5 million at the previous year end. Michael W. Barnes, Chairman, President, and CEO said, "We believe we have an opportunity to improve our sales trends as fiscal 2015 progresses, although we will be thoughtful in our approach to managing our business. Our primary goal is to improve comparable sales performance with continued strength in our non-apparel categories and improved performance in our apparel business as our team works to identify the latest fashion apparel trends and bring them to francesca's." For the first quarter, the company expects earnings of $0.15 to $0.18 per share on net sales of $93.0 million and $96.0 million. Analysts has expected earnings of $0.21 per share on sales of $94.7 million. For the full year ending January 30, 2016, Francesca's projects earnings of $0.81 to $0.90 per share on net sales of $412.0 million and $424.0 million. Analysts had estimated earnings of $0.94 per share on sales of $420.1 million. The company expects capital expenditures for fiscal year 2015 of $30.0 million to $32.0 million. Francesca's shares fell 0.24% to $16.80 in pre-market trading.