American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) bottom line surpassed analysts estimates for the fourth quarter, while revenue failed to meet the Street’s predictions. Adjusted EPS for the 13-weeks ended February 12, 2019, stood at $0.44 versus the Street’s expectation of $0.42. The specialty retailer posted revenue of $1.24 billion versus the expected $1.27 billion. AEO stock dropped about 5% in the extended hours of trading.
On a GAAP basis, the company reported earnings of $0.43 per share compared to $0.52 in the previous year quarter which had an extra week of sales. Comparable sales for the quarter grew 6%.
In January, the Pittsburgh-based retailer announced that Q4 comparable sales through January 13, 2019, grew 6%. The company also reiterated its previously issued fourth quarter earnings outlook of $0.40 to $0.42 per share.
For Q1 2019, the company anticipates comparable sales to increase in the low single digits and EPS to be approximately $0.19 to $0.21.
In the third quarter of 2018, American Eagle reported earnings that matched expectations but the retailer missed estimates on revenue and outlook, hurting the stock at the time.
American Eagle ended FY18 with a total of 1,055 stores, which included 934 AE stores and 115 Aerie stand alone locations. At the end of fiscal 2019, the store count is expected to be in the range of 1,072 to 1,092.
Earlier today, apparel retailer Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) reported upbeat Q4 results and a strong outlook, which helped the stock to jump 20% at the end of Wednesday’s trading session.
AEO stock opened at $20.85 today and closed the day up 4.01% at $21.25. Shares of American Eagle have gained 11% since the beginning of 2019 and 7% in the past three months period.