Brand Confidence, Expansions & New Product Lineups - Research Report on Kors, Express, Hot Topic, Foot Locker and Ross Stores

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Mar 18, 2013, 08:00 ET

NEW YORK, March 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Today, Wall Street Source announced new research reports highlighting Micheal Kors Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: KORS), Express, Inc. (NYSE: EXPR), Hot Topic, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOTT), Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE: FL) and Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROST). Today's readers may access these reports free of charge - including full price targets, industry analysis and analyst ratings - via the links below.

Micheal Kors Holdings Ltd. Research Report

Fashion mavens rejoice as global luxury lifestyle brand, Michael Kors, has kick-started the season with the introduction of its Spring 2013 Sneaker Collection. The collection features a new lineup of high-tops, trainers, and slip-ons that effortlessly blend chic sportif with serious edge - embossed snakeskins, shimmering metallics, neon accents and punky hardware. The complete collection can viewed at the Micheal Kors online catalog, and is featured in the brand's new short film, "JET SET GO", directed by Poppy de Villeneuve. The Full Research Report on Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.WallStSource.com/r/full_research_report/00fc_KORS]

Express, Inc. Research Report

Specialty retail apparel chain Express has posted its fourth quarter and full year 2012 results. Express noted a positive end to the year, thanks in part to initiatives implemented in its women's business. These initiatives included: re-balancing the sweater assortment, introducing entry price point fashion items in key categories, especially cut-and- sew knitwear, and communicating clearer pricing and promotional strategies. Michael Weiss, Express, Inc.'s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer also adds, "Our men's business continued its positive momentum and, along with disciplined expense and inventory management and the aforementioned women's initiatives, drove increased sales, positive comparable sales, and net income per diluted share above the increased guidance provided in the fourth quarter. We attribute our improved performance over the third quarter to the strength of our products, specifically sweaters and cut-and-sew knitwear, which we had previously identified as categories for improvement." Express also generated double-digits on the e-commerce front, as well as growing international expansions that include 4 additional franchise stores in the Middle East and the company's first 4 franchise locations in Latin America. "As we begin 2013, we expect to advance each of our existing four pillars of growth. In addition, we are also excited to pursue a new growth opportunity in 2013 through the development of a new Express outlet business, " concludes Weiss. The Full Research Report on Express, Inc. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.WallStSource.com/r/full_research_report/1fd0_EXPR]

Hot Topic, Inc. Research Report

$600 million is set on the table as Hot Topic and Sycamore Partners have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Sycamore Partners will acquire Hot Topic . Lisa Harper, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Hot Topic, said, "We are pleased that this transaction will allow us to deliver positive results for our shareholders. In addition, we are very excited about the future growth for the company and know that Sycamore Partners will provide great resources and expertise to us as we operate as a private company." The agreement has been unanimously approved by Hot Topic's Board of Directors, as this one-step merger will have Hot Topic as the surviving corporation. The Full Research Report on Hot Topic, Inc. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.WallStSource.com/r/full_research_report/dfb1_HOTT]

Foot Locker, Inc. Research Report

New York-based athletic retailer, Foot Locker Inc., announced three capital allocation drives to simultaneously invest in its business and reward shareholders. The first step will be a quarterly cash dividend on the company's common stock of $0.20 per share, to be payable on May 3^rd, 2013 to shareholders of record on April 19, 2013. This will represent an 11% increase over the company's previous quarterly per share amount. Second, a new 3-year, $600 million common share repurchase program extending through January 2016 has been approved by the Board of Directors. This will replace the company's previous $400 million program. A $220 million capital expenditure program for 2013 has also been approved by the board. "By taking these actions, our Board has expressed its confidence that Foot Locker, Inc. has the financial strength to simultaneously invest in the Company's growth opportunities and return cash directly to shareholders through a balanced approach to dividends and share repurchases," said Ken C. Hicks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The Full Research Report on Foot locker, Inc. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.WallStSource.com/r/full_research_report/201c_FL]

Ross Stores, Inc. Research Report

February ended in a high note for Ross Stores as it reported that sales increased $726 million or 3% for the four weeks ended March 2, 2013. Comparable store sales for the four weeks ended March 2, 2013 declined 1% versus the same period last year. This compared to a strong 9% gain for the four weeks ended February 25, 2012. Michael Balmuth, Vice President and CEO believes that the slight decline in February same store sales was mainly due to income tax refund delays. "With sales improving as the month progressed, we continue to forecast same store sales in March and April to be down 1% to 2% and up 5% to 6%, respectively. This monthly guidance reflects the shift in the Easter holiday and is on top of last year's robust same store sales gains of 10% in March and 7% in April," he adds. The Full Research Report on Ross Stores, Inc. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.WallStSource.com/r/full_research_report/70e1_ROST]

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SOURCE Wall Street Source