StockCall Scans Ross Stores and Urban Outfitters: Lifestyle Stocks Make a Comeback
LONDON, February 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
Apparel industry has many key players and the space is saturated. Due to intense competition, margins are compromised and the growth rates are difficult to maintain. Ross Stores Inc. (NASDAQ: ROST) caters to value-conscious customers and has created a niche in the market. Its financial numbers are impressive and the stock has shown impressive growth. Urban Outfitters Inc. (NASDAQ: URBN), on the other hand, deals with high-end and younger customer. The stock recently created its new 52-week high and is likely to continue performing well. StockCall has taken an interest in these companies and you can now sign up to download the free technical research on Ross Stores and Urban Outfitters at http://www.stockcall.com/registration
Urban Outfitters Reports Q4 Results
Urban Outfitters announced its fourth quarter results. The company reported 17 percent increase in quarterly sales to $857 million. However, its same-store sales remained flat. For its full year, the revenue increased 13 percent to $2.8 billion. The apparel company also reported record sales for its holiday season. While apparel sector is getting crowded, Urban Outfitters is firmly on the growth trajectory. The company opened 49 new stores for the year ended on January 31st. Its stock is following the same story as it recently hit its new 52-week high. Register to download the free technical analysis on Urban Outfitters Inc. at http://www.StockCall.com/URBN022213.pdf
Urban Outfitters' stock grew 45 percent in the past 52 weeks and its YTD growth is pegged at 5 percent. Lifestyle stocks are making a comeback after the general improvement in the economy. Urban Outfitters is taking steps to grow and is focusing on deriving up its online sales. For the holiday season, the company witnessed 38 percent increase in its online sales.
Urban Outfitters mainly targets young adults. It is performing well than most of its peers. However, it is not immune to the general perils plaguing retail sector. Most of the company brands are doing well including 33 percent net sales growth shown by its 'The Free People' brand.
Ross Stores Authorizes Shares Repurchase Program
Ross Stores' stock was picked up by StoneRidge Investment Partners in the previous quarter and represents 1.15 percent of the total portfolio. Institutional interest in a stock is generally a good sign. Ross Stores focuses on the lower-end market and caters to value-conscious customers. Its stock rose 8.5 percent so far this year and 13 percent in the past 12 months. The company saw its key sale measure grow 4 percent and it also upgraded its earnings forecast. Sign up today to read the free research report on Ross Stores Inc. at http://www.StockCall.com/ROST022213.pdf
The company also recently declared dividend at 17 cents per share, up 21 percent from its most recent payout. The dividend is payable on March 29th. While the stock is an attractive option given its good capital growth and dividend yield, it also pays back to its investors in the form of share buyback. Ross Stores' management authorized its new share repurchase program worth $1.1 billion. The program will be valid through fiscal year 2014. Its previous shares repurchase program involved $900 million worth of buyback.
Ross Stores expects to earn in the range of $1.06 and $1.07 per share for the quarter ended on February 2nd. For the entire fiscal year, the company's earnings are expected to be in the range of $3.52 and $3.53.
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