Retail

February Retail Sales Better Than Feared

sweaters
Source: Thinkstock
Retailers are announcing February U.S. same-store sales figures Thursday. Research firm Retail Metrics projected an overall gain of 2.7% year-over-year. Retail sales gained just 2% in February of 2013, excluding drug store sales. Including drug store February same-store sales are forecast to rise 3.1%.

Retail Metrics noted that teen apparel stores are expected to see a drop of 7% in same-store sales during the recently ended fourth quarter. Home furnishings, home improvement items, luxury goods and footwear have performed better.

Here is a rundown on stores that have reported sales:

Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ: COST) just reported quarterly earnings and same-store sales. Including gasoline, same-store sales for February rose 3%, compared with February 2013. That is higher than the Retail Metrics estimate for a gain of 2.8%, including gasoline sales. Excluding negative impacts from lower gasoline sales, Costco posted same-store sales growth of 4% for the month.

L Brands Inc. (NYSE: LB) said same-store sales for February rose 2% compared with last year. Retail Metrics estimated a rise of 1.3%. L Brands operates Victoria’s Secret, Pink, Bath & Body Works, La Senza and Henri Bendel stores. The consensus earnings per share (EPS) estimate for the quarter ending in April is $0.48, flat with a year ago. Revenues are expected to total $2.37 billion, up 4.6%.

The Buckle Inc. (NYSE: BKE) reported that same-store sales for February fell 1.4% compared with the same period a year ago. The Retail Metrics estimate called for a drop of 2.6%. Buckle will announce fourth-quarter results on March 14, and analysts expect EPS of $1.20 on revenues of $350.77 million. The company also announced a number of executive promotions Thursday.

Stein Mart Inc. (NASDAQ: SMRT) reported a 2.1% decline in same-store sales for February, well below the 2.3% positive growth estimate from Retail Metrics. In February of last year, sales rose 0.6%. Stein Mart will report quarterly results on March 13 and is expected to post EPS of $0.26 on revenues of $364.49 million. Both estimates reflect lower performance compared with the fourth quarter of 2012.

Zumiez Inc. (NASDAQ: ZUMZ) posted a same-store sales increase of 8.8% for February. Retail Metrics estimated a gain of 0.4%. Last February the company posted a drop of 8.9% in same-store sales. Zumiez is also scheduled to report quarterly results on March 13, and the current consensus analyst estimates call for EPS of $0.62 on revenues of $226.53 million.

Costco shares were down 2.2% in Thursday’s premarket to $113.50. The stock’s 52-week range is $101.01 to $126.12.

L Brands shares were inactive in Thursday’s premarket, having closed Wednesday at $57.51, in a 52-week range of $42.83 to $67.12.

Stein Mart shares closed at $14.21 Wednesday, in a 52-week range of $7.44 to $16.17, and were inactive Thursday morning.

Zumiez shares were inactive in the premarket, having closed Wednesday at $23.83, in a 52-week range of $20.68 to $33.50.

The Buckle’s shares closed at $45.08 Wednesday night, in a 52-week range of $41.45 to $56.32, and were inactive Thursday morning.

Essential Tips for Investing: Sponsored

A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.