Why Bed Bath & Beyond Is Thursday’s Big Earnings Loser

September 27, 2018 by Chris Lange

When Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ: BBBY) released its fiscal second-quarter financial results after the markets closed on Wednesday, the company said that it had $0.36 in earnings per share (EPS) and $2.94 billion in revenue. That compared with consensus estimates of $0.50 in EPS and $2.96 billion in revenue, as well as the $0.67 per share and $2.94 billion posted in the same period of last year.

During the latest quarter, comparable sales decreased by roughly 0.6%, and that included strong sales growth from the retailer’s customer-facing digital channels and sales from stores that declined in the mid-single-digit percentage range.

Also in this time, the company repurchased about $41 million of its common stock, representing 2.1 million shares, under its existing $2.5 billion share repurchase program. As of September 1, 2018, the program had a remaining balance of roughly $1.4 billion.

The board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.16 per share payable on January 15, 2019, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 14, 2018.

Looking ahead to the fiscal full year, the company said in the conference call that it estimates comparable sales to be relatively flat with last year and that EPS will be at the low end of its previously modeled range, at about $2. Consensus estimates currently call for $2.27 in EPS and $12.22 billion in revenue for the year.

Shares of Bed Bath & Beyond closed Wednesday at $18.81, with a consensus analyst price target of $17.82 and a 52-week range of $16.52 to $24.74. Following the announcement, the stock was down about 16% at $15.75 in early trading indications Thursday.

Sponsored: Want to Retire Early? Here’s a Great First Step

Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Orare you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?

Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.

Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.