Jo-Ann's Patches Prove Attractive

Shortly after posting results that indicate its turnaround efforts may be paying off, reports surfaced that Jo-Ann Stores (NYSE: JAS) will likely be sold for nearly $1 billion.

This is nothing new in the arts-and-crafts business, which has been struggling for some time now and has undergone major changes. A couple of craft sellers declared bankruptcy and Michaels was taken private. Fellow Fool Rich Duprey even wondered if A.C. Moore (Nasdaq: ACMR) was a potential target. Final bids for Jo-Ann Stores are due this month, so we'll have to see exactly how this plays out. In the meantime, let's take a look at how Jo-Ann performed in its latest quarter.

In the first quarter, Jo-Ann got earnings closer to positive territory, posting a loss of $1.7 million, or $0.07 per share. That's a big improvement over the $6.6 million it lost in the year-ago period and in line with estimates. However, sales were down a thread in the quarter, slipping 0.1% to $424.2 million. Management was pleased to see positive comps for the first time in six quarters. However, gaining 1.8% after falling 3.9% in the first quarter last year doesn't impress me much, considering the easy comparison.

Elsewhere, margins improved while costs were lowered in the quarter. Jo-Ann is feeling confident about the remainder of the year as it expects comps to finish in positive territory for the year and sees continued improvement in margins. The company expects to finish the year with earnings of $0.55 to $0.65 per share.

How do you place a value on a company that has been consistently losing money, yet is reportedly about to be acquired? It's easy, you kindly reply: It's worth about $1 billion. Fair enough, but I still don't see a reason for investors to acquire Jo-Ann's shares, particularly after its stock price soared on the news yesterday. I expect the stock to slip back a bit once the euphoria cools off. While we wait to see how this deal unfolds, I'd recommend enjoying the show from a safe distance.

For the latest on the world of arts and crafts, check out:

• Foolish Forecast: Patchwork Quilt at Jo-Ann Stores
• More Out of A.C. Moore
• Jo-Ann Stores Redecorates

Fool contributor Mike Cianciolo welcomes feedback and doesn't own any of the companies in this article. The Fool has a disclosure policy.