Shares of Claire's Stores
Earnings at the accessories retailer reached $0.33 per share, a 43% bump over the same period last year. Sales were up 15% to $305 million, driven in large part by a stellar 10% increase in same-store sales, and this while wide-ranging retailers such as Target
Sure, well-known retailers such as Aeropostale
Fans of the firm will remember that lean operations caused management to up guidance last month to a range of $1.44-$1.48 per share. This morning, they raised the bar again, predicting $1.58 to $1.62 for the full year.
With 92% of the float already held by institutions and mutual funds, this polished little business isn't exactly a Hidden Gem. And it's always tough to buy into a company reaching a 52-week high, especially when there are underperforming divisions, such as Claire's European stores. But I'm willing to give management a pass on that one, since they have plans to turn things around overseas, and the firm is dressing up quite nicely despite a little lagging geography.
For more Fool coverage of Claire's:
- Is Claire's really such a snappy buy?
- What's the problem with Europe?
Seth Jayson is a bit embarrassed by his fascination with such a girly corporation. He has no position in any company mentioned. View his Fool profile here.