Williams-Sonoma (WSM) is higher in late trading after the company reported financial results for Q4 topped analysts’ expectations, issued mixed guidance, and raised its dividend.
Shares are up 6.51% at $62.81, and is on track to surpass its 52-week high of $61.56.
The multi-channel specialty retailer reported Q4 earnings of $1.38 per share, compared with the prior-year period’s $1.34 per share. Revenue was $1.47 billion, up from $1.41 billion in the same quarter last year. Comparable brand revenue growth was 10.4% for the quarter.
Analysts polled by Capital IQ were expecting EPS of $1.35 on revenues of $1.42 billion.
The company expects Q1 EPS of $0.41- $0.44, below the Street view of $0.46 EPS; revenues are projected to be $920 million – $940 million, also short of the consensus of $943.42 million. Comparable brand revenue growth in Q1 is expected to be 4% – 6%.
Looking ahead to fiscal 2014, WSM sees EPS of $3.05 – $3.15, versus the analysts’ estimate of $3.21 EPS. Revenues are expected to be $4.63 billion – $4.71 billion, in line with the Street view of $4.64 billion. Comparable brand revenue growth is expected to be in the range of 5% to 7%.
Separately, WSM authorized a 6% increase in the company’s quarterly cash dividend, to $0.33 from $0.31 per common share and is payable on May 28 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 25.
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