Buckle Reports Soft November Sales - Analyst Blog

The leading retailer of casual apparels, footwear and accessories for both men and women, Buckle Inc. (BKE) recently posted soft same-store sales as well as total sales for the four-week period ended November 24, 2012.

Same-store sales declined 0.1% in November, while net sales increased 1.9% to $96.7 million from $94.9 million in the comparable prior-year period.

Buckle witnessed an increase of roughly 5% in men's category, which now represents approximately 41% of the sales for November. Women's category rose 0.5% during the month.  The company witnessed increased sales in denim, sweaters, accessories, knit shirts, woven top and footwear categories.  

Further, for the 43-week period ended November 24, 2012, Buckle’s sales grew 4.8% to $860.1 million from $820.8 million in the comparable prior-year period. The company’s same-store sales increased 2.8% over the year-ago period.

Earlier this month, the company reported better-than-expected third-quarter 2012 (ending on October 27, 2012) financial results. The company's quarterly earnings of 88 cents a share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 83 cents, and rose 8.6% from 81 cents earned in the year-ago quarter.

Buckle reported net sales of $284.1 million compared with $273.4 million, reflecting a year-over-year augmentation of 3.9%. Same-store sales over this period grew 2.4%. Increase in comps and net sales came on the back of improvement in both women’s and men's segments. Moreover, revenue beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $283.0 million.

Further, Buckle’s performance significantly exceeded that of its peer, The Cato Corporation (CATO). Cato Corp reported third-quarter earnings of 16 cents a share, reflecting a fall of about 24.0% from the year-ago quarter.

Headquartered in Kearney, Nebraska, Buckle ended the month of November with 441 retail stores in 43 states. Buckle currently retains a Zacks #2 Rank that translates into a short-term ‘Buy’ rating.