Brown Shoe Company Q4 Profit Beats Estimates - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Brown Shoe Company (BWS) reported net earnings of $6.2 million, or $0.14 per share for the 13 weeks ended February 2014, compared to $4.0 million, or $0.09 per share, for the 14 weeks ended February 2013. The company noted that its prior year quarter results included $2.9 million of costs related to portfolio realignment efforts ($1.8 million on an after-tax basis, or $0.05 per share). Net earnings from continuing operations was $5.95 million or $0.14 per share, compared to $5.08 million or $0.12 per share, previous year. Adjusted earnings was $6.16 million or $0.14 per share, for the quarter.

On average, seven analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report profit per share of $0.10 for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Gross profit margin improved to 40.2% from 40.0% in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Net sales were down 3.0 at $600.0 million from $618.7 million, prior year. Analysts expected revenue of $621.15 million for the quarter. Famous Footwear fourth-quarter sales were down 8.6% year-over-year, with same-store-sales down 1.8%.

For 2014, the company expects earnings per share of $1.45 to $1.55, and consolidated net sales in the range of $2.58 billion to $2.60 billion. Analysts expect the company to report 2014 profit per share of $1.61 on revenue of $2.61 billion.