Before the opening bell on Wednesday, Express (EXPR) released its fourth quarter financial results. Here’s what the results mean for mutual fund investors.
Inside EXPR’s Results
Earnings
The company reported earnings of $41.8 million, or 49 cents per share, down from $47.9 million, or 57 cents per share, a year ago. Analysts expected to see EPS of 46 cents.
Revenue
Sales increased to $725.8 million from $715.9 million. Analysts expected to see revenue of $712.94 million.
Outlook
Looking ahead to the first quarter, the company expects to see adjusted EPS between 11 cents and 14 cents. Analysts expect to see EPS of 11 cents.
For FY2015, adjusted net income is expected to be between 93 cents and $1.07. Analysts expect to see EPS of 99 cents.
Upbeat Outlook and Fewer Promotions
Express posted a positive outlook for the first quarter and full year, which sent shares soaring on Wednesday morning. Holiday sales were also encouraging as the company offered fewer promotions to sell its products. Many apparel retailers have been faced with pressures to offer steep discounts to customers, as the industry has struggled to stay afloat.
Mutual Funds to Watch
For investors seeking exposure to EXPR, there are several mutual funds that have the company as a holding. Below are three mutual funds that currently own the largest stakes in EXPR.
| Symbol | Mutual Fund | Stake |
|---|---|---|
| OTCFX | T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Stock | 1.73% |
| STCSX | Wells Fargo Advantage Common Stock | 1.11% |
| VTSMX | Vanguard Total Stock Market Index | 0.59% |
The Bottom Line
The funds listed above allow investors to gain exposure to EXPR while remaining diversified. Investors interested in EXPR may also be interested in The Gap (GPS) or L Brands (LB).
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