Ascena Retail Q4 Profit Up, Lifts FY13 Outlook - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Ascena Retail Group Inc. (ASNA) Tuesday reported fourth-quarter profit of $29.8 million or $1.6 per share, up from $1.6 million or $0.01 per share in the same period last year.

Income from continuing operations totaled $38.3 million or $0.23 per share. Adjusted earnings for the quarter were $0.34 per share.

On average, 13 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to earn $0.21 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Sales rose 27 percent to $1.20 billion from $939.7 million last year. Analysts expected revenues of $1.17 billion.

Looking ahead, the company currently projects full-year adjusted earnings in a range of $1.25 to $1.30 per share, up from its previous guidance range of $1.10 to $1.15 per share. Analysts currently expect full-year earnings of $1.12 per share.

Comparable sales are expected to increase in low single digits.