anntaylor

AnnTaylor Stores Corp. (NYSE: ANN) reported 1Q EPS of $0.51, “above our estimate and consensus at $0.48. Sales (+9c) grew 3% ahead of guidance and our estimate on controlled SG&A expense (+1c),” Morgan Stanley reports. “Gross margin decreased 210 bps from a record rate LY, driving -7c downside...

Oppenheimer is initiating coverage of AnnTaylor Stores Corp. (NYSE: ANN) with a Perform rating. “While 3Q results (high-quality $0.08/share consensus beat) were extremely impressive and we have confidence in fundamentals and management's long-term ability to grow margins, we believe the success of...

Piper Jaffray says that it is increasingly confident in its thesis that high-end retailers will outperform those catering to a moderate-income customer. “Based on our proprietary analysis, wages for highest quintile increased 4.0% y/y in September –representing an acceleration of 20 bps from...

FBR Capital Markets has initiated coverage on the following companies: JC Penney (NYSE: JCP) Underperform Aeropostale (NYSE: ARO) Underperform Urban Outfitters (NASDAQ: URBN) Market Perform Lululemon Athletica (NASDAQ: LULU) Market Perform Nordstrom (NYSE: JWN) Market Perform Kohl's (NYSE: KSS)...

MKM Partners has raised the price target for AnnTaylor Stores Corporation (NYSE: ANN) from $21 to $24 and has reiterated its Buy rating.

Piper Jaffray writes on the September retail preview: "More than halfway through the month of September, women's specialty comps trending strongest, mass avg and teen lowest: Our PJC comp store index is forecasted to increase +1.4% in September, following a +2.9% increase in August, and a +2.9%...

AnnTaylor Stores Corporation (NYSE: ANN) is having its Overweight rating and $28 price target reiterated by Piper Jaffray due to September being a more important month for women's retailers, and Piper Jaffray sees the upside to same store sales and potential margin increases. Piper Jaffray...