Cost Plus Inc. (NASDAQ: CPWM), better known as Cost Plus World Market, recently reported a 3Q net loss of $13.9 million, which was not as big as initially forecast. That's pretty much it for the good news. CEO Barry Feld argues that the turnaround strategy is beginning to gain momentum. While it is true that net sales were up 2.5% in 3Q, it is equally true that same-store sales and gross profits declined. YTD same-store sales are flat, same-store sales are down 6.7%, and net loss totals $43 million or $1.95 per diluted share.
Feld is predicting (hoping for) a rather impressive 4Q, with total revenue of $377-$389 million, $160+ million more than 3Q revenue. This target will be hard to hit given that this year the company is not offering its heavily discounted coupon sales that drew customers into stores last year. Even if the company does post excellent 4Q results, FY 2007 revenue will top out at just over $1 billion, leading to a net loss in the $1.45-$1.58 per diluted share range.
Investors seem quite happy with the company's 3Q results. They bid the stock up more than 15% on the news, to close Friday at $4.06.
Will Rich Ross really have a positive impact on Disney's movie operations?
Consumers sick of recession, may spend extra on holidays
Corrections, seasonality and Santa Claus
