Ascena (ASNA) Fiscal 3Q18 Results: Beats Expectations, Provides Mixed Guidance

Executive Summary

• Ascena reported fiscal 3Q18 EPS of $(0.08), down from $0.05 a year ago, but beating the consensus estimate by a penny. Adjusted revenues were $1.50 billion, down 4.0% year over year, but above the $1.47 billion consensus estimate.
• Comps declined 3%, beating the (3.4)% consensus estimate. Comps declined for Premium Fashion, Value Fashion and Plus Fashion, but increased 10% for Kids Fashion.
• For 4Q18, the company guided for an adjusted EPS range of ($0.05)–$0.05, with a breakeven midpoint below the $0.03 consensus estimate. Revenue guidance of $1.62–$1.66 billion was ahead of the consensus estimate of $1.58 billion. Comp guidance was flat to up 2%.