Ralph Lauren (NYSE: RL) 4Q19 Results: EPS Beats Expectations

Executive Summary

• Ralph Lauren reported fiscal 4Q19 adjusted EPS of $1.07, above the $0.89 consensus estimate. Revenues in the fourth quarter dropped 1.3% to $1.51 billion on a reported basis, driven by declining sales in North America, but were above the $1.48 billion consensus estimate.
• Total comparable store sales were up 1% compared to the year-ago quarter. Comps in North America were down 4%, including a 7% decline in brick-and-mortar stores and a 6% rise in digital sales. Comps in Europe and Asia experienced a 5% and 4% lift, respectively.
• For FY20, the company expects net revenues to increase by 2%–3%. Foreign currency is expected to have a negative impact of 90-100 basis points for the year. For 1Q20, the company expects revenue to increase 3% to 5% in constant currency due to the positive impact of Easter.