BMO Capital Markets Believes Below-Average EPS Growth Leaves Hibbett Sports, Inc. Sidelined for Now

In a report published Monday, BMO Capital Markets analyst Wayne Hood reiterated a Market Perform rating and $53.00 price target on Hibbett Sports, Inc. HIBB. In the report, BMO Capital Markets noted, "Our comments follow Hibbett's 4Q14 EPS print of $0.79, which was above our estimate of $0.70 and consensus estimates of $0.69, on the back of significant SG&A leverage. Management provided EPS guidance for FY2015 of $2.95- $3.09, supported by low- to mid-single-digit comp-store sales growth, 80-85 new store openings, improved product margin, and gross margin. Importantly, management expects a total of $0.12/share of expense headwinds in FY2015." Hibbett Sports, Inc. closed on Friday at $50.83.