CONN'S up 19% on Strong Earnings and Guidance

CONN'S CONN is trading higher on the session following its Q4 earnings announcement. The company reported EPS of $0.34 vs $0.29 estimate and revenues of $226.7 million vs $221.90 million estimate. CONN'S also announced it expects FY2013 EPS of $1.20-1.30 vs. $1.11 estimate. Theodore M. Wright, CONN's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said: “We are pleased to report improved profitability in both our credit and retail segments. Sales and gross margins are increasing. Combined February and March same store sales grew 16.1% and retail gross margin for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 to date is above fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 levels. We are on track with our store opening plans and are looking forward to returning to unit growth after a period of retrenchment.” CONN'S is currently trading at $19.62, a gain of $3.13 or 18.98%.