Topic: Growth Stocks

The Stock Pickers Digest Hotline – Friday, March 13, 2009

Article Excerpt

AEROPOSTALE INC., $25.23, symbol ARO on New York, reported higher sales and profits this week. Notwithstanding the weak economy, the teen-clothing retailer took market share from its rivals, mainly on the strength of its lower prices. During the quarter, Aeropostale posted positive same-store sales, while rivals The Gap and American Eagle saw their same-store sales drop. In the three months ended January 31, 2009, Aeropostale’s revenue rose 16.7%, to $690 million from $591.3 million a year earlier. Same-store sales rose 6%, and online sales jumped 88%, to $41.4 million from $22 million, as more Christmas shoppers chose to make their purchases through the Internet. Aeropostale also added 86 new stores, which brings it to a total of 914. It operates 28 stores in Canada. Aeropostale’s wide variety of clothing, low prices and aggressive promotions continue to drive up the company’s sales. Its earnings rose 5.4%, to $68.2 million, or $1.02 a share, from $64.7 million, or $0.96 a share. Higher holiday…