Respect Your Universe (OTC:RYUN) has signed up two leading lights of mixed martial arts to represent the clothing brand this weekend.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters Darren Elkins and Jamie Varner are taking part in the UFC 146 in Las Vegas on Saturday wearing RYU.

The main fight of the night is Dos Santos vs Mir, while Elkins and Varner are taking part in the preliminary bouts. 

RYU is an official sponsor of the UFC, the largest mixed martial arts promotion company. This weekend, RYU’s logo will feature for the first time on the Octagon canvas.

Featherweight Elkins, whose background is in wrestling, has won 13 and lost two Mixed Martial Art (MMS) fights.

Meanwhile Varner, a lightweight fighter with 19 wins, six losses and one draw to his name, is taking on Edson Barboza.  

All RYU apparel items are made from organic and/or recycled materials.

The share price is down two per cent to 0.98 cents per share.

Shares of Movado rallied more than nine percent Wednesday afternoon, to $28.28. Movado designs and sells watches under its own name and under brand names including Coach, Tommy Hilfiger and Hugo Boss.

On a preliminary basis, net earnings in the first quarter of 2013 are expected to increase to a range of $6.1 to $6.6 million, or roughly 24 to 26 cents per diluted share.

This reflects a 19 percent anticipated effective tax rate, compared to a 58 percent effective tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2012. A year ago, Movado reported a profit of $491,000, or 2 cents per share.

Net sales are expected to increase around 15 percent to an estimated $103 million, primarily as a result of growth in the accessible luxury and licensed brand categories, the company said.

Operating income for the first quarter is anticipated to increase over $6 million to a range of $7.8 to $8.4 million.

"We are pleased that the momentum we have built in the business over the past two years has continued into the first quarter of fiscal 2013," said chairman and CEO of Movado, Efraim Grinberg.

"These results are reflective of the effectiveness of the strategic initiatives we have implemented, including the refinement of our product lines and introduction of more frequent and focused innovation."

The company boosted its guidance for the fiscal year of 2013, now expecting net sales to increase roughly 9 percent to between $505 to $510 million, from a prior prediction of $500 to $505 million.

Net income is expected to increase over 25 percent to a range of $29.0 to $29.7 million, for around $1.15 per diluted share, compared to a previous forecast of $27.0 to $28 million, for around $1.10 per diluted share. 

That's up from its previous year's adjusted profit of $27.2 million, or $1.08 per share, on revenue of $468.1 million.

Operating income for the year is expected to increase 25 percent to $43.5 to $44.5 million, from past expectations of $41 to $42 million.

The New York-based company, which was founded in 1919, is a luxury retailer that sells fashion apparel, shoes, jewellery and cosmetics.

Net earnings rose to $32.1 million, or 18 cents per share, on $753.6 million in revenue for the latest quarter that ended April 28.

This compared with a profit of $28.4 million, or 16 cents per share, on revenue of $726 million, a year-prior.
Stripping away one-time special items, the company earned 19 cents per share, compared with a year-earlier profit of 17 cents per share.

On average, analysts had expected per-share earnings of 19 cents, on $766 million in sales, according to Bloomberg.

Shares were down 5.37 percent at $9.51 apiece in trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

“We continued to make solid progress during the first quarter,” chief executive Stephen Sadove said in Tuesday’s statement.

"Our year-over-year earnings improvement was driven by a 4.8% comparable store sales increase, on top of a 10.2% comparable store sales increase in last year’s first quarter, and continued gross margin rate improvement."

Sales from established stores is considered to be a key measure to gauge a retailer’s financial health as it excludes sales from stores that recently opened or closed during the year.

Sadove noted that some categories within women's designer apparel did not fare well in the latest period. As a result, the company is discounting the merchandise, which could pinch profit margins in the second quarter.

Consolidated inventories rose 8.4 percent to $793.5 million in the quarter. Inventories increased 6.5 percent on a same store basis.

At the end of first quarter, the company had about $189 million in cash on hand.

The company had 45 Saks Fifth Avenue stores, 61 Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th stores, and one ecommerce website, at the end of the quarter.

Looking forward, the upscale retailer expects same-store sales to rise in the mid-single-digit range in the second quarter and second half of the year.

It expects gross margin to fall between one to 1.25 percentage points in the second quarter, before rising 0.25 to 0.50 percentage points in the second half of the year.

For the period that ended April 28, net income was $57.2 million, or 45 cents per diluted share, well above the $37.5 million, or 30 cents per diluted share, a year ago.

These latest results exceeded the company‘s expectations provided in early March, of 36 to 38 cents per diluted share, and analyst expectations of 38 cents per share.

Net sales increased 15.1 percent to $1.3 billion, topping analysts' predicted revenue of $1.23 billion. Comparable store sales for the quarter increased 8.4 percent.

Same store sales are an important metric by which to gauge a retailer‘s health, as they exclude sales from stores that recently opened or closed during the year.

Same store sales at Dick‘s Sporting Goods Stores rose 7.3 percent, while Golf Galaxy stores saw a 12.6 percent increase in same store sales. The eCommerce business saw sales rise 33.4 percent.

The company predicts same store sales to increase between two to three percent in the second quarter, and three to four percent for the full year 2012.

"We had an exceptionally strong first quarter as we generated record earnings with a 50% increase in earnings per share on 15% sales growth," said chairman and CEO Edward W. Stack.

"We also maintained a healthy balance sheet while returning capital to stockholders through our dividend and share repurchase programs.

"For 2012, we are raising our full year guidance as we continue to invest in new stores and our eCommerce business as well as our margin accelerators including inventory management, private brands, and product mix shift."

Dick‘s raised its expectations on full year estimated earnings from $2.38 to $2.41 per diluted share, to $2.45 to $2.48 per diluted share. Analysts predict earnings of $2.43 per share.

In the first quarter, Dick‘s opened six new Dick‘s Sporting Goods Stores, now operating a total of 486 Dick‘s Sporting Goods Stores in 44 states, and 81 Golf Galaxy stores in 30 states.

The company expects to open 40 new Dick's Sporting Goods stores in the year 2012.

The company ended the quarter with $521 million in cash and equivalents, and did not have any outstanding borrowings under its $500 million revolving credit facility.

In the first quarter, Dick‘s repurchased 2.1 million shares of its common stock for a total cost of roughly $104 million.

On Monday, Dick‘s board of directors announced a quarterly dividend on the company‘s common stock, and class B common stock, of 0.125 cents per share. The dividend is payable June 29, to stockholders of record as of June 1.

Shares of Dick’s were up around 7.3 percent early Tuesday Morning, to $50.80.

The RYU Warrior Athlete will be thanking the troops for their service to their country and will also be signing autographs and taking photos.

"Going to Camp Pendleton with Team RYU will be an epic experience, as I truly love our troops,” Heath said.

“I do tons of appearances throughout the year, but these types are definitely my favourite.”

The apparel available at the base will include various performance items from RYU, such as Ashigaru Performance Shorts, Tanto Compression Tops, Discipline Training Tees and various t-shirts.

RYU ambassador Rocky Brice added: “I feel that, with RYU's focus on respect, strength, honor and sustainability, we are directly aligned with the core values of the troops and military.”

Shares in the company were down slightly at US$0.890 today.

Hathaway and Massenzio will participate in two preliminary fights airing on Fuel TV at 5 PM Eastern Time on Fuel TV on May 5. The event will be headlined by a fight between Nate Diaz and Jim Miller.

“Hathaway is really a well-rounded fighter making a name for himself in the UFC,” said brand ambassador for RYU Rocky Bice.

“With Mike being from New Jersey, he will have a lot of hometown crowd support which will be a great opportunity for RYU to showcase its premium performance apparel to his fans.”

RYU noted that items now available from the Men's Spring line include compression tops and shorts, fleece pants and hoodies, wind and track jackets, t-shirts and various accessories such as duffle bags and headwear items.

In addition to this, RYU also released its performance shorts and training pants designed specifically to enhance the overall performance of Martial Artists, while keeping them comfortable.

Late last month, the company unveiled plans to raise over C$5 million and list on the Toronto Venture Exchange. The company’s stock currently trades on the OTC market. 

It said Salman Partners has been hired as a placing agent, and a filing has been made to the Canadian exchange.

It said the placing price has yet to be determined but it intends to sell C$5 million worth of new shares through the listing as well as a potential over-allotment of C$750,000.

Respect Your Universe, or RYU for short, is run by an experienced management with backgrounds in major sportswear brands such as Nike, Adidas and specialist yoga brand Lululemon Athletica.

The athlete, who owns New Jersey based Brazen Athletics, will beome an official ambassador of the mixed martial arts clothing company.

On April 15, the partners began offering a global competition and weekly CrossFit challenge.

The weekly winner will be awarded with various apparel and product items from RYU's debut premium performance men's spring line, the company said.

"Becoming partners with Jason and the Brazen Athletics family is a perfect fit for RYU," said the firm's brand ambassador Rocky Bice.

Bice said that he was excited to kick off the relationship with the crossFit challenge.

Late last month, the company unveiled plans to raise over C$5 million and list on the Toronto Venture Exchange. The company’s stock currently trades on the OTC market. 

It said Salman Partners has been hired as a placing agent, and a filing has been made to the Canadian exchange.

It said the placing price has yet to be determined but it intends to sell C$5 million worth of new shares through the listing as well as a potential over-allotment of C$750,000.

Respect Your Universe, or RYU for short, is run by an experienced management with backgrounds in major sportswear brands such as Nike, Adidas and specialist yoga brand Lululemon Athletica.

The group recently launched its debut Spring performance menswear line, and it has been actively promoting the RYU brand though athlete and event sponsorship in MMA sports as well as broader athletic disciplines.

The company’s stock currently trades on the OTC market. But today it announced that Salman Partners has been hired as a placing agent, and a filing has been made to the Canadian exchange.

It said the placing price has yet to be determined but it intends to sell C$5 million worth of new shares through the listing as well as a potential over-allotment of C$750,000.

Respect Your Universe, or RYU for short, is run by an experienced management with backgrounds in major sportswear brands such as Nike, Adidas and specialist yoga brand Lululemon Athletica.

The group recently launched its debut Spring performance menswear line, and it has been actively promoting the RYU brand though athlete and event sponsorship in MMA sports as well as broader athletic disciplines.

The footwear and clothing company still increased its full-year earnings and revenue outlook, on expectations of growth in international markets.

For the three months that ended March 24, Wolverine reported net income of $31.18 million, or 64 cents per share, down 11.1 percent from $35.86 million, or 72 cents per share, a year earlier.

The company said that revenue fell 2.4 percent to $322.8 million from $330.8 million a year before, with foreign exchange negatively impacting revenue by $2.2 million.

Wolverine reported that current year revenue growth was slowed by a soft retail environment in the European market.

Analysts had expected first quarter earnings per share of 55 cents, on revenue of $332.58 million, according to Thomson Reuters.

Wolverine's outdoor division includes Merrell footwear and clothing, Chaco, and Patagonia footwear, while its lifestyle brands include Hush Puppies, Sebago and Soft Style.

"While we expect 2012 to be another record year for the company, most of our growth is planned for the second half, as retailers remain cautious and are focused on keeping inventories lean," said Wolverine chairman and CEO Blake W. Krueger.

"The global strength of our brand portfolio remains one of our most significant competitive advantages.  Our expectations for growth in many international markets will help balance the current uneven pace in the United States and the recessionary environment in Europe.

Gross margin in the quarter decreased 60 basis points to 41 percent, compared to prior-year gross margin of 41.6 percent, said the company.

Wolverine noted that selling price increases and gains from foreign exchange contracts partially offset product costs increases, higher closeout sales and an unfavorable sales mix shift.

The company reported that the latest quarter benefited from a favorable ruling related to long-term global tax planning strategies that lowered tax expense by $5.6 million, or 12 cents per share.

Despite a decline in the company’s branded operating groups during the quarter, its other business units (comprised of Wolverine Retail and Wolverine Leathers) saw revenue growth of 4.8 percent, driven by sales gains, new store locations and continued e-commerce growth, Wolverine said.

The Rockford, Michigan-based company raised its full-year earnings per share guidance to a range of $2.70 to $2.80, representing growth of 8.9 to 12.9 percent, and its full-year revenue guidance to a range of $1.46 to $1.50 billion, representing full-year growth of 3.6 to 6.5 percent.

"Our outlook for the full year remains positive, and our powerful portfolio of brands continues to resonate with consumers around the globe.

"Significant global lifestyle trends continue to work in our favor, and we expect that 2012 will be another record year for the company," Krueger concluded.

Wolverine repurchased approximately 65,000 of its own shares in the quarter at an average price of $37.09, or $2.4 million. 

Mixed martial arts apparel firm Respect Your Universe (OTC:RYUN) will get more exposure this weekend from UFC 145 Jones vs Evans.

It’s branding and advertisements will be visible throughout the pay-per-view TV event.

This comes as the group continues to promote its recently launched spring line of menswear and apparel – including compression tops and shorts, fleece pants and hoodies, wind and track jackets, t-shirts and other accessories.

"We appreciate the opportunity to take part in such a highly anticipated event," said RYU president John Wood.

"For everyone here at RYU UFC 145 is the continued evolution in the ideology of the RYU movement."

Respect Your Universe (OTC:RYU) today reported the signing of its latest official athlete, ultra-endurance athlete Christian Isakson.

Isakson is aiming to compete at the Ironman World Championship, which is hosted in Hawaii during October. 

In 2010, he was one of four athletes to complete the ‘EPIC 5’ 703 mile endurance event, in which he swam 2.4 miles, cycled 112 miles and ran 26.2 miles for five consecutive days. He also completed the 2011 event in December.

Following the world championship, Isakson plans to compete in Ultra-man Canada and the Marathon Des Sables – a six day event in the Sahara desert.

"In addition to what he has done and accomplished as an incredible Ultra Endurance Athlete, Christian's drive, core values and motivation are what make him a standout athlete and person," RYU brand ambassador Rocky Bice said. 

"Christian is a killer athlete pushing himself further beyond any limits imaginable that RYU is proud to support."

Respect Your Universe (OTC:RYUN) revealed that experienced retail executive David Campisi has joined its board of directors.

Campisi was chairman, president and CEO of The Sports Authority from 2004-2011, the mixed martial arts clothing company said in a statement.

He brings more than 30 years of experience in the retail industry for soft and hard goods, as well as specialty and mass production, it added.

Chairman of the company Kristian Andresen said his experience in the retail industry spoke for itself and the firm was thrilled he was joining.

"With David's proven track record as a successful retail industry leader, we are confident in his ability to motivate and nurture the continued growth of the RYU brand," CEO Christopher Martens said. 

Before joining RYU, a previous role of Campisi's was vice president of KOHL'S for GMM Women's Apparel, Accessories, Intimates and Cosmetics, the firm said.

Last month the company revealed plans to raise US$1.5 million through a placing and said it would use the cash to accelerate its investment in innovative product and marketing initiatives to drive brand awareness and grow revenues.

Earlier in February, RYU launched its debut product line. The line will contain training, competition, sportswear, headwear and accessory items.

The sporting goods retailer, which sells athletic equipment, footwear and apparel, said net income surged 27 percent to $15.8 million, or 59 cents a share – for the 13-weeks that ended January 28.

This compares with a year-prior profit of $12.5 million, or 44 cents a share.

Sales rose 10.1 percent to $190.7 million from $173.2 million a year earlier.

On average, analysts polled by Bloomberg were forecasting profits of 56 cents per share on sales of $192 million.

Same-store sales, a key metric used to assess a retailer’s financial health, increased by 7.2 percent.

For the quarter, the retailer opened 21 stores, expanded two high performing stores, while it closed about four under-performing locations. It had 832 stores in 26 states at the end of fourth quarter.

The company also bought 225,170 shares of its own stock for $10.1 million. It has $144.7 million left under its $250 million repurchase program.

For the full-year, the sporting goods company sees earnings to be about $2.35 to $2.55 per share, in line with analysts’ projections of $2.46 a share.

For stores opened at least one year, comparable store sale growth is expected to increase in the low to mid single digit range.

The company also expects to open 55 to 60 new stores during the year, and expand 15 high performing stores, as well as close up to 18 locations.

The retailer runs sporting goods stores in small to mid-sized markets, mainly in the southeast, southwest and Mid-Atlantic regions in the United States.

Hibbett’s share price shed 15 cents to $51.49 each in trade on the Nasdaq on late Friday morning.

In New York, AEO shares rose 4.96 percent to $15.35, as of 1:45 pm EDT.

For the 13 weeks that ended January 28, the department store chain reported net income of $141.5 million, or $2.77 per share, versus $109.6 million, or $1.75 per share, a year ago.

The latest quarter's results included a $28.7 million after-tax credit related to a lawsuit settlement with JDA Software Group.

Excluding this, profits would have come in at $112.8 million, or $2.21 per share, marking a record-setting fourth quarter EPS, and up from adjusted profit of $96.9 million, or $1.55 per share, a year earlier.

On average, analysts had expected earnings of $2.02 per share.

Net sales for the latest quarter were $1.970 billion, up slightly from $1.934 billion.

Total merchandise sales, which exclude the company's CDI Contractors construction business, were $1.946 billion versus $1.912 billion a year earlier.

Sales in comparable stores increased three percent. Same store sales are considered a key measure to gauge a retailer's financial health as it excludes sales from stores that recently opened or closed during the year.

"We are pleased with our progress in 2011 where we delivered a record setting performance. With strong operating cash flow, we purchased $491 million of our Class A Common Stock during the year with $99 million accomplished in the fourth quarter," said CEO, William T. Dillard, II.

"In 2012, we will remain focused on creating a clearly distinctive shopping experience at Dillard’s in merchandise selection as well as in customer service."

Gross margin from retail operations was 34.4 percent, down slightly from 34.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Operating expenses were $440.8 million, compared to $441.6 million a year earlier, as the company saved on advertising and utilities expenses, partially offset by increased services purchased.

For the full year, excluding credits, the company recorded net income of $229.4 million, or $4.21 per share, on sales of $6.26 billion.

At January 28, 2012, the company operated 288 Dillard's locations and 16 clearance centres spanning 29 states.

Shares of Dillard's were up 10.3 percent Thursday an hour before market close, at $57.58.

For the three months that ended January 28, the women's apparel and accessories retailer said net income was $25.1 million, or 15 cents per diluted share, compared to a year-prior profit of $20.7 million, or 12 cents per diluted share.

Net sales rose 19.8 percent to $569.2 million, versus $475. million a year ago, reflecting a comparable sales increase of 8.7 percent, as well as an 8.7% rise in square footage and $28.5 million in sales from its acquisition of Boston Proper, the company said.

Analysts, on average, were expecting the company to earn 11 cents a share on sales of $546.7 million, according to Thomson Reuters.

Comparable sales are considered a better gauge of a retailer's financial health as it excludes sales from stores that recently opened or closed during the year.

The 8.7 percent rise in same store sales is on top of a 4.5 percent increase in the year-ago fourth quarter and is a result of an improvement in both average dollar sale and transaction count.

The company's Chico's/Soma Intimates brands' comparable sales increased 5.5 percent and the White House | Black Market (WH|BM) brand's same store sales rose a whopping 15.4 percent following a 4.7 percent increase in last year's fourth quarter.

For the latest three month period, gross margin was 52.3 percent, representing a 90 basis point decrease from last year's fourth quarter, mainly due to the planned strategic use of Chico's inventory for traffic-driving promotions, and the inclusion of Boston Proper's results.

The company said these effects were partially offset by higher margins at the WH|BM and Soma Intimates brands on increased full-price selling and "effective promotional activities".

The drop in margins was less than expected, however, as higher sales are often the result of discounting, which can affect margins.

Selling, general and administrative expenses rose 16.7 percent in the quarter to $259.3 million.

Excluding $15.1 million of inventory related to Boston Proper, inventories increased more than 12 percent over last year.

Looking forward, Chico's said it expects net sales to increase at a mid teens percentage rate to around $2.5 billion in fiscal 2012, above market estimates, which includes comparable sales growth in the mid-single digit range.

For the fiscal year that ended January 28, net income was $144.4 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, excluding one-time acquisition and integration costs.

The company, through its brands – Chico's, White House | Black Market, Soma Intimates, and Boston Proper, is a women's specialty retailer.

Chico's currently operates 601 boutiques and 84 outlets throughout the U.S.

Shares of the business were up 16.4 percent Wednesday, trading at $14.91 as of 12:39pm ET.

The company, which sells casual sportswear apparel, graphic t-shirts, jeans and sweaters said net sales grew by 16 percent in the latest quarter to $1.32 billion from $1.14 billion a year ago.

Net income for the 13-weeks that ended January 28 dwindled to $19.5 million, or 22 cents a share, versus last year’s profit of $92.5 million, or $1.03 a share.

Excluding one-time items, such as write-downs, store closures and lease exits as well as charges tied to legal settlements, adjusted earnings were $1.12 a share.

Analysts polled by Bloomberg were looking for earnings of $1.15 per share, and revenues of $1.3 billion.

For the quarter, total comparable store sales were flat. By brand, comparable store sales declined by four percent at Abercrombie & Fitch, while abercrombie kids slipped by three percent. Hollister Co. same store sales grew two percent.

Total U.S. sales, including direct-to-consumer sales, increased four percent to $962.2 million, while total international sales, including direct-to-consumer sales, rose by 62 percent to $366.6 million.

The retailer said total company direct-to-consumer sales, including shipping and handling, jumped by 41 percent to $212.3 million.

Gross profit margin fell to 56.1 percent from 63.6 percent, due to lower than expected sales and higher markdowns driven by an "aggressive promotional environment", the company said.

Abercrombie’s board declared a quarterly cash dividend of 17.5 cents a share. Shareholders on record at February 27 will be paid the dividend on March 13.

For 2012, the company projects per share earnings in the range of about $3.50 to $3.75, above analysts’ estimates of $2.36 a share.

The company expects to open five Abercrombie & Fitch flagship locations in Amsterdam, Dublin, Hong Kong, Hamburg and Munich, and an abercrombie kids store in London.

Both the Munich and Amsterdam locations will include an abercrombie kids store, while the company expects to open around 40 international Hollister stores throughout the year.

In addition, the retailer said total capital expenditures for fiscal 2012 are expected to be $400 million due to new stores and investments in the distribution center and direct-to-consumer operations.

Wednesday morning, shares rose more than 10 percent to $49.18.

Respect Your Universe (OTCBB: RYUN) is set for a significant amount of exposure in the week it launches its new clothing line thanks to a tie-up with UFC fighter TJ Dillashaw.

Dillashaw will represent the clothing and apparel brand as he fights Walel Watson on the main card of a UFC event tomorrow night in Omaha, Nebraska.

The event will be broadcast on the Fuel TV channel, which is part the Fox Cable Network in the United States.

The one fight sponsorship deal sees Dillashaw wear various items from RYU's debut line of premium performance apparel. 

This product range is being launched by RYU this week.

"We are thrilled to have Dillashaw represent RYU at the UFC on Fuel TV 1 against Watson the same week we are releasing our new Men's Line," said brand ambassador, and former MMA fighter, Rocky Bice. 

"Made to fit the training and competition needs of fighters like Dillashaw, he encompasses what RYU's core values of respect, strength, honor and sustainability are all about."

Dillashaw said: "I am very excited to be working with RYU. It is a classic look, with up-to-date style."

The clothing and home products company said it earned $169 million, or $1.78 per share, for the quarter that ended December 31. That compares with net income of $168.4 million, or $1.72 per share, in the same quarter last year.

Revenue jumped 17 percent to $1.81 billion.

The quarter beat analyst expectations of $1.66 per share on revenue of $1.75 million.

Ralph Lauren's chairman and chief executive officer Ralph Lauren said: "Our design-driven culture is delivering highly desirable products across a growing range of lifestyle sensibilities and merchandise categories.

"We continue to support this innovation with best-in-class marketing, merchandising and distribution that not only distinguishes us in the marketplace, but also deepens our connection with our customers around the world.

"The progress we are making at our retail segment is very encouraging, particularly as we continue to invest in new stores and e-commerce worldwide."

The maker of the famous polo shirts said strong sales at its own stores and increased sales to department stores helped offset higher taxes during period.

The company's wholesale revenue grew 11 percent, and revenue from its own stores increased 22 percent, which included a boost from a larger base of stores.

Revenue at its stores open at least a year, considered a key indicator because it strips away the impact of recently opened stores, increased 12 percent as well.

The company's only decline came from licensing revenue, which dipped one percent because of lower international and home product licensing.

The company, whose brands include Polo by Ralph Lauren, Chaps and Club Monaco, sells its products at department stores and nearly 900 of its own stores and small shops.

Ralph Lauren said that due to the stronger-than-expected performance, it anticipates its revenue will increase 20 percent for the year.

That is up from its prior expectations of high-teens percentage growth. It also raised its operating margin outlook, saying it would be equivalent to or just below last year's. It previously said it expected a decline of half a percentage point.

Abercrombie & Fitch expects to report adjusted earnings of $1.10 to $1.15 per share for the quarter. That is well below analyst expectations of $1.57 per share, according to Bloomberg .

The company, which sells casual sportswear apparel, graphic t-shirts, jeans and sweaters said net sales are anticipated to increase 16 percent to $1.32 billion, compared to a year ago revenue of $1.14 billion.

Comparable store sales for the quarter were flat from a year-earlier, and below expectations due to weaker U.S. performance than the company anticipated.

Same-store sales are considered a key measure to gauge a retailer’s financial health because it excludes sales from stores that recently opened or closed during the year.

Total U.S. sales, which includes direct-to-consumer sales, are expected to only grow four percent to $962.2 million, while international sales are to spike 62 percent to $366.6 million.

Total company direct-to-consumer sales, including shipping and handling, are seen to jump 41 percent to $212.3 million, it said.

For the quarter, gross margin erosion is now expected to be 750 basis points due to lower than expected sales and higher markdowns driven by an aggressive promotional environment.

"Our sales for the quarter were below expectations in a highly promotional environment, and our results were further affected by all-time high cotton costs," chief executive Mike Jeffries said in a statement.

"We remain cautious on near-term sales trends; however, we are confident that we are on track with our assortment and our long-term strategy, and hope to see improvement as 2012 progresses."

Looking ahead, the company now projects full-year earnings per share in the range of $3.50 to $3.75. This estimate is based on an assumption of flat same-store sales.

Analysts were looking for full-year earnings of $4.21 per share.

The company will provide additional details on 2012 expectations during its earnings call on February 15, when it will release fourth quarter and full year 2011 results.

Shares fell 12.04 percent to $41.19 each Thursday afternoon.

Wolverine designs and makes casual shoes, work boots and apparel. Its brands range from Bates to Hush Puppies and Wolverine. The company is also a licensee of brands like CAT, Harley-Davidson and Patagonia. 

As of June 18, 2011, it owned and operated 92 retail stores in Canada, the US and the UK and ran 45 consumer-direct websites.

Shares were up 91 cents at $38.87 each in New York.

The Canadian company now expects fourth quarter earnings to be between 47 to 49 cents per share, up from its prior forecast of 40 to 42 cents per share.

Net revenue for the quarter is also now estimated to be in a range $358 to $363 million, compared to the previous guidance of $327 to $332 million.

Analysts, on average, are expecting profits of 42 cents a share for the period, on sales of $338 million, according to Bloomberg.

Lululemon’s shares climbed 10.68 percent to reach $59.15 in pre-market trading on the Nasdaq Tuesday.

Same-store sales are now slated to reflect a low-to-mid twenties percentage increase on a constant dollar basis during the quarter, which compares to its prior outlook of a low to mid-teens rise, the company said.

Same-store sales are considered to be a key metric used to gauge a retailer’s financial health because it excludes sales from stores that recently opened or closed during the year.

"Our work throughout the year building our inventory position is driving our success in the fourth quarter," chief executive Christine Day said in a statement.

"Guests have responded exceptionally well to the robust assortment and bright color palette for holiday, and momentum continues with the new spring product offerings."

The Canadian designer and retailer sells bags, socks, athletic apparel, yoga mats as well as instructional yoga videos. Its products are sold at 137 stores that are located in Australia, Canada and the United States.