The Buckle, Inc.

The Buckle, Inc. (BKE - Snapshot Report) recently reported a year-over-year increase of 18.2% in same-store store sales for the month of April. Net sales jumped 25.6% year-over-year.

Company Description

The Buckle is a retailer of casual apparel, footwear, and accessories for young men and women in the United States. The company’s casual apparel products include denims, bottoms, tops, sportswear, and outerwear.

Known as a denim destination, each store carries a wide selection of fits, styles, and finishes from leading denim brands, including the company’s exclusive brand, BKE.

Headquartered in Kearney, Nebraska, Buckle currently operates 393 retail stores in 40 states, including the recent opening of 3 new stores in Savannah, Georgia; Newport News, Virginia; and Pineville, North Carolina. BKE also closed one store in fiscal April. The Company operated 374 stores in 39 states as of May 7, 2008.

Stellar Sales

The Buckle recently reported a year-over-year increase of 18.2% in same-store store sales for the month of April. Net sales jumped 25.6% year-over-year, from $47 million to $59.1 million.

On a year-to-date basis, same-store sales grew 17.7% from the year-prior year-to-date period. Year-to-date net sales are up 24.6%.

The company is slated to report first-quarter results on May 21, 2009.

Strong Fundamentals

The Buckle boasts a strong balance sheet with no debt. The company’s return on average (ROE) of 29% more than quadruples the industry average of 7%. Its net profit margin of 13% sits high above the industry average of 2%. BKE also offers an industry-leading dividend yield of 2.5%.

Estimates are on the Rise

Analysts are calling for earnings of $2.56 per share for the year ending January 2010, versus last month’s forecast of $2.53. The most accurate estimate is more bullish at $2.63.

For the following year, analysts project earnings of $2.62, up from last month’s $2.53. The most accurate estimate accurate forecast is a higher $2.89.