Francesca's Holdings Corporation reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and year ended January 28, 2017. For the quarter, the company reported net sales of $146,345,000 against $134,605,000 a year ago. Income from operations was $23,584,000 against $24,172,000 a year ago. Income before income tax expense was $23,502,000 against $23,999,000 a year ago. Net income was $14,635,000 against $14,656,000 a year ago. Diluted earnings per share were $0.39 against $0.35 per share a year ago.

For the year, the company reported net sales of $487,188,000 against $439,377,000 a year ago. Income from operations was $67,925,000 against $62,317,000 a year ago. Income before income tax expense was $67,608,000 against $61,709,000 a year ago. Net income was $42,001,000 against $38,152,000 a year ago. Diluted earnings per share were $1.09 against $0.91 per share a year ago. Net cash provided by operating activities was $72,171,000 against $62,867,000 a year ago. Purchase of property and equipment was $21,852,000 against $24,276,000 a year ago.

For the first quarter ending April 29, 2017, net sales are expected to be in the range of $111 million to $114 million; assuming comparable sales will be in the low single digit decrease to flat range compared to the prior year increase of 2%. The company plans to open approximately 15 new boutiques and close approximately four existing boutiques during the first quarter. Diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $0.12 to $0.16.

For the fiscal year ending February 3, 2018, net sales are expected to be in the range of $527 million to $543 million; assuming a flat to low-single digit increase in comparable sales compared to the prior year increase of 2%. The Company expects to open approximately 60 to 65 boutiques and close approximately 10 to 15 boutiques in fiscal year 2017, compared to 64 new boutiques opened and nine boutiques closed in fiscal year 2016.  Diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $1.11 to $1.21 compared to the prior year of $1.09.  The number of average diluted shares for the full year assumed in guidance is 37.4 million shares. The effective tax rate is estimated to be 38%. Capital expenditures for fiscal year 2017 are expected to be in the range of $28 million to $33 million.