On Thursday, BofA Securities adjusted its stance on Ollie's Bargain Outlet (NASDAQ:OLLI), increasing the price target to $102 from the previous $92 while reiterating a Buy rating on the stock. The adjustment follows Ollie's reported first-quarter earnings per share (EPS) of 73 cents, surpassing the consensus estimate of 65 cents. This beat was attributed to stronger sales and an improved gross margin.
Comparable store sales for Ollie's rose by 3%, slightly above the guided figure of just over 2%. Management has responded by revising its full-year 2024 comparable sales growth forecast to a range of 1.5% to 2.3%, up from the 1% to 2% previously anticipated. Additionally, the EPS guidance for the fiscal year 2024 has been increased by 2.5% to a new range of $3.18 to $3.28 to reflect the positive performance.
Quarter-to-date sales are reportedly outpacing the second-quarter guidance of 1.5% growth. However, management has indicated that July could present a challenging comparison due to the mid-teen comparable sales figures achieved in the same month last year. In light of these developments, BofA Securities has raised its fiscal year 2024 and 2025 EPS estimates for Ollie's by 2% and 3%, respectively, setting them at $3.28 and $3.67.
The new price objective of $102 is based on a 28 times multiple of the estimated fiscal year 2025 earnings per share, reflecting a peer multiple expansion. The firm also announced an upcoming leadership transition, with current Chief Operating Officer Eric van der Valk set to take over as CEO in early 2025 as the current CEO, John Swygert, moves to the role of Executive Chairman.
"In other recent news, Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:OLLI) reported a significant 49% increase in adjusted earnings per share for the first quarter, surpassing market expectations. The company also announced the acquisition of 11 99 Cents Only Stores in Texas, a move aimed at enhancing its market presence. In light of these developments, JPMorgan adjusted its outlook on Ollie's, raising the price target to $89.00 from the previous $85.00, while maintaining a Neutral rating on the company's stock.
The firm's adjustment followed Ollie's first-quarter annual recurring revenue (ARR) report of $207.7 million, a 21% increase year-over-year. This growth, although slightly below consensus, reflects a positive trend attributed to several deals postponed to the second fiscal quarter. Ollie's also achieved positive free cash flow for the first time, signaling a significant financial milestone.
In addition to these financial highlights, Ollie's has outlined plans to open 50 new stores throughout the fiscal year, with a raised outlook for total net sales projected between $2.257 billion and $2.277 billion. The company expects comparable store sales growth to be between 1.5% and 2.3%. These recent developments, coupled with a strategic shift towards digital and social media advertising, suggest a positive trajectory for Ollie's moving forward."
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