Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) late Thursday [Feb 23, 2017 | 4:50pm ] posted mixed fourth quarter earnings results and offered a 2017 outlook that could fall short of expectations.

Written by StockNews.com

The San Francisco-based apparel retailer reported Q4 EPS of $0.51, which was in-line with the Wall Street consensus estimate of $0.51.

Revenues rose 1% from last year to $4.43 billion, ahead of analysts’ view for $4.39 billion.

On a positive note, Gap’s fourth quarter comparable sales were up 2% from last year, when it saw a big 7% decline in comps.

Looking ahead, GPS forecast full-year 2017 EPS of $1.95 to $2.05, which would miss Wall Street’s current $2.06 outlook. 2017 revenues are seen to be at or slightly below $15.5 billion, would could beat analysts’ $15.43 billion view.

Finally, 2017 comps are expected to be flat to up slightly from 2016 levels.

The company commented via press release:

“We’re pleased to finish the year strong, with positive comp and sales growth during the critical holiday quarter,” said Art Peck, chief executive officer, Gap Inc. “Going forward, we will maintain our focus on improving the quality and relevance of our products, increasing our responsiveness to trends and demand, and creating more synergy across channels to deliver the experiences our customers want and expect, however they choose to shop.”

...Year-to-date, GPS had gained 6.82% prior to today’s report, versus a 5.78% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.

GPS currently has a StockNews.com POWR Rating of B (Buy), and is ranked #9 of 67 stocks in the Fashion & Luxury category.