U.S. Movers: Korn-Ferry, Pier 1 Imports, Kroger, Quest Software

Mukesh Buch
14 Jun, 2012
New York City

Korn/Ferry fourth quarter slumped 41% and Pier 1 Imports first quarter net grew and lifted its fiscal outlook. Kroger first quarter net gained 1.6% to $439.4 million. Quest Software received proposal to acquire for $25.50 per share of common stock in cash.

[R]10:35 AM New York – Korn/Ferry fourth quarter slumped 41% and Pier 1 Imports first quarter net grew and lifted its fiscal outlook. Kroger first quarter net gained 1.6% to $439.4 million. Quest Software received proposal to acquire for $25.50 per share of common stock in cash.[/R]

ePlus inc. ((PLUS)) increased 1.2% or 40 cents to $32.65 after the software company reported total revenues in the fourth quarter ending in March increased 24% to $219 million compared to $176 million in the same period last year. Net earnings in the quarter rose 8% to $3.9 million or 49 cents per diluted share compared to $3.6 million or 42 cents per share a year ago earlier.

Korn/Ferry International ((KFY)) dropped 5.3% or 70 cents to $12.46 after the recruitment industry reported total revenues in the fourth quarter ending in April rose 1% to $207.6 million compared to $205.8 million in the same period last year. Net income in the quarter slumped 41% to $12.0 million or 25 cents per diluted share compared to $20.4 million or 43 cents per share a year ago period.

Pier 1 Imports, Inc. ((PIR)) gained 4.8% or 76 cents to $16.34 after the specialty retailer reported net sales in the first quarter ending on May 26 grew 8% to $361.1 million compared to $334.6 million in the same period last year. Comparable store sales increase of 7.2% compared to a 10.2% gain last year.

Net income in the quarter grew 4.9% to $17.8 million or 16 cents per diluted share compared to $14.1 million or 12 cents per share a year ago earlier.

The retailer expects earnings for the fiscal 2013 in the range of $1.08 to $1.14 per share representing growth of 15% to 21% and comparable store sales growth expects in the range of mid single-digit.

Quest Software, Inc. ((QSFT)) soared 7.9% or $1.90 to $25.76 after the software products maker said the company received a proposal from a strategic bidder to acquire all outstanding shares of common stock for $25.50 per share in cash.

Smithfield Foods, Inc. ((SFD)) declined 6.9% or $1.35 to $18.22 after the food processing company reported Sales in the fourth quarter ending on April 29 rose 3% to $3.21 billion compared to $3.12 billion in the same period last year. Net income in the quarter declined 19% to $79.5 million or 49 cents per diluted share compared to $98.4 million or 59 cents per share a year ago earlier.

Sales for the fiscal 2012 increased 7% to $13.1 billion from $12.2 billion a year ago. For the year net income slumped 31% to $361.3 million or $2.21 per diluted share from $521.0 million or $3.12 per share in the prior year.

The Kroger Co. ((KR)) rose 35 cents to $38.79 after the grocery retailer reported first quarter total sales including fuel rose 5.8% to $29.1 billion from $27.5 billion for the same period in 2011. Net earnings in the quarter gained 1.6% to $439.4 million or 78 cents per diluted share compared to net earnings of $432.3 million or 70 cents per share last year.