Why Christopher & Banks Shares Jumped

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of Christopher & Banks were climbing higher today, up as much as 10% after a better-than-expected earnings report.

So what: The clothing retailer said its net loss per share improved from $0.06 to $0.01, a penny better than estimates at $0.02, while revenue edged up 0.8% to $104.2 million. That was short of estimates at $106.5 million, but same-store sales increased by an impressive 7.7%, lapping an uptick of 8.9% the year before as the company has restructured in its attempt to emerge from the recession. Overall revenue growth was slower, as Christopher & Banks has closed down a number of underperforming stores over the past year, dropping its total count by 8.8%. Management also announced a three-year growth plan starting in fiscal 2014 with expectations of mid-single-digit comparable sales growth, 20 new store openings a year, a gross margin increase of 300 to 400 basis points, and a 2016 operating margin in the high single digits.

Now what: Of the goals outlined above, the new store openings seem to be the key. That's a sign that the company is reaching the end of its "store rationalization plan" and is ready to grow again, adding to its current total of 597 stores, which should help it deliver on its other financial goals. The direction of the company has improved since CEO LuAnn Via took over last fall, and if the company can hit all the targets in its growth plan, it should see earnings per share of about $1 by 2016. With shares priced under $7 today, they're sure to go up if Christopher & Banks can deliver.

Christopher & Banks shares are up nearly 100% in the last year as the company's turnaround strategy begins to take hold. If you're looking for more unbelievable growth picks, you'll be delighted to know that Motley Fool co-founder David Gardner, creator of the No. 1 growth stock newsletter in the world, has developed a unique strategy for uncovering truly wealth-changing stock picks. And he wants to share it with you, along with a few of his favorite growth stock superstars. You can get it all in a special 100% free report called "6 Picks for Ultimate Growth." So stop settling for index-hugging gains, and click here for instant access to a whole new game plan of stock picks to help power your portfolio.

The article Why Christopher & Banks Shares Jumped originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Jeremy Bowman has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.