Bebe Stores Inc. Stock Downgraded (BEBE)

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- bebe stores (Nasdaq:BEBE) has been downgraded by TheStreet Ratings from buy to hold. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, compelling growth in net income and expanding profit margins. However, as a counter to these strengths, we find that the stock has had a generally disappointing performance in the past year.

Highlights from the ratings report include:

• BEBE's revenue growth has slightly outpaced the industry average of 5.4%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 10.5%. This growth in revenue appears to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, improving the earnings per share.
• The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has significantly exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the Specialty Retail industry. The net income increased by 91.9% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from -$2.64 million to -$0.21 million.
• BEBE STORES INC reported significant earnings per share improvement in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. This company has reported somewhat volatile earnings recently. But, we feel it is poised for EPS growth in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, BEBE STORES INC reported lower earnings of $0.05 versus $0.09 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($0.15 versus $0.05).
• The return on equity has improved slightly when compared to the same quarter one year prior. This can be construed as a modest strength in the organization. Compared to other companies in the Specialty Retail industry and the overall market, BEBE STORES INC's return on equity significantly trails that of both the industry average and the S&P 500.
• BEBE is off 6.12% from its price level of one year ago, reflecting the general market trend and ignoring their higher earnings per share compared to the year-earlier quarter. Looking ahead, we do not see anything in this company's numbers that would change the one-year trend. It was down over the last twelve months; and it could be down again in the next twelve. Naturally, a bull or bear market could sway the movement of this stock.

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bebe stores, inc. engages in the design, development, and production of women's apparel and accessories. Its products include a range of separates, tops, dresses, active wear, and accessories in career, evening, casual, and active lifestyle categories. The company has a P/E ratio of 38.1, above the average retail industry P/E ratio of 35.9 and above the S&P 500 P/E ratio of 17.7. Bebe has a market cap of $515.3 million and is part of the services sector and retail industry. Shares are down 26.3% year to date as of the close of trading on Tuesday.

You can view the full bebe Ratings Report or get investment ideas from our investment research center.
-- Written by a member of TheStreet Ratings Staff

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• bebe stores Inc. Growth Rates

• bebe stores Inc. Balance Sheet

• bebe stores Inc. Cash Flow

• bebe stores Inc. Income Statement