Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) late Wednesday [Mar 15, 2017 | 4:21pm] posted mixed fourth quarter earnings results and offered a tepid Q1 outlook, but its 2017 forecast was better than expected, and its shares rose in aftermarket trading.

Written by StockNews.com

The San Francisco-based home goods retailer reported Q4 EPS of $1.55, which was $0.04 better than the Wall Street consensus estimate of $1.51.

Revenues fell 0.3% from last year to $1.58 billion, however, falling short of analysts’ $1.61 billion view.

Looking ahead, WSM forecast Q1 EPS of $0.45 to $0.50, which would miss Wall Street’s current $0.54 estimate. Q1 revenues are seen between $1.09 and $1.12 billion, and could also fall short of analysts’ $1.12 billion view.

WSM expects Q1 comparable brand revenue growth (“comps”) between -1% to +2%.

Williams-Sonoma’s full-year outlook was much better than its Q1 forecast. The company sees 2017 EPS of $3.45 to $3.65, above analysts’ outlook of $3.39. Its full-year revenue forecast of $5.17 to $5.27 billion would also top Wall Street’s $5.11 billion estimate

Further, WSM sees 2017 comps rising +1% to +3%. The company commented via press release:

“Entering 2017, we will continue to improve performance and increase our competitive advantage, with a focus on innovation in e-commerce, our products and service, and the retail experience. We will also remain relentlessly focused on operational excellence throughout our supply chain, driving strategies that will improve our customers’ experience across all of our brands. We are optimistic about the future and believe we have the infrastructure, strategies and talent in place to drive long-term profitable growth for our shareholders.”

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. shares rose $1.18 (+2.45%) in after-hours trading Wednesday. Year-to-date, WSM has gained 0.21%, versus a 6.90% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.