1-800-Flowers Narrows 4Q Profit, But Predicts Uncertain Future

1-800-Flowers.com (NASDAQ:FLWS) sharply narrowed its fourth-quarter loss on higher sales, but revealed on Tuesday a tepid forecast that reflects continued uncertainties in the global economy.

The florist and gift shop posted a net loss of $8,000, or break even earnings per share, compared with a year-ago loss of $4.9 million, or 5 cents a share, in the same quarter last year.

Revenue for the Carle Place, N.Y.-based online and in-store retailer was $187.09 million, up 13.1% from $165.43 million a year ago, trumping the Streets view of $175.3 million.

Consumer floral revenues for the three-months ended July 3 were up 5.5% to $123.7 million.

The company also attributed improvements to continued strong growth in its BloomNet wire service and Gourmet Food and Gift Baskets categories.

In a statement, 1-800-Flowers CEO Jim McCann said the strong results in all of the companys business segments reflected strategic initiatives put in place to better manage operating expenses and enhance return on marketing and merchandising efforts.

We are very pleased with the results achieved during our fiscal 2011 fourth quarter and the full year, he said. During the year, the company focused on achieving growth and enhancing results through areas of the business that could be controlled, he said, such as lowering costs and providing customers with core products.

Looking ahead, the florist said it doesnt anticipate significant improvements in consumer demand for discretionary purchases during fiscal 2012 due to continued uncertainty in the overall economy.