Restoration Hardware Plunges More Than 20% After Cutting Earnings Forecast

RH , the retail chain formerly known as Restoration Hardware, dropped more than 20% in late trading Thursday after cutting its earnings outlook for the year. RH reported a net loss of $3.4 million, or 9 cents a share, on sales of $562.1 million for its fiscal first quarter. After adjustments for amortization and other effects, RH claimed profit of 5 cents a share. Analysts on average expected RH to report adjusted earnings of 5 cents a share on sales of $556 million. The chain, which is moving to a membership model and launching cafes in its stores, said that it will try to liquidate inventory for cash while building out its in-store offerings, which will boost revenue but hurt profit. RH increased its full-year revenue guidance to $2.4 billion to $2.45 billion, from a previous forecast of $2.3 billion to $2.4 billion, but projected adjusted earnings of $1.67 to $1.94 a share after previously forecasting $1.78 to $2.19 a share. "We are taking a cautiously optimistic approach to our outlook given the uncertain macro environment in addition to the many initiatives and investments we are undertaking," Chief Executive Gary Friedman wrote in a letter that included the earnings information Thursday afternoon. Shares fell to less than $46 after closing with a 2% gain at $57.25.