Urban Outfitters Earnings Surge

Urban Outfitters Inc. reported earnings of $77.6 million for the fourth quarter, an increase over $40.5 million in the prior year.

The direct marketer and retailer posted sales of $589 million, for the quarter ended Jan. 31, a 16% increase over $508 million last year.

The Philadelphia Company reported that direct-to-consumer sales rose 28% during the quarter.

The firm reported that gross profit margin improved by 771 basis points, over the prior year.

Management attributed this to