Williams-Sonoma 1Q Earnings Up 22%

San Francisco, CA, May 24--Williams-Sonoma Inc. in the first-quarter reported earnings that rose 22% to $26.2 million, or $0.22 per share. Analysts had forecast earnings of $0.19 per share. The retailer, which operates Pottery Barn stores, Pottery Barn Kids and Hold Everything stores reported revenues in the quarter that were up 12% to $720.7 million. Same-store sales were up 5%. The company said it expected second-quarter earnings of $0.24 to $0.26 per share. Analysts had forecast $0.26 per share. The company said it remains conservative in its outlook for the remainder the year, reiterating its view for earnings of $1.84 to $1.88 a share, against analysts' forecast of $1.86 a share.