Finance & Capital Management

New York City -- A study released Thursday by WSL/Strategic Retail found that 52% of Americans are struggling to afford the necessities, and for many even that is a stretch.

The “How America Shops MegaTrends report, Moving On 2012,” revealed among its significant findings that the youth market, 18-34 year olds, has the highest percent of those who do not have enough money to cover their basic needs, with close to a quarter (24%) in financial turmoil.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Shopping center owner Regency Centers said Thursday that it has launched construction on Southpark at Cinco Ranch, a 260,000-sq.-ft. neighborhood center anchored by Kroger, in Fort Bend County, Houston.

In partnership with Excel Commercial Real Estate, Regency Centers began construction of the center’s first phase on Feb. 20, with anchor openings scheduled for fourth quarter 2012.

Cincinnati -- The Kroger Co. reported on Thursday that it posted a loss in the quarter ended Jan. 28, attributing the loss to costs associated with consolidating its pension plan for union workers.

The grocer, which counts among its banners Kroger, Ralphs and Food 4 Less, lost $306.9 million in the quarter, compared with a profit of $278.8 million in the year-ago period.

Total sales in the quarter rose 7.7% to $21.4 billion. Excluding fuel, sales rose 5%. Same-store sales increased 4.9%.

Phoenix -- PetSmart Inc. reported Thursday that profit for the fourth quarter rose 13% to $102 million, compared with $90.3 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue during the quarter was $1.64 billion, up from $1.52 billion a year earlier and beating Wall Street’s expected $1.62 billion in revenue. Same-store sales rose 5.5%.

For the full year of 2011, the company reported net income of $290.2 million, up from $239.9 million in 2010. Revenue for the year was $6.11 billion, up from $5.69 billion the year before.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Thursday it is continuing its annual tradition of increasing shareholder payout by raising its dividend by 9%.

Wal-Mart will pay a quarterly dividend of 39.75 cents on April 4 to shareholders of record on March 12. That works out to $1.59 per share for the year. The company has increased its dividend every year since its first declared dividend in March 1974.

According to Wal-Mart president and CEO Mike Duke, the company's U.S. business is back on track, and international results remain strong.

New York -- Most apparel retailers topped Wall Street estimates in February, as rising temperatures boosted sales, while increased consumer confidence and Valentine’s Day also helped boost spending, according to the Thomson Reuters Same Store Sales Index.

New York -- In a month that was solid overall, the discount sector showed its muscle, turning in a strong February same-store sales performance nearly across the board.

After suggesting last week that sales had accelerated and returned to a pre-holiday pace, Target Corp. reported Thursday that same-store sales for the month rose 7%, beating Wall Street’s expected 5.2%. Total sales during the period rose 8% to $5.13 billion, boosted by strength in the food, healthcare and beauty categories. Accessories and apparel performed above average as well.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — When people are working -- whether at a small business or large corporation -- they need office supplies, so when a company such as Staples delivers a retail sales increase for the fourth quarter, it is good sign that the economy is improving.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.  — Lack of snowfall throughout most of the major winter sports regions negatively impacted Big 5 Sporting Goods' results in the fourth quarter. 

The company reported a net loss for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 of $9,000, or 0 cents per diluted share, including the non-cash impairment charge of 5 cents per diluted share. For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, net income was $4 million, or 18 cents per diluted share, including a net charge of 7 cents per diluted share related to legal matters.

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco is off to a good start in 2012, with high increases in second-quarter sales and earnings.

The company reported that net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 increased 10% to $22.51 billion, from $20.45 billion last year. Total comparable-store sales for the quarter increased 8%, consisting of an 8% increase at both U.S. and international clubs. Excluding the impact of fuel, comparable-store sales were up 7%, consisting of a 7% increase at U.S. clubs and a 10% increase at international clubs.