Finance & Capital Management

PITTSBURGH — Dick's Sporting Goods reported consolidated net income for the first quarter ended April 30 of $37.5 million, or 30 cents per diluted share, exceeding the company's earnings expectations provided on March 8 of 26 cents to 28 cents per diluted share.  For the first quarter ended May 1, 2010, the company reported consolidated net income of $26.2 million, or 22 cents per diluted share.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart reported first-quarter earnings that were above the company's guidance, reflecting stability and strength in global operations, according to president and CEO, Mike Duke.

Walmart's net income was $3.4 billion, or 98 cents per diluted share, compared with net income of $3.3 billion, or 87 cents per diluted share. 

NEW YORK — The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index, which tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending, fell to 3.16% from an upwardly revised gain of 3.78% a month ago.

The index showed the largest single month decline since November 2007.

Deloitte said that the index, which is comprised of four components — including tax burden, initial unemployment claims, real wages and real home prices — saw a drop due to "a sharp deterioration in real wages coupled with a rise in jobless claims."

PLANO, Texas — JCPenney posted first-quarter net income and comparable-store sales growth thanks to strong growth in key categories and better management of expenses. 

New York City -- Wal-Mart Stores may give up its quest to buy a controlling stake in South Africa’s Massmart Holdings Ltd., if South Africa forces local procurement conditions on the retailers, the companies said, the Associated Press reported.

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe's Cos. said Monday its first-quarter profit fell 6%, due in part by bad weather and difficult economic conditions. The chain cut its full-year outlook.

Lowe's reported net income of $461 million for the three months ended April 29, down from $489 million a year earlier. Its results missed estimates. Revenue fell 2% to $12.19 billion. Same-store sales were down 3.3%.

New York City -- Falling real wages and rising jobless claims in April contributed to largest single month drop in the Deloitte Consumer Spending Index since November 2007. The Index, which tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending, fell to 3.16% from an upwardly revised gain of 3.78% a month ago.

LONDON — Wal-Mart Stores' Asda division Asda confirmed that it was exploring opportunities to franchise its George at Asda range in markets overseas.

The company expects to announce its first overseas franchising partner in the next few months with the intention of establishing a small number of pilot stores in the Middle East in the first half of 2012.

George currently accounts for around half of Asda’s general merchandise sales and is already a growing global brand through Walmart stores in seven countries worldwide, the company reported.