Finance & Capital Management

Walmart reported better-than-expected results for its second quarter amid surging online sales and an increase in store traffic.    Walmart's total revenue for the period ended July 31 rose 2.3% to $123.36 billion for the quarter, better than analysts had expected. U.S. store visits increased 1.3% over the year-ago period.   

The second quarter numbers show that Walmart remains firmly on the front foot and is more than holding its own in a challenging and competitive retail market. It is particularly pleasing to see sales growth accelerate since Q1 -- a clear sign that the various initiatives and investments are paying dividends.  

The nation's largest home improvement retailer has found a new use for its store roofs.   The Home Depot is partnering with GE's Current unit and Tesla on a rooftop solar project in 50 stores across five states (California, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Colombia.) The initiative will reduce electricity grid demand by an estimated 30% to 35% annually at each location. Under a power purchase agreement, Home Depot will lease its roof space and buy the output from the systems.   

The Cato Corp. swung to a loss in the second quarter amid continuing negative sales trends.    The apparel retailer reported a net loss of $0.9 million, or a loss of $0.03 per diluted share, for the quarter ended July 29, compared to net income of $15.9 million, or $.57 per diluted share, for the year ago period.   Sales for the second quarter fell 13% to $205.0 million, down from $236.7 million last year. Same-store sales plunged 14%.   

Alibaba Group’s e-commerce business’ profit increase contributed to a blockbuster quarter for China’s top online player.   For the period ended June 30, China’s largest online retailer reported total revenue of 50.1 billion RMB ($7.1 billion U.S.), an increase of 56% year-over-year. This beat analysts' estimates of 47.7 billion RMB, according to Thomson Reuters. Net income was 14 billion RMB $2 billion U.S.).  

L Brands is still being dragged down by its decision to eliminate swimwear and apparel from Victoria's Secret.   The company reported a better-than-expected profit of $138.9 million, or earnings per share of 48 cents per share for the quarter, compared with analysts' expectations of 44 cents per share.    Revenue totaled $2.76 billion, better than the $2.75 billion analysts had forecast.   

Shoppers just can't stay away from off-price stores.   Ross Stores' earned $317 million, or 82 cents a share, in the quarter ended July 29, up 15% from $282 million, or 71 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Analysts had expected earnings of $0.76 per share.   Sales rose 8% to $3.43 billion. Same-store sales increased 4%.  

Gap Inc. beat the Street in its second quarter with both bottom and top line gains, boosted by its Old Navy division and fewer discounts.    The apparel retailer earned $271 million net income, or 68 cents per share, in the quarter that ended July 29. That's up from $125 million, or 31 cents per share, a year ago.   

Target Corp. came roaring back in its second quarter from a year-long sales slump amid evidence that its investments in online and store remodels are paying off. The discounter raised its outlook for the year.   Sales rose 1.6% to $16.43 billion in the quarter ended July 29, beating analysts' estimates of $16.30 billion. Same-store sales rose 1.3%, also more than analysts had expected. Comparable digital sales surged 32%.  

The retail landscape today looks different than it did just a few years ago. Brick-and-mortar retail is becoming more diverse. Brands are embracing different operational models and integrating more closely with online and mobile channels. Retailers like Bonobos, Warby Parker and Restoration Hardware are using physical locations purely as showrooms, a new trend that appears to be gaining significant traction.