Research Topic

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens’ fiscal second-quarter earnings fell 7.7% due in part to its decision to leave the Express Scripts pharmacy network. But its performance still topped analyst expectations. A mild flu and cough/cold season also cut into its performance.

The chain said its net income dropped to $683 million in the three months ended Feb. 29, 2012, compared with $739 million a year ago. Revenue rose 0.8% to $18.65 billion, from $18.5 billion a year earlier. Same-store prescriptions filled fell 4.9%. Revenue from the front-end was up 2.1%.

BOSTON — Retailers that use tablets and other mobile devices in place of cash registers are perceived as being more innovative by mobile shoppers than those that do not, according to the latest AisleBuyer survey.

Surging gas prices this spring could jeopardize Walmart’s tenuous same-store sales recovery as consumers have less disposable income and opt to shop at outlets closer to home. At least that was how the situation played out in the recent past when gas prices surged above $4. Are things different now?

NEW YORK — Fortune has released its 2012 list of the most admired companies, and it should come as no surprise that Apple topped the list. Even with the passing of Steve Jobs, the company didn't miss a beat delivering products that are still in high demand, increasing sales and delivering soaring profits for its investors.

Also on the list were a number of retailers including third-ranked Amazon.com, 20th-ranked Costco Wholesale, 24th-ranked Wal-Mart Stores, 25th-ranked Target, 28th-ranked Whole Foods Market and 41st ranked eBay.

New York --  Lululemon Athletica Inc.’s income rose 34.2% to $73.5 million for the three months ended Jan. 29, from $54.8 million in the year ago period.

Revenue in the fourth quarter was up 51.4% to $371.5 million, from $245.4 million. Same-store sales increased 26%.

For the year, sales rose 40.6% to $1 billion. Profits were up 51.1% to $184.1 million.
 

GOODLETSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General's quarterly profit surged 33% to a record $299 million, from $226 million in the prior year.

Sales increased 20.1% to $4.19 billion, compared with $3.49 billion in the year-ago period. Same-store sales rose 6.5%.

For the full year, profit rose 26% to $819 million, from $649 million in 2010. Sales surged 13.6% to $14.8 billion, from $13 billion last year. Same-store sales rose 6%.

Grapevine, Texas -- Video-game retailer GameStop Corp. reported Thursday that profit for the quarter ended Jan. 28 dropped 27% to $174.7 million, from $237.8 million in the year-ago period. Adjusted profit, however, matched predictions, as results included $64.6 million in asset impairment and restructuring charges.

Revenue fell 3.1% to $3.58 billion from $3.69 billion, missing Wall Street’s expected $3.69 billion in revenue. Same-store sales slipped 3.6%.

Evansville, Ind. -- Shoe Carnival reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended Jan. 28 dipped to $3.3 million, from $4.4 million. Sales edged up 1.1% to $181.9 million in the quarter, and same-store sales dropped 3%.

President and CEO Mark Lemond told investors that heavy promotional activities to rid the chain of cold-weather footwear after an unseasonably warm winter had a negative impact on margins.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Shopping center owner Regency Centers said Thursday that it will install electric vehicle charging stations at 19 of its grocery-anchored and community shopping centers in Arizona, California, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, D.C.

Regency is partnering with Ecotality to install Blink Level 2 EV charging stations at the 19 centers; the rollout is part of The EV Project, the largest national deployment of commercial and residential charging stations in major U.S. cities and metropolitan areas.

Goodlettsville, Tenn. -- Dollar General Corp. reported Thursday that profit for the quarter ended Feb. 3 surged 33% to a record $299 million, from $226 million in the prior year.

Sales increased 20.1% to $4.19 billion, compared with $3.49 billion in the year-ago period. Same-store sales rose 6.5%.
   
For the full year, profit rose 26% to $819 million, from $649 million in 2010. Sales surged 13.6% to $14.8 billion, from $13 billion last year. Same-store sales rose 6%.