Research Topic

Reference to the posthumous gyrations of Walmart’s legendary founder Sam Walton were quite common in recent years as the company pursued a wide range of disruptive strategies in the name of Project Impact. You never had to look far to find someone with an opinion on how Walton would feel about some aspect of Walmart’s business, as the universe of those who profess to have some unique insight into his psyche is so large.

Cincinnati -- Kroger Co. said Thursday that its fourth-quarter net income jumped 9.2% while sales rose 7.4%. It also announced that its board authorized a $1 billion stock repurchase plan.

Net income was $278.8 million, compared with $255.4 million in the year-ago period. Quarterly revenue rose to $19.9 billion, with same-store sales up 3.8%.

Kroger offered a cautious outlook for the current year, saying rising fuel costs are likely to take a bite out of household budgets.

Fort Worth, Texas -- Pier 1 Imports’ same-store sales increased rose 8.9% in the fourth quarter. The chain also offered earnings guidance for the quarter that was slightly above what Wall Street expects.

Total revenue for the quarter rose 8% to $427 million from $396 million.

For the full year, which ended Feb. 26, same-store were up 10.9% while total revenue rose to $1.4 billion from just under $1.3 billion.

New York City -- Walgreens said Thursday its same-store sales in February rose 3.1%, but the growth was slower than Wall Street expected. Analysts expected, on average, expected a 3.5% increase.

The company said pharmacy same-store sales rose 2.7% but were hurt by generic drug introductions over the last year. Non-pharmacy, or front-end, revenue increased 3.8%.

Rite Aid Corp. said Thursday that its same-store sales rose 1% in February, less than the 1.5% increase analysts had predicted.

New York City -- Many retailers reported better-than-expected sales in February amid milder mid-month temperatures in many parts of the country. But some warned of a weaker March due the timing of the Easter holiday. Analysts also cautioned that rising fuel prices may damper consumer spending going forward.

The Thomson Reuters Same-Store Sales Index rose 4.2% in February, topping estimates for a 3.6% increase, and also rising higher than in the year-ago period.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix on Tuesday disclosed a 4.4% increase in its fourth-quarter sales, reaching $6.4 billion, while comparable-store sales for quarter also rose 3.2%.

Net earnings for the retailer totaled $342.1 million, compared with $284.2 million in the year-ago period, an increase of 20.4%. Earnings per share for the fourth quarter increased to 44 cents for 2010, up from 36 cents per share in 2009.

Issaquah, Wash. -- Costco Wholesale Corp.'s fiscal second-quarter net income rose 16% as the chain benefited from stronger business overseas and growing membership.

Costco reported net income of $348 million for the period ended Feb. 13, up from $299 million a year ago. The results were in line with expectations.

Revenue climbed 11% to $20.88 billion, topping estimates of $20.4 billion. Same-store sales increased 7%. The figure rose 12% internationally and 5% in the United States.

Westborough, Mass. -- BJ's Wholesale Club's fiscal fourth-quarter net income fell 81% on a one-time $41.1 million charge related to store closings, restructuring and asset impairment. But its adjusted earnings beat expectations.

The wholesale club operator earned $10.2 million for the quarter, compared with $54.5 million a year ago.

Net sales for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 29, increased by 7.4% to $2.90 billion, and comparable club sales increased by 3.8%, including a contribution from sales of gasoline of 2.1%.

Suffern, N.Y. -- Ascena Retail Group's fiscal second-quarter net income nearly doubled to top expectations, buoyed by solid results at its Justice stores.

The company, formerly The Dress Barn, reported net income of $42.5 million for the quarter, up from $21.7 million last year.

Revenue for the period ended Jan. 29 was up 27% to $752.2 million, better than the Street's $716.2 million estimate. Same-sale sales rose 9%.

New York City -- While Walmart and Target continue to closely contend on price, Target’s basket price came in less expensive in the latest semi-annual pricing study by Kantar Retail.

“Walmart’s price positioning reveals that it has largely returned to a blanket EDLP approach, while Target’s TPC positioning is centered on price promotions to drive guests’ impressions and achieve actual basket price leadership,” said Leon Nicholas, senior VP of Retail Insights for Kantar Retail and contributor to the study.