Hibbett & City Gear

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Hibbett Sports raised its outlook and remains confident in its strategy after reporting a near 43% spike in earnings per diluted share.

The company reported an impressive 42.9% growth in second-quarter earnings per diluted share to 30 cents from 21 cents for the same period last year. Net income increased 32.9% to $7.9 million from $5.9 million in the comparable-year period.

Birmingham, Ala. -- Hibbett Sports reported Friday that net income for the quarter ended July 28 surged 32.9% to $7.9 million from $5.9 million in the comparable-year period.

The retailer reported a net sales increase of 8% to $165.4 million compared with $153.1 million for the same period last year. Same-store sales increased 4.8%.

The company increased its earnings guidance for fiscal 2013 and said it is on track to open 55 to 60 new stores, expand approximately 15 high performing stores and close up to 18 underperforming stores.

Bedford, Ind. -- Beachwood, Ohio-based Chase Properties said it has acquired Williams Crossing in Bedford, Ind., from Horne Properties.

Williams Crossing is a 50,000-sq.-ft. shopping center that is shadow-anchored by a Super Walmart. Other tenants in the center include Dollar Tree, Maurices, Shoe Show and Hibbett Sports. Marcus & Millichap brokered the sale.
 

Birmingham, Ala. -- Hibbett Sports announced plans to build a wholesaling and logistics facility in Alabaster, Ala.

Construction on the new 360,000-sq.-ft. center is expected to commence in fall 2012 with the facility expected to be fully operational by fall 2014. When completed, it will replace the existing 180,000-sq.-ft. facility that the company currently leases in Birmingham.
 

Regional sporting goods chain Hibbett Sports plans to begin construction this fall on a new distribution facility that will support more than 2,000 stores.

Birmingham, Ala. -- Hibbett Sports announced that Scott J. Bowman has joined the company as senior VP and CFO effective July 9. He will replace Gary Smith, whose retirement is effective July 8, 2012.

Bowman was most recently division chief financial officer – Northern Division for The Home Depot, a position he has held since 2006.
 

Birmingham, Ala. -- Hibbett Sports Inc. said Friday that its fiscal first-quarter net income increased 24% on higher demand for sneakers and other athletic gear. The retailer also raised its profit outlook for the year.

For the three months through April 28, Hibbett earned a better-than-expected $26.4 million, up from $21.3 million in the same quarter last year.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Hibbett Sports raised its full year guidance after posting hefty sales and earnings growth for its first quarter. Sales for the first quarter ended April 28, increased 14.4% to $232.9 million compared with $203.7 million for the 13-week period ended April 30, 2011. Comparable-store sales increased 11.1%. Net income for the quarter increased 23.5% to $26.4 million compared with $21.3 million for the same period last year. Earnings per diluted share increased 29% to 98 cents compared with 76 cents for the same period last year.