Business Analytics

Memphis —  Fred’s Inc. remained unprofitable for its fifth consecutive quarter as pharmacy continued to weigh the chain down.

Fred’s reported a bigger-than-expected net loss of $4.9 million in the second quarter, down from $16.4 million for the same period last year. 

Reductions in the percent of revenue represented by cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses helped shrink net loss.

Net sales grew 10%, from $491.18 million to $546.08 million, while same-store sales grew 0.9%.

Burlington, N.J. — Burlington Stores Inc. is in the black.

The company swung to a net income of $10.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 from a net loss of $6.47 million the same quarter of last year. Decreases in stock option and interest expenses, as well as some impairment charges, helped bring Burlington to profitability.

Net sales rose 10% to $1.14 billion from $1.04 billion, while same-store sales grew 5.6%.

Goodlettsville, Tenn. — Dollar General posted better-than-expected earnings for the second quarter, but came up short on sales, even amid strong demand for tobacco products and other consumables.

The discounter reiterated plans to open approximately 730 stores in 2015, and relocate or remodel 875 units. To date, the company is on track with its pipeline development to accelerate new store openings to 7% square footage growth in 2016.

While sales at Chico’s appear to be improving, the specialty retailer's turnaround plan also includes selling off one of its divisions.

Burlington Stores Inc. has joined the cadre of profitable off-price retailers in the second quarter with a round of impressive sales results.

The company swung to a net income of $10.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 from a net loss of $6.47 million the same quarter of last year. Decreases in stock option and interest expenses, as well as some impairment charges, helped bring Burlington to profitability.

Net sales rose 10% to $1.14 billion from $1.04 billion, while same-store sales grew 5.6%.

Columbus, Ohio -- Express Inc. soared in the second quarter as its profit tripled amid increased sales and profit margins and reduced promotional activity.

The retailer on Wednesday reported better-than-expected sales and profit for the second quarter. It also raised its full year outlook.

Express’ net income totaled $21 million, compared to $6.9 million, boosted by gross profit resulting from cost of sales growth that was significantly behind the rate of net sales growth.

Deerfield, Ill. - Walgreens is taking a smart approach to energy expense management.

The retailer expanded its use of EnerNOC's energy intelligence software to manage its utility bills at more than 8,300 sites across the U.S.

Recent turmoil in the stock market hasn’t dimmed Best Buy’s outlook for the third quarter while the release of better than expected second quarter results has validated the company’s strategy, according to CEO Hubert Joly.

Strength in categories such as major appliances, large screen televisions and mobile phones, offset by weak tablet sales, helped Best Buy achieve a 2.7% domestic same store sales increase and pushed revenues up 3.9% to $7.9 billion during the second quarter ended August 1. Online comparable sales increased 17%.