Business Analytics

Kearney, Neb. -- The Buckle Inc. reported Thursday that profit for the quarter ended April 28 increased 13% to $37.8 million, compared with $33.5 million in the year-ago period, as shoppers spent more in the teen retailer’s stores and online.

Sales climbed 10% to $263.8 million, matching Wall Street estimates, and same-store sales rose 7.4%.

Online revenues surged 15% in the period.

Columbus, Ohio -- Limited Brands Inc. reported Wednesday a first-quarter profit of $124.6 million, compared with $165.2 million in the year-ago period. Results topped Wall Street estimates.

Net sales slipped to $2.15 billion from $2.22 billion, and same-store sales increased 7%.
 

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart said Thursday that net income for the quarter ended April 28 slid 26% to $11.8 million, compared with $15.9 million in the same period last year.

Revenue was basically flat at $303.4 million, missing Wall Street’s expected $303.9 million in revenue, and same-store sales dipped 0.4%.

The company said it expects to open four new stores, relocate four stores and close four stores during the second half of 2012.
 

Secaucus, N.J. -- The Children's Place reported Thursday that net income for the first quarter slid 19% to $23.6 million from $29.1 million last year, but beat Wall Street forecasts and prompted the retailer to raise the low end of its full-year outlook.

Revenue rose 2% to $438.5 million from $430.8 million, widely missing Wall Street’s expected $447.7 million in revenue, and same-store sales dipped 0.7%.
 

New York -- Aeropostale said Thursday that net income for the first quarter narrowed to $10.6 million, from $16.4 million in the same period last year.

Sales for the quarter ended April 28 rose 6% to $497.2 million, from $469.2 million, and same-store sales edged up 2% on the strength of its online performance. Without e-commerce results, same-store sales for the quarter were flat.
 

LAKELAND, Fla. — Gino DiGrazia, who currently serves as VP and controller of Publix's business analysis and reporting, has been promoted to VP finance. In addition to his current responsibilities for business analysis and reporting, DiGrazia assumes many of the responsibilities previously held by Kelly Underhill, director of tax and treasury, who retired from Publix on March 30.

Framingham, Mass. -- Staples Inc. said its first-quarter net income fell 6% to $187.1 million, compared to $198.2 million a year ago, hurt by weakness abroad.

Total sales fell 1.1% to $6.1 billion. International sales, which account for roughly 20% of the company’s total revenue, dropped 8% to $1.2 billion. In the United States, Staples’ revenue was flat.
 

MINNEAPOLIS — First quarter earnings at Target exceeded a profit forecast the company increased last month after a strong start to the quarter.