Business Analytics

A lack of visibility into Walmart’s sales performance coupled with concerns about the pace of a U.S. sales recovery is contributing to some apprehension on Wall Street regarding the company’s fourth-quarter performance.

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market’s first quarter net income surged 79% to $88.7 million, on an increase in customer visits and a rise in average transactions. The natural and organic foods grocer raised 2011 profit outlook on its strong results, which beat expectations.

An otherwise exceptional year of sales and profits at Hibbett Sports was soiled somewhat late in the fourth quarter as consumer demand deteriorated, forcing the company to alert investors that it would come up short against earlier guidance. The 767-unit Hibbett chain continued to execute its strategy, but really bad weather in many of the company’s markets coupled with a slower-than-expected flow of tax refunds negatively affected results.

In the Jan. 27 edition of SiteTalk, we asked our readers to comment on the recent announcement that Cordish Cos. would build an upscale outlet center and entertainment district near Omaha, Neb., and if that development signaled the beginning of more ground-up projects. This is what one reader had to say:

Columbus, Ohio -- DSW said Tuesday that it will acquire its largest shareholder Retail Ventures and turn it into a wholly owned subsidiary, helping to simplify its relationship.

According to the shoe retailer, the two companies signed a merger agreement, under which DSW will give stockholders 0.435 of a DSW share for each share they hold of Retail Ventures.

Retail Venture holds a 62% stake in DSW.

The companies are slated to hold a conference on Wednesday to discuss the deal with investors.

Cost segregation is a bargain tax strategy for shopping center owners

By Eli Loebenberg, [email protected]

Indianapolis -- Appliance and electronics retailer Hhgregg reported Tuesday that net income for the quarter ended Dec. 31 rose 18.4% to $26.9 million, compared with $22.7 million in the year-ago period.

Net sales increased 30.6% to $653.7 million. Same-stores dropped 6.2%.

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Tuesday by the Federal Reserve said that U.S. consumer borrowing rose in December for a third consecutive month, led by the first increase in credit-card charges in more than two years as holiday sales improved.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- McDonald's Corp. reported Tuesday that global same-store sales increased 5.3% in January, comprised of a 3.1% rise in the United States, a 7% increase in Europe and a 5.2% increase in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

Systemwide sales increased 7.4%, or 6.7% in constant currencies, for the month.