Business Analytics

Armonk, N.Y. -- IBM announced a definitive agreement to acquire Vivisimo, a leading provider of federated discovery and navigation software that helps organizations access and analyze big data across the enterprise. Vivisimo is a privately held company based in Pittsburgh. Financial terms were not disclosed.

First quarter sales at the leading online retailer surged 34% to $13.2 billion during the first quarter ended March 31, as the company continues to enjoy a huge competitive advantage by allowing customers to avoid paying sales tax.

Despite surging sales, net income at the company declined 35% to $130 million or 28 cents a share, compared with $201 million or 44 cents a share the prior years. Operating income also declined considerably, dropping to $192 million in the first quarter compared with $322 million in first quarter 2011.

Sidney, Neb. -- Cabela’s Inc. reported Thursday that net income for the first quarter rose a record 62% to $28.8 million, from $17.8 million last year.

Revenue increased 6.3% to $623.5 million, and same-store sales increased 4.2%.

"This strong performance gives us confidence our growth strategy is working and working well," said Tommy Millner, Cabela's CEO.

Pittsburgh -- GNC Holdings reported Wednesday that adjusted net income for the quarter ended March 31 surged 85% to $64.5 million, compared with $34.9 million a year earlier.

CEO Joe Fortunato attributed the results to double-digit retail same-store sales growth, a growth in proprietary new products and increased traffic.

Consolidated revenue for the quarter increased 23.4% to $624.3 million; same-store sales grew 15.8% in domestic company-owned stores (including GNC.com sales), and 18.4% in domestic franchise locations.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Big Lots has lowered its comparable-store guidance for its first quarter, and now expects them to be slightly negative compared with its prior guidance issued on March 2. The company's prior guidance estimated first-quarter comps would be up 2% to 4%.

New York -- Modell’s Sporting Goods announced that Daniel Sheehan joined the company as COO in April 2012. With over 27 years of management and information technology experience, Sheehan is responsible for store operations, distribution, loss prevention, e-commerce, information technology, visual merchandising and human resources.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Regency Centers announced the addition of Dale Johnston as VP, chief information officer, charged with overseeing Regency’s information technology team nationwide and advancing the company’s technology platforms from its headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla.

Before joining Regency, Dale served as VP and chief information officer for neighborhood shopping center developer and owner Edens in Columbia, S.C. 
 

For the third time in the past five months, Walmart chief merchandising and marketing officer Duncan Mac Naughton is representing Walmart at a major investor conference. Smart move considering expectations of further U.S. same-store sales acceleration has served as a catalyst for Walmart shares, which are trading near a 52-week high.