Data & Analytics

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — The discount store channel continues to thrive, as evidenced by Dollar Tree's strong second-quarter performance.

The company reported that sales for its second quarter ended July 30 increased 11.9% to $1.54 billion from $1.38 billion for the same period last year.  Comparable-store sales increased 4.7%, on top of a 6.7% increase for the second quarter 2010.

Dollar Tree's earnings rose an impressive 26.2% to 77 cents per diluted share from 61 cents per diluted share for the prior-year quarter. 

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings turned in disappointing sales and earnings for its second quarter as the company strives to turn around its performance in a weaker consumer spending environment.

Sears Holdings reported a net loss of $146 million, or $1.37 per diluted share, for the second quarter compared with a net loss of $39 million, or 35 cents per diluted share for the same period last year.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Ross Stores continues to deliver impressive earnings results, reporting net income of $148.3 million, or $1.28 per share for the second quarter ended July 30, compared with net income of $129.3 million, or $1.07 per share, for the same period last year. 

The company reported that sales for the quarter increased 9% to $2.089 billion, with comparable-store sales up 5% on top of a 4% gain in 2010.

There was a lot of talk about the favorable membership trends Sam’s Club experienced during the second quarter, thanks to membership and other income that increased 2.5% to $728 million. That prompted Wal-Mart Stores Inc., president and CEO Mike Duke to include Sam’s Club among the list of positive developments he called out regarding the company’s second quarter performance.

“I am also pleased with the momentum in membership income, as Sam’s improves its renewals and upgrades,” Duke said.

Sam’s Club run of six consecutive quarters of accelerating same-store sales growth will come to an end in the third quarter unless the warehouse club operator exceeds guidance provided earlier this week after reporting a 5% second-quarter comp increase.

Even though Sam’s president and CEO Brian Cornell noted that momentum remains strong, he added that “it’s important to remember that it was in the third quarter last year that our comp performance began to accelerate, so our comparisons for the back half will be more challenging.”

PHOENIX — While consumers may be cutting back, it appears most don't feel buying items for their pets falls into the category of discretionary spending. Just look at  PetSmart, which reported that earnings per share soared 32% to 54 cents for the second quarter, compared with earnings per share of 41 cents for the same period last year. Net income totaled $61 million in the second quarter of 2011, compared to $48 million in the second quarter of 2010.

SECAUCUS, N.J. — The Children's Place Retail Stores announced second quarter net sales were $343.5 million, compared with $345.3 million in the second quarter of 2010. Comparable-retail sales declined 5.6% in the second quarter of 2011.

Walmart beat analysts’ second quarter earnings estimates by a penny when it reported earnings per share of $1.09. The company also touted the fact that it was raising its full year profit forecast, although it did so by the one cent of additional profit it had already banked during the second quarter. Walmart said it now expects full year profits to total between $4.41 and $4.51 versus prior guidance of $4.35 to $4.50.

Look for a big number out of Walmart come early October when it discloses 2012 expansion plans for smaller formats in conjunction with the company’s fall analysts’ meeting. Here’s how you can tell. Reading between the lines on the company’s second quarter earnings call transcript Walmart U.S. president and CEO Bill Simon touted the fact that the return on investment for Neighborhood Market stores is now the same as Walmart supercenters. Recall, in the past the rationale for the slow expansion pace of the 40,000-sq.-ft.

Blend equal parts easy prior year comparisons, the recent easing of gas prices with the pass through of product inflation , and Walmart could be looking at the recipe for same-store sales growth. If not in the third quarter, then certainly by the fourth quarter, which is the line in the sand the company has drawn for its U.S. business.