Data & Analytics

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.

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.

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.

WESTBOROUGH, Mass. — Strong performances in key categories and higher gas profitability helped BJ’s Wholesale Club exceed its earnings guidance for the second quarter. The company reported net income for the period ended July 30 of $45.7 million, or 84 cents per diluted share. The company's guidance called for net income in the range of $40.5 to $42.5 million and earnings in the range of 74 cents to 78 cents per diluted share. For the second quarter of 2010, BJ's reported net income of $35.8 million, or 67 cents per diluted share.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target reported second quarter earnings per share of $1.03 that beat analysts’ estimates by a nickel, and the company elevated its full year profit forecast amid ongoing success of key initiatives.

Retail sales increased 5.1% to $15.9 billion from $15.1 billion thanks to a 3.9% same-store sales increase and the addition of several new stores. Operating profit for the retail business increased at a slower rate, rising 4.6% to $1.147 billion from $1.096 billion.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — eBay announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Magento Inc., the creators of Magento, a leading open source e-commerce platform. The deal follows eBay’s acquisition of a minority stake in the company in 2010. eBay now owns 100% of the outstanding shares of Magento. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — It has been a rough couple years for retailers, and no segment has been hit harder than office products, which has suffered a double whammy from the downturn in consumer and business spending. Staples, long the leader in the office products industry, has fared better than rivals Office Depot and OfficeMax, and its dominance was evident again on Wednesday, even if the second quarter results the company reported were uninspiring.

PHILADELPHIA — Urban Outfitters, which caters to a clientele with a unique and forward-looking approach to fashion and lifestyle merchandise, missed the mark during the second quarter, reporting a 21% profit decline and a same-store sales slip of 2%.

The company reported that earnings for the quarter were $56.7 million compared $71.7 million a year earlier. The company blamed increased expenses related to investments in e-commerce, retail catalogs and technology for the performance slip.