BJ’s Q4 profit up 5%, lowers forecast

Natick, Mass. BJ's Wholesale Club said Wednesday that its fiscal fourth-quarter profit climbed 5% and higher gasoline prices led to increased revenue. But the third-largest warehouse club operator also gave a 2010 earnings forecast below analysts' predictions.

BJ's profit increased to $55.1 million, compared with earnings of $52.7 million a year ago.

Sales for the period ended Jan. 30 rose 9% to $2.8 billion, from $2.56 billion on membership fee growth and increased net sales, beating the $2.79 billion forecast of analysts polled by Thomson Reuters.

Same-store sales grew 4.6%, with a 2.3% benefit from gasoline sales.

Annual revenue increased 2% to $10.19 billion, from $10.03 billion.