Staples provides 3Q results preview

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. Staples announced that for the third quarter ending Oct. 30, it expects to achieve diluted earnings per share, on a GAAP basis, in the range of 38 cents to 40 cents. North American Retail comparable-store sales in the third quarter are expected to decline approximately 1% versus the same period in 2009.

For the full year 2010, the company said expects its results to be in-line with previous guidance. Total company sales are expected to increase in the low-single digits compared to the full year 2009. The company expects to achieve diluted earnings per share, on a GAAP basis, in the range of $1.20 to $1.24 for the full year 2010.

Staples will hold its 2010 Analyst and Investor Conference on Oct. 26 from 9:00 a.m. ET until 2:00 p.m. ET.

“We look forward to sharing our plans to drive growth over the next decade,” said Ron Sargent, chairman and CEO.