Retailers are announcing February U.S. same-store sales figures Thursday. Research firm Retail Metrics projected an overall gain of 1.9% year-over-year. In February of 2014, retail same-store sales rose 2.1%. In its forecast, Retail Metrics noted the work slowdown at West Coast ports, bad weather in parts of the country and foreign exchange effects to be a drag on February sales.
The number of retailers reporting same-store sales has declined significantly over the past few years, but the reported numbers do provide a kind of interim report on quarterly performance at the country’s retail stores. Here is a rundown on stores that have reported sales for February:
Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ: COST) reported second-quarter results early Thursday morning, as well as February U.S. same-store sales. February sales rose 2% compared with last February, and excluding the negative impact from gasoline sales, sales rose 7% in the United States, flat with the January increase. Net sales for February totaled $8.18 billion, up 4% over February 2014’s total of $7.9 billion. Retail Metrics had projected a same-store sales increase of 0.5% (7.5%, excluding gasoline sales).
Costco shares traded up 2.9% shortly after Thursday’s opening bell to $151.46. The stock’s 52-week range is $110.36 to $156.85.
ALSO READ: Best Buy Turnaround Yields Shareholder Returns
L Brands Inc. (NYSE: LB) said same-store sales for February rose 6% compared with last year. Retail Metrics had estimated a rise of 4.8%. L Brands operates Victoria’s Secret, Pink, Bath & Body Works, La Senza and Henri Bendel stores. Net sales rose 7% to $806.1 million in February.
L Brands shares were fractionally Thursday morning to $92.06. The stock’s 52-week range is $53.03 to $94.84.
Rite Aid Inc. (NYSE: RAD) reported a February same-store sales hike of 3.3%, compared with the same month a year ago. Front-end sales rose 1.6% and pharmacy sales rose 4.1%, including a negative impact of 144 basis points due to the introduction of new generic drugs. Total sales rose 1.7% to $2.56 billion. Retail Metrics was looking for an overall jump of 4.6%, with pharmacy sales up 5.6% and front-end sales up 2.1%.
Rite Aid shares traded down about 2.1% early Thursday to $7.88, in a 52-week range of $4.42 to $8.62.
The Buckle Inc. (NYSE: BKE) reported that same-store sales for February fell 2.7% from with the same month a year ago. The Retail Metrics estimate called for a rise of 0.1%. Net sales for all stores slipped 0.9% and totaled $88.6 million for the month.
Buckle’s shares were down 1.9%, at $50.27 in a 52-week range of $41.96 to $56.13.
ALSO READ: Abercrombie & Fitch Makes Little Headway in Turnaround Effort
Stein Mart Inc. (NASDAQ: SMRT) reported a 2.6% increase in same-store sales for February, a little short of the 3% growth estimate from Retail Metrics. Total sales for the month came in at $88.6 million, up 4.9% from a year ago. The company noted that same-store sales in Arizona, California and Florida were nearly three-times the overall increase. The company attributed the difference to bad weather across most of the rest of the United States.
Shares were up fractionally to $12.36. The stock’s 52-week range is $11.25 to $16.65.
Essential Tips for Investing (Sponsored)
A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.