DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
Cost Plus Inc. (CPWM) posted a slight loss in its fiscal first
quarter, though core results topped expectations as the retailer's
customers continued to spend more per visit.
Cost Plus operates stores that sell a mix of home furnishings,
accessories and gourmet food and wine at discount prices. Its
fortunes have improved since its near-extinction during the depths
of the financial crisis, when its shares were trading for less than
$1 during parts of 2009.
Improving results prompted Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (BBBY) to
make a cash tender for Cost Plus valued at about $550 million.
Cost Plus has posted improving same-store sales in more recent
quarters, and earnings surged during the latest holiday season.
For the less-busy quarter ended April 28, Cost Plus reported a
loss of about $74,000--essentially breakeven on a per-share basis,
compared with a year-earlier loss of $3.4 million, or 15 cents a
share. Earnings from continuing operations reached a penny a share,
up from a loss of 14 cents a share a year ago.
Net sales grew 7.4% to $214.6 million as same-store sales
increased 7.9%.
Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters projected a loss of 4 cents a
share on revenue of $213 million.
Gross margin widened to 32% from 31.7%.
Customer count at comparable stores rose 2.7%, while the average
ticket per customer climbed 5%.
Shares closed down a penny at $21.91 Wednesday and were inactive
after hours. Best Buy's offer is for $22 a share.
-By Drew FitzGerald, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2909;
Andrew.FitzGerald@dowjones.com