For the 13 weeks ended June 30, Big 5 saw net salesincrease 7% to $162.7 million, while net earnings went up 43% to $2.1 million,after $2.0 million in redeemable preferred stock dividends was awarded. Compsrose 4.3%, the 26th consecutive quarter in which they’ve improved, and theywould have been even higher if a promotional circular had not been moved to Q3.Gross profit margin came in 130 basis points better at 36.7%, driven primarilyby better selling margins in all major product categories and refinements inthe merchandise mix. Operating margin was 8.5% vs. 7.0% of revenues.

Inventories were up 1.6% to $181.2 million at ... Log in to view full article.