Retail Sales

SkyWest (SKYW) Reports October 2009 Traffic for Skywest Airlines and Atlantic Southeast Airlines Nov 10, 2009 01:47PM

SkyWest, Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYW) reported a 9.3 percent increase in revenue passenger miles (RPMs) for October, while available seat miles (ASMs) increased 8.3 percent compared to the same period last year.

The combined airlines generated 1.50 billion RPMs for the month, while ASMs increased to 1.86 billion. Load factor was up 0.7 percentage points to 80.3 percent compared to 79.6 percent for the same period last year. Passenger boardings for October totaled 2,981,682 a 9.5 percent increase from October 2008.

McDonald's (MCD) U.S. Sales Flat, But International Gives It a Boost Nov 9, 2009 09:44AM

McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) saw a rise in same-store sales in the month of October, even while sales slipped on the home-front.

The fast-food giant's same-store sales in the U.S. fell 0.1 percent in October; however sales internationally saw a boost. Sales jumped 6.4 percent in Europe and 4.7 percent in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa. The markets in Japan and Australia showed strong growth for the hamburger chain. Global comparable sales rose 3.3% in October.

In the U.S. the company saw strength in its Dollar Menu items as people continue to feel the financial constrains of the weak economy. The new premium Angus burger and the McCafe coffee drinks also performed as bright spots for McDonald's.

The company is facing a drop in the sale of its breakfast menu items due to the declining unemployment rate. Fewer people are working and therefore there are less people coming to the drive-thru for breakfast.

Shares for McDonald's rose 1 percent to $62.33 in premarket trading.

McDonald's (MCD) Reports 3.3% Rise in October Global Comps Nov 9, 2009 08:04AM

McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) Corporation announced today that global comparable sales rose 3.3% in October. Performance by segment was as follows:

• U.S. relatively flat at (0.1%)
  
• Europe up 6.4%
  
• Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa up 4.7%

"Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and McDonald's is delivering what they want," said Chief Executive Officer Jim Skinner. "Our everyday, predictable value, outstanding menu and convenience continue to make us the preferred choice for a growing number of customers."

Southwest Airlines (LUV) Reports October 2009 Traffic Results; Passenger Revs per ASM Increased Nov 5, 2009 10:32AM

Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today that the Company flew 6.3 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in October 2009, a 1.9 percent increase from the 6.2 billion RPMs flown in October 2008. Available seat miles (ASMs) decreased 9.4 percent to 8.0 billion from the October 2008 level of 8.8 billion. The load factor for the month was 79.2 percent, compared to 70.4 percent for the same period last year. For October 2009, passenger revenue per ASM is estimated to have increased in the one percent range as compared to October 2008.

For the ten months ended October 31, 2009, Southwest flew 62.6 billion RPMs, compared to 62.4 billion RPMs for the same period in 2008, an increase of 0.3 percent. Available seat miles decreased 4.8 percent to 82.5 billion from the 2008 level of 86.6 billion. The year-to-date load factor was 75.9 percent, compared to 72.1 percent for the same period last year.

Stage Stores (SSI) Reports October 2009 Sales; Comps Down Nov 5, 2009 10:11AM

Stage Stores, Inc. (NYSE: SSI) today reported that its total sales for the four week October period ended October 31, 2009 increased 2.9% to $101 million from $99 million in the prior year four week period ended November 1, 2008. Comparable store sales decreased 0.1% this year versus a decrease of 8.4% last year.

Dresses, footwear, intimates, juniors and men’s achieved comparable store sales increases during October. Misses sportswear performed at the Company average. The Southwest, South Central and Southeast regions achieved comparable store sales increases for the month.

For the third quarter ended October 31, 2009, the Company reported that total sales decreased 2.6% to $325 million from $334 million last year. Comparable store sales for the quarter decreased 5.4% versus a decrease of 10.3% in the prior year period.