Content about Finance

March 11, 2011

First it was Family Dollar; now 99 Cents Only Stores finds itself in buyout talks, as investors are seeing the value in discount store chains.

CITY OF COMMERCE, Calif. — First it was Family Dollar; now 99 Cents Only Stores finds itself in buyout talks, as investors are seeing the value in discount store chains.

March 9, 2011

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association on Tuesday urged Congress to permit the Federal Reserve Board to expedite the implementation of an amendment to the financial-reform legislation.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association on Tuesday urged Congress to permit the Federal Reserve Board to expedite the implementation of an amendment to the financial-reform legislation from Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., that would limit the fees charged to retail merchants on debit card transactions (known as “swipe fees”) to a level that is “reasonable and proportionate” to the costs incurred by the banks and credit card associations to process these transactions.

March 8, 2011

The American Pharmacists Association is looking for a new CFO to replace Roger Browning, who will retire, the group said Tuesday.

WASHINGTON — The American Pharmacists Association is looking for a new CFO to replace Roger Browning, who will retire, the group said Tuesday.

Browning has worked in senior financial executive positions for the APhA since 1995, serving as SVP finance and CFO since 2007. Before working for the APhA, he was VP finance at the International Franchise Association.

March 8, 2011

Safeway on Tuesday said that it expects to earn $1.60 to $1.80 per diluted share during the quarter, after the company's board approved a $1.1 billion dividend from Canada to the United States.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Tuesday said that it expects to earn $1.60 to $1.80 per diluted share during the quarter, after the company's board approved a $1.1 billion dividend from Canada to the United States.

The dividend, Safeway said during its 2011 investor conference, will be used to pay off $600 million of U.S. debt, and the company will use the remainder of the dividend for share repurchases.

March 3, 2011

Fred's on Thursday posted a 2% increase in sales totaling $153.6 million for the four weeks ended Feb. 26. Comparable-store sales for the month rose 0.9% versus an increase of 2% in the same period last year.

MEMPHIS — Fred's on Thursday posted a 2% increase in sales totaling $153.6 million for the four weeks ended Feb. 26. Comparable-store sales for the month rose 0.9% versus an increase of 2% in the same period last year.

February 28, 2011

The National Retail Federation last week responded to the Federal Reserve's proposal to cap debit card swipe fees at 12 cents per transaction.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation last week responded to the Federal Reserve's proposal to cap debit card swipe fees at 12 cents per transaction.

February 24, 2011

Greeting card enthusiasts that want to know what's new in the card aisles before hitting the stores now can see the latest innovations online, thanks to a new page on American Greetings' website.

CLEVELAND — Greeting card enthusiasts that want to know what's new in the card aisles before hitting the stores now can see the latest innovations online, thanks to a new page on American Greetings' website.

AmericanGreetings.com's new page now features the latest product introductions, a special downloadable coupon and a store locator so consumers instantly can find retailers in their area.

February 23, 2011

Kroger on Wednesday announced the appointment of Cindy Holmes to director of investor relations and Carin Fike to director and assistant treasurer. Both changes will be effective March 6.

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Wednesday announced the appointment of Cindy Holmes to director of investor relations and Carin Fike to director and assistant treasurer. Both changes will be effective March 6.

Fike will report to Kroger's treasurer, Scott Henderson; Holmes will report to Kroger's CFO, Michael Schlotman.

Holmes, 42, began her career with Kroger in 1990 in the information systems and services department, and for the past 10 years, she has served as the company's assistant treasurer.

February 7, 2011

According to the National Retail Federation, the average person will spend more than $116 on Valentine’s Day, and shoppers will spend 11% more at flower shops, candy stores and retailers this year than last year.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — According to the National Retail Federation, the average person will spend more than $116 on Valentine’s Day, and shoppers will spend 11% more at flower shops, candy stores and retailers this year than last year.

Retail pharmacy chain Rite Aid said Monday it would be ready to sell chocolates, stuffed animals, trinkets and cards to last-minute shoppers.

These include Valentine’s Day cards for students and such novelty gifts as key chains, Lotto for Lovers scratch cards and bags of chocolate hearts for less than $1.

February 3, 2011

CVS Caremark announced on Thursday an increase in fourth-quarter same-store sales and a boost in retail pharmacy revenues as pharmacy comparable-store sales benefited from the Maintenance Choice program.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark announced on Thursday an increase in fourth-quarter same-store sales and a boost in retail pharmacy revenues as pharmacy comparable-store sales benefited from the Maintenance Choice program.

"I'm pleased with our earnings this quarter, which were in line with our expectations. Our retail business continued to produce industry-leading same-store sales and achieved an all-time record operating margin," stated Larry Merlo, who currently serves as president and COO and will be taking the reins as CEO in March.

January 27, 2011

The abrupt departure of Shoppers Drug Mart president and CEO Jürgen Schreiber announced Wednesday is expected to negatively impact the company’s stock — many investors bought into Shoppers on the faith that retail maven Schreiber would return Canada’s largest drug retailer to consistent quarter-over-quarter growth.

TORONTO — The abrupt departure of Shoppers Drug Mart president and CEO Jürgen Schreiber announced Wednesday is expected to negatively impact the company’s stock — many investors bought into Shoppers on the faith that retail maven Schreiber would return Canada’s largest drug retailer to consistent quarter-over-quarter growth.

January 26, 2011

The Motley Fool on Tuesday suggested all three national pureplay drug chains were in a better position today than five and three years ago based on a metric called the “cash king margin.”

NEW YORK — The Motley Fool on Tuesday suggested all three national pureplay drug chains were in a better position today than five and three years ago based on a metric called the “cash king margin.”

January 20, 2011

A new quarterly index developed by eBillme found that 19% of shoppers will spend more on Valentine's Day this year.

RYE BROOK, N.Y. — A new quarterly index developed by eBillme found that 19% of shoppers will spend more on Valentine's Day this year.

The index polled 1,200 consumers to measure projected online spending for the quarter and the influencing factors, eBillme said. Of the consumers polled, the index revealed, 32% of shoppers will purchase Valentine's Day gifts online.

This quarter, respondents also were asked what they planned to purchase for Valentine's Day. Findings included:

January 19, 2011

The drive by Republicans to overturn the landmark health-reform legislation enacted last year threatens the health of as many as 129 million Americans with pre-existing conditions, the Obama administration’s top health official warned Tuesday.

WASHINGTON — The drive by Republicans to overturn the landmark health-reform legislation enacted last year threatens the health of as many as 129 million Americans with pre-existing conditions, the Obama administration’s top health official warned Tuesday.

January 12, 2011

Nearly half (48%) of Americans between the ages of 45 and 70 years have no financial plans in place to protect themselves against outliving their assets and the rising cost of health care, should they live longer than they expected, according to a survey released last week by the Society of Actuaries.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Nearly half (48%) of Americans between the ages of 45 and 70 years have no financial plans in place to protect themselves against outliving their assets and the rising cost of health care, should they live longer than they expected, according to a survey released last week by the Society of Actuaries.

January 11, 2011

Marking its eighth consecutive year of dividend increases, CVS Caremark on Tuesday said its board of directors approved a near 43% increase of its quarterly dividend to 12.5 cents per share of common stock.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Marking its eighth consecutive year of dividend increases, CVS Caremark on Tuesday said its board of directors approved a near 43% increase of its quarterly dividend to 12.5 cents per share of common stock.

The dividend is payable Feb. 2 to holders of record on Jan. 21.

At its Analyst Day in October 2010, the company announced that it set a targeted dividend payout ratio of approximately 25% to 30% by 2015, which implied a compounded dividend growth rate of nearly 25% per year.

January 10, 2011

Aurora Health Care has appointed a Wisconsin state official as its SVP and CFO.

MILWAUKEE — Aurora Health Care has appointed a Wisconsin state official as its SVP and CFO.

The nonprofit health system, which runs Aurora Health Care Pharmacy in Wisconsin, announced the appointment of Gail Hanson to the two positions, replacing David Eager, who will continue with Aurora’s finance group under Hanson’s leadership.

January 5, 2011

MEDINA, Ohio — The family-owned-and-operated Discount Drug Mart added a line of wigs to its already deep presence within durable medical equipment for oncology patients. Discount Drug, which generated $530.6 million in 2009, is in its second year as an accredited provider under Medicare Part B.

January 4, 2011

Sears Holdings' SVP procurement and finance has been promoted.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings' SVP procurement and finance has been promoted.

Deidra Cheeks Merriwether now holds the title of SVP and president of retail services, succeeding James Haworth. In this role, Merriwether, who joined the corporation in 2001, will be responsible for the oversight and leadership of retail services for the broadline retailer's Kmart and Sears stores.

Merriwether currently serves as a member of Sears Canada's board of directors and is the executive sponsor of the company's African-American Associate Network.

January 4, 2011

Paris Presents, the maker of the EcoTools cosmetic and bath accessories line, has secured an investment from private equity firm Mason Wells.

GURNEE, Ill. — Paris Presents, the maker of the EcoTools cosmetic and bath accessories line, has secured an investment from private equity firm Mason Wells. Mason Wells, along with Paris Presents' existing management team and other investors, acquired the equity of the company from the Zall family.

December 16, 2010

A subsidiary of Pfizer has extended the expiration date of its tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of King Pharmaceuticals.

NEW YORK — A subsidiary of Pfizer has extended the expiration date of its tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of King Pharmaceuticals.

Parker Tennessee's tender offer now is scheduled to expire Jan. 21, as certain conditions to the tender offer wouldn't have been satisfied by the previously scheduled expiration date — which was Dec. 17 — including the expiration or earlier termination of any waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.

December 14, 2010

Bankrupt grocer A&P has announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York has approved the $800 million debtor-in-possession financing provided by JPMorgan Chase. Of the total DIP facility, a $350 million term loan immediately has been made available.

MONTVALE, N.J. — Bankrupt grocer A&P has announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York has approved the $800 million debtor-in-possession financing provided by JPMorgan Chase. Of the total DIP facility, a $350 million term loan immediately has been made available.

As previously reported, A&P filed for bankruptcy on Sunday and will keep its 395 stores open and operational during the proceedings.

In addition, the court granted A&P's motion to approve its request for "first day orders," including:

December 8, 2010

Johnson & Johnson made its courtship with Dutch biotech company Crucell official by acquiring all of the company for $2.3 billion, the two companies said Wednesday.

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Johnson & Johnson made its courtship with Dutch biotech company Crucell official by acquiring all of the company for $2.3 billion, the two companies said Wednesday.

In a deal that won the full support of Crucell’s management, J&J will pay $32.74 per share for the remainder of Crucell that it doesn’t already own; J&J indirectly controls around 18% of Crucell’s stock through a Dutch affiliate, while Delta Lloyd Asset Management, Robeco and the Van Herk Group control around 15.5%, according to published reports.

December 8, 2010

Safeway's board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of 12 cents per share. The cash dividend will be payable on Jan. 13, 2011, to stockholders of record at the close of business on Dec. 23.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway's board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of 12 cents per share. The cash dividend will be payable on Jan. 13, 2011, to stockholders of record at the close of business on Dec. 23.

In related news, the retail chain's board also increased the authorized level of the company’s stock repurchase program by $1 billion to $7 billion. Through the end of third quarter 2010, Safeway repurchased approximately $5.2 billion of its stock and had approximately $800 million remaining under its stock repurchase program, Safeway said.

December 1, 2010

Regional specialty pharmacy chain ReCept has appointed several people to new executive positions, the company said Wednesday.

FORT WORTH, Texas — Regional specialty pharmacy chain ReCept has appointed several people to new executive positions, the company said Wednesday.

ReCept, which owns 15 stores in Texas and specializes in compounding pharmacy services for people with such conditions as HIV/AIDS and cancer, announced the appointments of Nicky Otts as chairman and CEO, Carmine DeNardo as president and COO, Rob Jarvis as EVP sales and chief marketing officer, Jeff Brumbaugh as chief information officer and Stephanie Romero as VP finance.