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Additional reports on industries and companies are provided.

There are varied prospects for the retail store industry in 1999 with increased market share gains for the discount store sector and mixed results foreseen for the department store chains. Efforts to improve marketing through the Internet are being taken by many companies in this industry, either through acquisition or internally. These stocks have outperformed the market for the past several years after a weak 1994 and 1995, but their potential for appreciation for the next three to five years is not great.

More moderate consumer confidence and warmer-than-usual weather were the key factors in lower-than-expected same-store sales at many US department stores during the 3rd qtr of 1998, but share advances are expected through the years 2001-2003. Market share for discount stores sich as Family Dollar Stores and Dollar General continue to expand, as well. Investors need to evaluate individual stocks before selection.

Increased sales of women's sportswear have allowed most department store chains to improve same-store sales in 1997 and 1998, and overall net share is expected to advance through 2001-2003 for a variety of factors. Discount store market share and earnings are also expected to increase, especially at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Retail industry stocks have outperformed the market since 1995, but they are not attractive for the next three to five years.

Department stores are expected to have mixed financial results in 1998 due to increased competition and the lack of store-opening opportunities with the lessened consolidation within the industry. On the other hand, Wal-Mart and other discount store chains are forecast to have gains in both market share and earnings. Investors need to evaluate these stocks on an individual basis as their growth potential through the years 2001-2003 is limited.

Most department store chains in the US had lower same-store sales than what was expected for the 4th qtr of fiscal 1997, with lower women's clothing sales as one of the primary factors. However, discount store chains, such as Family Dollar Stores Inc and Dollar General Corp, expanded their relative shares of the market. Investors need to consider individual stocks as this industry does not have attractive potential through the years 2000-2002.

Future prospects for the retail store industry are mixed, especially for department stores where women's apparel sales have been weak in 1997. The outlook for discount stores is better, however, as they continue to gain a greater share of the market. Retail stocks have outperformed the market in 1996 and 1997 after a weak 1994 and 1995. Investors must consider individual stocks, as the industry is unattractive for the next three to five years.

The retail environment has improved considerably in 1997 over 1996, in both same store results and operating profits, especially for department stores. The shift from consumer hard goods and electronics towards a wider range of goods and the development of private-label brands have been two trends in department stores, and the market share for discounters has increased. However, these are not attractive stocks through the years 2000-2002.

Economic growth and stock performance in the retail store industry seems to vary greatly among the individual members of the industry with most observers expecting department stores and discount houses that post strong returns to continue on the same track, or possibly at a slower rate, while the poor performers will have mixed results. Following poor performances in 1994 and 1995, retail store stocks outperformed the market in 1996 and the first quarter of 1997. Investors should seek companies that have and maintain the best competitive edge.

The retail environment, especially for department stores, improved in 1996 in contrast to the lackluster operating profits and same-store sales in 1994 and 1995. Prospects in 1997 are generally sound for the industry, as well. Results for discount stores in 1996 were mixed with increased store counts and sales for some, but not all, chains. A company's future, as well as current advantages, must be considered by investors before commitment.

The retail industry is not expected to show much strength in 1995, as interest rates continue to rise and consumer confidence dips again. Declining consumer income levels has also played on the fears consumers have and has caused them to tighten purse strings. The successful retail companies will be those who offer consumers goods with perceived value at prices that are considered reasonable.

A number of influences will affect the performance of the retail store industry. Possibilities such as a weakening of the economy and a slowdown in consumer spending would have a significant impact on the industry's growth. Retailers also have fierce competition for market share, with many of them using value retailing to improve customer traffic. Improvements in customer service and increasing the use of private label will also affect the industry. Investments in this industry will be highly volatile.

Retail store sales suffered from the California earthquake and poor weather but should recover by spring 1994. The latter half of 1993 was marked by improved durable spending, benefitting furniture and home appliance vendors but worsening margins for many broad-based merchandisers. Clothing sales should improve in 1994 and durable sales should continue. Because consumers are looking for value, stores with low operating costs should benefit.

The retail industry is improving with a stronger than expected 1993 holiday season, beginning Nov 1993, and industry stocks are reflecting optimism. Retail stocks rose 10% from Sep to Nov 1993, and two-thirds of the firms' securities experienced gains. Retailers have streamlined their operations and have kept prices down by entering agreements with suppliers. Lower prices and value-for-the-money will be key themes among retailers during the decade. However, the stock group is volatile and investors should invest with caution.

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NEW YORK -- Costco has found a supplier for its new private label bar soap category. Truescents LLC, the maker of SaVon de-luxe beauty bars, has signed a long-term contract [...]

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. may be the retailer that the financial services industry is most focused on right now, but it is far from alone in capitalizing on its market heft [...]

ISSAQUAH, Wash. -- Costco Wholesale Corp. here said last week sales in California rose 9% for the first quarter ended Nov. 23, compared with a 5% increase in last year's [...]

COSTCO, WAL-MART REVISE EARNINGS GUIDANCE ISSAQUAH, Wash. -- Two of the country's largest mass merchants revised their earnings guidance in opposite directions last week after reporting their July sales results. [...]

NEW YORK -- Shares of Costco Wholesale Corp. took a double-digit pounding Tuesday after gross margin pressure and higher costs led it to lower its fourth-quarter and full-year earnings forecasts, [...]

ISSAQUAH, Wash. -- Comparable-store sales of fresh foods grew 10% at Costco in the 12-week third quarter ended May 11, the company said in an earnings conference call last week. [...]

ISSAQUAH, Wash. -- In its 2002 annual report, Costco Wholesale here vowed to become the low-cost provider of merchandise and services in 37 states and in its markets abroad. That [...]

Wal-Mart Stores, which already owns No. 2 warehouse retailer Sam's Club, is considering buying the No. 3, BJ's Wholesale Club, for $1.4 billion, reported TheDeal.com, which says Wal-Mart wants BJ's [...]

ISSAQUAH, Wash. -- Costco Wholesale Corp. here said charges for workers' compensation payments took a bite out of second-quarter earnings. The warehouse-club operator recorded an after-tax charge of $16 million [...]

* Some retailers--including Wal-Mart Stores Inc.--struggled to meet expectations for January sales growth, but Issaquah, WA-based Costco Wholesale Corp. managed to surprise analysts. Sales at Costco warehouses open more than [...]

Analyst: May Sales Fail to Bloom Deborah Weinswig, equity analyst with Salomon Smith Barney, said in her weekly retail sales report that May sales have been disappointing for retailers, 'with [...]

LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (000 omitted) Current % Chge. Year Year Ago AHOLD NV (Zaandam, The Netherlands) 12 Wks. To Dec. 30: Sales 16,810,000 12.0% Net Income 169,500[*] -54.0% Year: Sales [...]

ISSAQUAH, Wash. -- Costco Wholesale Corp. here said fresh foods continue to be a strong contributor to overall results. 'No matter how much competitors improve their fresh foods offerings, we [...]

ISSAQUAH, Wash.-Costco Wholesale said last week its earnings were flat for its first quarter ended Nov. 25 compared with the same period last year, even as sales rose 11 percent. [...]

ISSAQUAH, Wash. -- Costco Wholesale Corp. here said last week its sales for the first quarter ended Nov. 25 were up but earnings for the period were flat. Sales in [...]