DM Sales Lead Staples’ Third-Quarter Growth
Staples Inc. generated $4.76 billion in sales during third-quarter 2006, up from $4.25 billion in third quarter 2005. The Framingham, MA-based office supplies marketer reported a jump in net income from $224.5 million a year ago to $289.9 million. The quarter ended Oct. 28.
Within its operating groups, North American Delivery, which includes DM operations, rose from $1.26 billion to $1.5 billion in sales; North American Retail generated $2.67 billion, up from $2.45 billion; and International Operations jumped from $508.7 million to $585.9 million.
Operating income for each of these units was up as well. North American Delivery’s income rose from $133.8 million to $161.5 million, despite incurring costs associated with opening three new fulfillment centers. International operations’ fortunes were boosted in part by strength in its French catalog business, and improved from $943,000 in income a year ago to $8.7 million. Retail income rose from $251.8 million to $288.9 million.
