Gas Sales Boost Profit at BJ's Wholesale

NATICK, MA -- BJ's Wholesale Club (BJ Quote) says third-quarter profit rose 24%, helped by sales of gasoline.

The warehouse club operator's profit for the quarter ended Nov. 1 rose to $28.2 million, or 48 cents per share, from $22.7 million, or 35 cents per share, last year.

The Natick, Massachusetts-based company, one of the few retailers benefiting from a weak economy as consumers turn to discounters for deals on basics, says revenue rose 13% to $2.46 billion.

Analysts expected a profit of 46 cents per share on revenue of $2.45 billion. Earlier this month, BJ's raised its earnings outlook for the quarter.

Sales in stores open at least one year rose 11.9%, or 6.6% excluding gas.