Both of America's two largest book retailers announced Q1 profits this week, comparing favorably to losses for both companies in the same period last year (both companies' fiscal first quarters ended around May 1). 

 

Barnes & Noble earned $12.5 million vs. a $2 million loss in the first quarter last year.  Bookstore sales were up to $966 million from $864 million last year.  Same store comps were up 9.4%.

 

Among factors driving profitability, according to analyst Bill Armstrong of C.L. King & Associates (as quoted by Reuters) was its self-publishing business (for example, see 'Barnes & Noble To Publish Ultimate Spider-Man Collection').  Barnes & Noble is forecasting an 8% jump in earnings for the full year.

 

Borders Group earned $3 million for the quarter vs. a $4.8 million loss last year.   Same store comps were up 4.3% at Borders and 5.6% at Waldens.  The company is forecasting a 15% increase in earnings for the full year.