By Ben Fox Rubin 
 

Next week will bring many retailers' earnings reports, giving markets a fuller impression on the strength of the consumer during the start of the year. Also, A123 Systems Inc.'s (AONEQ) bankruptcy proceedings are expected to move forward.

 
   Retailers to Report Earnings 
 

A large grouping of retailers will be releasing their earnings results next week, amid a relatively slow time for quarterly reports.

One of the most notable companies reporting is Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST), whose sales have routinely topped Wall Street's expectations in recent quarters, thanks in part to a shaky economy encouraging shoppers to make bulk purchases at its warehouse clubs. But like many other retailers, Costco has faced rising costs for merchandise. The company is expected to post improved fiscal second-quarter earnings Tuesday.

Teen apparel retailer Hot Topic Inc. (HOTT) is also slated to report next week, coming on the heels of its deal to be taken private by New York-based private-equity firm Sycamore Partners for about $600 million in cash. Shares have surged on the $14-a-share offer price, a 30% premium to Hot Topic's closing price just before the deal was announced. Analysts project its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings will rise.

Other retailers reporting next week include Urban Outfitters Inc. (URBN), Dick's Sporting Goods Inc. (DKS), Bon-Ton Stores Inc. (BONT), Cache Inc. (CACH), Men's Wearhouse Inc. (MW), Aeropostale Inc. (ARO), Zumiez Inc. (ZUMZ), Coldwater Creek Inc. (CWTR), Express Inc. (EXPR) and Buckle Inc. (BKE).

A handful of U.S. retailers this week reported moderate sales for February, as they dealt with mixed factors like payroll-tax increases and later income-tax refunds that were countered by a rousing stock market and better housing reports. Thomson Reuters said 11 retailers still issuing monthly same-store sales, excluding drug stores, on average posted 3.9% same-store sales growth for February. This compares with a 7.4% rise for the 11 a year ago.

 
   Earnings Grab-bag 
 

Chinese social-networking company Renren Inc. (RENN) and Chinese online-game maker Perfect World Co. Ltd. (PWRD) are both expected to report next week. They will join fruit and vegetable producer Dole Food Co. Inc. (DOLE), doughnut chain Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. (KKD) and Scientific Games Corp. (SGMS), which sells instant-ticketing systems to lotteries.

 
   Court to Take Up A123 Bankruptcy Payment Plan 
 

A123 Systems Inc. (AONEQ) next week will ask a bankruptcy court to let its creditors begin voting on its plan to pay them from the proceeds of its asset sales.

The Wilmington, Del., bankruptcy court on Wednesday will consider A123's disclosure statement, or payment-plan outline, which creditors rely upon to cast informed votes.

The maker of batteries for electric cars sought Chapter 11 protection last fall and later sold the bulk of its assets to China's Wanxiang Group for $256.6 million.

To avoid concerns about a Chinese company getting the assets to A123's military contracts and taxpayer-funded technology, A123 sold its government business separately. Navitas Systems of Chicago won the bidding with a $2.25 million offer.

(Jacqueline Palank contributed to this story.)

-Write to Ben Fox Rubin at ben.rubin@dowjones.com

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