Finance & Capital Management

Toano, Va. – Despite falling net income, Lumber Liquidators Inc. plans to open 30-35 new stores and remodel 15-20 stores, all in an expanded showroom format, during fiscal 2015. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the retailer reported net income of $17.3 million, down 17% from $20.8 million in the same quarter the prior year.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses $6.5 million, or 9%, to $77.8 million primarily due to higher advertising, depreciation, occupancy and payroll expenses.

Louisville, Ky. - Long John Silver's has named James O'Reilly as CEO. O'Reilly brings to the role more than 20 years of food service executive experience, including his most recent stint as chief brand officer for Sonic Drive-In.

In addition, O'Reilly has served in a variety of domestic and international leadership positions for food service and CPG companies including Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Yum Brands, and Procter and Gamble.
 

Framingham, Mass. – Staples Inc. has launched the “Staples Business Loans powered by Lendio” service to provide access to capital for small business owners. Staples teamed up with Lendio, a financial technology firm and small business-lending marketplace, to deliver a suite of funding options.

Staples Business Loans offers more than 20 different funding options and the flexibility for businesses to use the money for whatever their business needs.

Dublin, Ohio - The Wendy's Co. has increased the size of its board of directors from 10 to 11 members and elected Michelle "Mich" Mathews-Spradlin to serve as a director of the company, effective immediately.

Prior to her retirement in 2011, Mathews-Spradlin worked at Microsoft Corp. for 18 years, where she served, among other roles, as chief marketing officer and senior VP. In this position, she oversaw the company's global marketing function.
 

Cincinnati -- Macy's fourth quarter net income fell to $793 million from $811 million a year earlier, topping analysts expectations. However, the retailer issued a disappointing profit outlook for the current year, and sounded a warning for the current quarter, saying sales and margins would be impacted by shipping delays related to the West Coast ports dispute.

Lowe’s grew same store sales 7.4% in the fourth quarter and surpassed the high bar Home Depot set the prior day in terms of profitability as well as store expansion.

Sales at Lowes during the period ended Jan. 30, increased 7.6% to $12.5 billion and U.S. same store sales grew 7.4%. Neither the top line or comp number were as large as the 8.3% sales increase and stunning 8.9% comp increase Home Depot generated from its U.S. stores, but Lowe’s managed to grow profits at a quicker pace.

It’s no wonder Macy’s is looking to allocate part of its $1 billion capital expenditure budget into opening off-price stores when you look at the financial results TJX Co. reported for the fourth quarter.

The company reported an 11% increase in profit for the quarter ended Jan. 31. Net sales for the fourth quarter were $8.3 billion, a 6% increase over last year. Same store sales increased 4% over last year’s 3% increase. Net income was $648 million and diluted earnings per share were $.93, a 15% increase over last year’s $.81 per share.

Target’s better than expected 3.8% fourth quarter same store sales increase softened the sting of a massive $5.1 billion charge the company said it would take related to its retreat from Canada.

Ace Hardware’s formula of localizing merchandise and offering individualized customer service is continuing to pay off for the hardware retail cooperative.

The company reported record revenues, profits and patronage for fiscal 2014. Ace had revenues of $4.7 billion, an increase of $546.3 million or 13%. Revenues increased $496.9 million or 12% as compared to fiscal 2013. Net income was $140.9 million for fiscal 2014, an increase of $36.4 million or 34.8%, from fiscal 2013.

Despite weak sales and possible criminal charges from the Department of Justice, Lumber Liquidators Inc. plans to keep its aggressive expansion plans in 2015