Finance & Capital Management

Oak Brook, Ill. – McDonald’s Corp., which recently reported a 33% year-over-year decline in profits for the first quarter of fiscal 2015, is revealing the first steps of its turnaround plan. Beginning July 1, 2015, McDonald's will operate under a new organizational structure with the following market segments:

• U.S.: The company's largest segment, accounting for more than 40% of the Company's 2014 operating income;

Only 53% of executives believe the EMV chip and pin will protect against a data breach, despite claims that it is more secure, according to a new study.

New York -- Expansion plans are under way at surging Tractor Supply Co., which had a 5.7% increase in same store sales and a 19% increase in earnings in the first quarter.

The Tennessee-based retailer said it plans to open 110 to 115 new stores in 2015, as well as build a new distribution center in Casa Grande, Ariz. For the first quarter, same store transaction count increased 4.8% and average ticket increased 0.8%. Pet and heating consumables, fencing, truck accessories and tools all performed well, the company said.

New York -- O’Reilly Automotive posted a strong first quarter, laying the foundation for continued growth in 2015. America’s second largest retailer in the automotive aftermarket industry said its expansion plans are on track after profit rose in the first quarter on higher sales and better margins, continuing a trend of 15% or greater profit growth for the past six years. The company said it plans to build a new distribution center in Texas to help support its 205 new stores in 2015.

Secaucus, N.J. – Three days after an activist investor group filed a presentation with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) urging the election of new board members and claiming poor performance, The Children's Place Inc. has its own investor presentation with the SEC.

The presentation endorses the re-election of three board candidates at the May 22 annual meeting: Norman Matthews (chairman of the board), Kenneth Reiss (chair of the audit committee) and Stanley W. Reynolds (member of the audit committee).

Dallas – Tuesday Morning Corp. has promoted Melissa Phillips, who currently serves as executive VP and general merchandise manager, to the newly created position of president and COO. In this role, Phillips will be directly responsible for merchandising, store operations and marketing, and will report directly to CEO Michael Rouleau.

Athleisure apparel continues to be a driver of growth for Columbia Sportswear Co., which posted record sales in its first quarter.

Mississauga, Canada – Target Corp.’s exit from Canada is reportedly not turning out as smoothly as the retailer had hoped. According to the Toronto Globe and Mail, Target is returning 55 leases it could not find a bidder for to their landlords.

Target is also returning 19 leases for office and warehouse space in Canada. The company operated a total of 133 stores in Canada; meaning about 40% of the store leases did not attract bidders.