Finance & Capital Management

Record downloads of its app and North American revenue growth have Groupon feeling good about mobile initiatives and its ongoing evolution from a provider of daily deals via email to a full bore e-commerce marketplace.

Kroger is expanding its presence in one of the nation’s most competitive retail markets.

The grocery retailer plans to open five new Marketplace stores and expand the size of three existing locations in North Texas in the next two years — a capital investment of $150 million. The company also plans to open multiple fuel centers and remodel existing properties. The growth initiative will create more than 1,700 full- and part-time career opportunities that offer competitive pay, healthcare plans, retirement options, product discounts and other incentives.

Aaron's has promoted VP of finance Steven A. Michaels to VP of strategic planning and business development. Additionally, Robert W. Kamerschen, SVP and general counsel, will add corporate secretary to his responsibilities, and Kimberly R. Rivera is joining the company as VP of learning and development.

"This is an exciting time for all members of Aaron's as we continue to strengthen our management team and build a platform for sustainable growth," said Ronald W. Allen, Aaron's chairman, president and CEO.

Toronto – Canadian Tire reported strong financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2013. These include an 11% increase in net income, to $139 million from about $128 million.

In addition, revenue grew to $2.83 billion from $2.7 billion. Consolidated same-store sales grew 3.1% across the Canadian Tire, FGL Sports, and Mark’s banners.

Houston – The Eminence Capital hedge fund has reportedly purchased a 9.8% stake in Men’s Wearhouse. According to the New York Times, Eminence Capital wants Men’s Wearhouse to reconsider the $2.3 billion buyout offer it recently rejected from Jos. A. Bank.

Eminence reportedly believes Jos. A. Bank is willing to make a higher bid if Men’s Wearhouse will consider it. The fund manages about $4.5 billion. Neither Eminence nor Men’s Wearhouse has commented publicly on the purchase.

New York – Retailers across a variety of verticals reported improved same-store sales during October 2013, compared to the same month in the previous year. Even embattled department store retailer J.C. Penney saw its same-store sales grow for the first time since December 2011, and specialty and apparel retail conglomerate L Brands and discount club retailer PriceSmart reported particularly impressive same-store sales results.

Atlanta – Specialty furniture retailer Aaron’s Inc. is making some changes to its management structure. Steven A. Michaels, VP finance, is being promoted to VP strategic planning and business development.

In addition, Robert W. Kamerschen, senior VP and general counsel, will add corporate secretary to his responsibilities, while Kimberly R. Rivera joins Aaron's as the VP of learning and development.

Austin, Texas – Whole Foods Market disappointed Wall Street analysts with its fourth quarter results despite posting increases in net income, sales and same-store sales. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, Whole Foods posted net income of $121 million, up 7% from $113 million in the same quarter a year earlier.

Beverly Hills, Calif. — Quantum Capital Partners, a real estate finance and advisory firm, has arranged two new loans to refinance two retail properties in Las Vegas for a private investor.

A $1.04 million loan will refinance the 12,000-sq.-ft. El Mercado, an L-shaped retail center in east Las Vegas, and a $1.19 million loan will refinance Wigwam, a 10,300-sq.-ft. strip center about four miles south of the Las Vegas Strip.

San Francisco – Twitter began trading shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Nov. 7 after reportedly raising $1.82 billion in its IPO. According to Bloomberg, Twitter sold 70 million shares at $26 each in its IPO, giving it a $14.2 billion market capitalization that is 12.4 times estimated 2014 sales of $1.14 billion.

Twitter will trade on NYSE under the TWTR symbol. The company’s revenue reached $534.5 million in the 12 months that ended Sept. 30, 2013.