Finance & Capital Management

Birmingham, Ala. -- Hibbett Sports said its second-quarter earnings rose 48%, boosted by growing same-store sales. The company also raised its fiscal 2012 earnings guidance.

The chain earned $5.9 million in the three months that ended July 30, up from $4 million in the same quarter last year. Revenue climbed more than 9% to $153.1 million.

The performance topped Wall Street expectations.

Same-store sales rose  6%.

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe’s Cos. on Monday said it has been authorized to buy back up to $5 billion of its common stock over the next two-to-three years.

In a statement, the company said it expects to use the full amount over the next two to three years. The new repurchase authorization from the Lowe's board has no expiration date.
 

SAN FRANCISCO — Gap Inc. announced that it has released its fifth social and environmental responsibility report, a comprehensive update on its supply chain operations, environmental programs and community investment efforts from 2009 to 2010.

NEW YORK — The Estée Lauder Companies announced that Richard Kunes, EVP and CFO, plans to retire effective on or about June 30, 2013. Kunes intends to continue to serve the company as CFO until June 30, 2012, or such earlier time as his successor begins to serve as CFO. Thereafter, he will continue his relationship with the company as EVP, senior advisor to the CEO, and work on special projects through June 30, 2013. The company will begin to assess internal personnel as well as external candidates for CFO.

Canton, Mass. -- Casual Male Retail Group continues to roll out its DestinationXL format, with the opening of its eighth store, in Fairless Hills, Pa.

DXL is an all-inclusive destination that encompasses Casual Male’s four existing apparel businesses, Casual Male XL, Rochester Big & Tall, Shoes XL and B&T Direct.

The company plans to open up to 13 DXL stores during the balance of 2011, another 20-30 stores during 2012 and approximately 100 stores over a four to five year period.

Cary, N.C. -- The Pantry said Monday that CEO Terrance M. Marks plans to resign within two months.

In a statement, Marks said that his decision was driven by personal reasons, and that he had accepted "an opportunity that will enable me to return to my home and family in Atlanta."