Finance & Capital Management

Birmingham, Ala. -- Hibbett Sports Inc. reported Friday that net income for the quarter ended April 30 rose 23% to $21.3 million, compared with $17.3 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue increased 10.4% to $203.7 million, beating analysts’ projected $200.8 million in revenue. 

During the quarter, Hibbett opened eight new stores, expanded four others and closed seven underperforming stores. During the rest of the fiscal year, Hibbett said it expects to open between 50 and 55 new stores, close 10 to 15 stores and expand another 15 stores.

New York City -- Liberty Media Corp. has offered to buy Barnes & Noble in a deal valued at about $1 billion, which represents a 20% premium over the bookseller’s market value Thursday. Barnes & Noble said Thursday that the cash offer, which the Wall Street Journal called a “stunner,” is worth $17 a share.

The companies have yet to sign an agreement.

York, Pa. -- Bon-Ton Stores said Thursday that its first-quarter loss grew as it booked hefty debt-related charges and sales declined almost 2%. Management blamed unseasonably cold and wet weather for weak sales of seasonal apparel, which forced the retailer to take markdowns and other adjustments.

The company reported a loss of $36 million for the three months ended April 30, compared with a loss of $23.5 million in the same period last year.

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Thursday by Bloomberg said that consumer confidence fell last week to the lowest level in nine months as the cost of fuel pinched U.S. household budgets.

The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index declined to minus 49.4 in the period to May 15, the worst reading since August, from the prior week’s minus 46.9. A gauge of personal finances plunged to the weakest level since October 2009, and a monthly measure of economic expectations held at a seven-month low.

ROANOKE, Va. — Advance Auto Parts reported that first quarter earnings per diluted share were $1.35 , which was a 13.4% increase over the first quarter last year. Net income for the quarter was $109.6 million compared with $109.4 million for the same period last year.

New York City -- New York & Co. reported Thursday a loss of $3.7 million in the first quarter, compared with a loss of $4.9 million a year ago.

Sales rose to $239.4 million from $237 million. Same-store sales increased 2.5%.

The company said it expects to close eight stores and remodel six existing locations, ending the second quarter of fiscal year 2011 with 545 stores, including 24 outlet stores.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Ross Stores said Thursday that profit for the quarter ended April 30 surged 22% to $173 million, compared with $142.3 million a year earlier.

Sales increased 7% to $2.1 billion, and same-store sales rose 3% on top of a 10% gain in 2010.

Columbus, Ohio -- Limited Brands reported Wednesday that strong sales boosted its first-quarter profit to $165.2 million, up 47% over its prior-year profit of $112.5 million. The company warned that rising costs will hurt its margins this year.

The parent of Bath and Body Works, Victoria's Secret and La Senza previously reported a revenue increase of 15% to $2.22 billion. Same-store sales rose 15%.