Finance & Capital Management

Less than desirable economic conditions don’t seem to faze Bed Bath & Beyond, which again this week reported another quarter of strong financial results. The company said its earnings per share for the third-quarter period ended Nov. 27 increased 28% to 74 cents, handily exceeding analysts’ consensus estimate of 66 cents. Sales increased roughly 11% to $2.2 billion and same store sales advanced 7% on top of a prior-year comp increase of 7.3%.

Minneapolis -- Christopher & Banks Corp. reported Wednesday a net loss of $9.2 million for the third quarter, compared with a profit of $7 million in the year-ago period.

Sales dropped to $120.9 million from $132 million in the prior year. Same-store sales decreased 7%.

By Scott Balestrier & David Des Roches, BDO.com 
 
Proactively managing taxes should always be top of mind for businesses at year-end. Recent Congressional actions and extension of the Bush-era tax cuts are serving as this year’s reminder. As many retailers seem to be returning to profitability, there are several tax and accounting opportunities that should be considered.

The recent global economic downturn has left its mark on the retail industry and marketplace. As global companies emerge from the recession, CXOs of various Fortune 1000 companies across the globe representing the consumer-packaged goods, retail, quick service restaurants and other sectors have passionately articulated a common set of needs:  to leverage their scale, to be truly global and to use their information as an asset. These needs have led to an increased interest in a global shared services model.

New York City -- Aeropostale announced three executive appointments that realign responsibilities and strengthen its leadership team. Among the changes, Marc D. Miller, senior VP of strategic planning and new business development, has been appointed CFO.

In other appointments, Michael J. Cunningham, president, will expand his role and assume additional responsibilities over planning and allocation, construction, logistics and real estate. He will also remain responsible for the finance organization, investor relations and information technology.

New York City -- The Finish Line said Tuesday that its fiscal third-quarter net income fell 37% as a one-time leg up from a tax windfall last year was not repeated.

Net income in the three months to Nov. 27 hit $4.1 million, from $6.6 million a year ago. Last year's tax benefit amounted to $6.4 million. Revenue rose 9% to $260.9 million, from $240.1 million. Same-store sales were up 4.5% from Nov. 28 through Dec. 19, compared with the same period a year ago.

The results were better than analysts’ estimates.

Atlanta -- Oxford Industries has acquired Sugartown Worldwide, the owner of the upscale women's lifestyle brand Lilly Pulitzer, which sells to better specialty and department stores as well as through its stores and other direct to consumer channels.

TORONTO - Sears Canada announced that it has appointed Sharon Driscoll as SVP and CFO. Driscoll has held her current position with the company as SVP finance, since November of 2008.

Prior to joining Sears in 2008, Driscoll was employed with Loblaw Companies Limited, holding the position of SVP corporate development, and before that SVP finance national merchandising and SVP finance retail Ontario region.