FINANCE

Dick's Sporting Goods Inc. on Tuesday reported better-than-expected sales and earnings for its fiscal third quarter but tempered its good news with a weak outlook for the fourth quarter.    Dick’s posted net income of $48.9 million for the quarter ended Oct. 31, up from $47.2 million in the year-ago period.   On a per-share basis, the Coraopolis, Pennsylvania-based company said it had profit of 44 cents. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, were 48 cents per share.  

There was a lot for Home Depot executives to like about the company’s third-quarter performance. The company reported sales growth of 6.1% and net earnings growth of 14.1%.   Beyond the numbers, here are some of the key takeaways form the company’s presentation to investors.   • Digital growth

Gap Inc. has appointed Teri List-Stoll as executive VP and CFO, effective January 17, 2017.   List-Stoll will succeed Sabrina Simmons, whose departure was previously announced. Simmons will shift into an advisory role through the end of the company’s fiscal year.     Most recently, List-Stoll held the position of executive VP and CFO for Dick’s Sporting Goods. She left Dick’s in August 2016.     

It’s official: The Finish Line considering selling its specialty running store chain.   The company announced that it is currently exploring strategic alternatives for its JackRabbit division (previously known as Running Specialty Group). The segment includes 70 specialty running stores in 17 states, such as Brooks, ASICS and Hoka One One.  

The Home Depot on Tuesday reported sales and earnings for its third quarter that exceeded forecasts.    The world’s largest home improvement retailer posted a double-digit increase in earnings during the quarter, which it characterized as a balanced across-the-board period of growth.    Net sales jumped 6.1% to $23.2 billion, compared to $21.8 billion in the same quarter last year.   Comparable-store sales in the U.S. increased 5.9%. 

The TJX Companies topped earnings and sales forecasts for its third quarter as deal-loving consumers flocked to its stores.   The off-price apparel and home goods retailer reported that net sales for its third quarter, ended Oct. 29, rose 7% to $8.3 billion, on top of a 5% increase last year.    

In a good omen for the upcoming holiday season, consumers spent more than expected in October, as U.S. sales rose more than expected.        Retail sales increased by 0.9% over September and grew 2.2% on a year-over-year basis, according to the National Retail Federation. The calculations excluded automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants.  

Kenneth Cole is closing all its stores in outlet centers.   The company plans to shutter its 63 outlet stores within the next six months, Bloomberg reported. The move will leave the brand with two brick-and-mortar stores, both full priced, with one in downtown Manhattan and the other in Arlington, Va.