FINANCE

TJX Companies reported second-quarter revenue and earnings that beat the Street, fueled by strong traffic across all its brands.      Total sales rose 6% to $8.36 billion, beating analysts' estimates of $8.29 billion, in the quarter ended July 29. Same-store sales rose 3% for the quarter, also better than expected. By brand, same-store rose 7% at Home Goods and TJX Canada; 2% at Marmaxx (TJ Maxx and Marshalls); and 1% at TJX International.   

After a solid first quarter, Home Depot has posted an even stronger set of second quarter figures. Total sales rose by 6.2% with underlying comparables up by 6.3% overall and by 6.6% in North America. Given the long run of big uplifts in same-store numbers, this is a very impressive performance.  

Coach ends its fiscal with a set of strong results that signify the turnaround program is making excellent progress. Although sales shrunk in both North America and Europe, this is because this quarter was a week shorter than the same period last year. When this is stripped out, total Coach brand sales rose by 5%, or by 7% on a constant currency basis.  

Moody's Investor Services is feeling positive about Amazon's plans to acquire Whole Foods Market.     The ratings agency assigned the deal a Baa1 rating and revised Amazon’s credit outlook to positive from stable, reported Marketwatch. The report also said that Amazon is planning to issue up to $16 million in debt to fund the online giant's acquisition of Whole Foods.  

Although J.C. Penney's numbers are not a disaster and represent a significant sequential improvement over the prior quarter, they are nevertheless underwhelming. While we maintain the company is moving in the right direction, the lack of progress on profit and same-store sales both highlight that the turnaround program is a long-term endeavor that will take some time to deliver.  

Liquidation efforts took a toll on J.C. Penney in its second quarter, which reported earnings and same-store sales below estimates.    Penney's net loss widened to $62 million in the quarter ended July 29, or 20 cents per share, from $56 million, or 18 cents per share, in the year-ago period.   

Nordstrom on Thursday reported positive results for its second quarter amid ongoing discussions of a possible buyout.   The upscale department store retailer reported that total net sales increased 3.5% to $3.79 billion in the quarter ended July 29, compared to a forecast for $3.75 billion. Total company same-store sales rose 1.7%, also better than expected.  

Macy's appears to be making some headway in its turnaround efforts, reporting second quarter sales and profit that topped estimates. But the retailer still reaffirmed its downbeat guidance for the year.    Net income increased to $116.0 million, or 38 cents per share, up from $11.0 million, or 3 cents per share, in the year-ago period. Adjusted earnings per share was 48 cents.