FINANCE

J.C. Penney keeps getting more bullish.   The retailer on Thursday outlined an array of new initiatives as part of a three-plan to drive profit and accelerate growth. The company also detailed financial goals, and said it expects to reach nearly half a billion dollars in profit by 2019.  

Urban Outfitter Inc. turned in a better-than-expected performance in the second quarter amid increased sales and fewer promotions and markdowns.   “Urban has now regained its position as the brand leader for young people,” said Urban Outfitters CEO Richard A. Haynes during the chain’s quarterly conference call.  

Target Corp. is taking action to put an end to the controversy that erupted in the wake of its transgender bathroom decision.    The retailer will spend $20 million to ensure that each of its stores have a single-occupancy, unisex bathroom by next year, MarketWatch reported.  

Mooresville, North Carolina-based Lowe’s reported modest second-quarter growth. It also had a message for RONA employees in Canada: welcome to the team.

Boosted by store growth and crisp sales of outdoor living, paint and lawn and garden, Ace Hardware Corporation Tuesday reported second quarter 2016 revenues of $1.4 billion, an i

The big get bigger.   The Home Depot reported record sales and net income as it revised upward its expectations for the full year.   The world’s largest home improvement retailer Tuesday morning posted second quarter sales of $26.5 billion, up 6.6% from the second quarter a year ago. Comparable store sales were up 4.7%, and up 5.4% in the U.S.   Net earnings were $2.4 billion, up from $2.2 billion.  

Dick’s Sporting Goods on Tuesday hit a home run, posting second quarter results that surpassed analysts’ expectations and lifting its earnings forecast for the year.   Dick's reported net income of $91.4 million for the quarter ended July 30, up from $90.8 million in the year-ago period.   Net sales increased 7.9% to $1.97 billion. Online penetration for the second quarter was 8.5% of total net sales, compared to 7.3% last year. Same-store sales increased 2.8%.   

There was no stopping TJX Cos. in its second quarter. But it sounded a cautious note about its third quarter.   For the quarter ended July 30, TJX posted a profit of $562.2 million, better than analysts’ forecasts, up from $549.3 million in the year-ago period.   Revenue increased 7% to a better-than-expected $7.88 billion. Same-store sales rose 4%, above expectations for an increase of 2% to 3%.