Supply Chain & Merchandising

Pittsburgh -- Sales growth fueled in part by the opening of 25 new branded stores did not prevent Dick’s Sporting Goods from reporting a slight decline in net income during the third quarter of fiscal 2013. Net income totaled about $50 million, down incrementally from $50.1 million a year earlier.

Net sales totaled $1.4 billion, up 7% from $1.31 billion. Consolidated same-store sales rose 0.3%, beating company estimates of a 2-3% decline.

Minneapolis -- Best Buy reported net income of $54 million during the third quarter amid tight cost controls, compared to a net loss of $10 million during the same period a year earlier,  beating analyst predictions for a more modest net income.   The chain also warned that its margins may take a hit this quarter in what is shaping up an extremely promotional environment.

The chain posted revenue of $9.36 billion, which was flat with last year and  below analyst expectations of $9.37 billion.

Dr. Pepper Snapple Group plans to distribute a growing line of all-natural, antioxidant-infused beverages.

Bai Brands, which makes the Bai 5 line, said the two companies have been working together for the last two years in select markets around the country and will now expand their partnership in most major markets.

Best Buy warned that its margins may take a hit this quarter in what is shaping up to be an extremely competitive environment, following third quarter results. The company posted a net income of $54 million for the quarter amid tight cost controls, compared to a net loss of $10 million during the same period a year earlier.

The chain posted revenue of $9.36 billion, which was flat with last year and below analyst expectations of $9.37 billion.

Phoenix -- Sprouts Farmers Market has commenced an underwritten public offering of 22.5 million shares of its common stock by affiliates of Apollo Global Management and certain other stockholders of the company. The underwriters of the offering will have the option to purchase up to an additional 3.375 million shares of common stock from the selling stockholders.

Home Depot reaped the benefits of continuing improvement in the housing market with third quarter sales of $19.5 billion, a 7.4% increase from $18.1 billion in the third quarter of fiscal 2012.

On a like-for-like basis (last year's quarter had an extra calendar week), comparable-store sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2013 were positive 7.4%, and comp sales for U.S. stores were positive 8.2%.

Philadelphia -- Urban Outfitters’ third quarter profit increased 18%, helped by strong results at its Anthropologie and Free People divisions. The company's quarterly earnings per share and sales both in above estimates.

Urban Outfitters’ net income totaled $70.2 million, up 18% from $59.5 million.

Net sales equaled about $774 million, a 12% increase from $692.9 million. Same-store segment net sales, which include the direct-to-consumer channel, increased 7%.

The TJX Companies’ net income for the third quarter soared 35% to $622.6 million from $461.5 million in the year-ago period. The better-than-expected results prompted the company to raise its full-year guidance.

Net sales increased approximately 9% to $6.98 billion from $6.41 billion as bargain-hunting consumers flocked to its stores. Same-store sales rose 5%. The chain credited the ability of its off-price format to succeed in any economic environment as a key component of its strong quarterly performance.