Business Analytics

York, Pa. -- The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. reported a loss of $36.2 million in the second quarter, narrowed from a loss of $37.3 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue edged up 1.1% to $563.5 million, compared with $557.1 million in the prior year period. Same-store sales increased 1.6%.

“We were pleased that we achieved comparable store sales growth, particularly given the challenging promotional environment and continuation of soft traffic trends,” said Brendan Hoffman, CEO.

Secaucus, N.J. -- The Children's Place, Inc. reported a loss of $10.7 million in the quarter ended Aug. 2, compared to a loss of $23.6 million in the year-ago period. Sales edged up to $384.6 million, from $382.4 million for second quarter 2013.

Same-store sales increased 0.8%.

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle's second-quarter net income was down 70% amid weak sales. But its results were better than analysts estimates.

For the period ended Aug. 2, American Eagle Outfitters Inc. earned $5.8 million, down from $19.6 million a year earlier.

Revenue decreased 2% to $710.6 million from $727.3 million, topping estimates of $689.5 million. Same-store sales fell 7%.

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe's second-quarter net income rose a better-than-expected 10%, helped by improving weather. But the chain lowered its full-year revenue outlook slightly, citing its year-to-date sales and prior assumptions for the second half.

For the three months ended Aug. 1, Lowe's Cos. earned $1.04 billion, up from $941 million in the prior year.

Revenue increased 6% to $16.6 billion, topping Wall Street's estimates.

Same-store sales were up 4.4%.

New York -- As analysts begin to speculate about the acquisition scenarios for Family Dollar – whether by Dollar Tree or Dollar General – one thing is clear: some store closures will occur.

According to a report by Wall Street Journal Online, a Dollar General takeover would close more stores than if Dollar Tree wins the bid. Dollar General said it is prepared to divest up to 700 of the combined company’s approximate 19,600 stores to satisfy antitrust regulators.
 

Atlanta -- Home Depot said its fiscal second-quarter net income rose 14% amid a rebound in its spring selling season and strong online sales. The retailer also raised its annual profit guidance.

"In the second quarter, our spring seasonal business rebounded, and we saw strong performance in the core of the store and across all of our geographies," stated Frank Blake, chairman and CEO.

For the three months ended Aug. 3, Home Depot Inc. earned a better-than-expected $2.1 billion, compared to $1.8 billion in the year-ago period.

Framingham, Mass. -- TJX Cos. said Tuesday that its second-quarter net income increased a better-than-expected 8% on strong sales in the United States and abroad. The retailer also lifted its full-year earnings forecast.

TJX earned $517.6 million for the period ended Aug. 2, compared with $479.6 million a year earlier.

Revenue rose 7% to $6.92 billion from $6.44 billion, beating Wall Street's estimate of $6.88 billion.

A 6.4% second quarter same store sales increase at U.S. stores enabled Home Depot to handily exceed analysts’ profit estimates and prompted the company to increase its full year outlook.

Dick’s Sporting Goods overcame weakness in its golf and hunting businesses to generate much better than expected second quarter same store sales and made further inroads in e-commerce.