Business Analytics

Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe’s posted declines in net sales, comp-store sales and earnings in the second quarter ended Aug. 3.

“Our results fell short of our overall expectations,” said Robert Niblock, Lowe’s chairman, president and CEO. “However, I have confidence in our strategy and in our employees, and while we recognize the significant magnitude of change that we’ve asked the organization to absorb as we transform our business, we fully understand that we must improve our level of execution.”

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe's Cos. Inc. on Monday reported lower-than-expected second quarter results, with its results hurt by a timing shift and a charge tied to job cuts. The chain also lowered its fiscal 2012 earnings and revenue outlooks.

Lowe’s earned $747 million for the period ended Aug. 3, down from $830 million in the year-ago period. Sales fell 2% to $14.25 billion. Same-store sales fell 0.4% and dipped 0.2% at U.S. locations.

The company noted that fiscal 2012 has one less week than last year.

Things are looking up for Sears Holdings. The company only lost $132 million during its second quarter.

A double-digit comps increase propelled the athletic footwear chain’s 63% second quarter earnings surge.

New York -- Ann Inc. reported Friday that profit for the second quarter rose 24% to $30.7 million, compared with $24.8 million in the year-ago period.

Same-store sales companywide increase 4.7%; by brand, Ann Taylor store comps increased 3.2% and Loft comps rose 4.1%.

The company raised its outlook for the full year of fiscal 2012, and also said that it is on track to open approximately 65 new stores this year, partially offset by the impact of downsizes at Ann Taylor stores and approximately 30 store closures. 
 

New York -- Foot Locker reported Friday that net income for the quarter ended July 28 rose to $59 million, from $37 million last year.

Sales increased 7.2% to $1.37 billion this year, compared with $1.27 billion in the prior year. Same-store sales increased nearly 10%.
 

New York -- Aeropostale reported Friday that net income for the second quarter was $100,000, compared with $2.9 million last year.

Sales increased 4% to $485.3 million, from $468.2 million in the year-ago period. Same-store sales, including the e-commerce channel, were essentially flat, compared with a 12% decrease last year. Excluding e-commerce, same-store sales dipped 1%, compared with a 14% decrease last year.

The company has lowered its third-quarter guidance.
 

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart reported Thursday that profit slipped to $730,000 from $1.3 million last year, but second-quarter results managed to meet Wall Street's view, as revenue climbed.
 
Sales for the period grew 2% to $276.4 million, beating the $275.9 million that analysts expected. Same-store sales rose 1.6%.

 

Kearney, Neb. -- The Buckle reported Thursday that net income for the period ended July 28 dipped 2% to $23.2 million, compared with $23.6 million in the year-ago period, but matching forecasts.
 
Net sales rose 2% to $215.5 million, just missing Wall Street’s expected $215.9 million in revenue. Same-store sales dipped 0.8%.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — A fourth consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth at Walmart’s U.S. business helped the company achieve a slightly better than expected profit performance.