Data & Analytics

There is some debate as to whether paying dividends or buying back stock is a more desirable method of returning cash to shareholders. Those in the dividend camp would prefer to have the cash in their pocket, whereas share repurchase advocates argue that retiring shares through buyback activity improves profits as net income is spread over a smaller number of outstanding shares.

SHELTON, Conn. — Tomra of North America Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Tomra Systems ASA and leading global provider of advanced recycling solutions, today announced the appointment of Harald Henriksen as the new president and CEO of Tomra of North America. Henriksen, who joined Tomra ASA in 2004, previously served as SVP technology based in Norway.

SAN FRANCISCO — Gap Inc. announced that it has released its fifth social and environmental responsibility report, a comprehensive update on its supply chain operations, environmental programs and community investment efforts from 2009 to 2010.

San Francisco -- Gap Monday today released its fifth Social and Environmental Responsibility report, a comprehensive update on its supply chain operations, environmental programs and community investment efforts from 2009 to 2010.

In the report, the company committed to reducing the absolute greenhouse gas emissions from its operations in the United States by 20% by 2015, when compared with 2008 levels. This follows an earlier 20%  decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from 2003 to 2008.

Austin, Texas -- Golfsmith International announced it will open its first retail stores outside the United States, in South Korea, which it called the fastest growing golf market in the world.

Golfsmith is opening the store in partnership with Golfzon Co., one of the world-largest sellers of virtual golf simulation systems. Under the terms of the agreement, the new stores will be branded Golfsmith and operated by Golfzon.

New York City -- Fits.me Virtual Fitting Room, a bio-robotic virtual fitting room for e-commerce apparel websites, announces its launch with Barbour By Mail, the official U.K. online partner of  lifestyle clothing brand Barbour. Barbour By Mail’s dedicated website is now offering its online shoppers the ultimate customer service -- providing a fitting room to ease the challenge of purchasing clothes that fit.

Morris Township, N.J. -- Honeywell announced that it has completed its acquisition of EMS Technologies, for approximately $491 million. EMS is a leading provider of connectivity solutions for mobile networking, rugged mobile computers and satellite communications.

Norwalk, Conn. -- Michaels Stores and procurement management firm LogicSource announced a five-year agreement under which LogicSource will provide print procurement and related services to Michaels. More than $250 million of print and promotional spend will be covered over the life of the contract.
 

New York City -- Ann Inc., formerly known as Ann Taylor Stores Corp., reported that its second -quarter earnings rose 33% $24.8 million, helped by strong online sales and a jump in revenue at the company's Loft stores. The company raised its full-year sales guidance, saying it is confident despite the challenging consumer environment.

It was the company’s eighth consecutive quarter of double-digit earnings growth

By Merrick Theobald, [email protected]