News

Not long after the Vintage Varsity collection of young men’s and women’s apparel hits stores, Target News Now opined that the garments seemed a little pricy and cost conscious college kids would be likely to defer purchases until the goods were marked down.

More specifically, we said, “College girls may love the look of the tees, tanks, sweats and shorts Target has offered up under the Vintage Varsity brand this season, but the prices the items are offered at isn’t anything to text home about.”

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

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.

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe’s Cos. on Monday said it has been authorized to buy back up to $5 billion of its common stock over the next two-to-three years.

In a statement, the company said it expects to use the full amount over the next two to three years. The new repurchase authorization from the Lowe's board has no expiration date.
 

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.