FINANCE

Target Corp. is taking action to put an end to the controversy that erupted in the wake of its transgender bathroom decision.    The retailer will spend $20 million to ensure that each of its stores have a single-occupancy, unisex bathroom by next year, MarketWatch reported.  

Mooresville, North Carolina-based Lowe’s reported modest second-quarter growth. It also had a message for RONA employees in Canada: welcome to the team.

Boosted by store growth and crisp sales of outdoor living, paint and lawn and garden, Ace Hardware Corporation Tuesday reported second quarter 2016 revenues of $1.4 billion, an i

Target Corp. on Wednesday reported second quarter earnings that exceeded Wall Street expectations, but the discounter lowered its guidance for the full year amid declining sales and what it called a “difficult retail environment.”   Net income for the quarter was $680 million, or $1.16 cents per share, versus $753 million, or $1.18 per share in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted per-share earnings were $1.23, easily outdistancing analysts’ projections of $1.12.   

American Eagle Outfitters’ profit, revenue and same-store sales increased in the second quarter, with its results topping expectations.   The chain posted a profit of $41.6 million for the quarter, up 25% from $33.3 million in the year-ago quarter.   Total net revenue increased 3% to $823 million, from $797 million in the year-ago period.   Consolidated same-store sales increased 3%.   

J.C. Penney keeps getting more bullish.   The retailer on Thursday outlined an array of new initiatives as part of a three-plan to drive profit and accelerate growth. The company also detailed financial goals, and said it expects to reach nearly half a billion dollars in profit by 2019.  

There was no stopping TJX Cos. in its second quarter. But it sounded a cautious note about its third quarter.   For the quarter ended July 30, TJX posted a profit of $562.2 million, better than analysts’ forecasts, up from $549.3 million in the year-ago period.   Revenue increased 7% to a better-than-expected $7.88 billion. Same-store sales rose 4%, above expectations for an increase of 2% to 3%.  

The big get bigger.   The Home Depot reported record sales and net income as it revised upward its expectations for the full year.   The world’s largest home improvement retailer Tuesday morning posted second quarter sales of $26.5 billion, up 6.6% from the second quarter a year ago. Comparable store sales were up 4.7%, and up 5.4% in the U.S.   Net earnings were $2.4 billion, up from $2.2 billion.